Can you have a wedding that feels formal and relaxed at the same time? Chloe and Sam’s vintage homestead celebration seems to strike that perfect balance. Featuring exquisite florals and elegant bridal party styling in ruby red and black, this couple’s joyful smiles light up their day. Chloe’s tip for not missing a minute of fun with your guests might just change the way you think about your wedding day timeline!
Planning Experience
“I really enjoyed planning our wedding and although it was all done interstate, our suppliers were fantastic to deal with and it wasn’t an issue at all. Creating a beautiful, fun and laid-back atmosphere for our guests and ourselves was most important.
It was about eleven months from when we were engaged to getting married, so I think allowing plenty of time helped. I loved planning colour schemes and tasting wines. Funnily enough, choosing the bridesmaids’ dresses was the hardest part!”
Finding the Dress
“I went wedding dress shopping with Mum and my bridesmaids. It was quite an overwhelming experience and I definitely needed a wine at the end of the day! We thought we’d found ‘the one’ at the first appointment, but at our last stop we spotted the gown that just ticked all of my boxes. Its neckline was a little risqué for my taste but the designer was happy to adjust it to suit – I loved it then and I love it now! I think I’ll love it forever! It’s a classic style.”
Meaningful Music
Dad loves Moody Blues so we surprised him by playing, ‘Your Wildest Dreams’ as he and Mum walked me down the aisle.
Sam loves Oasis so we played an incredible acoustic version of ‘Champagne Supernova’ while we signed the marriage certificate.
‘Hypnotize’ by Biggie Smalls was the recessional.
Our first dance song was ‘You Get What You Give’ by New Radicals, which Sam decided on and was perfect to get everyone up on the dance floor.
Bridal Party Styling
“My beautiful bridesmaids were so accommodating they would have worn anything for me! But I wanted them in something they loved. We went dress shopping one day and found the one – they looked absolutely incredible!
Sam decided straight up that he wanted tails for the wedding so the boys sorted themselves out quite easily!”
Entertaining Guests
“We organised for guests to travel on buses so they could really let their hair down! We also did first look and bridal party photos before the ceremony, so that when the guests arrived we could spend the whole day together. There was champagne on arrival, and immediately after the ceremony we all enjoyed canapés on the verandah before wandering down to the reception. I love that we did this as the whole vibe was fantastic and seamless.”
The Reception
“We really utilised what the venue had to offer. Polished concrete floors, exposed stonework and wooden beams gave it warmth with a few strings of fairy lights. I made the bonbonnieres, which I was so happy with! I collected vintage cutlery, like pate knives, teaspoons, etc. and bought a metal stamping kit. Then I stamped all of the cutlery with ‘S C Ward’ and our guests took them home to put in their cutlery drawers!”
Best Advice
1. Do a first look. It eases the nerves and frees you up to spend time with everyone after the ceremony.
2. Record the speeches – you’ll want to relive them!
3. Only invite the people who would give anything to be there for you. The smaller the guest list, the more intimate and less stressful!
Location: Kingsford, South Australia | Photography: Lucinda May Photography | Venue: Kingsford Homestead | Celebrant: Camille Abbott | Coordination & Catering: Hand Made Catering | Hire: Vintage Scene Hire | Flowers: Barossa Vintage Florist | Gown: ‘Azalea’ by Innocentia from Raffinato Bridal | Bridesmaids: Alani by Jadore | Hair & Makeup: Sarah Craker Weddings | Suits: Suits Formal Wear