If what goes around comes around then Claire and David, from Issue 10, have done a lot of good deeds. You see, in the midst of planning their wedding, Karma was kind enough to reward them with a $16,000 prize, organised by photographer Lara Hotz and cinematographers Brooke and Bree of Light Noise Films who, along with a whole host of other wedding vendors including She Designs and Jardine Botanic, happily agreed to donate their time and talents to one lucky couple.
“There is no way we could have achieved the scale of the wedding without the help of the competition”, says Claire who could suddenly afford to let her imagination run wild. “… our inspiration was drawn from the Australian landscape. That mixed with a relaxed festival vibe, a touch of 1960s, oh and we LOVE Wes Anderson so definitely wanted some quirky elements. Think Moonrise Kingdom meets Picnic at Hanging Rock!”
Before they could turn their ideas into actions however, they needed a venue – one that was unique and that could accommodate plenty of people. “When we first happened upon St Joseph’s we both gasped! It’s a 170 year old sandstone church which has only recently been restored as a guesthouse by a local builder.”
Excited to have found somewhere to celebrate, they set off on a long and treacherous journey into the land of DIY. “David is a craft beer enthusiast and brewed four different varieties of beer, about 20 litres of each, and a cider for our guests to enjoy. We created the polaroid photo booth and took time to source great vintage props… All these touches really came together with the hard work of Jardine Botanic Floral Styling and She Designs on the day,” explains Claire who looked a million dollars in her ladylike gown by Rue De Seine from The Babushka Ballerina.
But despite having all the bells and whistles, there were some things, like fond memories, that money couldn’t buy. “We gave our guests the option to request a song when they RSVP’d. David’s four year old nephew, Tyler, was in the bathroom when his request came on (Bee Gee’s Stayin’ Alive) and he ran down the stairs and onto the dance floor with his pants around his ankles.” Combine those priceless moments with a heartfelt Irish ceremony, awesome live music and tonnes of pretty little details and you have yourself one hell of wedding.
“A BIG thank you has to go to Lara Hotz not only for her beautiful photography but also for running the giveaway and introducing us to the incredible vendors. There was not one vendor I wouldn’t use again!” says Claire to whom we’d normally wish good luck, but we’ve got a sneaking suspicion that as long as Karma stays on their side, these two lovebirds will do just fine.
CREDITS Photos Lara Hotz Photography // Bridal gown Rue De Seine via The Babushka Ballerina // Reception dress and on the day coordinator Emily Sarks // Veil Three Sunbeams // Lingerie Agent Provocateur // Shoes Swedish Hasbeens // Accessories and bridesmaid gifts Marissa Alperin // Hair and makeup Dream Reflection // Bridesmaid dresses Lover the Label // Bridesmaid shoes Funkis and Swedish Hasbeens // Jacket Paul Smith // Shirt Ted Baker // Pants MJ Bale // Bow tie Mrs Bow Tie // Shoes Fratelli Rosetti // Socks Happy Socks // Watch The Horse // Barber / grooming Grand Royal Barber // Groomsmen jackets Paul Costelloe // Groomsmen pants Marcs and French Connection // Groomsmen gifts No. 175 Design // Event planner Claire Evans (bride) // Stylist She Designs // Florist and cake topper Jardine Botanic // Stationery Ivy Invites // Ceremony and reception St Joseph’s Guesthouse, NSW // Catering and cake Beverley Burchell // Decorative elements Vintage Fabrics and Peachy Flamingo // Tents WOW Tents // Entertainment All Our Exes Live In Texas // Celebrant Jessie Cacchillo // Rings Marissa Alperin // Transport Baileys Bus Service // Cinematographer Light Noise Films.