Engaged on their 11-year anniversary, Sarah and James’ Margaret River wedding was inspired by an intimate garden party, “where the overall vibe was one of warmth and connection,” says the bride. “Emma MacAulay, our photographer, said it best when she said ‘the small, intimate wedding that just felt like a big hug’.” LOVE it! The couple not only had the good sense to enlist the wonderful Emma for their day of days, but they also killed it in the fashion stakes. Sarah rocked the Karen Willis Holmes Shelby gown, while James opted for a green Theodore suit, with a bow tie from our pals at Peggy and Finn. Twas’ a magic celebration all round, scroll on down to see for yourself…
THE VIBE “Instead of adhering to a specific theme, we focused on creating a personal and meaningful experience for ourselves and our guests. We decided to forgo traditional placecards and, instead, wrote handwritten love letters to each of our guests. These letters were a heartfelt way of expressing our gratitude for having such incredible people in our lives. Throughout the day, we strived to incorporate similar personalised touches because we believed they would make our celebration truly special for both us and our loved ones. Ultimately, our wedding was a reflection of our deep love and appreciation for the extraordinary people who have touched our lives.”
THE DRESS “Armed with a Pinterest board full of ideas, I ventured out with my mum, thinking a simple slip dress might be my ideal choice. As it turned out, that idea didn’t resonate with me at all, and I had a mini style crisis. But after a comforting pit stop for falafels, we found ourselves at Karen Willis Holmes for an appointment. There, we were warmly greeted by Victoria, who quickly got up to speed with my wedding vision. Instead of pressuring me, she encouraged me to have some fun and try on a few random styles. And then, it happened. Victoria disappeared into the back and reappeared with Shelby in tow. It was the dress. They weren’t kidding when they said you’d know when you found ‘the one’. Shelby was elegant and timeless, and to add a touch of flair, we decided on a mesh skirt overlay that perfectly matched our aesthetic. It was a surreal experience, one that transformed a day I had been dreading into an unforgettable highlight that I’ll cherish forever.”
THE SUIT “I really wanted a dark green suit, which was extremely difficult to find. I hadn’t been picky with anything in the whole wedding planning process, but it was the one thing I really wanted and I stuck to my guns. It took a long time searching because no-one seemed to have quite the right colour. Eventually, I found the perfect one with THDR. I ordered through the THDR app which took my measurements utilising the phone’s camera and amazingly, it fit perfectly.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Our caterer Supper Road truly over-delivered with what they served up. The food was next level and despite being entirely plant-based, there wasn’t a single person who didn’t think the food was amazing.And our photographer Emma MacAulay was mind-blowingly good.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Always keep in mind that it’s a day to celebrate you and your future spouse. It’s easy to get swept up in the ever-changing trends that come and go like fleeting fashion statements. Prioritise what truly matters to you and your partner. Instead of blindly following trends that dominate social media, focus on what makes your relationship special and unique.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “After the ceremony we snuck away for photos up at Mt Duckworth with Emma. This was a spot that we had cycled up previously (both Sarah and I being keen cyclists). I vividly remember saying many many years ago, a throw away line on a ride up there that when we got married in dunsborough we’d have to go up there to get photos. The intimate time alone up there was amazing in such a hectic day and the photos speak for themselves as they are truly breathtaking.”
If you’re a West Oz or NT bride currently on the hunt for an epic photographer, be sure to check out more of Emma MacAulay’s gorgeous pics on our directory here; if you’re as obsessed with Sarah’s Karen Willis Holmes gown, head here; if you noticed James and his groomsmens’ stylish ties (how could you not?) courtesy of Peggy and Finn, you can hit them up here, or if it’s his suit you’re loving, get in touch with Theodore here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Emma Macaulay Event Planner & Stylist Sarah Fowler Florist Zinnia Floral Designs Stationery Starfish Lane Ceremony & reception venue Solitaire Homestead Catering & food trucks Supper Road, Simmo’s Ice Creamery Dancefloor Cape Events Neon Sign Maisey Collections Lighting Hire Southern Light Event Sound Hire & Entertainment South Sound Events Celebrant Confetti Days Rings Novita Diamonds, Kavalri THE BRIDE Bridal gown & veil Karen Willis Holmes Accessories Linney’s Hair Bridey from Dale James Makeup Brittany Mason Fragrance Aesop Marrakech Bridesmaid dresses Shona Joy THE GROOM Suit Theodore Shirt M.J. Bale Tie Peggy and Finn Cufflinks Cuffed Shoes R.M. Williams Watch Longines Barber His Lid Groomsmen suits Connor Socks Peggy and Finn