This wedding started with a stunning ceremony under the trees, the bride in a gorgeous gown from Love Marie Bridal Boutique, the groom (and his groomsmen) looking sharp in their M.J. Bale suits and finished with dancing under the stars – the sign of a darn good wedding, we think! One of our fave photographers, Stories by Ash, was there to capture everything in between and you can find it below…
THE VENUE “We saw a few other venues first but we fell in love with the row of trees that we ended up being married under. We also fell in love with the beautiful family that owned and looked after the property. Unlike a lot of other venues, there were no restrictions. They made us feel like family and that is why we ultimately chose Casa Ciani.”
THE DRESS “Where do I start? It was quite a journey. I tried on what felt like a million and couldn’t seem to find ‘the one’ that everyone often talks about. There is so much pressure for your wedding dress to be the best, most beautiful you will ever wear which made it impossible for me to make a decision. Finally, on the last weekend I had left to find something, I found the perfect gown [at Love Marie Bridal Boutique]. Grant was very patient and generous.”
REFERENCES “I had stacks of Hello May magazines (new and old). I also did a lot of Instagram stalking.”
FAVE MOMENT “The moment we walked into our marquee for the first time. It was before our official entrance but it was raining so we just had to run in. Everyone began cheering and all we could see were their big beautiful smiles. The amount of love we felt in that moment is indescribable and something I hope everyone gets to experience at least once. It is a moment neither of us will ever forget.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “If you have your heart set on an outdoor reception, book a venue that has an indoor option that you equally love. The week leading up to our wedding, we found out it was going to rain and quickly organised a marquee and some extra flowers.”
WE WISH WE… “Had hired someone to do all the setting up. I didn’t realise what a big job it was and even with all hands on deck, I would have preferred to spend that time relaxing.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Stories by Ash. While we hired her to capture our day, she did so much more. Fixing my hair, making tea, calming our nerves, even offering up her sleeping bag to my sister when there was a hotel mixup. The Original Woodie Vintage Caravan was also a standout. Judy is just beautiful. The service was extremely personal and they also left us a gorgeous wedding card in our wishing well. Frankie & Mavis are also a favourite of ours. They were wonderful to work with (even when our guests might have had a little too much fun with the props from the photo booth).”
If you fancy Grant and his groomsmens’ suits, head on over to our Directory Listing of M.J. Bale for tonnes more real grooms wearing the chic tailored pieces and don’t miss more gorgeous gowns found at one of our go-to boutiques, Love Marie, in Nicola & Max’s Sydney Wedding and Gemaya & Tim’s South Coast nuptials.
Also, Jade & Grant’s big day was originally published in our 2019 Real Weddings Special. Stay with us, guys! You can grab a copy via our online store and because we’re feeling extra lovely (if we don’t say so ourselves) you can get it free when you buy this year’s 2020 Real Weddings Special. OK, you can scroll down now… Phew!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Stories by Ash Florist Julia Rose (Marquee & Tables) The French Petal (Bouquet, Arbour & Cake Topper) Ceremony & Reception Casa Ciani Guest House Catering Crabbes Creek Woodfired & The Original Woodie Vintage Caravan Cake I Heart Cakes by Casey Hire Items Hampton Event Hire (Reception Furnishings) & Woodshop Weddings (Ceremony Furnishings) Marquee Excel Photo Booth Frankie & Mavis Lighting, Dance Floor & Glassware Byron Bay Wedding & Party Hire Entertainment North Coast Entertainment & The Wedding & Event DJ Signage & Bridesmaid’s Gifts Etsy Celebrant Heidi Robertson Transport Parsons Bus and Coach THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Anais Anette Bridal Boutique Love Marie Bridal Boutique Shoes Alexander Wang Accessories Petite Grand (Earrings) Hair & Makeup Avia Beauty Bridesmaid Dresses Lover & Forever New Bridesmaid Shoes The Iconic THE GROOM Suit M.J. Bale Shirt & Bow Tie Peter Jackson Shoes David Jones Groomsmen Suits M.J. Bale Groomsmen Gifts Happy Socks KIDS Flower Girl Outfits Country Road Flower Crown The French Petal Page Boy Outfits Their Own