Jordan and Doug didn’t have to look far to find their perfect wedding venue. The bride’s parents’ picturesque property in Victoria’s Barrabool Hills was the natural choice. “It’s stunning,” shared Jordan, who had long envisioned getting married there. “Doug said he would be happy getting married at our local RSL, so he wasn’t hard to convince.”
As fellow couples hosting backyard nuptials will appreciate, it took a ton of work to ready the space. Still, for these cool cats, it was 100% worth it, and they extend immense kudos to their legendary family, who helped make it happen (and what a bloody incredible job they did!)
Jordan and Doug also told us they were glad to have genuinely made the day their own through personalised details like nods to the groom’s favourite AFL team and an espresso martini tower in lieu of cake, just to name a couple.
Ya know what else these two had zero regrets about? Having O Lemonade take their wedding pics – oooft, that’s one dreamy wedding album!
THE VIBE
“I wanted the day to feel warm, wholesome, country and FUN.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT
“Straight after the ceremony, I had organised for Doug [and me] to go inside my parents’ house alone for 5 minutes to have a drink together. This was the BEST decision – we got to gush over each other and catch up on our days before greeting guests.”
THE DRESS
“My sister-in-law visited Emma-Jane’s (About Phaedra) studio in rural Victoria first, and I fell in love. The gowns are ETHEREAL. She didn’t end up buying from there, but once I started looking for gowns for myself, I asked for her permission to go back. Again, I didn’t really know what I wanted in a dress, but how I wanted to feel. I wanted to feel like the most beautiful, natural version of myself. I didn’t want to put on a dress and think, ‘If I were fake tanned or lost weight, this would look better.’ So when I tried on the Pisces gown (serendipitously – I am a Pisces), I felt beautiful, ethereal, and like me. A lot of other gowns had me feeling like I was playing dress up. I also loved how it had the softest touch of pink (Emma hand-dyed the gown with walnuts). Everything was just perfect. Emma is the most incredible soul. The gown was made from her love, and I owe her the world.”
THE SUIT
“Doug has a clear vision – he wanted red, white and blue in support of his favourite AFL team, the Western Bulldogs. When he first told me, I imagined his groomsmen to be dressed in bright fire truck red, royal blue and white. I held back my reservations about this idea, but was relieved when he explained that it would be a subtle nod.”
STANDOUT VENDORS
“Lana and Luke from O Lemonade – both of the photographers were fantastic, but Lana was just SO sweet. The photos are so candid and capture the emotions of the day. But I especially loved her gushing and compliments every time we posed for a photo – she filled us with confidence. Dani from Boutique Event Co. – we had a massive email thread, she didn’t miss a detail to ensure a smooth bar service. At one point during dinner, she personally came and found me and asked what wine I would like and brought a whole bottle to the table. She also ensured my vision of an espresso martini tower came to life.”
In love with these natural, romantic pics? Get in touch with O Lemonade (they travel, they shoot on film and digital, and they’re mighty talented – tick, tick, tick!) We’ve got a plethora of private property and DIY weddings on the blog if you’re after more inspo. Or if you want a rural setting but don’t want to BYO venue, here are some of our favourite country wedding spaces.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer O Lemonade Florist Prim Petal Co Venue Private Property Catering Golden Roast Wedding Favours Op Shops, CustomiseHQ via Etsy, Amazon Hire Items & Marquee Elderberry Event Hire Sound Hire Geelong Sound Signage Nick Fry (Family), Sign Hustle Co via Etsy, Liemanco via Etsy Entertainment Geelong Entertainment Celebrant Michele Hayes (Friend) Rings Alberto’s Caravan Bar & Cool Room Boutique Event Co Pet Accessories The Dapper Dog Collar via Etsy, WoofFrills via Etsy Wedding Party Catering Country Larder Foods Glamping Tents Twilight Event Hire THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Designer About Phaedra Hair Piece DIY, You Pearl Sand DIY via Etsy Getting Ready Set House of Lucas & Vanity Fair via Vinnies (Vintage), Piyama Shoes Betts via Facebook Marketplace, R.M. Williams via Depop Accessories Borrowed Hair & Makeup Blush Bar Fragrance Ralph Lauren Bridesmaid Dresses Billy J THE GROOM Suit, Shirt, Pants, Suspenders, Tie, Cufflinks, Shoes & Groomsmen Suits Black Tie Classic
