Bel and Wade’s Canberra elopement was as personal as it gets. Bel is one of the city’s most loved wedding photographers (Bel Combridge), Wade is Head Brewer at Capital Brewing Co, and together they’re raising their gorgeous little family. It’s a cliché for a reason, but to be asked by a peer and dear mates to photograph their wedding felt like the highest compliment. Bel has captured so many wonderful stories herself, and it was our turn to honour hers.

They chose to elope at Mount Stromlo’s Yale Columbia Dome, once home to a telescope that helped guide NASA’s Voyager missions and now a raw, ethereal space that catches the late winter sun. It was the day after the solstice, cold but clear, and just perfect for what they had in mind: no bells and whistles, just vows, two witnesses, and their toddlers weaving in and out (Maggie sneaking Cocomelon breaks, Rowan stealing crackers from the grazing board). Bel’s favourite memory is her three-year-old spontaneously taking her hand to walk her down the aisle.

For Bel and Wade, marriage is about celebrating what they’d already built together: years of love, two children, a shared life — and promising to keep nurturing it. After the challenges of distance, pandemic, and raising a young family, their secret Wednesday elopement felt truer than anything: a declaration of love in front of each other, their kids, and the starry Canberra sky above.

The celebrations continued with an intimate dinner at Raku in the city. Joined by their witnesses, their partners, and us, the night unfolded with excellent food, wine, and plenty of beers — a celebration of all that is good.

Photographed by Corinna & Dylan.

Featured in print — Hello May Real Wedding Special volume 10.