Venue: The sky! Photography: Sean Reefman Photography
Dreaming of a wedding that’s truly up, up, and away? Megan and Conor turned fantasy into reality with their breathtaking hot air balloon elopement, soaring above the stunning Queensland landscape.
‘Breathtaking’ is a word that comes to mind often here at QB — but this top-secret Gold Coast elopement takes the concept to new heights. Imagine saying “I do” as the sun rises, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink, surrounded by nothing but love and the endless horizon. It’s hot off the press too, with Megan and Conor only just revealing their hot-air balloon ‘I do’ to 106 family and friends who gathered for (what they thought was) a wedding at Ritz Cinemas. A year after the actual event!
This intimate celebration is the ultimate inspo for couples craving something unique and adventurous.
The Sydney-based couple, who just ‘happn’ to meet with a little swipe right, had always dreamed of eloping. And that vision pulled focus when they spied a few wild elopement suggestions posted by their friend and videographer, Taylor at Hazel Field Films. Wasting no time, they booked the ultimate romantic escape: a sunrise ballooning ceremony followed by breakfast and a celebratory toast at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard.
Naturally, a key player in this plan was photographer Sean Reefman — who had more than just a 3 am start time to contend with when capturing these incredible shots. “I actually have a fear of heights,” he reveals. “And I’d mistakenly watched the film Fall not that long before, so I knew I would have to prepare personally … but the opportunity was just too good to pass up.
“We arrived as the sun was just starting to rise and the balloon was being inflated. Soon enough, we were in the air, and it was such a smooth transition that I didn’t even notice it because I was so focused. The couple was great to work with, always smiling and giggling, and then suddenly, we were back on land. I couldn’t be happier with how the gallery turned out.”
It is STUNNING. And we couldn’t wait to hear more from Megan, including the story behind their year of secrecy, the bride’s serendipitous Marketplace gown, and the sweetest Schitt’s Creek nod (IYKYK).
All good love stories start somewhere; tell us how and when you met …
Conor: …. it was a very conventional and old-fashioned way.
Meg: Everything happens for a reason. I think that to fall in love with someone, they have to be your person, but it also has to be the right timing. I had quit my cruise ship job, moved to Melbourne, and was in a hugely transitional chapter in my journey. Conor had also only recently moved to Melbourne and was working in an office (schmoozing rich folk and putting on networking events).
From a match on Friday morning, I (totally out of character) asked Conor to meet for a drink that afternoon at the Imperial Hotel across from my work at the Princess Theatre. A swipe, a wine, Maccas Ice cream, a little schmoozing (for Conor) and a very late evening are apparently all the ingredients you need for a lifetime.
Tell us about your lives together …
We are a couple that enjoy quality time together, simple pleasures mixed in with some adventures from time to time. We are a team that loves seeing each other succeed and wants to work hard in the exciting yet tough city of Sydney. We have a beautiful dog, Peanut, that we cherish, and we always love to look forward, whether it’s investing in property, discussing whether we should take trips, or having children.
Make us laugh, make us cry: who proposed to who, and how?
During the first six months of our relationship, we ended up living together in a new city! Both of us had to pause our working lives (COVID), and so, whilst going through a struggle, we also were getting to know one another. During this time, we turned to Schitt’s Creek and laughed and cried together watching this. It made light during some tough times together!
With much anticipation (aka I knew it was going to happen but not when), we were at a friend’s BBQ, and the host announced he’d made a memory slideshow of the year for sharing with us. Instead, he played Conor with a guitar, singing Simply the Best, the Noah Reid version (if you’ve seen Schitt’s Creek, you get the impact). Then Conor got down on one knee and popped the question. The best part was that all our friends and family who were interstate or international (London time difference) were watching on Zoom! It was so special to have them ready and waiting to share the excitement too.
Oh — and I definitely shared that video on the Schitt’s Creek Fan page on Facebook, and it went OFF!
We have to ask, how did you decide on a holiday wedding … in a balloon!?
This is a good question, perhaps one neither of us could fully explain. We both wanted to elope but got push back from family. So, we did it secretly… and better yet, in a private hot-air balloon!
Our videographer and friend Taylor sparked the idea when she posted crazy adventure elopement suggestions on her Instagram story. She was based in Queensland at the time, and flights happened to be on sale from Sydney to the Gold Coast. We thought of it as a little getaway weekend! We found a company online (Hot Air) and booked everything the next day! After, I remembered Conor was afraid of heights … we survived. Heading to O’Reilly’s winery afterwards was perfect since our first date was over a few glasses of wine!
As for the ‘wedding reveal’ venue at Ritz Cinemas in Randwick, I have a working history in theatre and entertainment. Plus, Conor opening a business next door to this particular venue made it feel like a no-brainer! It’s a place we visit often.
Tell us about your dreamy Christina Rossi dress …
It was the first dress I tried on, purchased on Marketplace second-hand from someone who had four dresses! I brought my friend Taryn (our acting celebrant) along and face timed my mum in Perth, which helped me be decisive. I made a couple of small alterations to the lace, but otherwise, it looked brand new. I also wore diamond studs (my ‘something old’ from my late grandpa), and my something borrowed was my Granny’s perfume!
Were you guided by a particular style aesthetic?
Romantic, freeing, simple and classic. Conor led the way in the red suit, and I followed with the classic wedding red lip. Our private balloon in the open air was the centre of our day! Whereas our wedding reveal party will be very art deco. We told friends and family that the only traditional aspect of our ‘wedding day’ was that I was wearing white!
How did you pull off a secret honeymoon?
Technically, we will have two honeymoons. Our first was in Bali, mostly because it’s my favourite place and Conor had never been, but also because it was the most inconspicuous to hide it from friends and families. Our honeymoon 2.0 will be an adults-only cruise with Virgin cruise lines around Greece and Turkey.
Any special shoutouts for your dream team?
Obviously, Sean Reefman Photography. I mean, did you see the photos? And our acting celebrant and friend, Taryn Erickson. We loved having her there to help with the ceremony itself or even just fixing my dress for photos. Also, my wedding stylist Rosie at the Makeup Palace, who started my hair and makeup at 1 am!!!
How about words of wisdom for other couples?
The best thing I would say is to be kind to your partner and to listen. We can’t control everything that’s thrown at us, but understanding that and the act of simply being kind and a teammate to your partner goes a long way. Try and look forward to something always, whether it’s a trip, a date or even a message. Doesn’t hurt to be naughty from time to time as well 😉
AND of course … do what you want to do together, even if it isn’t what’s ‘normal’. Like eloping in a hot air balloon for your wedding.
What does marriage mean to you?
Conor said it beautifully in his vows …
“Our lives together will never be average; neither of us will let that happen. We are always viewing our plans in the long term. We cannot wait to have a home together, travel the world and decide on the other big decisions as a team. No matter what we believe in each other; our aspirations and dreams in whatever way we go will always have each other’s full love and support. The anticipation we feel for our married future is so exciting, we can’t wait to experience what our next chapter holds. The beauty of what we have is that we’re open to having an experience that comes our way. And we do it to the beat of our own drum.”
Marriage is to have your favourite person doing life with you!
What are you most looking forward to, now that you’re married?
Making the big decisions together — and finally revealing that we are married to everyone.
DREAM TEAM
Wedding date(s) – Elopement: 24th November 2023. Wedding reveal: 24th November 2024 // Photographer: Sean Reefman // Videographer: Taylor at Hazel Field Films // Ceremony venue & transport: Hot Air Gold Coast // Reception venue: A year later at Ritz Cinemas // The big wedding reveal coordination: Wedding Gables // Celebrant: Phoebe Riorden, Full Hearts with Phoebe // Dress: Christina Rossi // Shoes: Bride – Steve Madden. Groom – Bared Footwear // Suits: Institchu // Wedding stylist: Hair & makeup by Rosie at Makeup Palace Tan: Tan Temple Bondi // Nails: Buff n’ Top // Engagement rings: Family heirloom // Wedding rings: Bride – Sarah Sebastian. Groom – Temple and Grace //Accessories: Diamond studs: My something old from my late grandpa. My something borrowed was my Granny’s perfume! Long earrings: Studio Evo Jewellery // Florist: Floralistic // Custom mugs: Good Eggs Keep Cups