After meeting on a two year working holiday in Canada, Jess and Brett planned their beautiful DIY country wedding – with a lot of help from family and friends in true rural spirit! We love the mix of DIY and designer details, including gorgeous free-form bouquets and relaxed home catering.
The Planning Experience
“It was so much fun as it was pretty much a DIY wedding, so lots of planning and preparation. We wanted an informal wedding to be held at home in the garden and for it to be simple, fabulous and relatively inexpensive. We wanted to feel relaxed and really enjoy our day – for it to be a celebration of our relationship that we could share with our family and friends.”
Meaningful Music
“We both really wanted a Beatles song to be played at some point during the ceremony, as Brett’s parents’ wedding song had been from the Beatles. So when the ceremony was complete, we walked down the aisle together to “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.”
Capturing Memories
“It was nice to have some time together amongst all the excitement and we had so much fun with the bridal party having photos done. As Brett is a keen cyclist, a navy blue vintage bike adorned with a basket of agapanthus and greenery was a fabulous addition to many of the beautiful photos.”
Bridal Party Styling
“I picked the navy gowns for the bridesmaids, who then found their own shoes and jewellery. The bridesmaids chose their hairstyles and makeup in consultation with the stylists, and they all looked beautiful.”
Setting the Scene
“One of my favourite parts was having the bridal party come to the house for the rehearsal the afternoon before. They were followed by friends, family and neighbours dropping by and spontaneously pitching in to set up the garden for the ceremony and reception tables at the hall. Everyone played a part in making the setting so special.
We tried to capture the feel of a long table country lunch for the reception. Two of mum’s lovely friends worked behind the scenes to ensure all the food was presented to the guests. The champagne and beer flowed all afternoon, with the home brew containing the secret ingredient of fresh hops grown on the neighbour’s property at the Kalgan. This was a big hit with the boys!”
Sweet Treats
“Cute little recycled jars decorated with calico and jute were filled with marmalades, jams and chutneys made with fruit grown on the property. Our cake was chocolate almond with chocolate ganache – a tried and trusted family recipe made by my mum and I using nine times the recipe! It was garnished with fresh berries and pansies and topped with white roses.”
Best Advice
1. Relax and enjoy the day, it goes so quickly.
2. Do some things yourself and get your friends and family involved – it makes the day extra special and lets everyone feel like they’ve made a contribution.
3. Remember that the day is about the two of you and not about putting on a show for the guests.
Location: Albany, Western Australia | Photography: Mad Love Nation | Venue: Kalgan Hall | Celebrant: Linda James | Flowers: Riverdale Farm | Prop Hire: Albany Event Hire | Gown & Headpiece: Anna Campbell | Bridesmaids: Jadore | Hair & Makeup: The Temple Spa | Groom: Peter Jackson | Groomsmen Suit Hire: Black Tie Classic