Hi, I'm Chantelle
Welcome to My Dear Kathleen.
I help couples create intentional, beautifully unhurried elopements across Australia - taking the stress out of planning so you can focus on the part that matters; marrying the person you love.
Whether you're flying in from overseas or live just down the road, you're exactly who I'm here for.
My Story
Being born into hospitality (my father was a chef and restaurateur) set me on my path to a love of weddings. When I was seven years old, his restaurant's maître d' was getting married, and I marvelled at her beautiful gold dress as I helped her down the stairs. In that moment, I fell in love and found my calling.
After years of helping couples create their ideal wedding experience as a co-ordinator, in 2010, my Photographer husband Chris and I planned our own Elopement. The rain poured and changed all our plans, but it didn't matter - the day was small, laid-back and fun, with just a few of our closest people.
Fast forward to 2022, and I planned a weekend getaway in Victoria for Chris' birthday, where we stayed in a romantic old tower and rode bicycles around the local wineries. The weekend was perfect, and it began our mission to help other couples who wanted more than just a quick ceremony for their big day.
Meet Kathleen
Whilst I am often mistaken for Kathleen (yes, we chose a slightly confusing business name), Kathleen was actually my husband's Grandmother.
Kathleen loved to explore and write letters, spend time with family, and tell us stories. It's impossible to imagine a kinder, gentler person.
She lived through World War II, working as a nurse and looking after the family farm with her husband, Eric. The two of them loved to travel in their motor caravan, which took them all over Europe with their three children in tow - a love passed down through the generations.
After living to 100 and receiving the birthday card she'd always wanted from her beloved Queen, she sadly passed away. That same year, as we were developing the idea of bringing together travel and love, naming these experiences after her felt like the perfect way to honour her memory.
Just as she never went anywhere without sending us a postcard from her travels, we hope that together we'll create beautiful memories you'll want to write home about, too.
My Dear Kathleen is a reminder to cherish the memories and adventures that make life so special ♥︎
This is where your Elopement begins
How I can assist you...
Hand the planning to me. Wether you arrive with a clear vision or just a few ideas, I'll take care of everything - from sourcing the right vendors to designing the whole experience - so all you have to do is enjoy it.
Prefer to plan your own way? You won't be doing it alone. My Elopement Journal & Planning Guide leads you through every step - checklists, inspiration and gentle guidance - so you can plan calmly and confidently, in your own time.
