Let’s talk about the typical’ wedding. You send out invites, everyone shows up, then comes the ceremony, reception and the ever so memorable drunken antics. It’s a routine we’ve come to know (and love). However, South Australian lovebirds Stacey and Curtis decided to do things a little bit differently.
£Our wedding was a complete surprise, no one except our immediate family and bridal party were aware. We told our guests it was our belated engagement party. We just wanted something casual and intimate with our close friends and family and wanted to plan the whole thing without pressure and as a chance to do everything the way we wanted, for us, says Stacey, adding that the day was pretty quiet and low-key – just as they had hoped.
Held on a private property owned by a family member, the couple says they knew straightaway it was exactly what they wanted. £The garden was perfect. We didn’t need to look elsewhere after going and seeing it properly. It was the perfect spot for us, our friends, and family, say Stacey and Curtis, who opted for a tonne of DIY and a chill vibe for their big day.
£The inspiration was just an intimate, relaxed garden wedding with close family and friends. We’re not huge fans of the spotlight, we just wanted to get hitched with our nearest and dearest, Stacey tells us, though it must’ve been hard to not be the centre of attention in her stunning long sleeved dress from cult Queensland label Grace Loves Lace.
£I absolutely loved it. I had looked on their website a few times and found one I liked, but it was unfortunately out of my budget, after looking around I couldn’t find anything remotely similar so I went back to Grace Loves Lace and found another I liked which ended up being half the price. I didn’t go dress shopping in conventional shops as I wasn’t after a typical wedding dress, I knew the sort of thing that I had in mind and I was stoked with the result, says the bride, who was more than willing to share her lessons learned throughout the wedding planning process.
£Don’t stress and just do things how you both want them done, the day is for you, by you, so don’t just do things to please others. I think thats the most important thing. Many people get caught up in the tradition of the day and end up doing things because they feel they have to, not because they really want to, the pair tells us, adding that there were quite a few funny moments throughout their special day, especially during the reception held at The Prince Albert Hotel.
£During the Maid of Honour’s speech there was a cockroach nearing closer to her feet which everyone else but her could see, which was both scary and hilarious once she realised.
A celebration that was so full of amazing memories we, along with the newlyweds, are so darn happy that the amazing Dan Evans Photography was there to capture all the fun. £The whole experience with Dan was great. He is absolutely amazing and I am SO glad we decided to go with him.
Stacey and Curtis’s intimate garden wedding was originally featured in Issue 16, on sale now. Shop online with Mag Nation or through the HM online store here.
CREDITS Photos Dan Evans Photography // Ceremony Private property, SA // Reception and catering The Prince Albert Hotel, SA // Prop / furniture hire Festival Hire // Celebrant Gay Northcott // Rings Michael Hill // Bridal gown designer Grace Loves Lace // Robes / getting ready tees Cotton On Body // Shoes Novo // Accessories Pandora // Makeup Ash Sayers // Bridesmaid dresses Miss Holly // Bridesmaid shoes Rubi Shoes // Suit, tie and shoes YD // Socks Target.