These two lovebirds met at a university graduation party and as they say, the rest was history. Jess and Ben sealed the deal at the family winery after a stunning South African sunset proposal. The bride floated down the aisle in a Prea James confection paired with a show-stopping Thea Couture veil. Scroll down for the gorgeous pics, featuring a theme of white, timber and leafy accents as captured by the brilliant Ben Adams…
THE VENUE “We always knew we wanted to be married at my family winery in the Hunter Valley. Keith Tulloch Wine is a very small boutique winery: fully owned, operated and sustained by my mum and dad; Amanda & Keith Tulloch. We do not usually host any weddings at the estate, so we are incredibly thankful that we were able to celebrate our big day at such a special place: our home.”
THE VIBE “Home – that was our theme and overall vibe. We really wanted the day to feel relaxed and just ‘us’; so we focused on good food, good wine and lots of laughter.”
THE DRESS “My dress story is pretty short! It was the second dress I tried on, at the very first boutique, and I just knew instantly that it was perfect. My style is very minimalistic, and I knew I wanted a simple and classic cut silk dress without any embellishments. Classic, simple and understated – that is what I wanted, and I had been following Prea so knew her style would be perfect. She was an absolute sweetheart and a dream to work with every time I visited her at her boutique, it was just so easy.”
FAVOURITE MOMENT “There are, of course, so many special moments on the day, but I think one of our favourite moments was actually at the very end of the night. Because it was our family estate, we didn’t have any lockout or noise restrictions: so most people didn’t start leaving until well after midnight. Ben and I were staying on site in a little apartment above Muse Kitchen (where the bridesmaids and I got ready) and when we said our final goodbyes around 2am it started to sprinkle rain, so we grabbed one of the Champagne bottles from behind the bar and went outside to dance, just the two of us. It was the perfect ending.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Don’t try to make decisions based on trying to impress people. I hear so many people casually say “it’s the brides big day”,”do it, spend it” or “your wedding is going to be the better than (insert other couples names)” – and it really irks me, you know? You’re going to be surrounded by your absolute favourite people on the day – and that’s all it really comes down to. It’s not a competition!”
STANDOUT VENDORS “We were so lucky to be surrounded by so much amazing professionalism and skill when it comes to vendors in Muse Kitchen and Cocoa Nib. They are both dear friends and amazing professionals in each of their own fields; so it wasn’t a surprise that everything went perfectly. I have to say though, my hairdresser (and wonderful friend) Alexandra Vasiliadis was such a superstar on the day as well. It started raining right at the end of our bridal party photographs and without even asking; she met me at the entrance and re-did my hair before the reception dinner and again later that night, It was like having my very own personal Jen Atkins!’
If you fancy perusing some more real brides sporting Prea James Bridal then click through to the directory listing here, after you are finished here of course…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Ben Adams Cinematographer Plonk Media Florist The Wedding Designers Stationery BMF Designs Venue Keith Tulloch Wine Catering Muse Kitchen Cake Cocoa Nib Hire Items Beavis Party & Hire Photo Booth OMG Booth Sound Fordtronic AV Signage Emma-Jane Pitsch (family) Entertainment Megan Core, Hustle Records (friend) Celebrant Melissa Rey Lescure BRIDE Dress Prea James Bridal Veil Theia Couture Shoes Mischka Badgley Hair Alexandra Vasiliadis (Friend) Ring John Bolzon Makeup Rae Morris BRIDESMAID Makeup Sascha Martini GROOM Suit Peter Jackson Shoes Florsheim Ring Enigma Jewellers