Could this wedding get any better? You can literally feel the love bouncing off the pics, taken by the talented team from Queensland-based, Cloud Catcher Studio (see more of their work here). There’s even a puppy in boots and a bow tie! Seriously- his name is Banjo- and he was there for the proposal, too, guys. “The engagement was a little over 4 years,” says Xav. “Bastian proposed in December 2013, but it was worth the wait being able to celebrate with the same sex marriage law passing just in time!” Their theme was inspired by their European roots (which we must say Redleaf Wollombi was perfect for!) and they even told guests they weren’t allowed to wear black. Brilliant, right?!
THE PROPOSAL I swept Xavier away on a morning stroll with Banjo. I organised friends to plant champagne and decorations at our favourite lookout spot in Sydney harbour near Taronga Zoo. As we were walking up there, I started playing our song from when we met and I proposed. After saying yes, a friend picked us up in a tinny and took us around to the next bay, where I had organised for our friends to celebrate with food and wine on a private beach.
THE VENUE We had spent Xavier’s 40th birthday at Redleaf Wollombi the year before and we rented the property with a bunch of friends and had a magical weekend. Then and there we decided this will be our wedding venue. The very next day we blocked out the dates and paid the deposit. We never had second thoughts.
THE SUITS We read reviews online, created an extensive Pinterest board about sales and fabric options and asked a few friends to recommend tailors. It was clear to us from the start that we wanted custom suits. We made four appointments with different tailors for one Saturday, took our best friends along for support, and the third shop we went in to had the right fabric, the right style and the best options for us. Done! The guys at Brent Wilson did an amazing job.
MEMORABLE MOMENT Our favourite part of the day was sitting at the dining table, looking around and seeing everyone being happy, laughing and having a good time. In that moment we thought, this is exactly the way we wanted. And being walked towards the ceremony spot by our mums was probably the most profound moment.
A WORD OF ADVICE… Take your time. We took 18 months for it and it was perfect. It’s important to take breaks from wedding planning every now and then. It takes a lot of time and effort and can easily take over your life. So if you’re doing EVERYTHING yourself (like we did) it’s good to plan way ahead to keep your sanity.
WE’RE GLAD WE… We’re glad we didn’t do a cake or a first dance. We ditched a lot of the traditions and just made it our own. We think that was the thing that we did right. We did it like we wanted to and left all the politics at the door. There are a lot of little things that will go wrong, but on the day it doesn’t matter – it will be THE BEST no matter what.
STANDOUT VENDORS Two vendors went above and beyond. Robert Molines and his team at Bistro Molines did an absolutely amazing job with the catering. The food was outstanding and the service was impeccable. The other was our DJ, Aaron from Cut a Rug– he was absolutely legendary. Perfectly hitting the tone (excuse the pun) at every stage of the wedding, absolutely smashing it on the dance floor. It was the best.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Cloud Catcher Studio Stationery Paperporn Printer Watermarx Graphics
Ceremony & Reception Redleaf Wollombi Catering Bistro Molines Cheese & Alcohol Bistro Papillon Wedding Favours SimoneDesStore Branded Stamp Custom Made Stamps Prop & Furniture The Wedding Designer Dance Floor & Chairs Beavis Party Hire Entertainment Cut a Rug Celebrant Monty King Rings Angus & Coote Transport Mystwood Estate GROOMS Suits Brent Wilson Bow Ties Neck & Tie Co. Shoes Aqulia Grooming Noddys on King Watch (Xav) Tissot Bridesmaid Gifts LacewoodCreations Bridesmaid Hair & Makeup Chic Artistry Dogs Bow Tie Dharf
