Kiaya and Elliot made their partnership offish in New South Wales’ stunning Central Coast – a “very special” spot that’s backdropped the couple’s holidays and engagement, and soon it’s where they plan to call home! Unanimously, they agree that the day’s highlight has to be the speeches, which they enjoyed as the summery, family-focused cocktail garden soiree they’d always envisioned manifested before their eyes. “[There were] families sitting down on the grass, and young children playing – it just really felt like the vision we always had in our minds for our wedding day.”
The newlyweds’ adorbs mini-me was on flowergirl duties, pizza for dinner was a big crowd-pleaser, Kiaya looked heavenly in Karen Willis Holmes, and celebrations continued with a pool party the next day. Days Like These was the incredible on-the-day co-ordinator and camera wizard Luke Fletcher got all the happy snaps. Check it out below!
THE VENUE “I knew I wanted a venue with a pool, both for the vibe on the day, but also to have a pool party the following day as well. So once I refined results for venues that I could book for the whole weekend, including a pool, there were only a couple to choose from. Bebeah Farm additionally had no curfew, which was also a big plus for us, and it was in the Central Coast region, which felt perfect for us too. When we went to inspect the venue, we fell in love with it straight away. The extra clincher was a little end-of-year discount they had on at the time, which helped us to jump straight in and book.”
FAVE DETAILS “The tablecloths. I had my heart set on lemon yellow and am so happy I went ahead with colour instead of white or neutral. They made such an impact in the styling and were an uplifting colour for the overall mood and tone of the day. We also ended up loving the parasols. I nearly didn’t get them because they felt a bit too ‘trendy’. But they made such an impact in the photos and through the ceremony, giving that real ‘garden’ feel. Not to mention it was 31 degrees, so they were so handy for those sitting in the ceremony, too! The pizzas were also a big highlight. Elliot and I have always gone on pizza dates from our very early days, so they speak of our relationship.”
THE DRESS “I always loved Karen Willis Holmes designs and, in particular, had wanted a puff sleeve style from their range. They happened to have a sample sale around nine months prior to the wedding, so I went in with no expectations. They had a puff-sleeved dress similar to what I thought I wanted, which I loved, but when I tried on the one I bought, I knew the simplicity was perfect for me. Having spent the past 15 years working in the fashion industry, the overall experience was quite easy for me. I will say, though, that dress shopping whilst postpartum and breastfeeding did throw a spanner in the works, as my shape changed by the time the wedding came around. But I worked with an alterations team at Soraya Tailoring, who did an amazing job with the fit. I also had them custom-make my second dress, which I was obsessed with!”
LITTLE LOL “I actually messed up Elliot’s name during the formal vows. He has two middle names, and I completely missed his first name. Chloe said, ‘Repeat after me… I take Elliot Robert Bede Holdstock…’ and I said, ‘I take Robert Bede Holdstock’. Everyone cracked up laughing, and I had no idea I’d missed it initially, but thankfully, Chloe got me to correct it, and I had a big laugh about it, too. There are some very funny photos of my reaction when I realised.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Because we did so much DIY, we actually didn’t have too many vendors, but the three that made the day for us were the photographer, hair and makeup artist and celebrant. Luke’s website hooked me from the homepage. It screamed his personality and sold himself, which I loved. It was comforting to know that he was the kind of person I would gel with and have fun with during the day. When I went through his galleries, I fell in love with almost every photo. His timing is impeccable, and his photos capture the most flattering opportunities!”
We are high-key obsessed with Kiaya and Elliot’s wedding album – that Luke Fletcher can do no wrong! Shoot him an enquiry here. Or maybe you’re just about to embark on the ultimate journey to find your perfect wedding frock? Karen Willis Holmes is a must-browse. Check them out here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Luke Fletcher Stylist, Stationary, Signage & Florist Kiaya Garbutt-Daniels (Bride) Printer Vistaprint Venue Bebeah Farm Catering Rosso Pepe (Pizzas) & Kiaya Garbutt-Daniels (Bride) (Grazing Table) Cake Maker Cake & Plate Hire Items Bentwood Events Sound Hire Justin Bradley (Friend) Band Brother Brad (Friends) DJ Harry Evans (Friend) Celebrant Chloe McGrath – Ceremony by Chloe Rings Sarah & Sebastian Flower Girl Dress Marlow and Mae On-The-Day Coordinator Days Like These THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Designer Karen Willis Holmes Second Dress Soraya Tailoring Shoes Novo via The Iconic Accessories Miz Casa and Co via The Iconic Hair & Makeup Hannah James Perfume A.N OTHER THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Shirt, Pants, & Bow Tie Suit Supply Shoes Walk London Watch Marathon Grooming Lookin’ Sharp Barber Sho
