Harriet and Mike’s gorgeous winter hinterland wedding shows the stunning results of a well prepared Plan B! Despite the downpour, they collaborated with local talent to create an experience that was still everything they dreamed. Don’t miss the spectacular florals, scrumptious cake and stylish DIY touches.
The Planning Experience
“We enjoyed the experience of looking through Instagram for inspiration, which led us to find most of our suppliers. The least enjoyable part was trying to keep family happy as we wanted a small intimate wedding.”
Finding The Dress
“I chose a dress that was hidden in the bridesmaid section of a bridal store. It reminded me of my Portuguese grandma’s crocheting and I instantly loved it. When I tried it on it was flattering and stretchy, so it was a win-win!” Harriet wore a beautiful floral crown of mixed flowers, ferns, berries and baby capsicum buds to compliment her gown.
Ceremony Styling
“We had hoped it wouldn’t rain on the day as the ceremony space we chose was outside near the cows! But it was the wettest day ever with 100km/hr winds, so Plan B was to have it on the balcony. I asked our florist to make a foliage garland to get married underneath that could then be moved to the bridal table.”
Entertaining Guests
“Ziggy Alberts was such a good choice for our entertainment! So down to earth, extremely talented and happy – he made it really personal. Ziggy played his own song for me to walk down the aisle called, ‘Days In The Sun’. I thought this was fitting due to the torrential rain on the day! Our first dance was to ‘The Wedding Song’ by Angus & Julia Stone, which we found easy to dance to, given our inability!”
Bridesmaid Style
“I gave the girls a brief of navy and knee length – they showed me what dresses they liked and I approved it. I wanted them to have their own style and a dress they’d wear again, so it wasn’t a waste of money.”
Sweet Treats
“Favours were chocolate truffles made by my mum, who also made most of the desserts – Mason jar tiramisu, sticky date pudding and almond shortbread cookies.” Their cake was a five layer, pink pavlova topped with mixed berries, pansies, violets and macarons.
DIY Projects
“Lots! I knew it would be cold, so I organised hand-crocheted blankets to keep our guests warm. All the signage was hand written by me, and the lights amongst the foliage over the reception tables were made with string lights and glass jewellery boxes! Place cards were cheap children’s animal figurines that I spray painted, with names typed on our vintage typewriter attached. I also typed famous poems about love and friendship to place on the napkins, which gave such a nice individual and personal touch.”
The Guest Book
“Our guest book wall was made by Mike. I pegged up everyone’s names and asked them to replace their name with a Polaroid photo. Our typewriter was there for guests to write notes and peg them up as well – they had fun doing this!”
Favourite Moments
“Other than the loving moments between Mike and myself, it was the food! I’m still hearing that it was the best anyone has ever had at a wedding! Fig Tree Restaurant catered a feasting-style meal with heaps of amazing food placed on the table for everyone to dig in. There was plenty of choice and so tasty!”
Best Advice
“Keep it as personal as possible and the way you always imagined – don’t let everyone’s opinions sway your decision making. If they want to be there they will, no matter what! We travelled from Sydney to Byron and were surprised at how many were happy to travel – I’m so glad we had it our way.”
Location: Byron Bay, New South Wales | Photography: Alex Carlyle | Venue: Byron View Farm | Celebrant: Lindsay Carroll | Coordination & Hire: Byron Bay Weddings | Catering: Fig Tree Restaurant | Cake: Hansel & Gretel Cakes | Flowers: The French Petal | Gown: Brides Of Sydney | Hair & Makeup: Pollyanna Bernhardt | Suits: David Jones | Entertainment: Ziggy Alberts