Halloween parties are a bizarre phenomenon when it comes to bringing couples together. Ellie and Steve definitely aren’t our first couple united by zombie outfits and monster mash boogies, but they are one of our faves. Championing the details, Doctor/Fireman Steve and Psychologist Ellie threw themselves voraciously into creating a day to remember, with a vendor list to envy. We’re talking M.J. Bale on suiting, Monty King on legalities, The White Tree on tunes and HM office bud Scott Surplice Photography on happy snaps. You wanna see more right?! Scroll down for details and pics galore…
THE VENUE “We didn’t see any beforehand! Our venue was my family home, Glenquarry Park, where I grew up from the time I was born. My Mum and Dad have spent the last 30 years building the house and establishing the gardens there, so the place was already special to me. Along with the fact it was sentimentally special, I had always dreamed of a secret garden style wedding. Years before I met Steve, I started my dream “one-day” wedding Pinterest board and it was always themed with secret garden pictures. Funnily enough, it had honestly never actually occurred to me that we had this walled garden at the farm, that would actually suit perfectly – that is until I started planning our wedding.”
DIY… “I had this idea that I didn’t want matching glasses but instead mix-matched old glass wear for each setting. Mum spent about 6 months scouring every op shop from Wollongong to North Sydney until we had enough to do a full set (wine glasses and water tumblers) for each guest. We did a ski trip to Thredbo in August last year and as we’d pass through each town whether it be Goulbourn or Cooma, she would pull over and we’d check for the op shops together. Now, we have our own collection of our favourite glasses to keep from the wedding.”
REFERENCES “Scott (our photographer) did a friends wedding about 3 years ago and I remember from the moment I saw their photos, I knew that was who I wanted to shoot my wedding one day (Steve and I weren’t even engaged at the time). I loved his aesthetic and how he captured these magical moments in this authentic, candid way. Scott also recommended our celebrant Monty for us who we loved because he was funny, light yet warm-hearted and a massive character. Other then the recommendations from friends and personal connections – pretty much the only blog I used was Hello May, so there was ALOT of Hello May in my life in the 12-6 months in the lead up to our big day.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Remember – nothing can spoil it unless you let it. Monty, our celebrant, told me this and it stuck with me because I felt so reassured that I actually was totally in control of experiencing it as the perfect day.”
WE WISH WE… “In terms of things I wish I hadn’t done, I had a full slumber party the night before with my bridesmaids – 4 of us in the one room! As fun as this was, I didn’t get a wink of sleep and ended up on the couch downstairs. I think with all the nerves and my mind racing, every little noise meant I just couldn’t fall asleep. So to all the brides – make sure you set your sleeping arrangements up to be quiet, comfortable and ensure you have time and space to relax.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Scott, our photographer, was a hands-down standout. He was so helpful from the beginning even recommending celebrants and bands for us (how’s that for above and beyond!) but it was his connection on the day that made him truly memorable. I’m a bit awkward behind the camera and he made us feel so comfortable, all the bridal party loved having him around. I don’t know how he did it – I can only assume he’s some sort of magician – but somehow he seemed to be in at least 2 different places at once, yet we hardly noticed him there, and at the same time he had this friendly, warm, memorable presence you can’t help but like.”
This pristine day was originally published in Issue 28 of Hello May mag. If you’d like to secure yourself some of our paper pages (and nine more equally stunning real weddings) then be sure to pop on to our online store here. Score a free gift while you’re at it!
After pulling off such a gorgeous day, we don’t doubt that you guys want in. Click through for more from some of Ellie & Steve’s fave vendors including Scott Surplice Photography, The White Tree, Monty King Celebrant and M.J. Bale.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Scott Surplice Photography Cinematographer Yesterday Videography Florist Bunches Wollongong Stationery The Little Press Venue Private Property Catering In House Chef Food Trucks Jim’s Wild Oyster Bar Cake Gumnut Patisserie Hire Items YES Events Lighting & Sound Hire Events Pro Shop Entertainment Benny Fowler, The White Tree Celebrant Monty King Celebrations Rings Nicholas Haywood BRIDE Dress & Veil Rue De Seine via The Bridal Atelier Hair Piece Jennifer Behr Robes Spell & The Gypsy Collective Bridesmaids Robes Cotton On Shoes Betts Accessories Salita Matthews Hair Mae You Be Makeup Georgie Jayde MUA Bridesmaid Shoes Betts GROOM Jacket & Shirts M.J. Bale Pants Saba Shoes Stacy Adams Barber Blade Barbers Byron Bay
