When it comes to getting wed, you know that we’re fierce advocates for doing what feels right. For Abbey and her longtime love Josh, what felt right was an oh-so-romantic micro wedding witnessed by 33. They followed this with a massive pub party with their wider circle the next day. FUN. Looking back, these lovebirds explained that keeping things simple allowed them to avoid stress, stay present, and importantly, funnel the lion’s share of their wedding funds into a two-month Euro honeymoon.
Where did this classy little ‘do go down? Well, that would be The Homestead, based in Berry, NSW. The good folks at Garnish took care of catering, and Abby Muendel was on camera duties (and did a bloody fine job, too). Mulling over the idea of a micro-wedding? Then we highly recommend perusing (and pinning) this stunner of a day…
THE VENUE “We loved the idea of being close to home, on the land we grew up on. And that would make our lives easier. I grew up on the South Coast of NSW, and my mum called me one day, having bumped into her friend who owns The Homestead in Berry, where we grew up and where my mum still lives. Mum was beyond excited, speaking about the venue and ensuring us she ‘didn’t want to get involved’ haha. But I am so glad she did. It had everything we needed, and they tailored a package perfect for our needs. We couldn’t have been more stoked on how perfect it was.”
FAVE DETAILS “We did a first look at The Tea Shop in Berry. A special place in my heart, as I used to go there with my nan, who has now passed. We would share a scone with jam and cream, and a tea. It’s one of the first places I took Joshy when we got together. We did exactly that, shared a scone and some tea, laughing and giggling and just talking about how happy and excited we were to become husband and wife.”
THE DRESS “I didn’t want to spend thousands on a dress, and had seen that Shona Joy had a beautiful collection online. I ordered one in my size that was on sale ($250 bucks!) When it came, I tried it on, and it fit like a glove! I did, however, book one dress appointment at Prea James in Sydney, purely to have a day out, having a few bubbles with my brother and Mum and try on some wedding dresses as a novelty – to see how it would feel and just have some fun. I knew I wouldn’t be someone who would want to walk out with an expensive dress, but there was this one mini I had seen and knew it was very me. It was the last dress I tried on, and Mum and Matt described how my face instantly changed – I was skipping around the store. We
purchased it that day!”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “The first look and seeing Abbey for the first time! She blew me away and I had no idea she would walk out in a mini. And then she surprised me with a second dress, and looked even more beautiful.”
THE TUNES “Aisle song: Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison. Recessional was Dreams by Gabrielle and first dance song was Love You For A Long Time by Maggie Rogers (who we ended up seeing live in London on day two of our honeymoon, and we bumped into her in our hotel elevator – TALK ABOUT A GOOD OMEN!!!)”
Biiiig fan of Abby Muendel’s work behind the lens on this one. Reach out here if you’re looking to lock in a kick-ass photographer. There’s a reason Garnish featured in our recent round-up of top local caterers. Explore more of their work here. Then, there’s more honeymoon chatter over here as we break down our favourite getaway destinations.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Abby Muendel Photo Film Photographer Fine Film Club Cinematographer Forrest Ladkin Florist Sun Rays Florals Stationery DIY, Officeworks Venue The Homestead, Berry Catering Garnish Cake Maker Tayla Made Cakes Other Desserts Magnum Wedding Favours GlitterMemory via Etsy Entertainment Jack Dawson Celebrant Lachlan Pritchard Rings Laher Design, Son Del Sol THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Prea James, Shona Joy Veil Facebook Marketplace Shoes Valentino Accessories Gold Sister, Regal on Queen Hair Studio Ame Makeup Tayla Jane Makeup Fragrance/Perfume Homemade THE GROOM Jacket, Shirt & Pants Ted Baker via Tramps The Store Bow Tie, Cufflinks & Shoes Tramps The Store
