After 13 years of lovin’, Kamen’s proposal moment was well worth the wait. Following a day spent exploring the Lofoten Islands of Norway later, Bonnie was surprised by a petite white box on the countertop of their toasty cabin. But that’s not all. The whole dang universe was so stoked by the turn of events that the Northern Lights joined in the celebration. Luckily for us, the big day was just as magical with frolicking doggos, lavender fields and one dreamy floral installation by Hoorah Events. Scroll down for the rest of Dan O’Day Photography’s detailed captures…
THE VIBE “I never envisioned a solid theme or colour palette when looking for inspiration for the wedding. Instead, I wanted to create a ‘hygge’ atmosphere which translates to “cosiness” in Danish. We wanted to achieve a warm intimate gathering reminiscent of a casual dinner party with big share plates of food. The concept of ‘hygge’ entails sharing good food amongst warm candlelight with your favourite people. So we are really glad we kept the guest list small and intimate.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “My favourite detail was the ceiling florals in the barn. They were filled with gums and Australian natives, and they just smelt so good in the barn. I had the team at Hoorah Events hang them low to create a more intimate vibe. The fairy lights in the marquee looked beautiful too, it took Kamen and I two hours the day before putting them up! it was worth the effort.”
FAVOURITE MOMENT “Since I work from home I spend all day, every day with my dog Oakley, and the day just wouldn’t have been the same without him. I’m so glad he came and it just filled me with joy seeing him frolic in the gardens at Merribee with his happy tongue hanging out. Plus, we got some excellent shots of Oakley licking Kamen’s face during the tea ceremony!”
A TOUCH OF TRADITION “It only felt right that Kamen and I acknowledged our backgrounds at the wedding (Chinese and Bulgarian). Incorporating traditions only makes cross-cultural weddings more personal. In the morning, before the ceremony, we did a Chinese tea ceremony, and at the end of the night, we did the Horo (a traditional Bulgarian folk dance) on the dance floor. It was fun that everyone joined in even though no one knew the steps!”
A WORD OF ADVICE “As soon as you get engaged you may feel like you need to quickly book all your vendors, and although the good ones certainly book up fast I would definitely recommend taking the time to chat with your vendors. You’ll soon know who are your kind of people. Also, when looking for a photographer ask to see a full set of photos from some of the weddings they have shot, not just the highlights. It quickly becomes evident who just got a few lucky shots and who are really on the ball capturing those raw candid moments at weddings.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Dan and Andi our photographers were absolute legends! They were so easy and fun to get along with, and Dan has the kind of energy that is just infectious. He was great at getting everyone to relax in front of the camera and really considered how to improve a shot – like how last-minute he changed how we did our grand entrance so that the background was of the beautiful arch instead of the kitchen.”
As Bonnie and Kamen have reinforced, having a fab team of vendors is the key to a cruisey big day. Click here to check out more from one of our fave Event Planner/Stylists in the biz, Hoorah Events or check out Charlotte & George’s Southern Highlands Wedding here to catch em’ in action.
Bonnie and Kamen’s big day was originally published in our 2019 Real Weddings Special. You can grab a copy via our online store and because we’re feeling extra lovely (if we don’t say so ourselves) you can get it free when you buy this year’s 2020 Real Weddings Special. You’re welcome, friends. OK, you can scroll down now…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Dan O’Day Photography Florist Flowers on the Mill (Bouquet and Boutonnieres), Hoorah Events (Reception ceiling installation and Arch) Stationery The Bride Printer Peterkin Venue Merribee Catering Radish Events Cake Sunny Bakehouse Wedding Favours Black Pantry Hire Items South Coast Party Hire Photo Booth Booth Boy Lighting Hire Hoorah Events Sound Hire XYDJ Celebrant All We Need Is Love Rings Anna Sheffield (bride), Cartier (Groom) BRIDE Dress & Veil Ervan Woo Loungewear Alice McCall Shoes Innovare Made In Italy, Marni Accessories Catbird, Wwake GROOM Suit Institchu Shirt Gibson Bow Tie Politix Cufflinks Calibre Shoes Florsheim