As far as we are concerned, Gen and Will’s Gracetown nuptials are the merriest we have seen to date! Sun-drenched and dripping in colour, these two were keen to incorporate all the things they love most into their big day. The duo enjoyed each others company all morning, Gen styled her hair by a salty morning swim and matching signets were exchanged. You only need to peep these ultra playful couple shots to get some first-hand good vibes. Bridesmaid/lens-lady Paris Hawken Photography was there to capture each and every moment, so be sure to scroll all the way down…
THE VENUE “We had our ceremony in Will’s parents’ backyard. We knew from the very start that we wanted to get married there and Greg and Lou planted so many colourful flowers that bloomed for our day. They arranged hay bales for seating and after the ceremony, we all had honey cake. Greg made our wedding arch and wrapped it in paperbark which we then covered in flowers. We had the reception at the local hall, which is essentially an old basketball court, bitumen and all. It was walking distance from our house and we wanted to keep the gathering in Gracetown. My Mother almost fainted when she saw it but she put so much time and effort into sourcing vintage wares and even had massive hessian curtains sewn for the walls. She truly made it into a bohemian paradise.”
THE VIBE “The overall vibe for our wedding was that we wanted to have a colourful festival of love. So many of our friends and family chipped in, creating natural confetti, a homemade wedding cake, sourcing secondhand scarves to make bunting, growing flowers to decorate with, espresso martini mixing and a million other things. Everyone gave their time to make our wedding so special.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “We had no rules for what our wedding party should wear. We wanted them to wear as many colours and patterns as they liked. It was so much fun raiding op shops with them in the lead-up and it made the wedding feel like a fancy dress party. We also had a giant box of dress-ups at the hall for our guests to raid. The dance floor was a rainbow sea of paisley and velvet and shoulder pads – it was perfect.”
DIY “Two of my bridesmaids set up a ‘make your own bouquet’ session the day before the wedding. There were flowers everywhere and everyone’s bouquet was unique. So much of our wedding was DIY, including two massive chandeliers my mother made with mason jars and fake tea lights. Will and I constructed a massive ‘gods eye’ for our wedding arch, and it took both of us to turn the bamboo and thread the colourful wool. It was a fun way to bond during all the wedding lead up chaos, and now it will be on our wall forever.”
FAVOURITE MOMENTS “Paris [Paris Hawken Photography], who on the day was a bridesmaid-photographer extraordinaire, told me about how wonderful ‘first looks’ are so I knew we had to have one. We chose to do it near the ceremony in front of some early blooming Aussie Christmas trees. Will had no idea whether I had chosen to be traditional with my dress or not and when he turned and saw me in white lace he was thrilled. We went for photos along the coast after the ceremony and Will stripped off and dove off the rocks and then we shotgunned a beer together. The whole day was so delightfully us.”
STANDOUT VENDOR “Paris went completely above and beyond for us, she was the complete bridesmaid photographer package. I couldn’t have imagined anyone else shooting our wedding. Her images are magical and I look at them every day and I know for sure I will look through them as an old woman and feel young again. She was so encouraging of our ridiculousness, then she popped champagne and danced all night. I cannot recommend her enough, she’s a natural at what she does and put us completely at ease in her company.”
Desperate to lay your peepers on more Paris Hawken Photography goodness? We don’t blame ya! You can find more real weddings she has shot here and contact details here. We particularly loved Nadine & Simon’s Maurtuits wedding (ft. a vintage Dior gown) which you can find here. But first, you know what to do…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Paris Hawken Photography Cinematographer The Wedding Tape Ceremony Venue Private Property Reception Venue Gracetown Hall Food Truck Paella On The Move Cake Family Desserts The Honey Cake Hire Items Ferguson Valley Events, Cape to Cape Pot Plant Hire Entertainment DJ James Crawford, Josh Watto Celebrant Adrian May Rings Claus Jewelry BRIDE Dress Vintage (ceremony) Arcade Vintage Boutique (reception) Shoes Kosmin via The Iconic Accessories Bianca Palvic The Label GROOM Jacket The Iconic Shirt, Pants & Shoes Vintage