They’re the latest trend in weddings the world over: metres of delectable cheeses, fruit and vegetables piled high for guests to enjoy.
But what if you want to propose in style in a far-flung location? Enter Hannah Lange, who comes from New South Wales.
The 27-year-old stumbled upon an idea to create elopement, proposal, birthday and anniversary bespoke picnics after she had her own picnic-style wedding in 2014.
Now, she spends her days crafting photogenic feasts for couples in the Blue Mountains to enjoy.
Hannah Lange, from New South Wales, has set up a platter business whereby she creates elaborate feasts for proposals and elopements in the Blue Mountains (pictured: a platter)
The 27-year-old mother-of-one spoke to FEMAIL about her business – and how she has now quit her job to focus on the platters full-time
Ms Lange (pictured with her child) stumbled upon an idea to create elopement, proposal, birthday and anniversary bespoke picnics after she had her own picnic-style wedding in 2014
‘I’ve always been obsessed with food, and especially cheese,’ the 27-year-old told Daily Mail Australia (pictured: two of her platters)
According to Hannah, the idea for Picnics by Hannah first came about when she had her own wedding several years ago:
‘I’ve always been obsessed with food, and especially cheese,’ the 27-year-old told Daily Mail Australia.
‘And then, I had a picnic-style wedding for my own nuptials in 2014. The business idea kind of just came about, like one of those moments in the shower.
‘I wanted to use my creativity, love for food, travel and wine and turn it into something special for others to enjoy.’
Now, Hannah works on Picnics By Hannah full-time, having quit her job just last week to focus on the business.
‘I wanted to use my creativity, love for food, travel and wine and turn it into something special for others to enjoy,’ she said (pictured setting up an elopement package)
Hannah is pictured here on her own wedding day
Speaking about her top tips for creating and taking pictures of photogenic food, Hannah said sourcing fresh produce is key (pictured: her logos)
‘I usually imagine and sometimes sketch how I want my platters how I want my platters to look and create my ingredients list from that,’ she said
Speaking about her top tips for creating and taking pictures of photogenic food, Hannah said that there are several pointers:
‘Sourcing really fresh amazing produce is important,’ she said.
‘I usually imagine and sometimes sketch how I want my platters how I want my platters to look and create my ingredients list from that.’
The 27-year-old added that she will generally ‘pick a colour scheme and opt for bright colours’.
‘It’s like an art,’ she added.
The 27-year-old (pictured on her wedding day) added that she will generally ‘pick a colour scheme and opt for bright colours’
The process of setting things up in such remote locations involves several trips to and from her car to the lookouts (pictured)
But what about the practicalities that come with transporting, setting up and creating a DIY feast in the mountains?
‘Who needs a gym when you literally walk 10 kilometres carrying heavy equipment for your job?,’ Hannah laughed.
‘I do all of the food preparation at home and then set up the platters on location. All the spots I use have road access, but there is a lot of walking back and forth from my car to the lookouts, which can be tiring.’
Hannah said that even though her business is in its infancy, she has already had some success stories – she had her first ‘elopement package’ last week
Hannah said that even though her business is in its infancy, she has already had some success stories.
Just last weekend, the businesswoman set up her ‘first elopement package’, complete with the ‘ceremony, floral design, celebrant, photographer and gorgeous picnic to celebrate afterwards.
‘The couple were absolutely lovely and the day went so perfectly, I can’t wait to do more of these. I love that I get to play a part in making people happy,’ she said.
As for advice on others who might have a business idea within them waiting to be discovered, Hannah (pictured) said you’ve got to go for it – ‘be fearless, but be practical,’ she said
As for her advice on others who might have a business idea within them just waiting to be discovered, Hannah said you’ve got to go for it:
‘Be fearless but be practical,’ she said.
‘I have a young family, it would have been irresponsible to have quit my job before even knowing if I could make this work.’
Hannah said, instead she ‘worked my butt off for eight months, cooked dinner with my child attached to my hip, put my son to bed and worked on the business until midnight every night.
‘Don’t be afraid of hard work!,’ she concluded.
For more information about Hannah’s platter services, elopement and proposal packages, you can visit her Instagram profile here.