LOVE STORY SERIES - Callum & Beth’s bush capital elopement.
Location: Mount Majura, Canberra
I have worked with James (he even snapped my very own wedding), a Canberra Wedding Photographer, specialising in elopements. He has a brilliant ability in capturing the most candid moments! I certainly recommend you check his stuff out. https://www.whoshoots.com
It was a fine Canberra Autumnal morning, Beth and Callum had persevered through many alternate plans in order to finally tie the knot. They eventually settled on what you’d define as an elopement in one’s own backyard. Canberra is teaming with nature reserves and you don’t have to go far to find a gorgeous back drop… Enter Mount Majura.
For Callum and Beth, we met at their house in Ainslie and drove a short distance to Mount Majura, a place of great significance for the couple, and more importantly their pooch, Laika. Callum and Beth walk Laika regularly and it was the dam (backdrop in the snaps) where she learned to embrace the water and develop her love of swimming.
When probed in the lead up to their day, as to what marriage means… Both Beth and Callum acknowledged how fortunate they have been with their parents providing excellent examples of the dualities required for a happy marriage. From them they have learnt that marriage means being understanding, kind, considerate and supportive of each other every day.
Now, it’s not very often that I hear a proposal story that has me somewhat in suspense but also laughing so thank you Callum for sharing what you considered a “dud” proposal effort…
I will use the words of Callum himself… “I ordered the engagement ring about 6 months out from a European holiday. I spent the next month identifying a number of romantic locations we would be visiting which might fit the bill. I then spent the following month second guessing my options and thinking of all the possible things which may go wrong to ruin the surprise…
Partly for my own sanity, I proposed to Bethany over a picnic at Lake Burley Griffin. While this was less romantic than planned (in a rush to be there for sunset Bethany had to come straight from the gym, sweating and in her active wear, and some drunks were loudly speaking nearby, their bodies illuminated by the neon lights of the public toilets and paddleboat hire) I was fortunate enough that Bethany said yes! She then had to suffer through me pointing out all of the more romantic proposal locations which I would point out once we made it to Europe!”
Let’s backtrack a little to the magic of their love story that landed them here…
Bethany was Callum’s one and only tinder date. They met for a drink at highball express, which turned into another and then dinner. Bethany was instantly intrigued, not only was Callum a New South Welshman that preferred AFL to Rugby, but he could also indulge her in conversations about chickpea exports to India. The two had much in common and their chat effortlessly flowed. Callum shared that Bethany immediately made him feel comfortable and encouraged him to come out of his shell and to this day, Callum is never more himself, then when he’s with Bethany.
Wandering up to the lake… https://www.whoshoots.com
And for Bethany, it didn’t take long for her to figure out that Callum was the taller, more handsome boy version of herself. This may sound odd but these two have not only found someone reading the same book but are on the same page.
Naturally, there was no hesitation in introducing their newfound friend to their respective family. Bethany’s family falling in love with Callum in Fremantle and Callum’s family falling in love with Bethany which might have something to do with her partaking in the “grand Kiama tour” and passing the surprise quiz at its completion.
These two demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile for the other both with, and without, running shoes. From the chocolate milks to the salted caramel ice cream deliveries, surrendering power over the remote control, a genuine interest in each other’s days irrespective of how boring they may have been and remembering all of the things that the other forgets. It’s these seemingly simple things that have these two very excited to just grow old together.
