It’s a special moment when your love, family and friends see you in your wedding dress for the first time. Ashleigh’s stunning floral print gown ensured she was the belle of the ball while tying the knot with her dapper groom, Damien. This intimate, woodland-inspired affair is a perfect example of understated elegance done right.
Stress-Free Planning
“We enjoyed every part of planning our special day – apart from the seating plan! Everyone kept asking us if we were stressed while we were planning and we never quite understood. Yes, it got busy, but meeting with all of the people who were making our wedding day vision come to life just added to the anticipation and excitement. We also welcomed our son four months before the day, so we didn’t fuss on shopping around. Once we found the perfect supplier, we locked it in.”
Finding The Dress
“Not much of a traditionalist, I wanted something different. I was searching online long before our engagement, and had in mind to go for a knee length dress. I also searched floral dresses and when the ‘Kaitlyn’ gown by Wendy Makin popped up, it was love at first sight. When we got engaged I took my mum, dad and sister to try on the dress and it was perfect!”
Bridal Party Styling
“I wanted my sister in something that complimented my dress and was cool and comfortable for her to wear. We agreed that navy would be the best colour for the groom and groomsmen. I let my husband organise his groomsman – he has a lot more style than I do!”
Ceremony & Reception
“Our venue is such a beautiful statement in itself, we wanted to celebrate the space. Our florist adorned the Chapel and Stables in a stunning woodland theme which complimented it perfectly. We also gifted each guest with two jars of jam which we had made personally.”
Favourite Moments
“Seeing each other for the first time in the chapel. There’s so much anticipation leading up to that one moment, then you can relax and the fun begins. Our celebrant was incredible, bringing humour and an amazing vibe to the ceremony. We enjoyed what we had planned – catching up with all the people we chose to spend the day with. Then after the day was over, sneaking off into the forest with our photographer and taking photos with our little family.”
Floral Recipe
Succulents, Dusty Miller, Lisianthus, David Austin roses and greenery.
Entertaining Guests
“While the guests were enjoying drinks and canapés, we had a few lawn games and a solo saxophone player, who made the ambience perfect. During the reception The Daedels performed – the trio provided our guests with amazing music to dance to and enjoy.”
Most Important
“Making sure we stayed true to who we are. We never forgot that the day would ultimately be a success if our guests knew it was from the heart. We kept our wedding intimate and relaxed, just our close family and friends celebrating love.”
Best Advice
1. Have a budget, but keep it loose. If you love something, your wedding day is the one day you shouldn’t compromise.
2. Don’t cave into any external pressures of what to do, who to invite or how your day needs to pan out. It’s all about you two.
3. The day will fly by – spend the money on a great photographer so not a moment is missed and you have the beautiful photos to reflect on.
Location: VIC | Photographer: Long Way Home Photography | Venue & Cake: Stones of the Yarra Valley | Celebrant: Jon Von Goes | Gown: Wendy Makin via Brides on Collins | Bridesmaid Dress: Cue | Suits: Oscar Hunt | Flowers: Sugar Bee Flowers | Entertainment: The Daedels