Inside the Vegas elopement of Melbourne-based comedian, Aurelia St Clair

“We both just wanted it to be us on the day. We would make that choice over and over again.”

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A talented creative multi-hyphenate, Aurelia traverses the worlds of comedy, modelling, writing and podcasting. Known for her tongue-in-cheek observations of inner-north Melbourne life (if you own a bleached hat, it’s compulsory to listen to Non-Dairy Presenting), Aurelia’s elopement was perfect amounts of love, laughter and chilli dogs. Below, she gives us an intimate glimpse into the day.

How did you meet your partner, and how did the proposal happen?

As proof that the For You feature on Instagram really works, Tamara flame-reacted to my Instagram story. Of course, I replied and so began a conversation that would escalate over both of us coming down with COVID in separate states, a book/letter exchange via Australia Post and a first date that lasted 72 hours

What venue did you choose for your wedding, and why?

We chose the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas – it’s iconic and we wanted to live the Vegas elopement dream.

How many guests did you have? Or if no guests, why did you make that choice?

We didn’t have any guests – in fact, we told no one it was happening at all. The first family and friends heard about it were from the photos we shared the next morning.

Tamara had been travelling overseas for work for two months already and we both just wanted it to be us on the day. We would make that choice over and over again.

Where was your dress from, and what was the process of sourcing it like?

My dress was from H&M. I wanted a short A-line dress and had it altered to fit the vision. I also already owned Tamara’s suit (also from H&M), so we wanted it to be matching the material. I stuffed it all in my little carry-on luggage to Vegas.

What about Tamara’s outfit?

The suit was already in my wardrobe. I bought Tamara’s shoes in Melbourne at Bared Footwear the day before I flew! Due to a luggage mishap, they are now lost somewhere between Kansas and Canada. RIP.

In terms of beauty, tell us about the look you went for on the day, and what your inspiration for it was. Did you do your own makeup or use a makeup artist?

WELL. That morning, we walked into Sephora on the strip and booked a makeup appointment for the afternoon. We both specified that we wanted natural glam looks, but walked out looking nothing like ourselves. Tamara was crying with laughter while I hatched a plan to remove some of the makeup and apply a bit of our own to save the situation.

What did you do to celebrate after the wedding?

Our photographer took us to a little bar she knew and we cheers-ed to the next 50 years with a spicy margarita each. Then, we walked along the strip, smoked a joint behind a Mexican restaurant (this is legal in Las Vegas) and decided on chilli hotdogs and sodas from a little place called Coney Island Co.

Tamara had been a vegetarian for 12 years until that night. No regrets. Satisfied, we were pretty keen to get back to our hotel room at The Venetian after that.

What type of cake and food did you have on the day?

Morning pancakes and black coffee at a diner, wedding feast of chilli dogs and chips from Coney Island Co, followed by wedding cake (a pink buttercream frosted love heart cake with ‘TIL DEATH’ written in white icing). I picked up the cake from Mary’s Cakes Las Vegas the day before when Tamara was still flying in from Salt Lake City.

We decided to take some things out of the mini bar fridge to keep it cool before the big day and when we checked out, there was a huge bill for crystal champagne, juices and liquors that we hadn’t had. Apparently, Las Vegas mini bar fridges are weight censored. So, if you plan on eloping with a cake that fits in a tiny fridge, maybe don’t do that.