Kelsey and Mark’s vintage-style garden wedding was all about enjoying each moment, and holds some wonderful ideas we can’t wait to share! Pretty and thoughtful details fill their day, from a ceremony drinks station and creative signage to a pin-worthy seating plan display.
The Proposal
“Mark popped the question while we were in Venice. We’d just enjoyed a gondola ride, and decided on a relaxing afternoon watching the sunset in our gorgeous private alley overlooking the water. We were eating pizza and pasta while sipping champagne, and as I turned to him he very smoothly slid off his chair onto one knee and proposed. The afternoon was perfect!”
The Planning Experience
“I really enjoyed the whole experience and found it fun and exciting. Mark and I made all of the big decisions together, like choosing the ceremony and reception venues as well as the photographer, and he left most of the finer details to me. We had incredible vendors who were all really easy to work with, which made the experience that much more enjoyable.”
Mother of the Bride Survival Kit
Jigsaw Pieces: Because you are such an important part of today.
Handkerchief: To wipe away your tears of joy.
Heart: So you know how loved you are by us both.
Marbles: To replace all the ones I helped you lose over the years.
Port: To take the edge off.
Seeds: For all the seeds of wisdom you have sown.
Torch: So you can see just how much you mean to me.
Notebook and Pen: So you can jot down special memories of the day.
Coffee: So you can sit back and relax tomorrow.
Ceremony Styling
“Our ceremony was in a beautiful local garden. A dark timber backdrop was styled with a cluster of lush greenery spilling over the edge and an acrylic ‘Laguna, EST. 2016’ sign. Wine barrels were positioned at the aisle entrance and set with programs and photos of our loved ones who were watching from heaven. We also had a drinks station and a “Be Smitten, Not Bitten” table for guests to use insect repellent.”
Meaningful Music
“We chose songs with lyrics that we could really relate to. The playlist was certainly an aspect of the planning that we worked on together.”
Processional: ‘Latch’ by Boyce Avenue (Acoustic Version)
Signing the Register: ‘I Get To Love You’ by Ruelle and ‘Feels Like Home’ by Chantal Kreviazuk
Reception Entrance: ‘Can’t Stop That Feeling’ by Justin Timberlake
Cake Cutting: ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz
First Dance: ‘Tenerife Sea’ by Ed Sheeran
The Wedding Party
“Mark always wanted to keep it quite traditional in terms of his and his groomsmen’s attire. They wore sharp tailored black suits, with Mark in a tie and the groomsmen in bow ties.
I wanted something romantic and elegant for my bridesmaids. I had always liked the one-shoulder look and we were lucky enough to find the perfect dress! The girls wore blush pink full length dresses with nude heels and rose gold accessories.”
Bridal Style
“I visited the Grace Loves Lace showroom to try on a few gowns and instantly fell in love with the ‘Violet’ gown. The dress was handmade using fine French lace and soft Italian tulle – it was an absolute dream to wear! I paired it with a loosely structured bouquet featuring pale pink stock, dusty pink ranunculus, soft pink David Austin Roses, peach hypericum berry, white garden roses, white lisianthus and deep green foliage.”
Reception Styling
“We wanted a relatively small wedding where guests could mingle and have a great dining experience – the restaurant really helped create that atmosphere. We decided on a square bridal table, allowing it to feel more intimate and less ‘on show’.
An eclectic mix of vintage pink, gold and bronze tealight holders were scattered along the tables and paired with simple floral arrangements set in vintage vases. Pictures from our engagement shoot and our wedding vows decorated the walls. Our unique ‘Find Your Seat’ table was set with a large macramé table runner, crates, flowers and candles. Gold vintage serving trays represented each table number, and held chocolates representing each guest.”
Entertaining Guests
“Prior to our arrival, guests enjoyed canapés on the restaurant’s deck overlooking the river. We put together a ‘Bride or Groom’ quiz, printed on the back of the menus for guests to work through during meals. It was a great ice-breaker, encouraging laughter and of course a few debates! We also hired a DJ so our dance floor was a huge hit once the formalities were over.”
DIY Projects
“I particularly enjoyed the DIY aspect so there were many crafty days and nights leading up to the wedding. We made the invitations, ceremony programs, place card napkin wraps with individual notes for each guest, and all of the signage. Mark’s father made the chicken wire frame for the ‘Find Your Seat’ table. Mark and I also made candles as favours for our guests, which everyone seemed to love!”
Best Advice
1. Hire a wedding stylist – it’s well worth having someone who understands your vision and is able to set up and pack down the ceremony and reception on your special day.
2. Use Instagram and Pinterest for wedding inspiration. It really gets your creative juices flowing.
3. Take a moment as husband and wife to walk down the aisle together and stand where you said your vows, without guests. It was such a special moment for Mark and I, and really allowed us to soak in the fact that we were actually married!
You’ve read their story, now see the film!
Location: Townsville, Queensland | Photography: Ricky Ebel Photography | Film: Hello Blue Productions | Priest: Father Dave Lancini | Ceremony Backdrop: Bossman Furniture | Styling & Prop Hire: Wedding Works Creative | Flowers: Townsville Flower Market | Transport: Campbell’s Classic Holdens | Reception Venue & Catering: A Touch of Salt | Cake: Sharon’s Cuppa Cakes | Stationery & Favours: DIY | Gown: Grace Loves Lace | Bridesmaids: Natasha Millani | Hair: Ministry of Hair | Makeup: Kristin Martin | Suits: Roger David | Rings: Michael Hill | DJ: NQ Sounds