Carrie and Matt are proud as punch of their retro-inspired, “weird”, and “unique” wedding, which first appeared in the Real Wedding Special. What makes it “weird and unique”, you ask? Well, maybe because the ceremony, hosted at Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, kicked off with the theme song from Jurassic Park. Perhaps it was the ‘unity sandwich’ the couple made during their vows. Or maybe it’s the fact that the groom actually found Carrie’s kick-ass bridal pantsuit!
Call it weird. Call it unique. We call it friggin’ sensational! Speaking of sensational, the inner-city springtime celebration was soundtracked by Baker Boys Band, and behind the camera was Jackson Grant. “One of the best choices we made was hiring him,” these two report.
Wrap your eyeballs around Carrie and Matt’s love-fest below.
THE VENUE “Location and price drove us to look at the Royal Botanic Gardens. We didn’t want to have some big process to get from the ceremony to the party. Also, I really love trees and birds, so the gardens were an easy choice. For the reception, the Bob Hawke Brewery matched our vibe perfectly, and we loved their dedication to supporting Australian wildlife and lands.”
THE VIBE “I got some great advice from a friend after we got engaged: ‘Make a list of everything you hate about weddings, and start working backwards from that’. Thanks for that, Derek! Carrie and I really disliked long weddings, impersonal weddings, weddings where the bride and groom look like they’re trapped inside their own machine. We also wanted something unique and timeless, so we settled on making our wedding ‘retro-inspired’. Bell bottoms, long lapels, disco balls, and lots of sparkles.”
THE DRESS (Matt) “We had lots of panic and stress about the dress. Carrie had maybe 3-4 different ones along the way. I’m very proud that I was able to find the final dress. I spent my lunch break walking around the CBD, going into tons of shops and boutiques. I got a lot of odd looks and questions from all the women working in these stores, but once I explained what I was doing, they were thrilled to help us out. I would take photos of things I thought were interesting, then send them to Carrie for her review. When she found something she really liked, we would book a time to go and try it on. I found the pant suit at Rebecca Vallance in The Strand, but they only had it in black, so we had to do a special order and get it tailored in the final weeks before the wedding.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “I don’t think anyone will forget Carrie and me making a peanut butter and jelly ‘unity sandwich’ for our vows.”
WE’RE GLAD WE “We went on a ‘friends-moon’ up to Queensland for a week, instead of doing a honeymoon. Strongly recommend for anyone who has loved ones travelling for the big day, like we did with Carrie’s American family and friends.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Jackson Grant was a big standout. Jacko made us feel confident, creative, and helped us plan for issues and roadblocks. The entire time, making us laugh hysterically. When you hire Jackson, you’re getting so much more than a photographer. One of the best choices we made was hiring him.”
Impressed with these wow-tactic wedding pics captured by Jackson Grant? Reach out and see more of Jackson’s work here on the directory. It’s also where you’ll find contact deets for Baker Boys Band. As far as entertainment goes, these folks are top tier. Then click this way for more retro-style weds you (and your Pinterest board) will adore.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Jackson Grant Cinematographer James Simpson Event Planner Katie Abrahams Florist & Stationery Carrie Markel (Bride) Ceremony Venue Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney Reception Venue & Catering The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre Cake Maker CBD Cakes Hire Items Star Party Hire Photo Booth Belle Bus Co. Entertainment Baker Boys Band Celebrant Chris Stalley Rings True Salida Transport Coach Hire THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Rebecca Vallance Hair & Makeup Hayley Thompson THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Shirt & Pants Brent Wilson Tie Eye Candy Art & Treasure Shoes R.M. Williams Grooming Samantha Hayes
