When organising their nuptials, Christelle and Martin made it a point to stick to their guns. This means that, despite the amazing-yet-overwhelming wrath of Pinterest, the couple kept it a small, intimate gathering with only their closest friends and family (first featured in issue 18). “We both wanted a wedding which felt more like a mini getaway. We aimed for a relaxed vibe to the day, and specifically requested the guys not to wear suits, given the weeks preceding the wedding averaged around 35 degrees! Although we had structure to the reception, we wanted to let it flow naturally and were not too rigid about things that went off course (which is guaranteed to happen),” explains Christelle, who found the lead-up to the celebration a bit challenging.
Having spent the first four months trying to work out “how NOT to look like a bride”, Christelle enlisted the help of Beate (a fashion stylist and personal shopper) to help her find ‘the one’. After several emails back and forth, they found themselves at David Jones and – in just two hours – also found the perfect non-bridal bridal green (yes, green!)Bianca Spender gown. Martin, too, was a pretty big fan of his bride’s fashion choice. “Christelle looked stunning in her dress. I had no idea what she would be wearing until she walked down the aisle, and was close to tears when I first saw her. Of course my favourite detail of the day was my beautiful wife.”
Another standout memory, according to the newlyweds, was their vows. “It was an emotional moment, and one that summed up the day neatly and why everyone was with us to celebrate,” says Martin. Christelle continues, “Hannah, our celebrant, was fantastic. She made us feel truly special and instantly at ease. Hannah had plenty of suggestions and ideas for having a bit of fun – like keeping our vows a secret from one another!”
Aside from Hitched By Hannah, Christelle and Martin’s all-star team of vendors also included LGW Design, Kimo Estate and, last but not least, Kelly Tunney. “Kelly made us feel incredibly relaxed on a day which was a rollercoaster of emotions. She was able to capture the beauty and contrast of the surrounding landscape, as well as those first few intimate moments we shared between us after becoming husband and wife.”
Now happily hitched, the pair couldn’t be more happy with their rural (and so damn stunning) New South Wales nuptials. The groom tells us, “I commented to Christelle afterwards that I would like to do a day like that all over again, the whole thing was a blast. I am still on a buzz from the day.”
Are you thinking of ditching the whole white thing when it comes to your wedding dress? Check out these gorgeous brides who rocked colourful frocks, here, here and here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Kelly Tunney // Florist LGW Design // Printer D&D Letterpress // Ceremony and Reception Venue Kimo Estate // Catering Embellish Catering // Cake Sweet Bones Bakery Cafe // Cookies Rosebery Street Bakehouse // Entertainment Duke Music // Celebrant Hitched By Hannah // Brides Engagement and Wedding Band Jogia Diamonds // Grooms Wedding Band Jason Ree Design // Accommodation Gabriel Motor Inn THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Bianca Spender // Robes Peter Alexander and Cotton On // Lingerie Stephanie?s Boutique Lingerie // Shoes Stuart Weitzman // Accessories Swarovski // Bridesmaid Dresses Carla Zampatti // Bridesmaid Shoes Wittner Shoes // Bridesmaid Gifts Hard to Find THE GROOM Groom and Groomsmen Suits Calibre // Bow Tie OTAA // Shoes Aquila // Socks Country Road // Groomsmen Gifts Nivisto via Etsy.