Marrying to the beat of their own drum, Inika and Akira’s celebration was wholesome, grounded, and steeped in sentimentality. Adding to the day’s deeply personal aura, the couple had their ceremony in the bride’s parents’ backyard, before hosting a relaxed reception at St Kilians Hall, Bendigo, with gorgeous florals by Hello May friend Fleurs de Lyonville.
“You don’t need to have every wham bam popular thing to make your wedding special,” advises the bride, who opted to do her own make up and wear her go-to, tried and true boots for the reception. “Reach out to friends and family if you can,” the couple add. “We had so many people offering to help and it made our day easier and more special to know so many people were a part of it.”
Among these folks was Inika’s friend, who made her dress: a gorgeously textured corset paired with flowy skirt and a simple neck scarf. And we can’t forget the groom, in a charming earthy brown suit, transformed into a reception second look with the addition of a cowboy hat and bolo tie.
Artfully captured by MK Pixels, scroll on to take a peek at Inika and Akira’s loved-up day.
A Colourful, Relaxed Wedding in Bendigo
“We wanted a wedding that reflected us and was unique. Lots of elements came from wanting to acknowledge Akira’s Japanese heritage – like the paper cranes, ikebana table centres and serving sake at the reception. We also wanted it to have a festival event look and to feel relaxed. Colour was important to create a fun mood, so guests were invited to wear ‘colourful garden party’ attire. We really wanted the day to be one that everyone – from kids to grandparents – could enjoy together.”
A Backyard Wedding Ceremony at the Bride’s Parents’ Home
“It was really special for us to be married in my parents’ backyard. It is so beautiful and we loved how personal it was. We chose St Kilians Hall for our reception because we wanted a big space for dancing and I also went to school at St Kilians, so there was a connection there too.”
Japanese Wedding Traditions & Meaningful Details
“Because Akira is Japanese, we tried to incorporate a few Japanese elements throughout the day. We tried to fold 1000 paper cranes to use in our decorations as in Japan the legend is that you will get a wish if you do this. I don’t think we quite got to 1000 though! Akira’s family also wore kimonos. The other thing was that after speeches we toasted with sake (for Akira’s Japanese heritage) and homemade schnapps (for Inika’s Austrian heritage). Inika’s grandfather made the schnapps himself.”
The Best Wedding Moments: Karaoke, Dancing & Family
“There are so many moments! Standing in front of everyone at the ceremony with Akira and looking out over the faces of our friends and family and seeing the love shining back at us was my highlight! But I also loved dancing to the YMCA with all of our families on the dance floor, the Footloose flash mob that my cousins organised and Mum, Dad and my Aunty Deb’s performance of Marry You during karaoke!”
Planning a Relaxed, Personal Backyard Wedding
Sucker for a backyard ceremony? Us too. Check out these. Or for more ideas and insights from real modern couples shop our latest real wedding special, available online now. Then, while you wait for the postie, duck over to the direction to learn more about Inika and Akira’s awesome photographer, MK Pixels, and florist Fleurs de Lyonville.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer MK Pixels Florist Fleurs De Lyonville Bouquets DIY Ceremony Venue Private Property Reception Venue St Kilians Hall Catering Crooked Kitchen Celebrant The Unusual Celebrant Hair SM Hair Dress Designer Ella Lincoln (Friend) Suit Peter Jackson Entertainment DJ Fresh (Friend) Rings Prouds the Jewellers, Philip J Sleeman Transport Bendigo Squadron
