When it comes to uber-romantic, this duo just about takes the cake. Not only are their wedding rings from outerspace (awesome), they managed to put together a day that is chock-full of pretty. From the gorgeous florals by The Floral Craftsman, to the adorable Lego cake topper, to the gallery of breathtaking images from Gemma Clarke, see so much more in the full gallery.
From Gemma Clarke Photography… The perfect mix of isolation from the city without missing out on the million dollar views, Valentina and Garth wanted a bush wedding where their traveling guests to be wowed by the gorgeous Sydney Harbour – no compromise was needed at Athol Hall!
Garth and Valentina met online and Garth moved to Sydney from Brisbane for his gorgeous lady. They have been together for 15 years. When it came time, Garth proposed on top of a mountain in Japan. Their wedding rings originated from Outer Space — A meteorite landed in South Africa and now some of that rock is proudly on the wedding fingers of Mr and Mrs Ivers — What a beautiful way to show your unique connection.
From the Bride… I made circular paper garlands and I bonbonniere out of paper, sewing them together one weekend with mum and Garth. We got these particular almonds from Italy and they were pretty tasty! I spent a few weekends with help from mum and my sister, not forgetting Garth sewing the different elements together watching movies.
My initial dress search was a stressful event if I am honest. I thought I wanted vintage, or even floral, then I thought maybe more traditional is better. There really wasn’t anything I could imagine myself in and I was starting to panic. But with some advice from a friend I found a dress shape that could work for me, and after almost losing myself in a fabric shop mum found the last of a roll of fabric that was perfect.
I worked with Sandie Bizy in Annandale in creating the final dress, it took a few months from the first fitting to getting my dress. I was a bit stressed out if I had made the right choice, I couldn’t imagine what I would look like on the day, how it would feel to wear it, what others would think of my choice. Sandie didn’t let me worry about the small details and anytime there was a hiccup she helped to find a solution. On the day, after my hair and make-up was done and I was in my dress I saw my reflection I was so overwhelmed I started to cry. I guess that’s why I giggled down the aisle all the build-up of emotion was gone!”
I had planned the look and feel of the whole day for almost a year. And when I finally walked in to the venue it was so light and beautiful, better than I could have imagined. A really nice moment for me was walking down the aisle with mum and dad, for some reason I had the giggles so by the time I met Garth at the end of the aisle I was totally relaxed and excited for the ceremony.
Photography: Gemma Clarke | Floral Design: The Floral Craftsman, Matt Bisaro | Cake: Damir Mujanic | Shoes: Karen Millen | Shoes: BHLDN | Rings: Jewelry By Johan | Catering: Athol Hall | Makeup: Lisa Terizis | Hair: Kristy Ferrari | Groom's Suit: Calvin Klein | Celebrant: Linda Marsden | Wedding Venue: Athol Hall | Balloons: Balloon Inflation | Bridal Gown: Sandie Bizys Hats And Vintage Dresses | Cake Topper: Lego | Coat: Carla Zampatti | Dessert: Est | Groom's Cufflinks: Vendetta Designs | Groom's Shirt: Saba | Groom's Shoes: Calvin Klein | Groom's Tie: Rembrandt | Groom's Tie Pin: Saba | Hair Flower: Wishpiece | Jewelry/Accessories: Swarovski | Paper Tassels For Balloons: Studio Mucci | Stationery Designer: Garth Ivers (groom) | Transport: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis | Veil: Cassandra Silvestro