When an invitation prefaces the wedding with the words “let’s get cactus”, you know it’s going to be one helluva party. That it certainly was at Lauren and Aiden’s ‘Tacos & Tequila’ themed day – complete with tequila shots during the ceremony – and (literally) nothing was going to rain on their parade. Gathering an ultimate vendor squad with Corinna and Dylan behind the lens, a stunning gown from Mrs Fray and swanky suit from M.J. Bale, Bryants Buds arranging the blooms, Bang Event Co supplying the groovy hire items, and Baker Boys Band providing the party tunes, this is one not to be missed. So scroll on, friends!
THE VENUE “Our first ever overseas journey together was to the US, which included a road trip through Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Anza-Borrego, The Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Reno, and much of California, Nevada, and Arizona. So a lot of that trip was spent driving through the desert, looking at not much more than cacti, large rock formations, distant mountains, and blue skies. We always dreamed of returning to that part of the world to get married, but we found a much more convenient location right here in Australia: Cactus Country.”
THE INSPO “The theme for our wedding was ‘Us. You. Tacos. Tequila.’ As well as tying in thematically with our desert-like location, ‘Taco Tuesday’ has always been a regular event in Lauren’s family household and tacos would be Lauren’s ‘last meal’ request. It seemed only natural to make tequila and frozen margaritas flow all day and night!”
FAVE DEETS “The bold colours of the flowers from Bryants Buds provided a beautiful contrast with the cactus garden and also looked right at home in the brightly coloured Cactus Country restaurant.”
THE DRESS “I initially found inspiration for my dress based on a Las Vegas elopement, where the bride wore head-to-toe sequins with bright pink hair and Converse shoes. My search for sequins led me to Rachel Gilbert, who had a stunning, long silver gown, which was exactly what I was after. I knew that would be a second look for me, and I had my eye on a dress from Rebecca Vallance, which I saw on Instagram. I tried on multiple dresses at Mrs Fray in Canberra as they were able to get many dresses in for me, including the one from Rebecca Vallance. After sleeping on the decision, I realised that bow and the dress itself were exactly what I wanted.”
THE SUIT “I did a lot of searching for a more formal look for the ceremony before stumbling across a jacket by M.J. Bale. The black jacket had a faint paisley pattern and thick stitching and just seemed to have a very desert feel to me. I knew it was the thing I’d wear as soon as I saw it.”
LITTLE LOL “After months of checking the weather forecast and believing it would be a dry day, the forecast on the actual day predicted rain, which was set to arrive at the same time as our ceremony. We can laugh about it now, but at the time it seemed like a disaster! We also had many funny moments that you’d get at any event involving free tequila shots, particularly regarding the guests who decided to go for a nighttime wander in the cactus gardens.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Our photographers, Corinna and Dylan, were huge in adding to the energy of the event and we’ll always cherish the memories they captured, especially because we opted to go without a videographer. They also helped us remain calm when the rain set in and they were extremely flexible when it came to shifting things around due to the delay. Baker Boys Band were also so talented and knew exactly what songs to play at every stage throughout the fiesta.”
Wanna book a few of the incredible peeps that made the day happen for yourself? Head to our handy dandy Directory to get in touch with Corinna & Dylan, Mrs Fray, M.J. Bale, Bryants Buds, Bang Event Co and Baker Boys Band. But before you do…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Corinna & Dylan Florist Bryant’s Buds Stationery DIY, Weddings By Zoe Printer VistaPrint, EasySigns Ceremony & Reception Cactus Country Catering Pinchos Cake & Desserts Paper Cake Cake Topper Prim and Party via Etsy Favours Sunflour Cookie Co Hire Items Bang Event Co Signage DIY, Sculpt Neon Signs Entertainment Baker Boys Band Celebrant Sarah Marie Celebrancy Rings Michael Hill Transport Friend, Baldwins Buses THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Rebecca Vallance Bridal Boutique Mrs Fray Reception Gown Rachel Gilbert Pyjamas Nasty Gal Shoes Steve Madden, Converse Accessories Brie Leon (earrings), Lovisa (earrings), by charlotte (bracelet), Najo (bracelet) Hair Hair by Serena Lee Makeup Moore Beauty Co Fragrance Lancôme Bridesmaid Dresses Bec + Bridge Bridesmaid Shoes Country Road THE GROOM Suit M.J. Bale Reception Suit ASOS Shirt Politix Party Shirt M.J. Bale Bow Tie Devil’s Advocate Cufflinks Jewlr Shoes Aquila Watch Mathey-Tissot Grooming Growth Salon Groomsmen Suits M.J. Bale Groomsmen Bolo Ties DIY, Lovisa