Not many brides can say that they made their own wedding dress (and their groom’s suit to boot). But Harvest can. As a fashion designer and the founder of Hope & Harvest (a bridal wear brand), the task was well within her wheelhouse. “After creating dream gowns for so many other brides, it was incredibly special to finally bring my own to life,” shares Harvest, who married her love Laurence at The Greenhouse in Ballarat.
Perfectly captured by Christopher Winship Photography, the celebration struck a balance between black-tie elegance and relaxed charm, shaped by the venue’s industrial architecture and a nostalgic, playful menu.
The duo also took on styling duties. Both avid thrifters, they scoured regional antique shops for candelabras, candlesticks, cutlery and more. In fact, these two DIY’d so hard they came out of the experience with a new business. But we’ll let them share that story below…
Partners in life (and business too!)
“Harvest turned our love of vintage shopping, our huge shed full of décor for our own wedding, and her history as a stylist into a full-blown business. She went to a client meeting for custom suiting, and when her clients mentioned they couldn’t find a stylist for their upcoming wedding, Harvest decided she would take the job on herself. She came home and said, ‘Laurence, YOU are now a stylist. We are a team, and we have this job in five weeks!’ There was no arguing with her, so I jumped straight in—building custom backdrops, working out seating charts – and discovered that, surprisingly, I’m pretty good at it. Since then, our styling business (Ballarat Event Styling) has grown so fast, and we love working on projects together… Seeing the happiness we can bring to people on their special occasions is nothing short of magical.”
Inside the Bride’s Couture Gown
“My wedding dress was a three-piece couture creation crafted from 85 metres of raw silk, a long-sleeved bodice with pearl button detailing, a cascading multi-layered tulle ruffle skirt with pull-up sections, and a detachable double-circle train… As a designer and maker of gowns for brides of all shapes and sizes, and being a plus-size bride myself, I’d heard so many horror stories from women who didn’t fit the “expected mould” at traditional boutiques. I’m grateful I didn’t have to navigate that experience, since I was creating my own gown. At the same time, I missed out on the dramatic reveals and “wow” moments that I’ve seen my clients enjoy. But there was something magical about watching it evolve, stage by stage, and seeing it come together exactly as I had imagined.”
A Wedding Menu Guests Loved
From our “everybody favourites” charcuterie and gourmet pizzas to cakes, old-school jelly slices, and the ice cream truck, it was a mix of high-end elegance with casual, nostalgic treats. Our wedding was formal and stylish, yet the menu brought back childhood favourites that everyone loved. The ice cream truck was a particular highlight – guests eagerly queued outside, champagne in hand, chatting and laughing as they waited to pick their favourite flavour.”
A Heart-Melting Aisle Moment
“My six-year-old walked me down the aisle with a quiet confidence that melted hearts. Just before we stepped out, he whispered, “Let’s go see Dad,” and together we walked down the aisle. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room – it was the most grounding, beautiful way to begin. It had just been the two of us for so long, and now we were walking towards our new family unit. I couldn’t think of anyone better to walk me down the aisle.”
Taking a Quiet Moment Together on the Wedding Day
“Carve out special moments just for the two of you – to pause, soak it all in, and truly be present together. For us, that included signing our wedding papers in private with just our witnesses and enjoying a quiet drink together.”
Hear from more couples who happily went the DIY wedding route. Or see how other newlyweds have nailed elegant-yet-industrial style. Speaking of inspo, have you got yourself a copy of Hello May issue 41 yet? Go on, grab a copy.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Christopher Winship Photography Cinematographer Carey Captured Content Creator Project: Highlight Events Event Planner, Stationery, Signage, Wedding Favours, Florist & Styling Ballarat Event Styling Ceremony Venue The Greenhouse Ballarat Reception Venue Botanica Ballarat Catering Rio Bravo Pizza Ice Cream Truck The Hippie Whippy Cake Maker Cakes By Mwah Other Desserts Curbside Coffee Hire Items Ballarat Event Hire Entertainment, Lighting & Sound Hire DJ Andrew McClelland Celebrant Love by Leish Rings Chakri Jewelry Transport Uber Audio Guestbook Glad You Called Photo Storage & Activities Guestpix THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Designer, Getting Ready Dress & Bridesmaid Dresses Hope & Harvest Shoes Asos, Converse Accessories Heirloom, Oroton Hair Hannah – Minx Blow-Dry Bar Makeup Evelyn – Minx Blow-Dry Bar Fragrance/Perfume Oscar de la Renta Bridesmaid Shoes Asos, Bared Footwear Bridesmaid Gifts Kilderkin Distillery Bridesmaid Accessories Hope & Harvest, Bvlgari THE GROOM Suit & Groomsmen Suits & Collar Pins Hope & Harvest Cufflinks, Groomsmen Gifts, Cufflinks & Tie Pins Rutherford Shoes Connor Pocket Watch Pulsar, Fob & Co Grooming Colossal Barbers
