Just four months out from their big day, Anna and Michael decided to cancel – let us finish – their venue and have it in their own backyard instead. “We didn’t want to spend a lot of money on one day, so decided to use the money we saved on a venue, on things that mattered to us”, says Anna, a freelance writer and mother to their beautiful daughter Phoebe.
“… we wanted to celebrate in a fairly casual way. We didn’t want to buck tradition altogether, but it was important to us that we didn’t fall into a standard wedding stereotype because that’s what is expected. We opted to keep the bits we liked and ditch the rest”, says Anna who found her gown at a bridesmaids dress shop, ironically named Bridesmaids Only. “It felt simple and elegant and just what I had in mind.”
Deciding all they really wanted was good food, good music and a great photographer, Anna and Michael crossed paths with photographer Jack Chauvel and catering company Sydney Picnic Company. Being a musician, Michael was put in charge of music while their friends Jennifer from My True Love Gave To Me and Celia from Bath Cake Company took care of decorations and dessert.
An absolute highlight of their night however, as Anna explains, “was the surprise performance by the best man and groomsmen, who sat Michael and I on a hay bale and sang ‘Is this Love’ by Bob Marley to us. Everyone joined in and it was just such a special moment. I remember feeling so incredibly joyful and loved in that moment.”
CREDITS Photos Jack Chauvel Photography // Bridal gown Bridesmaids Only // Veil, flowers and styling My True Love Gave To Me // Shoes Panache Bridal // Grooms suit M.J. Bale // Grooms shoes Jeff Banks // Ceremony and reception private property, NSW // Catering Sydney Picnic Company // Cake Bath Cake Company // Celebrant Vivienne Benson Hodge // Prep locations Orange Grove B&B and Meriton Serviced Apartments.