While on a trip to Paris, Real Wedding Special couple Cait and Dan made a late night stop at the world famous Louvre Museum to take a quick pic. On account of the darkness and one too many glasses of wine, Cait thought that Dan got on one knee to get a better angle for the photo, little did she know?
£I went on posing for a couple of minutes, but he called to me and I realised what was happening. It took a few moments to settle in, but then I ran right up to him, he asked me if I would marry him, and I of course said yes! We had tears and hugs and kisses, until the security guard told us we had to move on?! It was midnight after all.
After visiting a few venues around Canberra, this passionate pair agreed that nowhere had felt particularly sentimental to them. Thinking back to their engagement party at Cait’s parent’s place (which they’d catered and decorated themselves) it was clear that home really is where the heart is.
£The vibe was fantastic and everyone had such a fun, relaxed time, that when it came down to it, Dan and I just wanted to have a big party again! So that’s why we decided to have it at home, in our own space – that was special to us.
A lover of all things crafty, Cait was keen to get started on some epic DIY projects and made Pinterest a part of her daily ritual. From Eden Seeds sunflower seed bonbonniû?res to a sparkly 3D backdrop, this bride took do-it-yourself to a whole new level.
£My dad, Dan and I built a deck and pergola for the occasion, and transformed the yard. We put up a Hireall marquee, and our families cooked and pitched in. The space was awesome and everyone we love had a part in it. It will be a part of our lives forever, and we are excited to share it with a family someday too, explains the bride, who reminds other couples, £a wedding should reflect YOU.
From the All Things Tartan kilts and a hodgepodge of traditions, to hand-brewed cold ones, photos by Kelly Tunney and a clever rendition of the classic ‘Princess Bride’ wedding speech, we think it’s safe to say that this at-home celebration had Cait and Dan’ written all over it and reminding us that, in the end, marriage is simply £two mates having a laugh, some romance, good food, wine, and being a good team.
Want to see more awesome weddings? Pick up Issue 14, on sale now.
CREDITS Photos Kelly Tunney // Bridal gown Wendy Makin via Brides of Manuka // Robes / getting read tees SandyWatersStore via Etsy // Lingerie Bras ‘n’ Things // Bride and bridesmaids shoes Melissa Australia // Accessories PearlsbyTabs via Etsy and Lochcarron of Scotland // Hair Rockabilly Boutique // Makeup Highbrow Beauty and Makeup // Rings Briolette and Rare Earth Jewellery // Bridesmaid dresses Weddington Way // Bridesmaid gifts BlueberryHairTies via Etsy and SandyWatersStore via Etsy // Suit, kilt, shoes and socks All Things Tartan // Shirt and cufflinks Ken Cook Menswear // Tie / Bow tie Tarocash // Barber / grooming Off London // Groomsmen suits ASOS // Groomsmen gifts Scotswhahae via Etsy // Florist Field & Coppice // Stationery Minted // Printer Social Print Studio // Ceremony The English Gardens, ACT // Reception Private property, ACT // Wedding favours Eden Seeds // Prop and furniture hire dreamhiredesign and Hireall // Marquee / teepee Hireall // Entertainment Darcy Welsh // Celebrant Richard Murphy.