Thanks to a fly in fly out lifestyle and falling pregnant after they booked their venue (their beautiful nine-month-old daughter upped the cute factor at their wedding, guys), Bonnie was doing a lot of the planning while Adam was away – with a newborn! “I had to write everything down… Baby brain is a real thing.” We hear you, Bonnie! The vibe was “an overall theme of relaxed, family-friendly Australiana,” and we think they nailed it – newborn or not! Don’t just take our word for it though. Scroll down for all the incredible pics by one of our go-to photographers here at Hello May, Paris Hawken Photography…
THE VENUE “We wanted to showcase our region, our venue is really close to Margaret River town but is in the Wooditjup National Park via a 2km gravel road that takes you into the forest. It feels so secluded to be surrounded by nature but was still so convenient to be close to town. We were specifically looking for a venue that included accommodation as we had so many travellers and we didn’t want the night to end. This venue (Wharncliffe Mill, Margaret River) was perfect for us, we booked it exclusively for two nights so it meant we could relax with our guests both before and after the wedding. The venue had some cabins, some permanent safari tents and some people brought their own camping gear so it really made our wedding a weekend event.”
FAVE DETAILS “We have to say, the floral aspect by Rach from Botanica Bird was truly special. We didn’t really give her much of a brief, trusting her expertise we just wanted everything she used to be sourced as local as possible. This was a perfect fit as Rach works like this anyway but given she travelled from Newcastle to Margaret River she did an incredible job sourcing the roses, the natives and all the extras that she included from quick roadside forages or from Cowaramup Bay beaches. I also truly loved my dress.”
COOL CUSTOM “We had a ring warming ceremony! This was Adam’s idea. Our bridal party held our rings and quietly whispered a special thought into them before passing them on to us. These are our closest friends and we really felt like it symbolised the warmth, support and well wishes they were giving us.”
LITTLE LOL “Well… There’s a bit of debate as to whether this is a WA thing or a country thing but the boys all drop their pants when “Eagle Rock” comes on… a lot of us are familiar with this tradition but for those who weren’t I think some of them got a bit of a fright when suddenly the dance floor was full of the boys in their boxers!”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Special mention has to go to Paris Hawken Photography. I had followed her work long before we were even engaged and loved her natural artistic style, the way she truly captures details whether it be light through lace in a dress or wrinkles on an elderly loved one’s smiling face, a young babies curious eyes… that’s what I loved before we met her, after we met her we just loved her! She’s someone who professionally but seamlessly fits into your day.. half guest, half photographer and 100% an amazing human. It was through Paris that we were introduced to Films by Alix… again, such incredible art she produces. The same natural warmth that we loved in Paris and the innate ability to really capture a story with all the tiny little but so important details that you absolutely want to remember. Also, Rach of Botanica Bird. She and her partner Ray came to WA as our friends for our wedding, and as our florist and of course for a holiday but she went absolutely above and beyond. Her eye for florals is incredible and what she created for our ceremony was truly stunning.”
If you’re keen to see more gorgeous work from Paris Hawken Photography, head to her Directory listing where you’ll find contact details and more stunning real weddings she’s shot to inspire your planning process.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Paris Hawken Photography Cinematographer Films by Alix Florist Botanica Bird Stationery Paperlust Ceremony & Reception RAC Parks & Resorts (Natural Amphitheatre at Wharncliffe Mill, Margaret River) Catering Peace Pizza. Wedding Favours Scott Lynch of Guana Graffix (Stubbie Coolers) Hire Items & Festoon Lighting Yallingup Event Hire Neon Light Hire The White Owl Collective Entertainment & Sound Hire ASKYA Celebrant Anita Revel Rings Nina’s THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Jennifer Gifford Robes Homebodii Shoes Tony Bianco Accessories Kirstin Ash Hair Madi via Gypsea Locks Hair Design Makeup Thea via The Beauty Spot Bridesmaid Dresses Silk Laundry, Shona Joy Bridesmaid Shoes Tony Bianco THE GROOM Shirt & Pants Country Road Shoes Clark Watch Casio Grooming Margaret River Barber Shoppe Groomsmen Suits Country Road Groomsmen Gifts Great Southern & Margaret River Distilling Co. (Whiskey) Flower Girl Outfit Tea Princess