Renee and Dave’s stylish estate wedding takes place in the lush grounds of an historic restaurant in the Hunter Valley. Not wanting to be ‘on show’ throughout their day, this gorgeous couple created a relaxed celebration with great eclectic flair and most importantly, fabulous music and food!
The Planning Experience
“It was pretty cruisy as a whole – we were engaged for just under a year before getting married so we had a lot of time to prepare for it all. The hardest part was at the start when trying to book a venue and book all the suppliers and getting all the different quotes.”
Finding The Dress
“I went with my mum and tried a couple of bridal stores, but was not loving anything too much. Then at Rachael Gilbert in Paddington I scrolled through the rack, saw my dress and just said to my mum, ‘Yep’. I tried it on and the rest was history – the size was just perfect. I took it home with me that day and I couldn’t believe how easy it was. I remember saying to mum, ‘Well that’s that then’.”
Bridal Party Styling
“I knew from the start I wanted the girls in white or a neutral colour, because I always wanted them to have bouquets of fresh greenery which looks great against white! Dave styled his groomsmen – he wanted them to look pretty casual but still stylish and a little quirky.”
The Ceremony
“I made our arbour from large sticks that I collected in the bush. This took a while! I tore all the white calico fabric and tied it on. I also made our aisle ropes that were from long string with more torn white calico tied to it and then pegged into the ground. This took ages too, but well worth it in the end.”
Favourite Moments
“Seeing Dave for the first time on the day as I was walking down the aisle with my dad, it looked like he was going to burst with excitement as I got closer. The moment my mum gave me a diamond necklace while getting ready for the day brought tears to my eyes. And the short minute where dad and I walked down the aisle and had what seemed like the most calming little conversation about where we were and what we were doing at that moment.”
The Reception
“The venue was so beautiful we didn’t have to do much to it. We instantly fell in love when we first saw it. The high pitched roof and exposed beams sold us! I wanted fresh, wild florals and a stylish setting. Circa 1876 provided that. I wanted the flowers looking as if just picked from a garden.
The reception was made up of four long tables. All had amber bottles which I collected with greenery and flowers, as well as glass jars with tea candles. We wanted people to feel like it was one huge family dinner.”
The Music
“We had a band who literally rocked the dance floor! Neither of us are traditional or wanted a traditional style wedding, so we wanted something fun for our first dance and kicked it off with, ‘I Feel Good’ by James Brown.”
Best Advice
1. Don’t worry about the small things that don’t go to plan. People won’t notice it.
2. Make sure at some point in the night you and your partner just stop and look and take it all in. It goes so quickly. Someone gave us that advice and we made sure we did it.
3. Don’t worry about feeling like you have to go and speak to each person. They will come to you, just stay relaxed and enjoy it.
Location: Hunter Valley, New South Wales | Photography: Kieran Moore Photography | Venue: Circa 1876 | Celebrant: Victoria Langham, A Beautiful Day | Flowers: The Sisters | Gown: Rachel Gilbert | Bridesmaids: Sheike | Flower Girl: Stevie & Me | Makeup: Jes O’Brien | Groom & Groomsmen: MARCS | Band: Secondhand The Band