When we put the hard word on Sue and James about what marriage means, they responded with a quote that resonated with them, and now us too. “’A good marriage is one where each partner secretly suspects they got the better deal.’ This is how we’ve always felt about each other, marriage just made that deal legally binding.” It’s a goodie, right? No surprises then that their big day was a fun-filled lovefest, nailing the ‘cosy and simple’ brief. “I love all things with a country farmhouse/cottage look to it,” Sue told us.
Paris Hawken snapped these sweet-as-pie nups, complete with a miniature pony named Pablo in the bridal party. Guys, a pony! It’s everything you hope it will be and more. Scroll down to see…THE VENUE “When James and I first visited The Tiller Farm it was pouring rain and at the start of construction, it was just a concrete pad in a paddock, but we loved their vision to build a modern English barn overlooking the rolling hills and facing the sunset.”
FAVE DEETS “My friend’s miniature pony, Pablo, was part of the bridal party – he wore a mini pack saddle with baskets full of dried rose petals on each side. While we signed the marriage certificate the guests lined both sides of the aisle, as Pablo was led past everyone took a handful of petals to throw during the recessional. He took his job very seriously and aside from a few nibbles of the bouquets, was perfectly behaved.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Planned for only James and I to leave the venue for some photos taken at a nearby olive grove. This was a really valued part of the day for us to step out from the spotlight, catch our breath and have some time for just the two of us.”
DIY “I grew and dried the flowers for the bouquets and arbour, my shed was filled with drying racks full of delphiniums, larkspur and strawflowers for months. It was a really rewarding process with lots of trial and error. Anything I grew that didn’t dry well became fresh flowers for the tables so nothing was wasted. My family and a few friends helped put the vases of flowers together the day before the wedding. None of us are florists but figured we would work it out as we went – it was really special looking at the tables and seeing each of their creations.”
THE DRESS “The extent of my dress shopping was scrolling through Instagram with a glass of wine. I wanted something simple and modern but with a nod to classic vintage. I gravitated towards Spanish designers and natural fabrics, when I stumbled across Cortana I knew I’d stuck gold. I sent my measurements and eight weeks later my skirt, top and veil were on their way. I had a few minor alterations done when it arrived, but couldn’t have been happier with the quality of the fabric and construction”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Paris, our photographer, was nothing short of incredible, her wedding guide really helped our planning process and she brought such a sense of calm to our day.”
Sue and James’ wedding was originally featured in our 2021 Real Wedding Special, and because our readers are so fab, we’re currently treating you all to a free copy when you purchase Real Wedding Special Volume 8 – just remember to add both to cart and use the discount code DOUBLETROUBLE at the checkout! But first…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Paris Hawken Photography Stationery Born In Paper
Ceremony & Reception The Tiller Farm Catering Tiller Dining Hire Items Hire in Style Signage Pearly Paper Design via Etsy Bouquet Ribbons Frou Frou Chic Entertainment DJ Aslan Celebrant Joan Strikwerda Rings Mazzucchelli’s (bride), Thomas Meihofer (groom) Getting Ready Accommodation Bottlebrush Cottage in Yallingup via Stayz THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Cortana Shoes Castaner Hair Cinco Hair Boutique Bridesmaids Dresses Flannel THE GROOM Suit Rodd & Gunn Shirt Uniqlo Shoes R.M. Williams Groomsmens Suits Rodd & Gunn THE KIDS Flower Girl Dress Appleberry Lane