After hearing Mel and Sean’s story, we think everyone will want their own anam cara. “A what?” you ask. An anam cara is much like a soulmate, meaning “soul friend” in Celtic tradition. “With the anam cara you could share your innermost self, your mind and your heart”, explains Mel.
Their spirited ceremony, which also included a traditional tea ceremony, took place at The National Arboretum. It was a beautifully magical service but it’s their photographer and reception venue that we’ve really got a soft spot for.
Lauren Campbell has been the lady behind some of our favourite wedding images. A lover, a do-er and a true artist, Lauren Campbell would happily skip supper it if meant capturing a perfectly pretty picture. For her, exposing the honesty and emotion of two people madly in love is a life passion and the reason she is so damn good at what she does.
Of their reception Mel tells us “we wanted something relaxed, in a rustic environment with history, surrounded by trees and something that would really showcase the city we live in and have come to love – Canberra.”
Yarralumla Woolshed, no longer equipped with the machinery necessary to operate as a shearing shed, saw Mel and Sean take advantage of the unique space to build their own barnyard extravaganza. Sean looked quite the part in his R.M. Williams boots and Mel made every blushing bride proud in her Leanne Marshall gown.
“I ordered my dress from the etsy store belonging to Leanne Marshall. She had the lace top advertised separately but I loved this piece too so I asked if she’d combine the dress with the lace top which she did and I was so happy with it in the end”, says Mel who together with husband Sean pulled off a good old fashioned country wedding.
CREDITS Photos Lauren Campbell // Bridal gown Leanne Marshall // Hair piece Grace Designs // Shoes and bridesmaids dresses Funkis // Flowers Jonima Flowers and Joanne Flowers // Rings McGlades Jewellers // Grooms and groomsmen suits Oxford // Grooms shoes R.M. Williams // Ties DanaEckert via Etsy // Boutonnieres theLOVEstitch via Etsy // Ceremony The National Arboretum, ACT // Reception Yarralumla Woolshed, ACT // Catering Golden Roast // Styling Vintage Caravan // Stationery Vistaprint // Hair Sass Hair Dezign // Music Chicago Charles // Celebrant Barry McCarthy