S3, EP23: Elopement Extravaganza (with Toko Events)

Eddy: Welcome to Project Engaged, a podcast for fun loving couples planning their non traditional wedding.

Aleks: We’re wedding DJs Aleks and Eddy Mac from Melbourne. We run a business called One More Song, and our tagline is No More Nutbush.

Eddy: In this podcast, we’ll share our wedding experiences and chat to some of our past couples.

Aleks: We’ll also interview bold wedding suppliers who share our philosophy of your wedding being a celebration of you as a couple and wild. One epic party.

Eddy: Let’s get into today’s episode.

Eddy: Back for a bonus little episode of Project Engaged. Yes. Little cheeky one. What are we here for?

Aleks: Just a short one? We are here to talk about a very exciting initiative that we’re involved with. Initiative makes it sound super stuffy.

Eddy: And what’s a better word than initiative?

Aleks: Extravaganza.

Eddy: Oh, extravaganza. Okay, I’m listening.

Aleks: Oh, God, I feel like I’m on one of those commercial radio stations right now, actually. An elopement extravaganza at Rupert.

Eddy: Oh, my God.

Aleks: I know, I know. Coming up on the 20 August. So not a lot of time. Seven weeks away. Something like that. That’s great. Very close. So we thought we’d jump on for ten minutes or however long it’s gonna go for, to chat to the organiser and the mastermind behind this extravaganza. God, you’re so excited. You could.

Eddy: I’m excited.

Aleks: Take it down a couple of notches.

Eddy: Okay.

Aleks: We’ve got our first repeat guest on the podcast, which is also very exciting. And that is Judith from Toko Events.

Eddy: Oh, Judith. She’s back.

Aleks: She can’t stay away. Now, the reason we’re chatting, Judith, if, for those of you who are loyal listeners may remember we chatted to Judith earlier in the season, and she’s a wonderful planner, stylist on the day coordinator, etcetera.

Eddy: Yeah. Amazing, amazing.

Aleks: Absolutely amazing. And she approached us to be part of this extravaganza, which we are.

Eddy: We’re doing the tunes.

Aleks: We’re doing the tunes. Which is good because. Yeah, that’s what we do.

Eddy: We do tunes. That’s what we do.

Aleks: Judith, welcome.

Eddy: Thank you for joining us, Judith, thank you.

Judith: Thank you. Good to be back.

Eddy: Yeah, great to have you back so much.

Aleks: So much excitement, isn’t it? Let’s tell our listeners, what is this whole elopement extra answer all about? How did it come about?

Judith: It’s really exciting to be talking about this and also, like, simultaneously exciting and scary that it’s so soon. But I think more exciting than anything else. I’ve had this crazy idea for a very long time to do some sort of elopement, you know, event. And essentially. So I am one of the masterminds behind it. But Murray from mama wedding films and I were sitting together and chatting, and I guess, you know, when you get two wedding people in a room, all they kind of end up talking about is basically, how can we collaborate? What can we do? How can we get, like, you know, as many supplier friends on with some crazy idea? And that’s essentially, we just started chatting one day. And then it turned into, let’s just do. Let’s have an elopement day. Let’s get, you know, four couples in a day, let’s get all these suppliers. And the idea just kind of snowballed and. Yeah, turned into this. We called it the elopement extravaganza. It’s more of. Kind of like a micro wedding extravaganza, but that doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Aleks: No alliteration. No alliteration there.

Judith: Yeah, exactly. Because you can have up to ten guests kind of come and more if you want. But, yeah, so that’s how the idea came about. We just kind of discussed it, worked out an idea, and then we just kind of started brainstorming with all the suppliers, like yourselves, who we wanted to get involved. Everyone was super keen and just up for it because everyone that is included is just awesome. And, yeah, I guess also the other suppliers, it was kind of more like collaborative in the way that we had this idea, but then everyone’s kind of put their ideas in and made the event what it is. So it’s like we’re kind of doing the work, but everyone’s involved. There’s a lot of heads that have put things into it to make it what it is.

Aleks: Oh, yeah, definitely. I love that. Just getting, like, a couple of wedding creatives in the room together and it’s scary. You just can’t leave the room without some sort of idea coming out of it. That you have to action.

Judith: Yeah, yeah, exactly. That you have to action and then, like, action fast, considering the timeframe. But, yeah, so it’s very exciting, definitely.

Aleks: And talk through. So you mentioned, you know, four or so couples, depending, depending on how things go and timing wise. So talk through what each couple actually get as part of their package.

Judith: So it’s pretty. I mean, even when I describe it now, I feel like I almost can’t believe what couples are getting for this price. And it’s so exciting. So we have. We’ve got. We’ve put together, like, I think it’s nine or ten suppliers who are, I would say, like, the best among the best suppliers in Melbourne. They’ve all been hand picked because we just feel like they’re incredible to work with and they will just do this event really well. So they get. What the couples get is they get to bring ten guests. That’s what’s included in the package. But there’s an option to extend that to more if your guest list is larger. It’s held at Rupert on Rupert in Collingwood, which is just a gorgeous venue. And essentially, the venue will be styled. So there’ll be flowers, there’ll be decor, there’ll be candles. It’ll have, like, a full concept that will pretty much blow your mind when you walk in. It’s going to be like a full, tailored experience. The couples get flowers, they’ll have their own welcome signs and signage for venues and bars. So, like, all the styling, they get to be married by precious in a customised ceremony. They get to have music by. Not to say to.

Judith: Of two the best DJs, I’d say.

Aleks: Should we say that you stumbled a bit there?

Judith: We’ll say. Should we say two of the best or the best DJ’s?

Eddy: We’ll have to fight it amongst ourselves, I think.

Judith: Yeah. Yeah. So I think you guys will be taking in turns who’s deejaying, but obviously there’ll be tunes all day, which will be amazing and kind of set the scene for an epic celebration. And then they get champagne, they get canapes, they have a chance to mingle, and then they get, like, a full videographer and photography package for the entire time that they are there, which is like, it ends up being a two and a half hour package, but it’s jam packed. It’s jam packed with everything that you would have. And essentially, it’s a wedding that it costs $9,000 for the wedding elopement and someone like, you know, there’s like, a few suppliers. You wouldn’t even be able to get a couple of the suppliers there for that price, essentially. So it’s a fraction of the cost of what you would spend at a regular wedding, especially getting the suppliers that we’ve chosen. And you just get, like a really, really ridiculously incredible wedding, essentially, with all the bells and whistles, but for, yeah, a small amount of the price.

Aleks: I love that.

Eddy: I’m sold. That sounds so amazing. And look, obviously we’ll go through the suppliers that are part of this. And just looking at this list gets me so freaking excited to see some of the names here. But before we do, what sort of couples would be suited to your elopement extravaganza?

Judith: Yes. Really interesting. So I feel like it’s definitely. It’s for couples. I feel like there’s a few categories. It’s like couples that have either been thinking about getting married for a while, but haven’t had the time or the energy to plan it firstly. And they just are really excited to go for something that is already planned for them that they can, like, slightly customise for. Themselves, but they’re just kind of getting their hand held to having the best day ever. Also, for couples who want to have a small wedding and, again, don’t want to make all of the decisions. And I’d say it’s for couples who are like, who are just bold and they just want to have fun and create a wedding that is really, like, true to them. But they also really want a beautiful wedding with incredible food, good music. That looks amazing. I have all of the memories, but I think it’s for couples that I guess, or even like, for people who are renewing their vows, I feel like that could be a really special moment to have. But, yeah, you’ve got to be up for something a little bit different. It’s got to be, like, not scared to kind of just go out and, you know, say, yep, let’s just get married on the 20 August.

Aleks: Totally. And I think, look, we’ll go through the suppliers in a sec, but I think if you do actually go and have a look at all of the suppliers, you will see the vibe this is after. It definitely is bold. It’s definitely fun. You know, it’s a bit lux. It’s. Yeah, it’s.

Aleks: If you will know straight away if it’s for you or if it’s not. And look, so many people want to get married at Rupert and either can’t because of cost or just dates not being available because it booked out so far in advance. So it’s a pretty rare opportunity.

Judith: Yeah, exactly.

Aleks: All right.

Judith: Yeah. And I think.

Aleks: Gone.

Judith: Oh, yeah. No, I was just going to say I feel like a budget is also a big thing. It’s like, even though. And I think what’s most exciting is that all of these suppliers have come together to provide, you know. Yeah, Lux, like a really luxurious package at such an affordable price that it’s almost like, I want to get remarried again.

Aleks: Well, there you go.

Eddy: The option is.

Judith: Yeah, yeah, I know. Maybe I’ll book a spot. But the spots are limited as well, so that’s a. I feel like that’s important to mention. It’s limited because we really want to create this incredible experience.

Eddy: Yeah. And. Okay, so just on that, how does one apply? Where do they go? Who do they talk to?

Judith: So you can to inquire or to ask any questions, you need to send an email to, email is [email protected]. You can also send an Instagram message, and then I’ll reply and either give you a phone call to discuss, or we can discuss via email, but the best way is just to send your name and name, best contact and some details about you to my email address and we’ll get in touch by that. Love that.

Aleks: Love that. And you mentioned, you know, some parts of it are customised to the couple. So for our bit, we will actually work with couples in the lead up, as we do with all of our couples, to get a music brief so that, you know, we can curate the soundtrack for those two and a half hours.

Eddy: Yeah, so it’s very similar process and I’m sure that this sort of extends to everyone, but just in a much more condensed timeline. Yeah. With the planning for each. For each supplier, including us.

Aleks: Yeah, definitely. Let’s go through the. Let’s go through the suppliers. So we mentioned. You mentioned, sorry, the other mastermind. Videographer.

Eddy: Mastermind number two.

Judith: Oh, yes. Mama wedding films. Murray and Adrian. But from Mama wedding films. Yep. And then we’ve got the absolute legends that Rupert and Rupert, who are creating. Yeah, they’ve got. Also, they’ve created the most beautiful menu packages. Menu and beverage packages for the elopement day. But, yeah, Rupert on Rupert. Then we’ve got the photographer, Briars Atlas. Ollie. He is.

Eddy: He’s my number one.

Judith: Yeah, I think he’s lots of people’s number one. That’s right. And I feel very. Yeah, it’s very. We’re very lucky to have all these suppliers involved. So he’s the photographer. Then we’ve got Raven and the rose as our florist.

Aleks: Amazing.

Eddy: Amazing.

Judith: Yep, stunning. And she’ll also allow, like, for, you know, customised bouquets or buttonholes, whatever the couple decide that they want. So she’ll be speaking to them about, you know, if there’s any kind of colours that they don’t like or they want, then we’re going to have bangin hangings.

Eddy: Boom.

Judith: Sarah’s going to come and put her magic in there. We’ve got. I think I mentioned precious name. Precious celebrations will be the celebrant for the day and we’ll create custom ceremony for them. Then we have. We’ve got a cake. So couples also, I think I didn’t mention that couples also get a wedding cake that can be cut up and served as their sweet canopy at the end. And that’s by. Taught by Mariana. She’s just amazing and creates the most beautiful cakes that are almost too good to eat, but you eat them because they taste so good. And then we’ve got all the graphics, so the branding that you’ll see, being shared and then kind of the customised signage, which has been done by Stevie Wintercreate. Stevie’s created all of that.

Eddy: Wow. And what a list. I still am pinching myself a little bit. I’m not being facetious, by the way. This is a bloody awesome list.

Aleks: It is. I mean, Stevie, for one. Stevie did our branding. We always call on her when we need some.

Eddy: If that doesn’t sell it to you, what will?

Judith: Yeah, I think a few people on this list of you, actually.

Eddy: Yep.

Aleks: Why wouldn’t you? And look, already. I do hope we get some cake because. Or even four times or whatever, the cake always miss out on the cake.

Eddy: Oh, yeah. Well, you know, I think we’ll wait and see. We’ll wait and see.

Judith: Me too. I have selfies with the cake, but I never actually get to eat the cake.

Eddy: That’s the next best thing.

Aleks: I guess it’d be pretty awkward eating a selfie sliced into it after your selfie. So we need to. Yeah, we need to patient and hope we get some cake at the end of the day.

Eddy: It’s honestly an amazing bunch of vendors and a lot of whom work together a lot. So, you know, for those that will be involved, you’ll see such a cool. I hate to use this word, but such a cool synergy, such a cool energy between all the supplies because they all know each other very well.

Judith: Yep. Yep. And I think that’s what made. Makes the process so fun as well. And which, which is what will bring the energy to the day and make the day just so beautiful. And also just all the suppliers are so excited about this that they’re treating it as an opportunity to just go wild with their talents. So.

Eddy: Love it.

Judith: I’m really excited to see what everyone’s going to do because I feel like it’s going to be very different to a regular wedding or just another time that we’ve seen everyone kind of doing their thing. Yeah. No pressure, guys.

Aleks: Oh, I love it. All right, so we’re a few weeks away, a couple months away. People can get in touch. [email protected]

Judith: Yes. And I will say we’ve had a few inquiries already, and because the spots are limited, if you’re thinking about it and you even want to just get in touch to some more questions, because of course, you’ll definitely have some questions about what’s involved. You want to see the menu or you just want any more details? I would say to get in touch really soon because we will be finalising everything over the next week. Or two.

Eddy: Oh, don’t miss out, guys. Get in touch.

Judith: Yeah.

Aleks: We’ll bang this episode up today then.

Eddy: We will. Yeah. We’re going to time ourselves.

Judith: Don’t miss out.

Eddy: Fantastic.

Aleks: Thank you so much, Judith. We can’t wait to see you at the EE.

Judith: The EE cannot wait. I can’t wait to see who gets married on that day.

Eddy: A few very lucky people. And I imagine if you do miss out or if you don’t get in touch and get involved, you may just be jealous that it wasn’t you standing up there.

Judith: Yeah, you’ll be very sad. There’ll be a lot of FOMO couples around.

Aleks: Yeah. But I think it’s important, even if you’re not sure or you’re on the fence, just to get in touch with Judith, ask a little bit more and show your interest, because obviously this is sort of the first time that we’re doing this, so it’s good to know that there are kind of couples who are interested as well.

Eddy: Absolutely.

Aleks: Just so we know the demand. Amazing. Thank you so much, Judith.

Judith: Amazing. Thank you. And I can’t wait to see you. See you. Yes. See you there.

Eddy: I’m so excited.

Aleks: Enjoy a slice of cake together or a selfie.

Judith: Have a little dance. Yeah, cake, selfie and a dance. That’ll be good.

Eddy: Love it. Amazing.

Aleks: Thanks, everybody.

Judith: Thanks, guys. See you soon.

Aleks: Thanks for tuning in. If you’re enjoying Project Engaged, please hit the subscribe button on your fav podcast app.

Eddy: You can also follow us on Instagram, @projectengaged and @onemoresongdjs.

Aleks: We’ll see you next time. And until then, have fun out there.