Friends, when the proposal is this good, ya just know the wedding is going to be topnotch! “Matt surprised me with a two-week trip to New Zealand! He had organised my leave and all. We hired a van and a few days in we went on a three-day hike,” Anna tells us. “He proposed at Anapai Bay on day one on the beach where we were camping. He even hiked up a bottle of champagne, bottle of red and, of course, being an Italian an entire cheese platter!” What a guy!
And yep, the big day turned out to be just as epic, with our gal Janneke Storm behind the lens, and Matt suited up by the legends at M.J. Bale. Scroll on to see…
THE VENUE “Matt’s Italian background coupled with our love of Europe made Redleaf Wollombi the perfect venue choice. We wanted it to be romantic and warm with a hint of luxury. So my dress, earrings and Matt’s M.J. Bale suit all were selected with this in mind.”
MEMORABLE MOMENTS “Sneaking away together for the photos with our photographer Janneke Storm. It felt like we hadn’t seen each other in forever and we got to catch-up on everything. The photos were intimate and gave us special time together. We had the biggest laugh about the special delivery I received the morning of the wedding. The night before, I discovered the avocados I had bought for me and my family to eat for breakfast were rock hard. The morning of the wedding Matt drove 45 minutes to buy and then deliver fresh avocados at the gate of Redleaf. Even on our wedding day he surprised me. Also having our dog who is deaf and blind walk down the aisle was so special. Matt has owned him for 13 years so it’s his best mate.“
THE SUIT Matt had done a fair few minutes of research and really liked what M.J. Bale offered. HE tried their suits first and loved them. I went with me, and made him go to other shops but we ended up back where we started, and got the the first suit I tried on… why mess with a good thing?”
DIY “Matt’s homemade espresso martini jars he made them two nights before. These were a bloody hoot. We had to taste test them in the days before and get the flavour right. Matt decided jars were the best option to avoid losing liquid in cocktail glasses. Smart man!“
LITTLE LOL “Well, Matt left in his undies – somehow on the dancefloor he was stripped off. His pants ripped after he attempted a pistol squat-inspired dance move. After that, his mates decided the pants were done and needed to go! So the groom left in his white underwear.”
A WORD OF ADVICE…“Only do everything yourself if you are highly organised and excel qualified. Keep a budget. Pay attention to detail, the little things will bring you unstuck. We served ceremony refreshments with no bottle opener… so now we have a lot of San Pellegrino. Supplying your own alcohol is awesome, we now have a years’ supply in leftovers.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Every vendor we had was exceptional. Janneke Storm and Bottlebrush Films literally stayed longer than they needed to just to capture the party for us. This meant they captured our day perfectly.”
For pics as phenom as Anna and Matt’s, check out Janneke Storm’s directory listing, and if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect suit, give M.J Bale a buzz.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Janneke Storm Cinematographer Bottlebrush Films Florist Wow Flowers Stationery, Signage & Wedding Favours Paper and Petals Ceremony & Reception venue Redleaf Wollombi Catering Fennel and Co Catering Cake Maker Melrose Cakes Hire Items Opulent Events, Crab Apple Vintage, Costieri Vintage Marquee & Lighting Hire Katalane Sound Hire & Entertainment Lueth Ajak Music Celebrant Anthony Bourke (The Hunter Celebrant) Rings James Camash Transport Chase Limousines Toilets Newcastle Portable Powder Rooms THE BRIDE Bridal gown Corston Couture Veil Mother’s Shoes Jeffrey Campbell Accessories Christie Nicolaides Hair Michelle Jackson Hair Makeup Makeup by Bonnie Lee Bridesmaid gifts Adelfes The Label THE GROOM Suit M.J. Bale Shirt Industrie Shoes Aquila Barber Jimbo’s Barber Shop
