Real Weddings

Article by

Tess McIntosh

Posted on

11/12/2023

Posted in

Real Weddings

There’s not many gowns that stop us dead in our tracks, but Sarah’s beautiful and whimsical Rue De Seine number did just that. Together with James’ dapper forest green suit, they make one stylish couple, and that extends to every element of their epic love-fest in the Hunter Valley. Despite the day turning out to be absolutely immaculate with the help of bride glam squad Chic Artistry, Sarah admits the lead-up to the wedding was at times stressful, but once they said their vows, “we knew we were exactly where we were meant to be,” the bride shares. “We both consider ourselves extremely lucky and blessed to have found each other.” That’s what we like to hear! The talented Bonnie from Lilly At Dawn was there to catch it all on camera, and this is one you’re going to wanna take a look at…

THE PROPOSAL “We held a Baby-Q to celebrate the upcoming arrival of our baby boy Finn. At the event, James gathered our family and friends around to say a thankyou, and as we made a toast I sipped from my glass only to find a ring in the bottom! He got down on one knee and proposed to me in front of all our family and friends… it was beautiful.”

THE VIBE “I wanted to work the theme around my dress and the venue… floral yet rustic and a bit boho with a classic romantic twist. I love greens and oranges – the earthy colours really made the colour palette for me.”

THE DRESS “My dress was by NZ designer Rue De Seine – all her dresses are stunning. I always knew when that day came I would be wearing one of her dresses. I tried on so many and fell in love with them all, but I decided on my dress because I felt light and free in it. I loved that it wasn’t basic white, that it had florals all through it and that it fell beautifully off my shoulders.”

MEMORABLE MOMENTS “Many many moments! Too many to recount! It was beautiful seeing my son in his suit come into the bridal suite when I had just put my dress on; and it was magical walking down the aisle and seeing my husband cry. For James, he said I was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen and having our son Finn run down the aisle while waiting for me to arrive and head butt his crotch was a little funny moment for everyone.”

A TOUCH OF TRADITION “I lost my mother not long before the wedding so it was important to me that we had a special place with her photo and a candle lit in her memory. I know she was there with us on the day though I felt her all around and I know how much she would have loved every colour and fine detail I had picked to work everything in together.”

A WORD OF ADVICE “Make sure you get a solid photographer who can capture the day exactly how you remember it and that has an eye for seeing the moments you’re too caught up to notice sometimes! Our photographer Bonnie from Lilly At Dawn was sensational – we are honoured she was there to help keep those memories for us forever. Her eye for creativity was spectacular. ”

STANDOUT VENDORS “Rachael Lee Beauty and Chic Artistry for making myself and my bridemaids feel absolutely beautiful. Peter Bray for owning the celebrant and MC role and making us all feel chill and set a funny and chill vibe for the day! And, of course, our band The Limited Edition Band for the endless hours of music – everyone couldn’t stop talking about the band! Ohh I wish we could do it all again!”

Looking for your own dream team in the Hunter Valley? Head to our directory for a hit list, including Sarah and James’ fabulous photographer Lilly at Dawn, who you can get in touch with here, and makeup artist extraodinairres Chic Artistry here.