Rachel & Jack's Rich Berry & Navy Rustic Wedding

This relaxed rustic wedding shows that sometimes the best fun and memories happen when plans go awry! Rachel’s retelling of her and Jack’s experience will have you laughing, empathising and having some ‘aha!’ moments for your own planning. (Note to self: Keep pretty bouquets away from hungry animals!)

The Proposal

“Being Valentine’s Day, it was a bit crowded where Jack initially planned to propose over a picnic, so he whisked me back into the car, not letting me eat, before setting up the picnic at South Perth foreshore. Unfortunately for Jack’s poor nerves, someone else had the same plan and proposed right in front of us. Then a cyclist in spandex proceeded to stretch after his evening ride on the bench next to our picnic! Jack still managed to muster up his courage and propose a little while later. I don’t remember much else through the tears!”

Letting Traditions Go

“Early on in our planning, we started off on the traditional route, but it quickly became clear what we didn’t want to do. For example, we agonised over doing a first dance, but in the end we decided to forgo this tradition and do a joint, ‘story of us’ speech instead. I really loved these little moments of realisation where Jack and I threw away caution and decided to do things a bit differently, and for the most part, we were on the same page.”

The Playlist

“For the ceremony, we chose a couple of sentimental songs such as ‘Wait’, by Patrick James for the processional and ‘Welcome Home’, by Radical Face during the registry. For our recessional and during the reception, we went a bit lighter and playful with songs such as a brass band rendition of ‘Sexual Healing’, by the Hot 8 Brass Band and ‘Draw a Crowd’, by Ben Folds. Later in the evening we requested ‘I Wanna Grow Old With You’ (from the Wedding Singer), so we could dance to a bit of a goofy yet romantic tune. We wanted to mix sentimental music with quirky songs we sing along to in the car!”

Bridesmaid Styling

“The girls chose their own bridesmaid dresses from my colour palette, as I wanted them to pick a style they loved and felt comfortable in. Funnily enough, we ended up with two bridesmaids in one style and two in another! It worked well.”

Photo Shoot

“It was nice to have some one-on-one time when Carly took our photos. She made us feel so relaxed and her style is very unobtrusive. Traipsing around the paddock with our bridal party was fun as well, though I got a little too close trying to pat the donkey and he took a bite out of my bouquet!”

Personal Touches

“With the help of Jack’s mum and partner, we put together a DIY photo booth, which was worth the effort from the photos it produced! We also made our own fortune cookie favours with the help of my sister and a fellow bridesmaid, and set up a ‘Date Night Jar’, where guests could jot down their ideas. Now, whenever we have a free Friday night we can pick something from the jar!”

Best Advice

1. Something our florist mentioned that really stuck with me – pick your top five important aspects and allocate your budget accordingly. Our most important were the venue, good food and drink, photos and flowers, so we were willing to spend a little extra there.

2. If you can, delegate before the wedding. If you need help setting up on the day or picking up decorations the day after, ask your family and friends in the week leading up. That way you’re not running around before you hop on a plane trying to do it yourself!

3. Relax! It really is an obvious one and a piece of advice that we received from many married couples before us. The day is over in a snap and we are so lucky to have beautiful photos and memories to remember the day, but it’s also good to try and relax with your guests and your partner, and spend a millisecond breathing it in!

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