Ash and James’ relaxed outdoor wedding was as beautifully chill as their proposal. “We were sitting on the couch with our dog Hector, we’d bought a block of chocolate from the supermarket and I thought James was getting up to grab it,” Ash tells us. “I said, ‘YES PLEASE!’ He then asked me to marry him. Was a very humble and chilled proposal, perfect for us, no frills!”
These folks turned to Miranda Stokkel to photograph the day – always a good pick, we say, and a “non-negotiable”, says Ash. Once they had this wonder woman locked down, it was a matter of finding the dream dress (ahem, Prea James Bridal over at Hope X Page – what a duo!), the perfect venue (hello, The Farm Cafe at the Collingwood Children’s Farm), an epic DJ (shoutouts to One More Song!)… and settling in for some sweet ‘I do’s.
THE VENUE “We both thought we would end up going for an industrial/warehouse vibe, but as soon as we saw the Collingwood Children’s Farm we knew that was where we wanted to get married. My mum’s side of the family are farmers, so to have that amazing space right in the city was perfect. It was the first venue we saw, and worked on finding a date there straightaway. Matching with our photographer, Miranda Stokkel, was a non-negotiable for the date.”
FAVE DETAILS “The marquee from Elderberry Events was absolutely incredible. We knew what we were getting but seeing it set up on the day literally took our breaths away! The simplicity of getting married under the oak tree at the farm was also so special for us. Looking back at photos of just me and James and the tree in its pure state is so perfect. We didn’t feel the need to add any decoration, the tree speaks for itself.”
THE DRESS “I knew that I would wear a Prea James Bridal dress as soon as I started looking. Her vibe is so relaxed, flattering and not too ‘bridal’. I purchased it from Hope X Page whilst on a trip to Sydney. I would have been able to purchase it back here in Melbourne, but the experience I had at Hope X Page was so perfect, and I was made to feel a million bucks the minute I walked in the door.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “We were stoked to have a first dance. We did about five lessons with Thandi from Phoenix Dance Studios in Richmond. I was feeling really cringe about the whole thing but had so much fun doing it on the night. Our Supa 8 footage from Miranda is also so precious to us. So fun to watch back and see it all in action!”
WE WISH WE… “I wish I didn’t spend the months leading up to the wedding stressing haha! COVID didn’t help, but everything was just perfect on the day, and I shouldn’t have been sweating the small stuff.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Our photographer, Miranda! I was so nervous about portraits, as I never feel natural in front of the camera, and always pick apart photos of myself. We were so at ease and our favourite moments from the day were when we were alone with Miranda. Megan Thompson is an amazing celebrant. Her inclusion of our bridal party and groomsmen in our ceremony was so beautiful. Every single guest noted how much they loved our ceremony, and how great Megan was. Eddy, our DJ from One More Song, is AMAZING! So much fun. He captured the party vibe we wanted perfectly. No cheese!”
Love these snaps? We can personally attest what a fab human and equally as fab photographer Miranda Stokkel is – get in touch with the lass herself on our directory. Of course, having an entire team of incredible vendors doesn’t hurt either, and you’ll find a bunch more of the best over there, too. For farm-style venue vibes in the city, hit up The Farm Cafe at the Collingwood Children’s Farm; for music to keep you dancing all night (with literally zero cheese), it’s all about One More Song; and for gowns you’ll go gaga over, Hope X Page is your gal.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Miranda Stokkel Florist Anatomy of Flowers Stationery Willow & Bloom Design Ceremony, Reception & Catering The Farm Cafe at the Collingwood Children’s Farm Desserts Casa Nata (Portuguese tarts) Hire Items & Marquee Elderberry Events Signage Sundae Weddings Entertainment Eddy Mac via One More Song Celebrant Megan Thompson Rings Cushla Whiting Streamer Installation Bangin Hangins THE BRIDE Gown Prea James Bridal Bridal Boutique Hope X Page Veil KYHA Pyjamas Sussan Shoes Eos Earrings Mother of the bride Hair RL Hair Makeup Megan Miloshis Bridesmaid dresses Héxié Bridesmaid gifts Kate & Kole THE GROOM Suit & Shirt Joe Button Bow tie OTAA Cufflinks Ren & Thread Shoes Aquila Barber Natalee Thompson via The Specialist Barber Groomsmen suits Joe Button