These two beautiful people wanted to tie the knot in a wedding that married (pun intended) the vibe of their home on the Northern Beaches, with their location, Bendooley Estate, and boy did they nail it! From the proposal (in morocco, no less) to their baby announcement during speeches and that 90’s style slip dress, we are here for it all. Their photographer, Blaise Bell, (who was booked after doing a stellar job of the bride’s brother’s wedding a year earlier) outdid himself again and don’t miss all the details, including the epic welcome sign from Ashdown and Bee…
THE VIBE “Really earthy colours were used – browns, peach, light pink, white. I wanted it to look modern and beautiful but super simple and not overdone. My florist and stylist Mimi is a friend and knows me so well that we just put together a Pinterest board and went from there.”
LITTLE LOL “I wouldn’t say funny, but definitely amazing… I was 14 weeks pregnant at our wedding and Guy announced our news to our closest friends and extended family at the end of his speech. It was so cool being able to tell everyone you want to know in one go, without social media involved! Also super special that our daughter was technically with us, too!”
THE VENUE “We were quite restricted with where we could have the wedding as we wanted sit down with such a large guest list. Bendooley Estate came up in a search – we love the Bowral area and it ticked all of our boxes – beautiful grounds, outside ceremony, inside, sit down reception, all food and alcohol sorted by the venue, no hiring of anything needed, accommodation on site, amazing photo locations and best of all, it’s a winery! Ha.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS… “I loved the flowers and the styling because it was created with such passion and hard work and looked SO beautiful. Mimi was a one-man show. I had so many comments on how beautiful the roses were that she sourced. Another favourite detail was the fact that one of our best friends, Kate (of KB Marriage Celebrant), married us.”
THE DRESS “I knew exactly what I wanted – a 90’s style silk slip dress with spaghetti straps, a beautiful open back and a cowl neck. I wanted chic but simple. I knew Stone Cold Fox did a bridal range and I know Cydney (the owner). She sent me a sample of one of their gowns that were exactly what I was looking for – I just needed a few customised tweaks. I used Rosie Pecoraro in Sydney and we changed the back of the dress, took it in a little and added a little puddle train underneath into the lining. Despite the fact that I was 14 weeks pregnant at the wedding it still fit amazingly and no one suspected I was pregnant!”
A WORD OF ADVICE “It doesn’t need to be stressful. We turned our wedding around in eight months and it was honestly a stress-free experience. Don’t get bogged down in silly small details, it’s the last thing you will think about or remember on the day. Also, I think finding a venue that does a lot of the hard work for you definitely helps!”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Put an extra hour of alcohol on top of the standard package! You can never go wrong.”
If you want to see more from one of our fave photographers, Blaise Bell, head to his directory listing here – where you’ll find tonnes more real wedding inspiration and couples’ rave reviews. He was literally called “a hero” by Su & Neil guys! I mean if that doesn’t get you, we don’t know what will!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Blaise Bell Cinematographer Elevate Visual Stylist & Florist Mimi O’Brien (Friend) Invitations Greenvelope Ceremony, Reception & Catering Bendooley Estate Cake Ruby Myers (Friend) Welcome Sign Ashdown and Bee Entertainment DJ Sean Powderly (Friend) Celebrant KB Marriage Celebrant Rings Matthew Ely Transport Berrima Buslines THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Stone Cold Fox Alterations Rosie Pecoraro Robes & Gifts Deiji Studios Shoes RAYE Earrings Fairley (ceremony) The Calmm (reception) Hair Naoki Hair & Beauty Makeup Filomena Natoli Bridesmaid Dresses Bec + Bridge THE GROOM Jacket, Shirt & Pants Country Road Tie Ted Baker Shoes R.M. Williams Groomsmen Suits Country Road