Planning their blue and white vintage hinterland wedding in just eight months, Brooke and James quickly knew the look and feel of the day they wanted – a little vintage, great location, a dress to twirl in and a custom suit. Above all, they wanted to relax and enjoy their day, cherishing each special experience with family and friends.
Planning Experience
“Knowing that time was going to go by fast, I got myself a wedding planner book and got cracking! Getting organised quickly meant I was able to lock things in almost straight away. With the help of my family and friends, the whole experience was really enjoyable!”
Pre-wedding Highlights
“I loved so much! Going to see different venues was fun and exciting and getting invited to bridal expo nights. The moment we walked into Flaxton Gardens with our parents, we knew it would be the perfect spot for us! If you were to ask James, he’d probably say the menu and cake tasting were the best!”
Finding the Dress
“I always knew that I wanted long lace sleeves and a full skirt. I went to nearly every store in my city…and nothing. There were so many strapless dresses that I could have settled on. But then I heard about Made With Love, an online store, and noticed they offer custom made dresses. So I sketched what I wanted and showed them and they said they could do it! It was risky, because I couldn’t exactly try it on until it was complete and delivered to my door. But I trusted in Carla and went ahead, and could not have been happier!”
Most Important
“That everyone involved would enjoy each step of the planning – mainly my mum and bridesmaids. I was determined not to be a bridezilla! And I really didn’t want it to be a stressful time for James and I.”
Ceremony Styling
“Our ceremony was set in such a beautiful location with an amazing view that I felt it didn’t need too much styling. We used white Tiffany chairs, with a red carpet that had rose petals scattered down either side. On each pillar at the front were two large flower arrangements that matched with our bouquets.”
Bridal Party Styling
“James is rather passionate about suits. He had some suits made in Thailand a couple of years back and was so happy with them. When it came to deciding on his wedding suit, he wanted it made by the same lady. The boys wore matching suits and ties and James had a bow tie to set him apart a little.
I’d always wanted my bridesmaids in white, so it worked out perfectly with the light blue suits – it all looked really fresh.”
Entertaining Guests
“Immediately after the ceremony, there were canapés and music from the string trio playing, and we had a chance to mingle before leaving for photos. At the reception while waiting for us to return, our MC hosted a questionnaire game about us. Each table had to work together to get the most right answers. The winning table got a wine bottle holder each as a prize. Our band was also great entertainment, nearly everyone was up dancing right up until we left.”
Reception Styling
“The reception was in an old winery, so it instantly had character. We kept it fresh with white tables and white Tiffany chairs. Lanterns were placed on wood rounds on the tables, with gold sprayed wine and beer bottles grouped together, each holding a rustic-look flower. Chandelier candles sat on pillars all around the room. The lighting made it feel really warm and romantic. We also made a fairy light curtain draped behind the bridal table.”
Gifts and the Guest Book
“We had jars of honey for everyone, which my brother helped me out with as he does bee keeping on the side. For our guest book, we had pieces of wood for people to write on with gold sharpie pens, and we are going to make a frame to put all the wood discs in.”
Favourite Moments
“Waking up on the morning of the wedding and knowing the day had arrived! Seeing James when I walked in and dancing in my massive dress – spinning was so much fun! Our first dance was another very special moment!”
Wedding Day Vibe
“James and I are a relaxed couple, but when we set out to do something we put our all into it! We wanted the day to be about us being in crazy love, our loving families and our amazing friends!”
Best Advice
“Be organised, and if people offer to help, take them up on it. If there are any hiccups on the big day, there will be a way to fix it, so don’t let it upset you.”
Location: QLD | Photography: Raconteur Photography | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Flaxton Gardens | Gown: Made With Love Bridal | Bridesmaid dresses: A Formal Affair | Suits: Custom made | Celebrant: Rob Harrison | String Trio: The Offenbach Strings | Styling & Stationery: DIY | Flowers: More Than Just Flowers | Cake: The Cheesecake Shop, Wynnum | Transport: Old Skool Kombis