I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again and again…there is just something so romantic and sweet about down under weddings. They seem to capture perfectly the essence of love in a simple, yet gorgeous way. Melanie Linklater Photography was on hand to capture all the pretty vintage details from the bride’s beautiful dress and bouquet to the sweet and simple tablescapes. See even more here!
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From the Bride…Kenton and I first met when I was just 16 and living in Shepparton, and Kenton was spending a gap-year on the family farm in Karoonda, SA. There was an almost instant attraction, and so began a crazy long-distance relationship which lasted six years and resulted in countless flights between Adelaide (where Kenny worked and studied) and Melbourne (where I went to university) to catch all-too-fleeting weekends together. Romantic dinners and day trips were a big part of our relationship, so when Kenny took me for a romantic night on the historical Tramcar Restaurant in Melbourne for my 21st birthday it was special but I wasn’t really suspicious… I was thoroughly spoilt with a beautiful meal, and the whole carriage singing me happy birthday with the help of the gorgeous Italian waiter… A perfect evening! Then we went for a stroll along the Yarra and Kenny proposed with the Melbourne skyline in the background (very sweet since marrying Kenny meant leaving Melbourne) and perfectly timed fireworks which I still don’t know if he planned or just got lucky!
Kenton and I wanted our wedding to be fun and relaxed and to reflect our country upbringings and we decided early on that a beautiful country garden setting, delicious food and little personalized vintage touches were really important to us, and everything else just seemed to fall into place. We chanced upon the most helpful, wonderful suppliers from the florists to the dressmaker to the wonderful people at the Euroa Butter Factory and we were able to realize almost all of our plans for our dream wedding. Things went wrong of course, but when the day arrived we were happy, happy, happy and everything looked so beautiful that nothing mattered anymore. We really wanted to dine outside in the gardens but the weather leading up to the day was horrendous so we moved the reception into the function room. In the last few days before the wedding, I put together lots of little DIY touches to decorate the room, from table numbers to pots of wild apples and berries, stacks of vintage books and handmade place cards.
One of my favourite things to remember was seeing my dad walking around between the tables, lighting the little tea light candles on the tables (which no one else had thought about!) and introducing all the guests to each other. We had chosen a very informal bridal table, with just us and our best man and bridesmaid (my sister). We are all very close and had a gorgeous time, and there was so much laughter and happiness from all the guests mingling in the room.
Wedding Dress: Rose Zurzolo Couture / Bridesmaid Dress: Botika / Bouquets + Buttonholes: Lucy Loves Charlie / Groom + Best Man’s Suits: Tailors of Distinction / Ceremony + Reception Venue: Euroa Butter Factory / Wedding Photography: Melanie Linklater Photography / Hair: Illour Hair and Beauty / Ceremony Floral Arrangements: Georgie Campbell / Stationery: DIY