Aurora and Alex (Rori and Al to their mates) got hitched in Bulli on the New South Wales’ South Coast with a “bright, colourful and fun” bash dripping with ‘60s nostalgia. “We just wanted to day to feel like us and reflect our personalities – which I think we did!” That’s what it’s all about, lovers!
Stoked to share this one with you. Some epic DIY efforts, beaut blooms and a last-minute venue pivot – we cover it all in our chat with the new Mr and Mrs below. And, of course, the happy snaps! Emily Tysoe (aka Photos with Em) nailed it.
THE VENUE “We knew we wanted it close to our home on the South Coast and at a community hall or something similar. We originally settled on Darkes Forest Community Hall because we loved the bush it was surrounded by. However, as the wedding got closer, I was worried I didn’t have a solid plan B if the weather turned. I had a few sleepless nights during a week of bad rain and started looking again—mind you, this was six weeks out. I found the Bulli Community Hall and can’t believe I missed this in my original search. We had a viewing pretty soon after, and I was sold.”
FAVE DETAILS “Honestly, I think the flowers. My brother and his partner Amy went to the Sydney Flower Markets early the day before. She spent the rest of the day making the flower arrangements and she created the most beautiful displays. We provided a brief of colours, flower types, and overall vibe, and she produced something so beautiful. It really lifted the day and matched the spring garden. Amy isn’t a florist by trade, but as a creative herself, I have full trust in her, and she blew us away.”
DIY “I put Alex through hell in the lead-up and used his carpentry skills/tools for everything. Looking back, it was a really nice way for us to connect and literally create our special day. We made our wedding arches, dance floor, signs and many of the decorations. I appointed my bridesmaid Charlotte (blue dress) as the creative CEO throughout the process, and we worked together to pull it all off styling-wise. We spent a day in Sydney together, gathering all of the beautiful fabric for the inside and tables at the old fabric factory in Surry Hills.
THE DRESS “My only brief was not traditional, so I knew I didn’t want long. I looked at a lot online and had some ideas. In August, I saw the one on Meshki, ordered it online, tried it on and was happy. The lace underlay was more difficult to nail. I went through about 3-4 different lace tops, but it needed to have a high neck, sheer lace and be the right white. The one I wore arrived from Amazon a week out.
THE SUIT “Alex found his fairly easily online through ASOS and loved it. His mum is originally from Mexico, and when she was down there on a trip with his sister they spent the day going to all of the local shops and sourcing authentic Mexican shirts as a nod to his heritage. We were looking for an off white/cream, and it was difficult to see the colour on FaceTime. When they arrived, they were better than we could have imagined and ended up matching the building perfectly.”
If you, a la Aurora, like your bridal frocks on the non-tradish side, you’ll love our Best Of Bride Style. Click here for more DIY wedding goodness, or if you’re planning your own NSW nups, here are our fave vendors in the area.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Photos with Em Venue Bulli Community Centre Catering Steve’s Mobile Woodfire Pizza Oven Florist By Amy Celebrant Colby Wright Celebrant Cake Maker Cakes by Aims Tent Discount Party Hire Furniture Hire Illawarra Wine Barrel Hire Fabric The Fabric Store Decor IKEA, Op Shops, Kmart Arches & Dance Floor DIY, Bunnings THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Meshki Hair Taymd Hair Makeup Alli Rush THE GROOM Suit ASOS
