It was on an overseas trip to Japan that Col (a true romantic) popped the big question to his longtime love, Stef. After a dip in the hot springs and a bit of food, the two headed out for a walk on the bridge running over the river, where Col presented Stef with a mysteriously large box.
£I thought what the hell is this?’, inside was a book and as I flipped through the pages I saw that they were water painted illustrations from our entire trip. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, the tour guide we had, things we had seen, a few beautiful messages. Then a page said, but the next memory will be our favourite’…I quickly flipped the page to find out. The next page had Japanese writing with a question mark…flipped to the next page and there was an illustration of Col and I, on that bridge with Col proposing to me.
Dubbing the wedding planning process a £funny, weird ride of anxiety and excitement, the couple ended up with a laid-back day with some chic and whimsical elements at Graciosa in Byron. £We just wanted everyone to come to Byron Bay, chill out, drink, laugh and love, Stef tells us, adding that her favourite detail from the day was a no-brainer.
£It would have to be the florals. I don’t think I have seen so many beautiful flowers in my life! The smell in the barn was so overwhelming and fresh, I think it gave so much life and colour to everything. And, while Col admits there are £literally too many fave memories to count, there was one in particular that really stands out.
£Seeing Stef appear looking absolutely drop dead gorgeous, angelic, perfect – basically pick a superlative and that’s how she looked. It wasn’t just the way she looked, it was also the feelings that came with seeing her under that arch, in that dress, with that song playing. I swelled up with pride, excitement, love and also a sense of accomplishment. Kind of a we’ve organised this, we created this incredible day, and I get to be the one that marries her…are you kidding?’ feeling, says Col, jokingly adding that £marriage is a new piece of jewellery…but also commitment, love and (hopefully) more pets.
A celebration filled with great vibes and even better vendors like Le Rose, Humdrum Films, photographer Lara Hotz, styling genius Rach from Peachey Pie, celebrant Ben Carlyle and jewellery designers Grew & Co, this pair says that they are super glad that they hired The White Tree to perform on their big day.
£We weren’t going to have a wedding band at all. We felt it’s a huge risk. We’d been at events where the band was great, and others where it felt like you were at a gig you didn’t buy tickets to – real vibe killers. But The White Tree were incredible! They nailed the brief, sounded fantastic and, more than anything, adjust perfectly to the vibe of the night, which really put the cherry on top for the reception.
CREDITS Photos Lara Hotz // Cinematographer Humdrum Films // Event planner / Stylist Peachey Pie // Event coordinators Byron Bay Weddings // Florist Poppy + Fern // Stationery Set Square // Menus and signage In-grained // Place cards Letters by Belle // Printer Trenear Printing // Ceremony and reception Graciosa, NSW // Catering Fig Tree // Cake Byron Bay Cacao // Cake topper Melabowed via Etsy // Decorative elements Ocean Petals & Balloons // Wedding favours Set Square // Prop / furniture hire Lovestruck and The Wedding Shed // Photo booth The Photobooth // Lighting / sound hire Byron Audio //Signage In-grained // Entertainment The White Tree // Celebrant Ben Carlyle // Wedding bands Grew & Co // Transport Magic Bus Byron Bay // Bridal gown designer Lover the Label // Reception Dress Alice McCall // Hair piece AnnaMarguerite via Etsy // Robes / getting ready tees Le Rose // Lingerie, accessories and bridesmaids dresses and shoes Asos // Garter Vintage // Shoes Kat Maconie and Zara // Hair Phoebe Fever // Suit The Tailors Co // Tie / Bow tie OTAA // Shoes Kurt Geiger // Watch Mister Wolf // Pin Few and Far Collective // Barber / grooming Blade Barbers // Groomsmen suits The Tailors Co // Flower girl outfits Cocoblush and Saltwater Sandals.