Guys… Could this couple get any cuter? Their chilled, close to nature nuptials are fun, free and full of good times. Just the type of wedding we like here at Hello May. The bride and groom were both in custom outfits, including a shirt by our go-to mens designer, Calibre, all shot by HM directory vendor Blaise Bell Photography, so scroll down for all the details…
THE VENUE “As I was planning the wedding from across the world (I am Norwegian), we had no option to see any venues before we booked. We wanted all the guests to camp on site, lots of nature, but still close to the beach. We wanted to be outside, for it to be over a long weekend and to have flexible suppliers, so we could create our day. We also wanted a get-away for our Australian guests, so we needed to leave Sydney, but not go too far. So with lots of Google-ing, some emails back and forth to venues, we found Bawley Bush Retreat. They ticket all our boxes- it was perfect!”
THE VIBE “As we love the outdoors and do a lot of camping, we wanted to create a bush festival. Just lots of fun, all the guests on site for the weekend, BBQs, drinks and good food. Our wedding was on the Sunday, so Saturday was rehearsal- aka St Patrick’s Day. James’ dad is from Ireland and what Australian doesn’t like that day? So we kicked off the festivities with green outfits and Guinness. Monday after the wedding was a recovery beach party with a spit delivered from South Ulladulla Meat Market– the perfect hangover cure.”
THE DRESS “I knew from the beginning that I wanted something different, not particularly white. But with my budget was it hard to find, so I quickly decided to make it, together with my cousin. I was looking for a dress that reflected my personality, that I loved wearing and allowed me to party in it. I also wanted short in front, to show of the shoes, much more practical for dancing and walking, but also cools you down. (We had 41 degrees and no breeze on our wedding day). The golden caramel colour goes so well with the nature and the theme that we went for, and I loved the combination with my blue sparkly shoes!”
REFERENCES “Lots of random Googling and went through most of the real weddings stories on Hello May– thank you! Pinterest was also used lots to find out what I wanted and that made the search for the suppliers easier.”
CUTE CUSTOM “There are some different traditions in Norway. During the reception, every time a guest clinks classes, the bride and groom have to stand up on their chairs and kiss. When a guest stamps their feet, they need to go under the table and kiss. This was a big hit for all the Aussies! Also, every time the groom leaves the room, male guests can run up and kiss the bride and the same for when the bride leaves the room- all the girls can kiss the groom. This created lots of fun during the dinner.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Make your wedding yours! Think more that you are creating a big party without labelling it during the brainstorming process. Meaning, start which blank sheets: what is it important for you two to include at a party? What traditions would you like? Who are you two as a couple? Your interests, and so on. Instead of thinking, what is expected when you have a wedding. Also, no one will know if something does not go as planned.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Duck Duck Goose catering!! Rock stars! Every single guest loved the food, they where on top of it all. Amazing!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Blaise Bell Photography Cinematographer Tom Corburn Ceremony & Reception Bawley Bush Retreat Catering Duck Duck Goose Hire Items South Coast Party Hire (Chairs and tables), Nomadic Belle (Glamping tents) Teepee KataLane Entertainment Lauren Azar Celebrant Ebony Millard Rings Cartier, Vintage THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Homemade Loungewear Natalie Michellex via Etsy Shoes Pura Lopez Accessories Mimco Bridesmaid Dresses Zimmermann, Camilla and Marc, Kookai, JJ’s house THE GROOM Suit Wild Oscar Shirt Calibre Bow Tie Declic Cufflinks Max and Me Designs Shoes RM Williams Watch Longiens.