On April Fool’s, when Charli suggested sharing a cheeky “We’re engaged!” post to socials, she had no clue that Adam already had a ring in his possession, awaiting the perfect moment to propose. That moment would come the very next day during a glorious little family picnic, with their toddler in tow to share in the celebration. “It was very us. Banter, laughter, and a toddler who ran up to hug us and reenact the proposal straight away.”
Just like their engagement story, Charli and Adam’s Gundaroo wedding was so them (the way it should be!) Vibrant, joyful hues, loads of lols, and good times in good company.
A testament to their excellent taste, Charli and Adam brought Bel Combridge on board to capture the magic, and they were also quick to lock Sarah Marie in as their celebrant (a dear friend to the couple, she also had plenty of wedding planning recs to share… what a gem!) Check out these gorgeous rural ‘I do’s below, plus the newlywed’s words of wedding planning wisdom…
THE VENUE “We decided to look at a few around Canberra [and] our beautiful friend and celebrant Sarah Marie assisted with this, outlining all the places we needed to go. We weren’t sure how much we wanted to DIY, and it wasn’t until we looked at prices that we realised having a venue that supported the majority of work would be best for us. Petrichor Farm in the Southern Tablelands was the one place we walked away feeling super relaxed, informed and inspired. The place was stunning, natural and would allow us to add some flavour while also being affordable and supportive in the lead up!”
THE VIBE “We just wanted to be able to celebrate with all our family and friends. A formalised party, if you will. A day where we could celebrate our love, but also be ourselves and not feel on show. Really, it was about the vibe [and] Pinterest became my BEST FRIEND! Really, the only [thing we wanted] was colour and fun!”
FAVE DETAILS “Um, everything! Some standouts were the colours – colours in the flowers from Peony & Pearl (absolutely STUNNING), having colourful bridesmaids (and man), and the coloured decorations against the natural beauty of Petrichor screamed fun! We also just loved our vendors. We had the best of the best on the day – all super chill, easy to work with vendors that just made everything feel so special.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “There were many, but we both had the same answer for this. [It] was the walk down the aisle and our ceremony—a moment that was shared with everyone – but honestly, it felt like it was just the two of us. I think it was also when we said our vows. We are a couple that thrives on fun, banter and cheek – so it was really special to have this moment where we revealed our sentimental side – and while it was in front of 120 people, again, it felt like it was just us two.”
REFERENCES “Sarah Marie Celebrancy is a dear friend of ours and someone we told straight away by saying, ‘WHAT DATES DO YOU HAVE FREE!?’ She is SUCH a bright vibe – the best of the best and, rightfully so, is taking over the celebrant world! We really trusted her recommendations for local vendors, and boy she wasn’t wrong. I (Charli) spent two weeks madly emailing to lock these vendors down and telling them our vibe to secure what ended up being so magical! Each and every one of them honestly made our day so spectacular – from vibe to aesthetic! Loved it all!”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Honestly – have fun with it. It is a BIG job, but I think, pending on timeline and budget, really think about what makes the two of you as a couple so special and inject that into the day.”
If booking a (bloody top-tier) photographer is next on your to-do list, get in touch with Bel Combridge here. Or reach out to Sarah Marie for all your celebrancy needs (she does MC-ing and day-of coordination too, folks!) Planning your own Southern Tablelands nuptials? Visit the directory to meet some of our fave vendors in the ACT and NSW region.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Bel Combridge Florist & Wedding Arch Hire Peony n Pearl Stationery & Signage Maeke & Charlotte (Bride) Venue, Catering, Lighting & Hire Items Petrichor Farm Cake Sugar Plum Fairy Cakes Decor Charlotte (Bride), Kmart & LuxeMeetsLaser via Etsy Sound Hire Petrichor Farm & Nick Rigby Entertainment Nick Rigby Celebrant & Neon Sign Hire Sarah Marie Celebrancy Ring Nolan & Vada (Engagement), Robert Cliff Master Jewellers (Bride’s Wedding Band) & Mazzucchelli’s (Groom’s Wedding Band) THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Watters Designs Bridal Boutique & Veil Annabel’s Bridal Studio Robes / Getting Ready Tees Sussan (PJs) & Piyama (Robes) Shoes Badgley Mischka Accessories Annabel’s Bridal Studio (Earrings) & Lovisa (Pearl Ring) Hair Kate Lily Hairdressing Makeup Jacklyne Leigh Fragrance/Perfume Zara Bridesmaid Dresses Sheike, H&M, Lee Matthews & ASOS Flower Girl Dress Seed THE GROOM Suits, Shirt, Tie, Pants & Cufflinks Black tie by Xavier Groomsman Suits Black tie by Xavier
