Real Weddings

Article by

Laura Wilson

Posted on

27/05/2021

Posted in

Real Weddings

Bride Kelly is an interior designer and stylist so when it came to planning her very own big day you better bet she pulled out all the stops. Not only did the couple have two engagement parties in separate cities, but this destination wedding to die for. “The vision from the beginning was to create an authentic Byron Bay feel so that our guests felt relaxed and could experience everything we personally love about this beautiful place.” The bride wore a stunning gown and the groomsmen donned chic M.J. Bale suits, while Shane Shepherd Photography caught it all on camera. Scroll down for more…

THE VENUE “Byron Bay is such a special place to us and was perfect because our family and friends are an even split between Sydney and Melbourne. We flew up during the Byron Bay Wedding Fair and planned the weekend around all the venues we liked the look of. When we got to the very first venue, Fig Tree Restaurant, we were blown away. We booked in our date on the spot, but still went to the rest of the venues to sample all the free cake and food for fun.”

THE INSPO “As a Stylist, Greg left all the details to me. Lots of rattan, timber, tribal cushions, rugs and daybeds. I think I must have changed my mind about the colour of the napkins a thousand times, so thank god for deadlines.”

FAVE DETAILS “I would have to say the florals (by Wilderness Flowers). They were so incredible. I sent them a colour scheme and a few inspo pics and they absolutely nailed the brief. We still have dried pampas in vases all around our house.”

MEMORABLE MOMENT “We had had our hearts set on an outdoor wedding with the ceremony under the iconic fig tree, but on the day we were forced to go with plan B inside after the sideways rain hit. It’s funny that this ended up being the best part of our day because being huddled inside together felt so intimate and created an electric atmosphere.”

COOL CUSTOM “Greg’s family are Jewish so it was important for us to include some of the traditions into our day. Greg almost slipped on his first attempt of ‘breaking the glass’ during the ceremony, which had everyone roaring when the glass went flying. The other highlight was being lifted up in our chairs on the dancefloor as everyone shouted Mazel Tov.”

MARRIAGE MEANS… “Not asking questions when I insist on packing 30 kilos of luggage when we both know I won’t wear 90% of the clothes packed, or him smelling, then rewearing yesterday’s underwear when there’s a drawer full of freshly washed pairs. Marriage to us is having a certified best friend by your side for the rest of your life that will drive you mad but you couldn’t live without.”

WE’RE GLAD WE… “Had a destination wedding. It was the best decision we made as the majority of our guests stayed on for a week and we were able to spend more time celebrating and holding onto the buzz for longer.”

STANDOUT VENDORS “Our photographer Shane Shepherd Photography was an absolute legend. He went so far beyond our expectations, literally didn’t miss a single beat and was so fun to be around. [Also], Annie (of Celebrant Lady Love).”

Kelly and Greg’s gorgeous wedding was originally published in Issue 30 of Hello May magazine. If you are keen to snag a copy, head on over to our online store here. And if you want to check out more from this couple’s fab photographer, head to Shane Shepherd’s Directory listing with us here and scroll down to the linked weddings below. You won’t regret it. Also, if you’re still in the market for your groom’s suit (or his groomsmen) don’t miss tonnes of inspo from M.J. Bale’s Directory listing with us here.