I’d never seen a guy that was so intriguing and mysterious, it made me feel nervous, he was very sexy”, says Ilsa of the first time she laid eyes on Andy at a bar in Brisbane. They exchanged numbers, played the whole dating game but ultimately decided to part ways, not knowing then that, years later, Fate would finally have her way. “As strangers we met again, by chance, through a mutual friend. This time round we caught on like a house on fire.”
Two years on, one lazy Sunday night “somewhere between home-cooked curry and Ghostbusters” Andy proposed and Ilsa, who was happy to forgo an engagement party, wasted no time in organising an enchanted, eco-friendly wedding on her parent’s property in Eumundi, Queensland.
She spent seven months rounding up her ‘dream team’, which mostly included vendors from the local Eumundi markets before heading to the Gold Coast to meet with designer Casey Tanswell – the lady behind her metallic bronze, French lace dress.
“I love my dress! It’s like a piece of art! The style is very flattering and simple. I styled it with a rose gold headband by Jennifer Behr and delicate jewellery by Petite Grand. I felt very special wearing my dress, and I’m happy it fit our budget beautifully,” says Ilsa who loved that her and Andy decided to get ready together. “It was all so wonderful… helping each other dress for the day and finding some calm amidst the overwhelming emotions.”
Of all the decisions they made however, hiring photographer Jessica Tremp of Brown Paper Parcel was the most crucial. “To us, the photography was the first priority and the most important element of the day. Jess has a unique way of capturing such intimate moments and a beautiful photographic eye.”
Coming in a close second was their eco-friendly florist, Heavenly Blooms, whose wild, rustic and seasonal style set the tone for their day of good times. As musicians their playlist was also important, and for Ilsa one of the most memorable moments was walking down the aisle with Andy to a song he wrote and later performed inside their beautifully styled tipi. “I was hit hard with happy tears and a Cheshire cat grin!” she says.
The tipi, which housed a whiskey bar and an exceptionally pretty cake was a huge hit. “It was this magical, enchanting place to mingle, chill out or warm up by the open fire. It was very dreamy and I kind of wish we’d spent more time in there”, adds Ilsa who otherwise wouldn’t change a thing. “Overall, I think we created the party we’ve been waiting our whole lives to go to!”
If you missed out on this real wedding, first featured in issue eight of Hello May then be sure to snatch up your very own copy of issue nine, on sale Thursday September 3 at selected newsagents nationally or online via Mag Nation.
CREDITS Photos Brown Paper Parcel // Bridal gown Casey Tanswell Designs // Hair piece Jennifer Behr // Robes Free People // Lingerie Casey Tanswell Designs // Shoes Tony Bianco // Accessories Petite Grand and Tiffany & Co // Rings Satomi Kawakita and Helen Mok // Ring pouch Clementine Weddings // Makeup Lauren Montgomery // Bridesmaid dresses ASOS // Grooms suit (jacket, shirt, pants and belt) Ben Sherman // Grooms shoes Shubar via Hype DC // Barber / grooming American Crew // Florist and decorative elements Heavenly Blooms // Stationery Culinary Card co. // Ceremony and reception Private property, QLD // Catering Kunara Organic Café// Food trucks or carts Jungle Oven Woodfire Pizza and KuBarz // Other desserts Laura Barnett // Prop/ furniture hire and signage Hodgepodge Hire // Marquee / teepee Tipiluxe // Lighting / sound hire Eumundi Live // Celebrant Joyce Turnbull