Dominique and Cody have been inseparable since their first date and planned an epic knot-tying party that skipped the seriousness! Their chic romantic wedding is a natural beauty, starting with an emotional ceremony in a petal-strewn sandstone chapel, followed by a spectacular garland-draped reception complete with cheeky photo booth, knockout dessert display and firework finale.
The Planning Experience
“We really enjoyed our wedding planning experience. I had everything already pictured in my head from the biggest things like my dress down to cutlery. We were extremely organised and had everything in place very early in the process. We loved meeting all the vendors, and felt like we had a really good connection with each of them – they gave the relaxed vibe that we were really seeking. Least favourite to organise would have been the table seating!”
The Ceremony
“We had a gorgeous installation of fresh flowers outside the chapel, hanging from the beam at the entrance with a timber sign. Inside the chapel we kept it minimal with green foliage, white ribbon lining the aisle and the timber flooring scattered with rose petals.”
Bridal Party Styling
“This was difficult! Being winter we wanted the girls to be warm and struggled to find anything suitable as we didn’t want the standard bridesmaid dress. After months of searching my girlfriend found the dresses! We paired them with black shoes and black ribbons to give it the winter feel. The boys’ suits were then very simple – all black and sharp to match!”
Finding the Dress
“I had pictured the ideal dress, it was to be long sleeved, with a low back and lace. I really didn’t want to go to a thousand shops and try on a thousand dresses, so I went to one boutique. I was very happy to find almost what I wanted but it was sleeveless. The ladies were extremely accommodating and fitted sleeves to make it my perfect dress.”
The Reception
“One of the reasons we chose the venue was due to the timber beams! We had them covered in foliage and flowers. Guest tables were round with grey tablecloths and two different styles of decorations, paired with grey stationary and lots of candles. We also had a very beautiful and delicious desert table. The patio of the room backed onto the golf course where we had candles, flowers and fairy lights throughout.”
Personal Touches
“We hired houses located around the golf course to stay in the night before with our families and bridal party. I really enjoyed waking up and having those moments with my loved ones and friends. We gave everyone gifts for the day and just really made the most of it. A good friend of ours was MC – it was really lovely being able to incorporate him into the day and have someone who knew us running the evening.”
Meaningful Music
“The music was a really fun part of our wedding. We had multiple car trips picking the perfect songs! I walked down the aisle to “Wherever You Will Go” by Charlene Soraia, our first dance was to “You and Me” by Lifehouse and my favourite! Our entrance into the reception was “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber, which we found fun and a bit of a laugh.”
Best Advice
“Relax and take in every moment. Remember you only get this day once so enjoy it!”
The Team
Location: New South Wales | Photography: Alex Jackson Photography | Venue: Chateau Elan, Hunter Valley | Officiant: Weddings With Jules | Styling: Piccolo and Poppi | Flowers: Two Hearts Club | Invitations: Paper Minx | Envelope & Jacket Calligraphy: Xela Studio | Cake: Paper and Poppies | Transport: Princess Classic Cars | Fireworks: Ka-Boom Fireworks | Wedding Dress: Pronovias from Brides by Francesca | Bridesmaids: Thurley | Makeup: Stacey McPherson | Hair: Kristen Wells | Suits: M.J. Bale