This loved-up duo have been “madly in love for five years,” but in the best of spirits, “who’s counting?!” Engaged for 18 months,”deliberately so as to be able to afford the wedding celebration we desired,” boy did they go for it. The gorgeous garden ceremony and reception (in wine country, no less) was a treat and all captured on camera by HM Directory vendor, Gui Jorge with The White Tree on what sounds like some darn good entertainment. Scroll down for all the details…
THE VENUE “We checked out multiple venues across Sydney, but I knew we had found the venue when we went to see Circa 1876 at The Convent Hunter Valley. Upon arrival, we were both so taken – Emma started crying as we were walking in. I knew from Emma’s reaction alone we had to have this venue for our wedding. Done deal!”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “We were so pleased with our florals, our florist, Jade McIntosh Flowers, really understood our desire for natural, simple and elegant blooms and for it to not be too fussy or constructed. I loved that she found some jasmine vines in the surrounding gardens and used them to trail from the flower arrangements on the tables.”
THE DRESS “I’ve always loved the simple elegance of the Narciso Rodriguez wedding gown that Carolyn Bessette Kennedy wore, and this was very much the inspiration for finding my dress. From the moment I tried it on, I knew it was THE ONE. I’d spent months shopping around until I came across the Pronovias dress via David Jones Bridal in Sydney. Their service and attention to detail was exactly the bridal experience I was after.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “When Emma came into focus and everything else just drifted away – so beautiful, so elegant, I was in awe of this moment and will always be for the rest of my life. I (Emma) found walking down the aisle the single most overwhelming and best moment of my life. I’m an emotional person, and always thought I would shed a chic and endearing tear as I breezed down the aisle. But boy I was so not prepared, I WAILED. I was bawling. To the point that I had snot coming from my nose! Naturally, I continued to cry for pretty much the entire wedding, but it was 100% the happiest day of my life.”
TALK ABOUT TRADITION “We both come from Christian families and always knew we wanted to incorporate this into our ceremony. Having a gay best man as well as a bridesman (he affectionately referred to himself as the bridesgay!) we really wanted a minister that understood and embraced our views on marriage equality. This lead us to Reverand Graham Long. He is real and most importantly, a lover of all people. It was such an honour to married by such an inspiring man that has done so much for so many people.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Always get a wedding film! I’m very thankful Emma did not listen to my pleading to not get a cinematographer and that we organised La Lune. And gents, I was gifted some friendly advice. If you are donning Tuxedo’s for the wedding, make sure you have a spare button for the suits. Thankfully I did!”
LITTLE LOL “The White Tree Band were epic! Literally almost tore the roof down during one of their sets. I remember being amazed as the lead singer did not skip a beat and proceeded to front up the vocals whilst hanging from the rafters complete with headgear and microphone in one hand! Such legends – the D floor was banging!”
STANDOUT VENDORS Our amazing photographer and friend Gui Jorge! He made us feel at ease and was super calming. Cassie and her team at The Convent Hunter Valley and Circa 1876 were excellent and everything went flawlessly! The accommodation suites are spectacular, the bridal suite was extravagant and beautiful. This was a great option for us as the more elderly guests were easily transferred from reception to accommodation by the staff. They were professional, friendly and just made the whole experience enjoyable. Reverend Graham Long for absolutely nailing the ceremony and Joel and the team from La Lune – they were a joy to have around and capturing the day.”
If you want to see more real weddings from Gui Jorge, head here. And don’t miss all the epic dance floor antics from couples who have hired The White Tree to entertain on their big day via their Directory listing here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Gui Jorge Cinematographer La Lune Florist Jade McIntosh Flowers Invitations Paperless Post Printer Snap Circular Quay Ceremony & Reception The Convent Hunter Valley (Circa 1876) Entertainment Miles Elkington, Kathleen Travers (Friends) & The White Tree (Reception) Celebrant Reverend Graham Long Rings Cara Jewellers Transport Grace Coaches Wedding Website Zoe Elkington (Friend) Dance Lessons The Beaches Wedding Dance THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Pronovias via David Jones Veil Day Of Honour Robe Honey Birdette Slip Ginia Shoes Be Mine Bridal via asos Necklace Paspaley Hair & Makeup Kristy Ferrari Bridal Party Silk Laundry & Bec & Bridge (Females) & Brent Wilson (Male) Bridesmaid Shoes Tony Bianco & Alexander Wang Bridal Party Gifts Soho via MYER (Female Robe & Slip) David Jones (Male Robe) Audrey Wilkinson & Krinklewood (Wine) Gucci (Neck scarf) Samantha Wills (Ring) Dunhill via Harrolds (Pocket Square) & Dylan Kain (Belt) THE GROOM Suits M.J. Bale Shirt Peter Jackson Bow Tie Déclic Cufflinks Burberry Shoes Aquila Watch Tissot Grooming Flying Tiger Barbershop Groomsmen Gift The Groomsmen Gift Shop via Etsy (Personalised Leather Cigar Cases) & Double Bay Cigar & Pipe (Cuban Cigars) & Happy Socks