Picnic dates out at the National Park were nothing new for Christie and Neil, but when they arrived at their destination in Bundeena and Neil crouched down, Christie was the one asking all the questions…
“I immediately said, ‘What’re you doing?’ Caught off guard, he managed to stumble out, ‘Oh, ah, um, will you marry me?’ Totally taken aback, I said, ‘Whoa I can’t believe it, okay, sure!’ We decided to set up the picnic and eat first before we told anyone. Because, well you know, priorities.”
Held at Sydney Dance Lounge, this couple landed on a minimal theme since their venue was already so beautiful. With draped ivy hanging from the pipes and only little lighting to set the mood, they wanted their wedding to be “incredibly inviting and comfortable for all the guests.”
“My favourite detail from the day was definitely the reception,” explains Christie, who chose Willow & Co to capture the day. “We wanted to create a big family dinner’, because that’s one of our favourite things to do together. And that’s exactly what everyone created for us by just being themselves. I loved seeing people bond with the people across from them, and move seats to talk to others, and eat like crazy. That was my highlight.”
Lucky for Christie, finding her perfect gown came easily thanks to the beautiful Sienna gown by Karen Willis Holmes, a corded lace boat neck gown with georgette side draped with split skirt and centre back button detailing. “It’s like it was made for me, and I know how that sounds trust me,” says the bride, who describes marriage as “Netflix and chill, 24/7.”
She adds though, “really, to us it means coming together as one. To love each other endlessly and embrace adventure.”
CREDITS Photos Willow & Co // Bridal gown Karen Willis Holmes // Bride and bridesmaids shoes Nine West // Hair L’yvonnes Hair & Body // Makeup Rachel S Artistry // Rings Hearts on Fire and Anna Wales // Bridesmaid dresses ASOS // Jackets Top Man // Shirts and pants General Pants // Shoes Trickers // Socks Uniqlo // Watch Logines // Florist Bella Vista Flower Merchants // Printer Digital Press and Colour Perfect Printing // Ceremony Bangarra Dance Theatre, NSW // Reception and catering Sydney Dance Lounge, NSW // Cake Gracious Honey // Decorative elements Ashdown & Bee // Celebrant Tom Bachtle.