Sarah and Lewis celebrated their fifth anniversary with a gorg garden wedding, hosted at Lewis’ childhood home within picturesque regional Victoria. Sure, the planning journey had a few stressful detours, including a career shift and rebuilding their family home following devastating floods. But nothing was going to distract this super chill pair from pulling off the relaxed and romantic backyard bash they had always envisioned. “We are both pretty laid-back and just wanted to celebrate our love and have heaps of fun (with lots of dancing and booze)!”
Sarah was elegance-defined in a Grace Loves Lace gown and the couple made the excellent choice of enlisting Ali from Smith + Archer for their wedding album, which we’re sharing with you below. Ok, enough beating around the bush; scroll on to see Sarah and Lewis’ loved-up day!
THE PROPOSAL “Lewis, Sonny (our son), Charlie (our beautiful groodle) and I were away in Rye for our four-year anniversary. We were staying at a nice little Airbnb for the weekend at the beach. Our home had not long flooded, and we were living with my in-laws, so it was a much-needed weekend away. It was our first night there, and we were enjoying a drink and some fish and chips in the backyard. I was playing DJ and asked the boys if they had any song requests and turned around to Lewis saying he had a request. He was down on his knee with my ring in his hand, asking me to marry him. It was a beautiful, relaxed, very cheeky surprise (as is Lewis’ way), and so very special that it was on our anniversary.”
THE VENUE “Getting married at Lewis’ parents’ house was always our preferred option. Lew’s mother, Rhonda, has the most gorgeous garden, which we knew would make for the most stunning venue. Plus, you can’t beat a relaxed garden wedding, which was the vibe we were after. Getting married where Lewis grew up was really special to us.”
THE DRESS “My dress was Oceania by Grace Loves Lace. I went to [two bridal stores in] Melbourne with my sister and mum. I really liked three dresses but didn’t love any of them the way I expected too. I had been looking at Stillwhite for an affordable second-hand dress and stumbled across Oceania. I decided to risk it for the biscuit and buy it second-hand without ever trying it on before. It arrived and fitted perfectly and was exactly what I was after. It was meant to be!”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “Doing the first look with Lewis and Sonny before the wedding. It was a very tearful moment seeing my two boys together, looking so handsome, waiting for me. I was so glad we did this before the wedding as it was so special to have some time to ourselves before the wedding and to get some big emotions out prior to getting married.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Did an at-home wedding. Our wedding kicked on until 5am the next day which is exactly what we hoped for! Lots of fun and that our guests didn’t have to leave.”
MARRIAGE MEANS “Our biggest commitment was always starting a family, which we did three years ago. Marriage really hasn’t changed much for us, but it was a special way to celebrate what we have achieved together so far and what we plan to do in the future.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Ali (Smith + Archer), our photographer! When she arrived at my door, I gave her a hug and it honestly felt like we had known each other for years as we had been talking so much prior to the day. Ali was so organised and chill throughout the day and made us both feel really comfortable, which was super important as we both don’t love photos. Also, Toli, our muso. He was sooooo much fun and so accommodating. He was the fun, relaxed vibe after and we had so many people comment on how incredible and versatile he was!”
We could swoon over these sweet snaps from Smith + Archer all day. Check out more of their work and say ‘hey’ here. While you’re at it, you’ll definitely want to browse more gorgeous gowns from Grace Loves Lace, and get inspired by these spring styling ideas that are oh-so-perfect for a garden wedding.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Smith + Archer Cinematographer Media Works By Alex Florist Byrants Buds Venue Family property Catering Harvest Taste by Michelle Cake Maker Sweet Peach Hire Items & Lighting Bang Event Co Signage Bendigo Backdrops Entertainment Life Of The Party Toli Celebrant Amore by Kristin Rings Windfall Jewellery (Sarah) & White Shadow Jewellery (Lewis) Audio Guest Book Off The Hook THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Grace Loves Lace Veil Madame Tulle Shoes Pink Inc Accessories Bianc Hair Kristie Hedington Makeup Makeup by Ky THE GROOM Suit, Suspenders, Bow Tie & Cufflinks Joe Paul Menswear Shoes R.M. Williams Groomsmen Suits Joe Paul Menswear