Soulmates since day one, Ella and Callum, one of our super spunky couples from issue seven, always knew they wanted a winter wedding that matched their personalities. “When people asked us what our theme was I would always say ‘us’, says Ella, who being a barista, also knew that would mean having plenty of caffeine handy too. Married beneath a beautifully styled arbour made by her uncle, Ella describes one of her favourite moments as “having a coffee cart at the wedding and getting to sip away at a delicious coffee right after walking back down the aisle as husband and wife!”
Moments after being given a new last name, Ella swapped her glittery gold shoes for bare feet and a faux fur coat, and took off with their photographer Ashley of Stories by Ash for some portraits that turned out to look a lot like the ones Callum had painted himself.
A graphic designer, Callum did his bit by designing and painting their invitations as well as all their handmade signs. With help from Ella’s maid of honour he also painted the wooden backdrop they’d made for photos with lines from songs in Juno – the first film he and Ella saw together. “Callum also made a case which our bathtub sat in for all the drinks on the night”, Ella says of her rather handy husband.
But their DIY efforts didn’t end there. “We also trolled through every op shop to gathering different vintage plates. Our favours were little chalkboards which we wrote quotes and scriptures on. We also got a bunch of extra flowers and scattered vases around the reception hall”, says Ella who then had a team of family and friends help make their assortment of beautifully decorated desserts.
A wedding with all the finest finishings, every detail of Ella’s outfit was amazing – from her dotted veil and gold hair piece, to her Nana’s antique brooch. “It was silver and engraved with her initials from the 1920s so that was super special”, Ella says, adding that she wasn’t always so sure about her dress by local designer Marilyn Crystelle Bridal. “I didn’t have a bride moment where I was in love with it straight away, I think I fell in love with it later on.”
At the end of the night, guests gathered outside the giant-sized bonfire at Obi Obi Hall (which you may recognise from this real wedding) eating pizza and enjoying music by The Merrys and The Skypilot. “It was a cold night, so as soon as it was lit people went straight out there”, says Ella. “Wish we could have stayed there longer, the stars were so bright and clear, it was beautiful. We had marshmallows for roasting too.” Now the only thing the world needs, is more weddings like this one!
Keen to see more epic real weddings by Stories by Ash? Simply click here, here or here! Want to see her beautiful work in print? Then be sure to pick up a copy of our first annual Real Wedding Special, sold exclusively online via Mag Nation…. but you might want to place your orders quick sticks folks! This limited edition book is sold out in newsagents nationally and we hear the good folk of Mag Nation have less than one box left!
CREDITS Photos Stories by Ash // Bridal gown Marilyn Crystelle Bridal // Veil Veiled Beauty via Etsy // Hair piece Lovisa // Shoes Modcloth // Hair Costal Style Mobile Hairdressing // Makeup Makeup by Jess // Bridesmaids dresses Dotti and Valleygirl // Grooms suit Rodd & Gunn // Shoes Blaq via Myer // Socks Odd Pears // Tie H&M // Ceremony Maleny Retreat, QLD // Reception Obi Obi Hall, QLD // Catering The Woodfire Pizza King // Rings Rosados Box via Etsy // Cinematographer Bent Pretzel Media // Music The Merrys and The Skypilot.