Get a load of this glorious florist/ bride’s answer about how long these two have been a couple. “We’ve been together for seven and a half years, though we’ve known each other since 2010… There were a couple of pining years for Matt in the beginning!” We love it! The two tied the knot (the bride wearing Karen Willis Holmes, no less) while doing part of the florals, styling and signage (say hi to her business, River & Eve flora ) and Ben Sowry Photo took all the pics. Scroll down for all…
THE VENUE “When Matt and I arrived at Willow Farm Berry, we were floored. It was like we were back in Ireland surrounded by lush greens and delicate flowers. It was magic, and I’ll never forget the feeling that place gave Matt and I. The 1950’s style home on the property is so special and felt like a warm hug from the past.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “The arch! It was a perfect representation of Autumn. Alice Beasley did the most incredible job. She went driving around for hours foraging foliage the day before and came back with a van full of branches! Our friends sang and performed and that meant the world to us. It was like a big jam night! I also loved my headpiece, it’s truly unique and romantic. I knew I didn’t want to wear a veil so it was the perfect alternative.”
DIY “I sketched flowers growing in our garden for our invitations, then designed, printed and deckled each one on cotton paper. The flower we waxed onto the back were ones I had grown and pressed as well. For the place cards, we found a font we liked on Canva and printed them on cotton paper. The table number signs were pressed flower frames that I made from my grown flowers. I plant-dyed the napkins and some table runners with plants I grew as well! I made the boys boutonnieres with all dried flora and creating the table arrangements at Willow Farm the day before felt so wonderful. Our wedding was foam-free so the next day I gathered the van load of flowers and branches from the arch and table arrangements and composted them.”
THE DRESS “The lace on my Karen Willis Holmes dress was a very important element to me and when I saw the lace top and it detailed edges, it was the perfect first piece of the puzzle. I chose a more modern skirt and then the detachable train gave it that feminine, ethereal look that I wanted. It was a beautiful, exciting experience.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “The magnitude of decision making needed to plan a wedding is sure to cause some drama with family and friends. We found out it’s a dance between being brave and doing it your way and compromising and respecting the people that love you, and that you love. The relationship isn’t cut and dry. It’s warm and complex and misty and radiant and difficult and beautiful. So balance is key.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Ben Sowry Photo and Lauri [of Agape Stories] were beyond incredible and we can’t thank them enough for what they captured for us. What they did was so much more complex than taking images of two people in love. They are artists. Jo from Garnish Creative Catering made our mouths water and was so friendly on the day. Alice Beasley made the most dreamy bouquets/installations and she’s the most creative, hardworking florist I know. [And] Todd Mayhew is the most genuine human and he created the most memorable ceremony.
These gorgeous nuptails were originally published in Hello May’s 2020 Real Wedding Special. If you are keen to snag a copy, head on over to our online store here. And if you are still searching for your vendors, check out our Directory for more from Kat and Matt’s, who now come highly recommended; Ben Sowry Photo, Garnish Creative Catering, Karen Willis Holmes and the bride’s beaut company, River & Eve flora. But first…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Ben Sowry Photo Cinematographer Agape Stories On The Day Coordinator The Wedding + Event Creators Stylist, Stationery & Signage River & Eve flora (Bride) Florist Alice Beasley & River + Eve Flora Ceremony & Reception Willow Farm Berry Catering Garnish Creative Catering Drinks Caravan Kechua Mobile Taproom Cake Friend Wedding Favours Custom Favours Hire Items, Lighting & Sperry Tent South Coast Party Hire & Ashdown and Bee Entertainment Dave Bova Celebrant Todd Mayhew THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Karen Willis Holmes Hair Piece & Earrings Twigs & Honey Ring Eternity Jewellers Shoes Jo Mercer Hair Family Makeup Makeup by Megan Bridesmaid Dresses Sheike Bridesmaid Shoes Novo THE GROOM Suit & Shirt Suit Supply (Custom) Ring Dora Shoes R.M. Williams