Issy and Zac first met when she snuck into his parents house with a mutual friend in Sydney at 12 years old. They later reconnected around 18 when Issy worked at a pub near Zac’s house. They were always friends and both secretly harboured crushes, unbeknownst to one another.
They travelled and kept in contact here and there, but it wasn’t until a few years later that they randomly bumped into each other in a small suburb of Sydney where Issy was living at the time, and Zac was working. The rest is history and they haven’t spent a day apart since!
These two recently relocated to Adelaide and I met them only a few days after their move and I’m (perhaps overly?) proud to announce that I was their very first Adelaide friend!
When they first asked me to come along on their adventure, I have to admit my first thought was, “What the heck is a Coober Pedy?” A quick Google search informed me that it was a rad little underground opal-mining town smack in the middle of the outback.
As if this could get any better, they then told me that they were bringing along their pup Yogi, a 2 month old Weimaraner…(insert Home-Alone-hands-to-face-emjoi here).
This was an incredible trip filled with weird encounters, desolate landscapes, and soo much laughter. I feel beyond privileged that I was able to capture this brand new journey for these two free spirits.
My favourite sentiment from their unique approach came when I asked Issy if she had any advice for other engaged couples and she said this:
“I love how we chose to do it, foregoing tradition and just doing what we felt suited us best. You hear about people stressing about all the tiny details about their wedding day, and having to deal with things right up until the last minute. Just roll with the punches and it’ll all work out better than you could have ever planned it.”
What beautiful photos! I’m from Coober Pedy and left for the city a long time ago, with no intention of going back. I took the peace, quiet and spectacularly coloured natural background for granted in my many years there but after noticing these photos in The Advertiser, I feel compelled to go back and get reacquainted with my hometown! Beautiful work and congratulations to the gorgeous couple. Wow. Just… wow!
Your comment just made my day! Thank you so much for the kind words. I was truly taken aback by the natural beauty of Coober Pedy, but I can understand how growing up there would make you want to run off to the city. It’s all too easy to take our home for granted. I’m so happy to hear that my photos have inspired you to go back and visit! Soak up the sunsets and bring back some pretty opals 🙂