Ange and Ryan’s epic Melbourne celebration at the iconic Cactus Country was such a vibe. The outfits, the wedding party, the incredible sunset photos from Maple and June… it’s all so good. As a wedding photographer herself, Ange had a running mental list of amazing vendors she wanted to use for her own day of days, as well as a very strong idea of how she and Ryan wanted the wedding to feel: “It was an eclectic mix of opulent rock’n roll, Moroccan bohemian ’70s disco meets a Midsummer Night’s Dream meets Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. The vibe was loose…” the couple tell us.
Trust us, you’re going to want to see this one. Start your scroll, stat!
THE VENUE “Ange is obsessed with cactus and Cactus Country had been her dream venue after seeing it pop up on insta years prior. After not much convincing to Ryan, it actually worked out perfectly! We booked over the phone without seeing it… it was all faith! Julie who runs and owns the venue is an absolute doll and made the entire process a breeze.”
THE INSPO “It was an eclectic mix of opulent rock’n roll, Moroccan bohemian ’70s disco meets a Midsummer Night’s Dream meets Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. The vibe was loose… A cocktail reception with lots of seating, but not assigned, plus guests were free to roam and enjoy the sprawling Cactus Country with cocktails.”
DIY “The stationery and all the styling. Ange spent two years scouring markets for vintage brass and bohemian crystal vases and candlesticks, skulls, trinkets, disco balls, materials, vintage rugs, etc. We also custom ordered two large neons to hang over the dancefloor, Til Death and Free and Easy (a reference to Ryan’s favourite Brian Jonestown Massacre song). We chose to make and keep these and they hang on our walls to this day! Also, Ange’s uncle made the A-frame arbour by hand too!”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Opened the bar just before the ceremony for beers, bubbles and alcoholic slushies. It put guests in a great mood! We also decided not to disrupt the flow of the wedding by stopping to sign paperwork, we did that before our celebrant left for the day.”
FAVE DETAILS “Our vows, the celebrant and the actual ceremony. Our celebrant Anthony Cribbs blew everyone away with his clever wit and sharp delivery. It set the tone for the rest of the day. Our guests were convinced he was a good mate of ours (and yeah, we wish he was – hi Anthony!).
STANDOUT VENDORS “Zoe from Maple and June is superstar who helped to calm and guide me when I needed her the most. She took the most incredible photos of us at golden hour that are my most favourite from the day. She gave me a gift that I will have forever. Honestly, wedding photography is the one thing that will increase in value after the day is over and I’m so glad I had Maple and June there to cover the day. Annie from Francis Floristry created such an incredible vision for us – she is the most solid trustworthy creative florist you will ever find. She also placed a pink bromeliad in my bouquet that I planted and it lives in my garden to this day. So clever to leave me with such a lasting gift. Book her!”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Don’t piss money away on party favours or even fancy cars. Trust us, no-one will remember! Put it towards a fun space, music, good food and drinks! It’s a party and those four elements are what your guests will enjoy and remember. The marriage is for you but the party is for your guests… otherwise just elope, right?”
Looking to assemble your own rockstar team of Victorian vendors? Our directory is full of them! You can search by location and category which makes it super simple to navigate. You can also get a bunch more ideas and inspo in the Real Wedding Special – shop it here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Maple and June Cinematographer Full Hearts Film Florist Francis Floristry Stationery Creative Market Printer Vistaprint Ceremony & Reception Venue Cactus Country Catering Scrumdidlyumptious Catering Cake made by family and friend Cake Topper Creating Monkies via Etsy Polaroid Cameras Instax Signage Creating Monkies via Etsy Entertainment The Cherry Dolls Celebrant Anthony Cribbs Rings Ju Ju Gems, Anthony’s Jewellers Airbnb House of Figs in Yarrawonga THE BRIDE Bridal gown designer & veil Sant Elia Hair piece The Ophelia Crown via Etsy Flower crown Francis Floristry Robes Le Rose Gifts via Etsy Shoes The White Collection Accessories Christie Nicolaides Hair + Makeup By Rella Bridesmaid Dresses & Shoes Their own THE GROOM Jacket & Shirt Shane Rochefort Tailor Hat Super Duper Hats Pants The Iconic Bollo Belts Buckles Bolos via Etsy Shoes Hudson Grooming Gemma Lee Groomsmen shirts Tarocash
