Though the forecast promised rain, skies cleared up just in time for Alisha and Cooper to say ‘I do’, overlooking Sydney Harbour. A warm, welcoming reception followed at the Bride’s mum’s abode, allowing the couple to DIY the event to their heart’s content. They explain, “We had complete control over everything, it was far more budget friendly than a typical wedding and we learnt so much!”
The couple did outsource some stuff to the pros though – and what a team! Folks like Lovesick Weddings and Ed Summerhays (a standout on camera duties). And we can’t forget Karen Willis Holmes, the iconic Aussie designer responsible for Alisha’s timeless gown. “The KWH Bridal staff were down to earth and lovely, and the dress was instantly my number one pick,” reflects the bride. “I felt like it suited my personality perfectly. I’m so sad that I can’t wear it over and over!”
Scroll on for the newlyweds’ advice and loads of ideas you’ll want to borrow.
Warm, Cosy Wedding Vibes
“I would say we wanted a sort of warm, cosy, intimate, classy garden fairy light cocktail party vibe. We wanted it to be super personal with only our closest family and friends.”
An Intimate At-Home Wedding Reception
“We actually did not tour a single venue in the end. We requested a bunch of quotes from many venues but each had things we were not happy with and lots of restrictions on various things. We wanted to party for as long into the night as we liked and we wanted to DIY so many elements, so we asked my mum if we could use her beautiful home. We cannot lie, our budget also preferred this option.”
The Couple’s Advice: Always Have a Wet-Weather Backup Plan
“It was forecast to be absolutely torrentially raining on the day of our fully outdoor, no plan B wedding! Our guests were running around trying to find golf umbrellas and gumboots in the days leading up. There was 100mm of rain the day before and somehow it had all dried up by our wedding morning and it was a beautiful and blue sky all day. Cooper actually said on the day it was a bit too hot and sunny for his liking, wearing a suit and all, haha.”
Favourite Wedding Details
“The hands down best detail was our spectacular grazing table which was the first thing guests saw when they walked down the hallway into the reception. It was even better in person and everything on there was great quality and SO delicious. We also really loved how our hand drawn invitations turned out! It was so fun telling everyone that we drew them ourselves.”
A Standout Sydney Wedding Photographer
“Honestly we are happy with everyone we chose, because we chose people carefully and are very picky people lol. Our photographer Ed was a stand out because his visual style is precisely what we wanted and the photos turned out even better than we imagined. He got them back to us soo quick too!
Ed Summerhays’ snaps caught your attention? Get in touch and learn more about Ed’s signature film-inspired digital photography aesthetic. Get to know more Karen Willis Holmes brides (dressing brides for 25 years, you’re in good hands with these peeps). Celebrating at home? Hit up the directory to find folks like Lovesick Weddings, who can hook you up with all the bits and bobs you’ll need (plus styling support too!). Then head over to our Real Weddings for a second helping of inspo.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Ed Summerhays Cinematographer RZ Weddings Flowers Sydney Markets Printer Officeworks Ceremony Venue Yurulbin Park Reception Venue Private Property Food Trucks or Carts La Bufala Food Truck Cake Maker Alisha (Bride) Other Desserts San Valentino Hire Items Lovesick Weddings Celebrant Toni Elsley – Breathe Easy Weddings Rings Jacque Fine Jewellery, James Allen Transport HF Wedding & Hire Cars Bar Staff Vandabar Events Hospitality Staff Evonny and Melody via AirTasker THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Designer Karen Willis Holmes Shoes Badgley Mischka Accessories Kate & Kole Hair & Makeup Amanda – Makeup Life Fragrance Chanel THE GROOM Suit, Bow Tie & Cufflinks Woolcott St Shoes Loake Grooming Fuchs Hair
