Kitty and Shalyn’s Barefoot + Heartfelt Broome Elopement

Two people walk hand in hand along a paved path toward a green, vine-covered structure, surrounded by tall palm trees. The sun shines through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for their Broome elopement.

Shalyn is originally from the United States and Kitty from New Zealand and they were both travelling the world looking for something. Perhaps it was to find each other. Kitty stumbled upon Broome and decided to stay for a bit and together with her brothers she eventually opened The Good Cartel, Broome’s funky and popular eatery. Shalyn had ridden her push bike more than 2000km all the way from Perth to Broome about a year later and after her epic journey she was ready to stop for a while and it was only a few days later that she met Kitty. Since then they have been inseparable. That was back in 2015. Kitty proposed three years later but with both their families and many of their friends spread far around the world, planning a wedding seemed difficult so plans were put on the back burner.

It wasn’t until this cool couple won the elopement giveaway competition that I ran earlier this year that their wedding plans started to take shape. The prize included a stellar team of wedding professionals including Kelly Morrow as their celebrant, the talented Bonnie Louise doing hair and makeup, Jenna from Broome Florist delivering on the floral goods and myself behind the lens.

After some fun photos at the Bali Hai Resort, where the girls were staying for the week, we headed off to Reddell Beach for their intimate ceremony. Looking back, it wasn’t hard to capture the overflowing excitement, heartfelt moments and love that were so prevalent on the day. Despite Kitty and Shalyn’s families living at opposite ends of the world, they were able to witness the ceremony virtually over Zoom, which was pretty awesome.

Scroll down for all the pics and if you’re planning a Broome elopement, don’t miss out on Kitty and Shalyn’s advice at the bottom of this post.

two women in front of orange wall at their Broome elopement
portraits of two young woman about to be married at barefoot Broome elopement
two young women hand in hand in resort garden at Broome elopement
hands of two women with tattoos showing on their arms
Broome elopement couple stands in front of large gate with palm trees
bride holding up a very colourful flower bouquet
young same-sex couple walking along the streets of Broome in Western Australia with palms in the background
two women holding hands standing in tropical vegetation and smiling happily
two women hugging each other lovingly at Broome elopement wedding
Broome elopement couple on lawn in front of palm trees
two people holding glasses with fernet branca at Broome elopement
two women in dress clothes and with drinks in their hands standing in parking lot on their wedding day
tow women on their way to their Broome elopement on Reddell Beach
intimate Broome elopement wedding on beach with red cliffs as backdrop
two women and their celebrant during Broome elopement ceremony
black and white image of two people sharing wedding vows at Broome elopement
vow exchange between two women on Broome beach
mobile phone screen showing zoom wedding with brides sharing vows in background
two people holding hands during Broome elopement wedding with tattoos on their arms
sharing of wedding vows on Reddell Beach during Broome elopement wedding
tears are flowing from both brides at Broome elopement on Reddell Beach with red cliffs as backdrop
emotional bride with her wife at Broome beach with red cliffs
signing of the marriage documents with Kelly Morrow Celebrant in Broome
wedding couple and their celebrant toasting with champagne at their Broome elopement
two women kissing on beach with red cliffs
women piggybacks another woman at Broome elopement wedding
close up of flowers from Broome Florist

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our photos are beautiful and natural. julia was super professional and fun, and we just like her as a person heaps!”

Kitty and Shalyn

More and more couples know that a big, traditional wedding isn’t right for them. I photograph and help plan epic elopement experiences across Broome and the Kimberley for laid-back couples who want to choose their own adventure and have the best day ever. Check out my Broome Elopement Guide and get in touch to start planning your unique elopement experience.

Documenting love stories since 2015

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