It was way back when (2009 to be exact) that Caitlin and Jay first got together, beginning the adventure of a lifetime amongst their friends and family (first featured in The Real Wedding Special). £We hit it off instantly after meeting in the wee hours of a long night in a dingy Melbourne club. Soon after, we were sharing an amazing terrace bedroom in a big old Victorian era share house. Our days were long with friends, music and picnics in the park.
Fast forward to a stroll along the beach that ended with a ring, the couple spent 15 months engaged before finally tying the knot at The Convent Gallery in rural Victoria. £We saw The Convent first and both knew that’s where we wanted our wedding. The Convent has history and an element of grandeur that captivated us. It is unique in it’s styling though retains it’s classic and original ambience. It sits high on the hill in Daylesford, a sight to behold with magnificent views on it’s own, explains Caitlin, who tells us there wasn’t really a theme for their big day.
£We opted for a wedding that was classically tasteful with elements of formal tradition combined with simplicity. We weren’t bothered about trends and this helped us in keeping our decisions simple and true to our own sense of style. Mostly we were motivated by creating a wedding celebration that would be loved and enjoyed by our guests, says the bride, adding that she’d never given much thought to wedding dresses – prior to having a ring put firmly on it by Jay, of course!
£Rue De Seine had caught my eye in an edition of Hello May. I checked out their website and learnt they were having a trunk show at Through the White Door in Fremantle. With little notice, I asked Mum to fly over from Victoria to attend. Greer from Rue De Seine and Vicki from Through the White Door paid me individual attention making it an overall wonderful and stress-free experience. Caitlin goes on, £I tried on about eight gowns and we all thought the Elea gown suited me. I loved how its colouring brought out the best in my complexion and hair. The gown reflected my usual sense of style. It was unlike any gown I’d seen and whilst unique it remained classic and elegant.
A gorgeous day filled with fun (and music by The White Tree) the pair, now £locked in forever and looking forward to a future of £producing adorable ranga children one day, says that their nuptials were filled with special moments – all captured by Bottlebrush Films and the amazing Jai of Free the Bird Photography.
£It didn’t take too much deciding to settle on Free the Bird Photography, I just hoped we could book Jai! We loved, loved, the style and the photos that we saw and felt a genuine sense of connection on our initial enquiry. Jai was so great! He was calming, reassuring and fun on the day. His work is next level!
If you’re just as in love with Jai Long photographic work as we are, check out this stunning editorial from issue 14, set amongst the beautiful grounds of The Reedsmith house.
Caitlin and Jay’s romantic Victoria nuptials were originally featured in our third annual Real Wedding Special, on sale now and stocked in newsagents nationally. Search for your nearest stockist via suburb or postcode here or shop online with Mag Nation or via the HM online store here.
CREDITS Photographer Free the Bird Photography // Cinematographer Bottlebrush Films // Florist, Hair Piece and Cake Topper Wombat Hill Florist // Stationery Lala Design and Academy Graphics // Ceremony and Reception Venue and Catering The Chapel, VIC // Entertainment The White Tree // Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands Tayha Designs // Bridal Gown Designer Rue de Seine // Bridal Boutique Through the White Door // Robes Palindrome Heartbreaker // Shoes Nina Shoes New York // Makeup Heather Woll // Suit George and King // Barber Royal Jims // Groomsmen Suits Penguin Suit Hire.