Ali and Ian’s day, which was first featured in our Real Wedding Special was, above most things, sentimental. Married at Ali’s Grandparent’s place (previously a dairy farm) and having undertaken a truckload of DIY, every detail carried some special meaning.
£When Ian asked me to marry him I knew instantly it would be at my Grandparent’s farm (I am the sixth generation there), explains Ali. £Inside the farm house is like stepping back into the 1950’s. Old floral wallpapers, suede arm chairs, fine English tea sets, silverware and lots of photos of all the family and the strong affiliation with the South Coast dairy industry.
It was also important to Ali that their day included her dad’s beloved vintage car and her two young children. £I have two children, Grace and Tom, from a previous relationship so when Ian and I began dating, he had to love the whole package. They just absolutely adore Ian so having the kids involved in the wedding was awesome – they were so excited! Grace read an original hand written poem during the ceremony… She said that Ian made our family complete. Aww!
The celebrations continued at Pyree Hall located just down the road (and a steal at only $400!), and to keep costs down Ali and Ian decked out the entire joint themselves. £Our three areas we wanted to dedicate most of our budget was on delicious food, great music and a fantastic photographer. So DIY was our main aim in other areas such as venues and styling! says Ali who handpicked Garnish Creative Catering, Duan & Only and Stories by Ash to take care of their big ticket items.
It wasn’t quite as simple as waving a magic wand however, with Ali and Ian admitting they spent months with their closest friends and family building trestle tables, collecting crystal vases, making candles, sewing curtains, hand painting signs, choosing their Grain & Co. cake topper, arranging flowers and finding enough second-hand furniture to turn Pyree Hall from an empty space into an enchanted kingdom.
£We used old wooden ladders collected from family members to hang over the tables at the reception and threaded greenery and festoon lights throughout – at night it looked so pretty and romantic, says Ali who was also quite a welcome sight in her Samantha Willis jewellery and gorgeous lace Lover gown.
£I knew I didn’t want anything puffy, frilly, strapless or shiny. Lover ticked all the boxes, my dress was made from French lace, it was very pretty and feminine and showed off my gorgeous Gucci pumps! says Ali who knows their day was just a warm up for all the mad times ahead. £However it may come, whatever form, marriage is the party that shouts £Hey baby let’s tackle this crazy world head on together!
If you are a fan of Ash’s work you can see more of her photographic wizardry here on the Hello May directory and here in issue eight of Hello May, available online with free postage!
CREDITS Photos Stories by Ash // Bridal gown Lover // Brides Shoes Gucci via Polyvore // Jewellery/Accessories Samantha Willis and Layered and Long via Etsy // Hair Bohemian Rose // Makeup Laura Lumsden // Rings Keshett and Alistair Kelsey Jeweller // Bridesmaids dresses Nordstrom // Grooms suit Brent Wilson // Grooms Shoes TopShop // Groomsmen suits David Jones // Ties Carlo Visconti // Ceremony private property, NSW // Reception Pyree Hall, NSW // Catering Garnish Creative Catering // Cake topper Grain & Co. // Stationery designer Bow and Arrow Paper Co via Etsy // Entertainment Duan & Only // Celebrant Narelle Harding.