Oh Australia. We seem to be falling quite hard for you and your gorgeous weddings these days. One picture perfect party after another, overflowing with style and charm, overflowing with that effortless elegance that makes our heart flutter. And this next one, sent in by the drop dead gorgeous bride, is the epitome of Australian gorgeousness. With every perfect detail being so utterly personal, this wedding is going to get your wedding goosebumps going. Click here to see even more.
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From the Bride... Our wedding was held at Voyager Estate in Margaret River (a 3hr drive from Perth and a spot to relax for many West Aussies). Beautiful wine region, amazing beaches and a favourite weekend getaway for Mark & I. It made for a pretty perfect wedding weekend. The wedding was all consuming for me. I was so excited about all the things I could do to make the perfect day but I'm not a particularly crafty type so I ended up abandoning many a DIY idea, though my Mum and sisters (and we even roped in my Dad and some family friends) were on hand for a few of the projects I persisted with.
I wanted my 3 bridesmaids (my younger sisters) to carry lavender bouquets but never invisioned lavender coloured gowns for them too. Once we saw the dress though, we knew it was perfect and lavender became our accent colour for the wedding. We always knew we wanted an outdoor ceremony and the beauty of the Voyager Estate gardens was the inspiration for the look and feel of the wedding. We wanted the day to be elegantly beautiful with a vintage feel. Our invitations were chosen to reflect the classic design we had in mind for the wedding. The girls at Baumbirdy created the perfect suite, including a custom map, and my maid of honour helped me to affix vintage stamps (featuring a bird motif) to each hand calligraphied envelope. We had a real giggle trying to create enough "bird combos" so each one was different.
Our reception tables were rows of white peonies, hydrangeas and David Austin roses with lavender and basil in silver vessels that belonged to my parents. We used hand calligraphy for a number of elements like our seating cards and napkin belly bands. We had all the linen custom made as I found very limited choice for hire locally. My father sings professionally and I grew up surrounded by music so it was only fitting he sang our first dance to "The Way You Look Tonight". Our cake was AMAZING. Milk chocolate truffle layer cake with white chocolate vanilla butter cake, white chocolate ganache and fondant icing. I only wish we'd had more left over!
Mark & I wrote our own vows because we wanted to promise things that were true to us as a couple. Many of my relatives were unable to make it over from the UK for our big day. My something blue was a tiny forget-me-not flower my cousin had given me when we left England at the end of a holiday when we were kids. I attached it in a locket to my bouquet along with my something old (an enamel rose pin that had belonged to my Grandil) and a diamond key pendant which was also my gift to each of my bridesmaids. I attached each sisters key to her bouquet as a surprise.
One of the most important decisions surrounding the day was our photographer. We booked Samm almost two and a half years in advance as we knew there was no one else for the job. She has captured the joy of the day in a way even we had not expected. We knew she was good but we were literally floored when we got the proofs. I will be forever grateful for her genius. She worked tirelessly all day but still made it so fun to hang out with her. If I had one piece of advice for other Brides it would be to pick the best photographer for your day. Oh, and to try, try, try to take it all in because it really does fly by as fast as they say.
Wedding Photography: Samm Blake / Wedding Film: Derek Ho of Urban Light Films / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Voyager Estate / Bridesmaid Dresses: Studio Collections in Perth / Flowers: River Blossoms / Wedding Invitations & Programs: Baumbirdy / Shoes: Badgley Mischka + Tony Bianco / Wedding Dress & Veil: Pronovias / Birdcage Veil & Headpiece: Fiona Dixon Designs via Bride & Groom / Wedding Band: Tiffany & Co / Ring Bowl: Paloma's Nest / Bird Cake Topper: Ann Wood Handmade / Bride's Garter: Florrie Mitton Couture / Bride's Clutch: Bride & Groom / Calligraphy: Judith Tubby, Beautiful Writing / Custom Embroidery Hoop: Miniature Rhino / Custom Linen: Hotels Apart / Vintage Jaguar: Margaret River Chauffeurs / Hair: Lorna Marie Wedding Hair / Makeup: Carol Mackie / Accommodation: Il Palazzo at La Foret Enchantee / Wedding Cake: Edible Art / Hire Company: Villa Kula + Bride & Groom + Coco Mama / Custom Lace Handkerchief: Embroidery by Melissa / Custom Wedding Dress Label: Michael Angela / Linen Petal Bags: That Final Touch / Ribbon Drink Stirrers: Peach & Pearl / Moss Covered Letters: Designs by LeeAnn / Bride's Earrings: Samantha Wynne in Subiaco / Just Married Sign: Bride & Groom