Katie & Cory’s South African Safari Elopement at 18 on the Hill
Seven years together had given Katie and Cory plenty of time to discover what they love most about life as a couple — travelling, exploring new places and sharing adventures. So when it came time to get married, they knew they didn’t want a traditional wedding filled with a huge guest list, an enormous budget and all the stress and drama that can come with planning a big day. Instead, they packed their bags and travelled all the way to South Africa to elope on safari at 18 on the Hill.
Forget the Wedding Drama
Katie and Cory have always loved travelling and make a point of exploring somewhere new together every year, so an overseas wedding felt like a natural fit. Rather than spending months planning a big, expensive wedding and getting caught up in the opinions, expectations and inevitable drama that can come with it, they chose to strip everything back. No fuss, no pressure and no worrying about what everyone else thought their wedding should look like — just the two of them, making memories and starting their marriage with another incredible adventure.
Saying “I Do” on Safari
They started their day with breakfast overlooking the watering hole and relaxing next to the pool at their tent with a glass of wine. After a short game drive, we hopped out of the vehicle next to the Olifants River. Set against the beautiful South African bush with hippos in the background, their ceremony was relaxed, romantic and full of the kind of moments that make an intimate wedding so special. From exchanging their vows to simply soaking up the experience together, the day felt personal from beginning to end. And with the sights and sounds of the African wilderness around them, it was certainly a wedding backdrop they weren’t going to forget anytime soon.
Their Kind of Happily Ever After
Katie and Cory’s elopement is a beautiful reminder that there really is no right way to get married. If your idea of the perfect wedding involves less stress, more adventure and making the whole day about the person you’re marrying, then an elopement might just be for you. For these two, saying “I do” on safari was the perfect beginning to the next chapter of their life — and hopefully, just the first of many adventures still to come.
The Safari Dream Team:
Venue: 18 on The Hill
Photographer: Kelly Mae Photography
Makeup: Revive at Hendi
Hair: Hey Love Hair & Beauty
Marriage Officiant – Louise from Runaway Romance Marriage Officers
Planning, flowers and on the day management – Runaway Romance
