After getting engaged in the romantic Italian city of Venice, Steph and Marty set about planning their dream day while still living overseas. And despite never having seen the Food and Wine Conservatory located in the Tassie town of Sassafrass, they knew it was the one. “We actually didn’t see any venues in person,” admits Steph. “But the Conservatory was exactly what we were looking for – the plants, the arched windows, the baby grand piano.” The pair then called up some of the best in the biz to make their shindig totally epic – cue Bonnie Jenkins on photos and Forever Soles for those perfect dance-all-night-long shoes.
THE INSPO “An intimate summer party in a bygone era in the middle of nowhere. And if the groom was a merman (we didn’t set out to have so many aquatic elements in the table settings but it just kind of happened!). I love bright colours, especially reds, and Marty loves all shades of brown; we wanted the style to be representative of both of our favourite things.”
DIY “We did all of the styling ourselves so we spent months sourcing vintage vases and brassware for the table settings (and hours polishing brass!) as well as a pair of tiger cane stands for the ceremony flowers. Also, we turned the acrylic place cards into fridge magnets for our guests.”
THE DRESS “I went shopping with my mum first and wasn’t feeling anything – everything felt either too simple or too detailed for me. So I went online and found the stunning Rara Avis dresses on Etsy. It was very nerve-racking ordering a dress made-to-measure online that I couldn’t return, but it was perfect – it fit like a glove and was even more beautiful in person. I loved the beading on the bodice, the ribbons at the back, and the little details of colour that you can only see up close.”
WE’RE REALLY GLAD WE… “had a smaller number of guests, and that we catered with the food that we wanted rather than what we thought guests would expect. It was an Indian-inspired fully vegetarian banquet and all of the food was absolutely delicious.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Abbey of Aster Studio created the bouquet of my dreams from the fairly vague brief that I gave her (it was like she read my mind), and she created the most stunning ceremony and table arrangements. And as you can see, Bonnie Jenkins’ pictures are pure magic!”
For pics as phenom as these, check out Bonnie Jenkins Photography’s directory listing, and if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect pair of big-day shoes, take a squiz Forever Soles.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Bonnie Jenkins Florist Aster Studio Stationery Villa Studio Ceremony & reception venue Tasmanian Food and Wine Conservatory Catering & cake Nomad Global Kitchen Entertainment Django’s Tiger Celebrant Janelle Wilson – Marry Me Tasmania Rings Melanie Katsalidis Flower girl and pageboy outfits Linen Little Stories THE BRIDE Bridal gown designer Rara Avis Bridal Boutique Salon Kuraje via Etsy Shoes Forever Soles Reception dress Bariano Hair Hair by Marjorie Mayfair Fragrance Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Bridesmaid dresses HVN THE GROOM Suit Studio Suits Shirt Anthony Squires Tie Orwell & Browne Shoes Crockett & Jones Groomsmen suits Hawes and Curtis