Keen to impress Sam’s family who had flown all the way from England, Jess and Sam decided to make almost everything from scratch. “It was a DIY farm wedding. We wanted to keep it casual and unique as well as just giving everyone a great time”, says Jess who as a graphic designer took the reigns when it came to stationery and styling. Meanwhile Sam and his male relatives, happy to let Jess visit Tweed Banora Flowers on her own, got stuck into making the bunting, signage, blackboards, signing table and arbour. “Sam is really hands on”, says Jess adding that he also helped make their wedding favours. “We made marmalade together at my Grandmother’s house in the country using her family recipe and named it after her ‘Mamielade’.”
Held on a friend’s property in Mooball, Queensland owners Paul and Seal bent over backwards to make sure their place was in tip top shape before Jess and Sam’s guests arrived, plus their entourage of important vendors including photographer Julian Beattie, hair and makeup artist Ava Belle and wedding coordinator Rachel from The Events Lounge.
As a way to give Sam’s family a taste of Australian culture, Jess who wore a stunning embellished Jenny Packham gown decided to host a small picnic after their ceremony followed by a feast of kangaroo and Moreton Bay bugs catered by Your Gourmet. For no other reason than to entertain their guests, Jess and Sam kicked off the rest of the night with a quick outfit change and an epic choreographed dance routine that included some serious shapes.
CREDITS Photos Julian Beattie // Bridal gown Jenny Packham // Shoes Dune // Flowers Tweed Banora Flowers // Rings Stephen Einhorn and Avita Jewellery // Bridesmaids dresses Topshop and Modcloth // Groom and groomsmen suits Carhartt (pants), Ted Baker and Topman (Jacket) and Gibson (shirt) // Grooms shoes Hudson // Bow ties Roger David and Mrs Bow Tie // Ceremony and reception private property, NSW // Catering Your Gourmet // Hair and makeup Ava Belle Bridal // Music equipment and lighting North Coast Events // Celebrant Les Oberg // Transport Ballina Byron Mini Bus Hire // Balloons Jazeras Party Shop // Event coordination The Events Lounge.