For us, looking back at past issues is like flicking through old family albums – there is an overwhelming sense of bittersweet nostalgia. Kali and Dan were one of our couples from Issue 3 who we knew we’d never forget. So here they are again, as fabulous as ever.
There’s no time like a 10-year anniversary for a proposal, as Dan did to Kali. £I came home to flowers and a card asking me to marry him then all of a sudden he popped out from behind a wall! Kali said. £It was so funny, but would have been funnier if he was naked!
A proposal story that paints a picture of the kind of fun and spontanious wedding these two were bound to have. With a vintage Australiania’ theme (think those Dog on the Tucker Box’ tea towels that used to hang in grandma’s kitchen), Kali and Dan set about collecting old tea towels and tablecloths for months from eBay and op shops.
£We both love Australia and feel quite nostalgic about our childhood and the quirks of an upbringing in this colourful country! We both have families with farming backgrounds so having a classic Australian wedding on a farm felt really natural to us. We tried to keep it classy but a little bit bogan too!
Even the smallest detail of this true blue shindig was DIY, including giving the venue, Second Nature Organic Farm, a good makeover.
£When we chose Second Nature Organic Farm we knew it was a project and we were pumped! Kali says. £We worked closely with the owner Len, my mums (Mum and her partner Toni) and Dad, and another couple building paths and bridges, laying a compacted floor in the old chicken shed and tidying up the gardens. The place needed a lot of TLC as it is a working farm and we had a lot to give! It was so worth it in the end knowing that we had created something truly special and unique.
£We wanted our wedding to reflect us our home and our life. My super talented and helpful mums made a number of custom items such as the blackboards and signs and we had craft days and working bees (with beer as payment). The process was just as good as the wedding!
But the day wasn’t all about the decor, and it never should be, and all the precious moments that flew by so fast were captured beautifully by Julian Beattie.
Kali tells us £our favourite moment of the day was walking down the aisle. For Dan it was seeing me peek out from behind the trees after an entourage of seven bridesmaids and three flower girls! For me, it was being able to have both of my mums walk me down the aisle to Dan. It was such a wonderful feeling to see them so proud. That first glimpse of Dan, beaming with happiness, will also stick with me forever. Another truly special moment was after the ceremony, hugging my amazing grandfather and hearing him say, I can die a happy man now’. Nothing can replace moments like that!
Issue 3, as well as other past issues can still be purchased via our online store. Also keep your eyes peeled for Isssue six, on sale TODAY and stocked in newsagents nationally.
CREDITS Photos Julian Beattie // Bridal gown DearGolden via Etsy // Flowers Ashley Downs, Rocklea Flower Markets // Rings Cartier // Bridesmaids dresses HeartMyCloset via Etsy // Grooms suit The Cloakroom // Grooms shoes R.M. Williams // Ceremony and reception Second Nature Organic Farm, QLD // Catering JR’s Smokehouse Barbecue // Cake Flour & Chocolate // Hair Sandi Pelenyi // Makeup Emma Louise Downie // Celebrant Anne Donaldson // Transport Sisls Buslines.