Caitlin and Jose have been coupled up for over four years and were close buds long before. To them, marriage means “spending your life with your best friend, never needing to go through anything alone, and that home will always be wherever the other one is.”
It’s an apt definition considering ‘home’ and that warm, welcoming dinner party-with-friends-and-fam feeling served as inspiration for their day, hosted at rural Victoria’s charming Chapter Barn in South Gippsland.
Both Lindy Hop dancers, having a live jazz band was one of the day’s many highlights (good thing the bride opted for Bared Footwear – cute and can groove all night to boot), and they also told us that their photographer Kyra Boyer “deserves more praise than there are kind words in this world.” It’s all below, lovebirds, so scroll on…
THE VENUE “We wanted something that was low fuss and not “wedding-y”. Somewhere we could have a wedding our way and not a wedding the venue’s way. We wanted a place that felt like we were getting married in our own backyard, but we, of course, don’t have a yard big enough to fit all our loved ones. I found Chapter Barn through Instagram [and after chatting with Mel] just one time, we were ready to commit 100 per cent without even seeing Chapter Barn in person. Mel and her Husband Rainer are just the most incredible people, and from one phone call, I knew that we were going to be treated just like family to them. They expressed that our day could be exactly how we wanted it to be, and they would do everything they could to make sure it was. To be honest, Mel and Rainer are the reason we decided on Chapter Barn; it’s just an added bonus that the venue itself is absolutely stunning!”
FAVE DETAILS “Having a live band to dance to on our wedding day was extremely special. Brennan [Hamilton Smith] did a fantastic job of putting together a band full of our favourite local musicians, who we have listened to and danced to for years. Our food was also amazing. Acacia Edibles and Porcupine Pizza did such a wonderful job and everyone loved having a grazing board to pick from straight after the ceremony.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “Who would we even be if we didn’t say walking down the aisle wasn’t one of our favourite moments, haha. To be honest, the whole day is such a blur; it really does go by so fast. But something that stands out to both of us was the 10 minutes that Kyra snuck us away from the party to take our couple photos. It was the breath that we both needed, and Kyra is so incredible at making you feel relaxed and comfortable that it didn’t feel like it wasn’t still our time. We got to stand in the late sun, with an INCREDIBLE view, hang out together in the quiet, have a dance in a paddock, and Kyra was there to capture those small moments forever.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Kyra, our photographer, deserves more praise than there are kind words in this world. She was incredible and so intuitive; she knew exactly what we wanted and also needed. The photos she has shared with us still give us butterflies, and I know they will for the rest of our lives.”
If Kyra Boyer’s joy-filled photography has caught your eye, get in touch here, or for footwear we love love love give Bared a suss. In need of some wedding entertainment pros that’ll hit all the right notes? Here’s a list of faves we prepared earlier – you’re welcome!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Kyra Boyer Florist Studio Zgela Stationery & Signage Caitlin (Bride) Venue Chapter Barn Catering Porcupine Eatery, Acacia Edible Cake Maker Mali Bakes Other Desserts Mother of the Bride Hire Items Otto & Chaise Sound Hire Brother of the Bride Entertainment Brennan Hamilton Smith and Co Celebrant Amanda Matler (Friend) Rings Simon West Fine Jewellery THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Alexandra Grecco Bridal Boutique & Veil The Bridal Curator Shoes Bared Footwear Hair & Makeup Madeline Goldsmith Fragrance Jo Malone Bridesmaid’s Hair Emma Jean Bridal Hair THE GROOM Suit Black Jacket Suiting Tie / Bow Tie Peter Jackson Shoes R.M. Williams, Vintage Oxford Watch Seiko Groomsmen Suits Black Jacket Suiting
