We’ve got Peach & Tree to thank for this sweet dream of a wedding. It’s rustic, organic and oh-so beautiful. When planning their wedding this adorable couple didn’t want anything ordinary and I’d say that they got exactly what they wanted: a totally unique and visually exciting day all DIYed with tons of love with the help of family and friends. And that’s what it’s all about. See it all right here.
From the Bride… Everything that kind of shouted “stereotypical wedding” freaked us out; we knew we didn’t want to go with the traditional bells and whistles but wanted something different and true to who we are. I had initially found Upper River Hall online when we first started searching for venues but it seemed too easy — surely, you were supposed to spend ages looking for your venue! Eventually Toby and I hopped in the car and drove down for a look. It was perfect, quiet, peaceful and rustic. There was an old wooden suspension bridge right nearby that would be perfect for photos and just up the road a winery where the lovely couple were more than happy to supply our drinks and let us take photos with the stunning escarpment backdrop. Our photographer Jes was so laid back and easy to work with – she takes the most stunning shots. Nothing over the top or forced. Having her there made it easy, and I knew she would get brilliant results.
Our ceremony was performed by George Morrison, who has been a friend of my mum and dad for years – he actually christened me when I was 7 as well. It was so lovely to have someone we knew performing the ceremony. We wrote our own vows and had my brother read out a native American Indian blessing and Toby’s sisters read “As long as your eyes are blue” by Australian poet Banjo Paterson. My dress is from the 1950’s from an Etsy shop. Buying it online and getting it shipped from San Francisco was a gamble, but for $350 I was willing to take the risk. Luckily, it only needed a few alterations to get it perfect. Shoes, on the other hand, drove me nuts! I ended up buying thee different pairs because I didn’t know what I wanted. I love the ones I settled on though. They were comfy and cute. My earrings are from an op-shop, and my watch was from an antique store. I kept my engagement ring as my wedding ring – I don’t wear a lot of jewelry and love my ring so much it was enough. My mum also gave me my great-grandmother’s engagement ring on the day, which I now wear on my right hand. My brooch bouquet is made by Design me Vintage. I really love it and the fact that it will be something to keep forever. The rest of our flowers were from Woolworths and a florist in Nowra – we just ordered a couple of bunches and put them in the glass bottles (collected by mum) ourselves.
All the decorating was handmade by us, family and friends. We arrived a few days before the big day to set up and decorate – it had been raining a lot in March, and there was a big patch of dirt where the “aisle” was going to go, so we had to change our plans – I ended up walking over the suspension bridge as my aisle and round to Toby under two big pine trees with our colorful backdrop strung between them; it actually turned out better than our initial plan. For food we had lamb and chicken on a spit served on share platters with accompanying salads and sauces. All the cutlery/plates were eco-friendly recyclable bamboo, and the food was all organic, locally-sourced and provided by The Red Kitchen, who I have to say were so brilliant – they were working in a little kitchenette with very basic equipment and the canapés and dinner they turned out was five-star.
Wedding Photography: Peach & Tree / Wedding Venue: Upper River Hall in Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales / Floral Design: DIY / Catering + Bar Service: The Red Kitchen / Brooch Bouquet + Bride’s Father’s Boutonniere: Design Me Vintage / Wedding Dress Vintage via Timless Vintage Vixen (Now Closed) / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: lazybones / Groom’s Shoes: Onitsuka Tiger / Groomsmen’s Boutonnieres: FlowerBlue / Flower Girls’ Dresses: Tutu Du Monde /