Ellie Bullen + Alex Watson’s Wholesome Bohemian Wedding Brimming with Vegan Delights

Are you familiar with Elsa’s Wholesome Life? If so, you probably already know today’s darlings: Ellie Bullen + Alex Watson. As Ellie is known for being a vegan food blogger and cookbook author, food naturally played an important role for the big day…just wait until you see the grazing table spread and all the bohemian delights!

Ellie shared a little bit more about the inspiration for the styling of their big day: Since we have travelled to so many amazing places, we wanted to bring back some of our travels to inspire the wedding. Our theme was inspired by our trip to Cappadocia in Turkey. With the otherworldly location in mind, a sort of romantic bohemian vibe evolved and The Events Lounge helped them bring it to fruition at Orchard Estate in Byron Bay.

We’re dishing up more about their engagement story and all the darling details of their wedding, so elegantly captured by Lilly Red. Let’s find out more, shall we?

Emma Kate Co created this moody + luxe invitation suite. We’re all about the dimension on the background and those sweet brush strokes!

How darling are all those hairstyles Alan Buki Hair created?

The Ceremony Space

What an aisle!!

Ellie said that the floral arrangement at the ceremony, particularly the one under the fig tree was their favorite design element.

LOVE!!

The Wedding Party

Luciana Rose kept the ladies looking glam throughout the day with natural yet glowing makeup.

Diggin’ the bridesmaids in white look? We’ve seen quite a few weddings on GWS with a similar look! Check them out here for more ideas.

Ellie rocked the Luca Gown by Rue de Seine for the ceremony.

She tells us: I think I tried on about 6 of their gowns, all were unbelievably beautiful, however Luca was the first I tried on and when I put it on I knew right away it was the dress I would walk down the aisle in. We also customized the train on this dress because I wanted some more drama for this moment. I love the intricacy and detail, the low back and long sleeves in this dress.

Alex shared a little about the proposal with us: It was my 3rd attempt with the two pervious not working out due to bad weather and then some unfortunate news from back home (while we were in Greece). But it was 3 months later in Joshua Tree in California in the desert watching the sun set out the front of our little airstream, we had a picnic and put a Fleetwood Mac record on the record player. It wasn’t planned, but the moment had just felt right. Luckily I had packed the ring in my suitcase ever since Greece, just waiting for the perfect moment.

Ellie shares this adorable anecdote: Alex is an extremely punctual man and I knew I couldn’t be late to the ceremony. With some road closures nearby our bridal party accommodation, there was a delay to our hair and makeup and so there was some last-minute rushing. To get to the venue it was another 25-minute drive, of which we drove ourselves (my sister at the wheel).

Once we got to the venue, we changed into the beautiful EH Holden—again with my sister driving. Being a vintage car and in the stress of how late we were, starting the car was another adventure… I was extremely anxious knowing how Alex would have been feeling standing up there waiting for me. It was also really funny because Alex had already written in his vows to promise to ensure I would always be on time. We were 25 minutes late. ;)

How much fun is this photo with all her gals?!

The Turkish-Inspired Reception

And then there was the Turkish-inspired reception… If you’ve seen pictures of Cappadocia, you might be familiar with some of their design inspo: a plethora of patterned rugs and comfy poufs.

Can we hang out here all day?! Lovestruck Weddings provided many of these darling accoutrements…and we definitely would like a few of these pieces for our home.

All the Vegan Delights

Food played such a big part in our wedding! We chose one of our favorite vegan restaurants on the Gold Coast, Greenhouse Canteen, to cater our wedding. We chose to do a banquet-style dining rather than sit down, so that guests could mingle and use the different seating areas. Standout dishes were the pulled jackfruit sliders, eggplant parmigiana, DIY nachos, and buffalo cauliflower wings.

Love the idea of having a grazing table of sorts? We’ve got all the inspiration you need for epic grazing tables here! The Poor Girls Pantry was responsible for these delicious platters.

For the florals, E+A wanted something with natural tones—cream, dusty pink, wine red and deep greens. Bower Botanicals nailed the look and created a wild and organic sort of feeling that totally captured the romantic bohemian spirit.

The Newlyweds

For the reception, I wore the Coco Gown by Grace Loves Lace. I loved the star details in the dress, and matching star choker. The Coco Gown doesn’t have a train, so it was perfect for dancing during the party.

We asked Ellie what marriage means to her, and she left us with this sweet reply: Getting to celebrate your love with everyone that you love on what will be the best day of our lives!

Be sure to also check out their super sweet film below by Saladito Studios

Now that was a celebration! Congratulations to the two of you!

photography: Lilly Red // venue name: Orchard Estate, Byron Bay, Australia // planning: The Events Lounge // florals: Bower Botanicals // wedding dress: Rue De Seine // bridesmaid dresses: Spell // hair stylist: Alan Buki Hair // makeup artist: Luciana Rose // groom attire: Suit Supply // videography: Saladito Studios // paper goods: Emma Kate Co // catering: Greenhouse Canteen // furniture rentals: Lovestruck Weddings // specialty rentals: Tipi Hire // music: tullyjohnandlizajane // officiant: Sprout Journal // lighting: Out of the Dark Event Lighting // second wedding dress: Grace Loves Lace // platters: The Poor Girls Pantry // airstream hire : Silver Lining Situation // rentals: Hampton Event Hire // dj: rikileedj // signage : Sketch and Etch Creative // neon: Electric Confetti // plant hire : The Borrowed Nursey // bar staff: mauriciogamba // chocolates: Loco Love