Nicole and Tom’s wedding is filled with handmade and heartfelt details, with artisanal touches in all the right places. Their day has a lush botanical feel, with soft olive greenery, stunning white flower bombs and maids in stylish white. Nicole shares some great advice no matter what your wedding day style!
The Planning Experience
“We had only seven months from the day we got engaged to the wedding. At first I thought it could never be enough time, but there was no time to agonise over decisions, so you make them quickly and don’t second-guess yourself.
Being creative, I wanted to really enjoy the planning process – it’s not every day you get to choose beautiful flowers, fabrics and papers. I used a visual diary – it was such fun! I would stick in cut outs from bridal magazines, scrap fabrics and even foliage. A visual diary is so useful in developing the theme and colour palette for your day.”
Finding the Dress
“I had no real idea what to expect, I was a little nervous going along to my first appointment. I had a very set idea as to what the perfect dress would be, but after a couple of hours of trying nearly every dress on, my mind was changed.
It’s definitely a good idea to keep an open mind – what you think you would really like doesn’t always flatter you! If you’re still unsure, have your most honest bridesmaid come along.”
Ceremony Styling
“Our ceremony was held at an older church that already had its own character. The beautiful, vintage hall was set with lace tablecloths, enamel teapots and wooden crates – the ideal setting for a self-catered afternoon tea of scones and finger sandwiches for guests while we were having our photos.”
DIY Projects
“We did loads! It really is satisfying when people compliment the elements of your wedding day that you created yourselves! There’s also the added bonus of giving you and your loved ones a chance to chill out and enjoy each other’s company while you make them.
Armed with foliage from Mum and Dad’s gardens, tin buckets, wooden crates, amber glass jars, terrariums and metres of twine, we decorated the church ourselves. Dad was our DIY extraordinaire, creating our welcome signs and handcrafting wooden blocks to hold our menus.”
Bridal Party Styling
“When comparing the cost of suit hire to purchase, we went for purchase and gifted the suits to the groomsman. Navy blue, white and tan leather were our colour choices for the boys. I wanted my bridesmaids to love their dresses and feel good in them so we chose individual styles while keeping the colour and hemline the same.”
Most Important
“Planning can you make you feel overwhelmed, with a never ending list of things to do and a constant outpouring of money, so it’s not surprising that we become somewhat disillusioned. We reminded ourselves that our wedding day wasn’t all about us. Instead we took the view that it was a day which gave us the opportunity to thank family and friends for the endless love and kindness they had given to us over the years. Holding onto that gave us an abundance of joy and kept us grounded during the lead up.”
Reception Styling
“Zonzo’s had the atmosphere and aesthetics we were after – long oak wood tables, Bentwood chairs and concrete floors. I was also very keen to have hanging flower bombs from early on, and the venue had the perfect ceiling to do it! We kept the table decor simple with amber glass jars, foliage, menus, large wine glasses, herb tied place cards and soft white napkins.
A separate table held bonbonnieres so guests didn’t have to find somewhere to stash them – this also gave them more room. The cake was displayed on a wine barrel, with fairy lights hung across the dance floor. I really do believe it’s the small details that you’re told not to sweat about that count!”
Favourite Moment
“When we stepped back from being the bride and groom, and quietly observed our guests. You can get so caught up in the whirlwind of the day. I didn’t want it to fly past, so I tried when possible to be still, catch my breath and take a mental snap shot of all that was unfolding before my eyes.”
Best Advice
1. Use a visual diary to help you identify your style and stick to a theme.
2. Be organised early on, including down to your menus, place cards, bonbonnieres, etc. Leave very little to the last month, so you can enjoy those few weeks before the day.
3. If particular traditions aren’t you, let them go! We decided not to have an exclusive bridal table as partners of the bridal party are often at a loss for the day. We wanted our groomsmen and bridesmaids to enjoying the evening with their other half – just as we were!
Location Yarra Valley, Victoria | Photography: Sarah Godenzi | Ceremony Venue: Wandin – Seville Uniting Church | Officiant: Pastor Sam Wright | Reception Venue: Zonzo Estate | Flowers: Debbie O’Neill | Cake: Family Friend | Dress: Wendy Makin | Bridesmaid Dresses: Fresh Soul, Elliatt, The Iconic & Revolve | Hair: Margo Orsatti | Makeup: Ashley Hopkins | Groom: Peter Jackson | Music: Meeya Wright Music feat.the Weary Travellers (Ceremony) & The White Tree (Reception) | Gelato Cart: Bianco Latte | Favours: YUM Granola (For Her) & J. Friend & Co Artisan Honey (For Him)