For interior stylist Kris and tour guide Ben, a wedding at The Grounds of Alexandria was a no brainer. £We wanted a fuss-free wedding where our guests could be at ease and be fed amazing food! We wanted something organic and raw and something that allowed the love we felt for each other and our family and friends to be the focus. We also wanted a lot of greenery as we are both nature buffs and we didn’t want to stress about anything. The Grounds looks after every detail. They were just ridiculous. It was absolutely perfect.
As far as standout vendors go, Kris and Ben’s day had aplenty, including Amy of I Do. Me Too, heaps of delicious food (hello, Nutella filled donuts!) and photography by the fab Fiona and Bobby. £Fiona and Bobby are legitimately the best. They are so connected to you as a couple and just the best in the biz. They work so fluidly as a team and we felt we could completely trust them and their expertise.
Another sure star of the show? The bride’s absolutely gorgeous gown from Lover! £I always knew I wanted a Lover dress. I knew exactly which one I wanted. It was the first and only dress I tried on. I didn’t go to any other bridal stores – just straight there! No regrets, says the bride, who tells us that amongst many favourite memories, sneaking away with her brand spanking new husband was a real highlight.
£Ben and I took a walk at about 9:30pm. We went into a little hidden spot and were just like holy shit we just got married!!!’. We took 10 minutes away from everything to be fully present and look at each other and hold each other. We will never forget that moment, says Kris, before adding in some words of wisdom for other couples soon getting hitched.
£Just do what is a true and organic representation of you as a couple and as individuals. Don’t give a shit about the details as you really won’t care on the day. Do what feels right. She continues, £on the day and in the entire process leading up to it, we were fully present in the moment. We didn’t get caught up in the little details as we don’t actually remember any of it. We only remember each other’s faces and the tears and smiles of our loved ones. I don’t even think I saw one person using their phone the entire day/night. Everyone was so present, it was beautiful.
Thinking of The Grounds as a possible wedding venue? Check out Kirstie + Emilio’s epic, fun filled day at this one of a kind venue (ah, hello, Messina?!) And check out the collection White Magick from Lover for some gorgeous gown inspiration.
Kris and Ben’s NSW wedding was originally featured in our third annual Real Wedding Special, on sale now and stocked in newsagents nationally. Search for your nearest stockist via suburb or postcode here, or shop online with Mag Nation or via the HM online store here.
CREDITS Photos Fiona and Bobby // Florist The Grounds Florals by Silvia // Printer Fast Printing // Ceremony / Reception Venue , Styling and Catering The Grounds, Alexandria // Lighting / sound hire XYDJ // Signage Summerblossom // Entertainment Ranger Spacey // Celebrant I do Me Too Creative Ceremonies // Engagement Ring Victory Theatre Antique Store, Blackheath // Wedding Bands Meg Maskell // Transport Kombi Style // Pre Wedding Photos at The Old Clare Hotel // Bridal Gown Designer Lover // Veil Suzanne Harward // Robes Le Rose // Lingerie ASOS // Shoes Nicholas Kirkwood // Earrings Peter Lang // Hair Edwards and Co Bridal // Makeup Makeup By Megan // Bridesmaid Dresses Alice McCall and For Love and Lemons // Jacket Scotch and Soda // Bow tie BTies // Shoes The Annex // Socks Happy Socks.
