That dress. I almost can’t even talk about it, it’s just so gorgeous. So unique, yet traditional at the same time. It’s bridal fashion perfection. And the Bride wearing it? Well she couldn’t be lovelier or marrying a groom more dapper or have a DIY wedding more darling (or have a more adorable engagement session). Kellee Walsh is to thank for all my gushing this morning, and if you want to swoon the day away (who doesn’t?) – the full gallery of images is the place to be!
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From Kellee of Kellee Walsh… The ceremony was held at Clontarf Reserve overlooking the water, with the reception across the park at Clonny’s. The wedding was a stunning DIY affair with over a thousand handmade details. When thinking of ways to make their wedding different, Michael suggested they make 1,000 paper cranes together to decorate the ceremony and reception. Their first overseas trip together was to Japan, and they both fell in love with the culture. It was a project that took months to complete and a lot of patience, but looked stunning hanging in the trees and throughout the venue. When it comes to something a little different, look no further than Carly’s incredible dress by Tadashi Shoji. The entire crowd audibly gasped when she appeared through the trees and walked down the aisle. They shared their first dance to “It’s Oh So Quiet” by Bjork in what was the most incredible choreographed routine I’ve ever seen. Shortly after, they asked to go outside for a few minutes for some night portraits, and they simply danced alone on the grass. It was beautiful.
From the Bride… Michael and I knew from the onset that we wanted a relaxed, casual affair for our big day. We both love the outdoors and being by the water, and we felt Clontarf Reserve and Clonny’s provided not only a beautiful setting, but a relaxed one. Like most couples, we had planned for a beautiful sunny day. What we got was quite the opposite, with clouds and drizzle all day. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the Reserve was empty, the temperature was perfect, and the vibe was even more intimate than we hoped. Danielle Ledgerwood, our gorgeous celebrant, was just perfect — poised, professional and engaging. She did a wonderful job drawing out the elements that we wanted to express during the ceremony and encouraged our desire to make it unique.
A focal point for the day was the 1,000 paper cranes, which we folded together in the months leading up to the wedding. In Japanese culture, folding 1,000 paper cranes together in honour of marriage symbolizes love, peace, longevity and patience. We had a lot of fun folding the cranes together in the evenings, and we felt it kept our mind off the inconsequential details. My two beautiful sisters were my bridesmaids, and together, we did all the flowers. We had a fabulous adventure to the Sydney Flower Markets the day prior and then spent the morning with the mums designing the bouquets, button holes and tables settings. I knew the general look I was going for but had no idea which flowers we would use. We were absolutely thrilled with the result. The music was a real highlight. James Willing and Ed Worland kindly agreed to play at the reception and they were an absolute hit — from the canapés, right through to keeping everyone on the dance floor until the end. Our incredibly talented photographer Kellee Walsh was a pleasure to have around throughout the day. Her skill in capturing the moments so perfectly, while being almost unseen, is phenomenal. Her gentle nature and professionalism put our minds at ease. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the engagement shoot and wedding photos. She is a true gem.
Wedding Photography: Kellee Walsh / Ceremony: Clontarf Reserve in Sydney, NSW / Reception: Clonny’s in Sydney, NSW / Flowers: DIY by the Bride + Bridesmaids / Paper Cranes: DIY by the Bride + Groom / Wedding Cake: DIY by the Mother of the Groom / Celebrant: Danielle Ledgerwood / Music: James Willing + Ed Worland / Wedding Dress: Tadashi Shoji / Bride’s Shoes: Lily Rose / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Love In Tokyo / Hair: Lesley Cameron / Makeup: Lesley Cameron + Victoria Hughes (A Friend of the Bride) / Men’s Suits: T.M. Lewin