This is one talented bride y’all. Jess admits to having a “serious passion for event styling” and we can see that in spades in the florals she arranged for her very own wedding. Just take one look at that ceremony styling. Delish! She’s also pretty stylish, in a top and skirt combo (skirt care of the brilliant Christie Nicole Bridal). Scroll down for all the gorgeous pics by Emma Wand and the deets from the cute as pie bride and groom…
THE VENUE “We have close friends that live in the valley so we spend quite a lot of time down there. It’s such a special place. After looking at a few venues our friend who was born and raised in the valley suggested we check out the local community hall. As soon as we saw it we fell in love. It was quaint, humble and suited us perfectly.”
THE VIBE “It’s hard not to get caught up in trends especially when spending a lot of time on social media. We wanted our wedding to be a true reflection of us. We spent a lot of time on our guest list choosing only people who are a part of our daily lives, people we love to be with and not who we felt we ‘should’ invite. We served Dom Perignon and Red Rock Deli chips on the lawn after our ceremony and our menu reflected dishes you would be served if dining in our home. We tried to keep it authentic and show both Cam & my personalities through the small details.”
FAVE DETAILS “I styled our wedding from flowers, decor, lighting, stationary and linen myself. I had a vision and searched until I found what fit that. Instagram and magazines like hello May allow you access to vendors all across the world. I wanted to create a vibe that was warm, elegant and relaxed allowing our guests to feel comfortable. Details from the soft neutral colour palette to the “U” shaped seating plan really helped create an intimate setting. My stationary came from the lovely Kimberly at Smitten With Love based in New Zealand and the very talented Faith from Lovers and Fleurs are only a few who made my vision a reality.”
THE DRESS “I found choosing my dress by far the hardest part of wedding planning. The choices are endless and there are so many local designers that are really affordable – I loved Bo & Luca from the minute I saw their collection and kept being drawn back to them. I can’t say I had ‘the moment’ as I think I had that a few times. I think making a decision on what you love and trying to forget about expectations and others opinions is what really helped me and I wouldn’t change a thing.
MEMORABLE MOMENT “Our amazingly talented photographer suggested that Cam and I do our wedding dance as soon as we entered the reception. Emma suggested this for a few reasons – it was an awesome ice breaker getting everyone up to dance with us from the very beginning and it would lift the energy of the room and I can easily say this was the BEST part of our wedding day. The party started as soon as we danced our way in – I literally felt the warmth of everyone there and it is a moment I will never forget. Perks of working with vendors who are on the same page as you, thanks Emma Wand!”
TALK ABOUT TRADITION “In the lead up to our wedding, we sadly lost two of our guests. My grandma and cousin. I knew that I wanted to ‘save a seat’ for my mum who I lost five years ago, so I incorporated three photos in vintage frames at the front of my aisle, I felt like they were there with me as I gazed at them throughout our ceremony.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Emma Wand, our photographer, went above and beyond, from our first catch up on the beach in Cronulla, we all sat on a picnic rug and chatted over coffee. To date she amazes me and is not only the best at what she does but a beautiful human who we will stay connected with. I’m already planning a family shoot for when our new baby arrives.”
If you’re keen to see more from one of our fave bridal gown designers, who custom made Jess’ skirt, be sure to check out her Directory listing with us here. She’s just launched a new collection and you don’t want to miss it!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Emma Wand Cinematographer Something Borrowed Films Event Planner & Stylist Wing & A Prayer Stylist & Florist (The Bride) Florist Wing & A Prayer Stylist & Florist (The Bride) & Lovers and Fleurs (Bouquet) Stationery Smitten With Love Ceremony Spring Grove Dairy Kangaroo Valley Reception Upper River Community Hall Kangaroo Valley Catering & Cake Rabbit & Co Caterers Hire Items Simply Seated (Chairs & Cutlery), The Bespoke Linen Co. (Linen), Reso & Co. (Tables), Oak Lab. (Vases), Mineralism (Crystals) Celebrant Rebel Black (Groom’s Sister) & Nerolie Barnes (Legalities) Rings Diamond Emporium Transport Vintage & Classic Car Hire THE BRIDE Top & Head Piece Bo & Luca Custom Skirt Christie Nicole Bridal Bridal Boutique Lovers and Fleurs Robes homebodii Shoes Loeffler Randall Hair & Makeup Rachelle Facelo Bridesmaid Dresses Love Shack Fancy THE GROOM Shirt & Tie Politix Shoes Aquila