A short skip from Canberra but seemingly a world away, Katie and Matt married at Kimo Estate in the Riverina region. Formalities took place overlooking the peaceful country fields, the groom wearing M.J. Bale, the bride in MWL, and bridesmaids sporting a creamy trio of Bec + Bridge options. Then came an elegant-yet-easygoing reception in The Grain Shed — a day of all-fun, no-frills, totally beautifully chill. “We met in a nightclub, so instead of a first dance we performed a ‘first DJ set’ for everyone with 8 of our favourite songs,” the newlyweds share, giving you an indication of how awesome this bash must have been.
Chatting with the duo, they shout out a few legends behind the scenes, including Sulina Hair (who came to the bride’s rescue after a pre-wedding hair dye hiccup), content creators The Social Lovers, and Translucent Photography, responsible for this pretty-AF album. They also share some standout details and sage advice on guest boundaries. Get amongst this seriously beautiful (and seriously inspiring) country wed below.
Kimo Estate wedding near Canberra: a beautiful country wedding venue
“It was the first venue we looked at and fell in love. It had everything that we wanted: just outside of Canberra (not too much travelling for guests), could sleep our bridal party and immediate family on site, and had the option for a recovery the next day. Not to mention it was beautiful! Ticked all our boxes.”
An outdoor farm wedding ceremony with elegant country flowers
“We loved the venue, it being outside, perfect weather. Having the ceremony and reception not far from each other was great (1km drive in a coach that we hired for guests). The farm offered so many options for photos, that our beautiful photographer caught so well! Loved the flowers too, elegant and fresh. The aisle flowers looked beautiful with the farm backdrop.”
The bride’s MWL Bridal wedding dress
“My dress was from MWL Bridal in Sydney. I had looked online at a few options, including the Celine (with a large skirt). When I tried it on, I loved the bodice and material, but the poofy skirt wasn’t really me. The girls at MWL suggested trying on a new design, the Celine Fitted. It was in a different material but had the option to change to satin. Once I tried the dress on with my bridesmaids there, I knew it was the one. Went to one other shop after to try on dresses but my mind had been made up!”
M.J. Bale tuxedos and suits for the groom and groomsmen
“My suit was from M.J. Bale in Canberra. It was the first shop I went to with my groomsmen. We were after a classic, elegant tux which we found straight away. I was in a tux while my groomsmen were in black suits. I wanted the main attention and focus to be on Katie!”
Wedding planning advice: guest boundaries and a next-day recovery
“Don’t take it too seriously! Don’t get caught up on the finer details, they really do not matter. People remember the love and fun they’ve had celebrating with the people they love. Make sure you enjoy it too! You’ve spent a long time and a lot of money prepping for it, it’s your time to let loose. A tip would also be to set boundaries with guests, having quick catch ups but excusing yourself so you can get around to seeing everyone. We also loved our recovery the next day, it was so nice to see everyone and reflect on the day. We got to spend some quality time with friends and family and kept the partying going to late in the evening!”
Katie and Matt’s favourite wedding vendors
“Cassandra from Sulina Hair fixed my hair when I was freaking out! A literal life saver! Lucy from Translucent Photography: made the whole experience fun, and not awkward at all. She guided us when needed and got the most amazing shots. Did not feel like a photo shoot at all! Molly [The Social Lovers]: she got the most amazing short clips of our day and really highlighted the atmosphere and mood. Honestly did not even see her during the night, blended in like the furniture!”
More country wedding inspiration and wedding suppliers
If Kimo Estate seems like the venue for you, reach out here. If photography is next on your list, check out these weddings captured by Translucent Photography. For couples looking to lock in a content creator, The Social Lovers is one for your shortlist – check out their work here on the directory. While you’re there, browse through more weddings featuring M.J. Bale looks or explore Bec + Bridge’s impressive range of bridesmaid frocks and contemporary bridal ensembles.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Translucent Photography Content Creator The Social Lovers Event Planner Amelia Ferguson – Kimo Estate Florist Little Triffids Menus GraceyEleDesigns via Etsy Venue Kimo Estate Cake Maker Costco Cake Topper Stomed via Etsy Lighting Hire, Sound Hire & Entertainment Will Crisp – Encore Entertainment Wagga Signage OkDesignAU via Etsy Celebrant Holyhitched Boutique Rings Tiffany & Co., Sarah & Sebastian Beverages BentSpoke Brewing, Heaps Normal THE BRIDE Bridal Boutique & Veil MWL Bride Second Look Shona Joy Getting ready PJ’s Atmos&Here via The Iconic Shoes Siren via The Iconic Accessories De-Sur, Sarah & Sebastian, Saint Valentine Hair Sulina Hair Makeup Angela Marshall Fragrance Aerre Bridesmaid Dresses Bec + Bridge Bridesmaid Gifts Aerre, Saint Valentine, Etsy THE GROOM Suit, Shirt, Bow Tie & Groomsmen Suits M.J. Bale Suspenders Myer Cufflinks Engravd Shoes Vero Cuoio Watch & Groomsmen Gifts Casio Top Hat Christys’ Hats
