Together for just over nine years, the bride admits, “I had a crush on Charles during high school but was always too shy to talk to him. We were paired together on a ride at a show and from that night we were pretty much inseparable.” Add a proposal atop the Eiffel Tower, a two year engagement and you’re up to date. Now scroll down for their gorgeous wedding (not to mention that stunning Made With Love gown) all shot by Lauren Anne Photography…
THE VENUE “Tocal Homestead is located on one a huge property where you have the freedom to walk around and explore, it has a gorgeous homestead, beautiful big barn shed, accommodation, sheep and horses freely roaming around and the reception room had floor to roof glass windows with wooden floors. I have always been a massive lover of trees, so the fig trees in front of the homestead where our ceremony was held was definitely the standout.”
THE THEME “We liked so many little aspects from different themes but going full rustic or glamorous just wasn’t who we are. Once we had the idea of the velvet tablecloths and suit colours we ended up referring to it as rustic/ chic/ vintage/ formal.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “The velvet dark navy tablecloths. We hadn’t seen anything like it before and our jaws dropped when we saw the reception all set up – it was beautiful. We absolutely loved our flowers by WOW Flowers! The boys’ suits and the canapés set-up and our stationery. We had matching place cards, coasters and menus which pulled everything together.”
THE DRESS “My dress was from Made With Love – I wore it with the Chani Veil. I ended up flying to their head office on the Gold Coast with my sister and as soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the dress. The Made With Love experience was absolutely amazing and so professional and I received my dress and veil in the most beautifully wrapped box with a personal note.”
REFERENCES “Hello May Instagram stories (#Q&ASaturday) was extremely useful with different vendors and tips and our venue also had their preferred vendors who had worked there and new the space well, so that made it easy to pick the right vendors. Also Pinterest was really good in the initial planning phase when trying to come up with our theme/ style.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Enjoy and take time to celebrate the engagement period. Go with the style you want and that represents you and your partner. Trust your vendors! They are the experts at this let them guide and help you with the whole process and utilise all the amazing tools out there for inspiration and vision – e.g. Hello May magazine and planners etc will honestly help so much. Also, make sure you have a list of family photo groups and have it handy on the day.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Lauren Anne Photography for capturing all of our special moments, WOW Flowers for creating the most amazing floral arrangements, Gabrielle from Writing With Light Studio for tailoring The Mobile Camera Van to suit our theme and for helping set up the canapé area. Aleisha from Tocal Homestead/ Sprout Catering for honestly being the most helpful vendor with coordinating all of the planning, set-up, pack-up and timings of the day. And Patrick from Peter Jackson for going above and beyond with the suits.”
If you’re looking for more bridal gown inspo, we’ve blogged bucketloads of real brides who are (very happily) wearing Made With Love’s gorgeous creations. Find them here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Lauren Anne Photography Cinematographer Little Ruby Florist WOW Flowers Stationery, Printer & Signage DreamDay Invitations Ceremony & Reception Tocal Homestead Catering & Cake Sprout Catering Cake Topper Jean Hands (Family) Wedding Favours Soupcan (Stubby Coolers) Hire Items Rustic Character (Ceremony Chairs, Arch & Signing Table), The Wedding Designer (Canapés – Vintage Lounges, Rugs, Chairs, Coffee Table, Games) Photo Booth The Camera Van via Writing With Light Studio Entertainment Anyerin Trio via EAO Entertainment Celebrant Gary Reilly Rings Michael Hill Transport Grace Coaches Choreographer Your First Dance Co. Velvet Tablecloths Spotlight THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Made With Love Personalised Coat Hangers PaperAvenueShop via Etsy Robes Homebodii Shoes Boohoo Earrings Lovisa Bracelet Swarovski Hair Meraki Hair Artists (Annie) Makeup Rachael Cassidy MUA Bridesmaid Dresses Forever New THE GROOM Custom Suit Peter Jackson Shoes Connor Grooming Maddie Sonter (Friend)