Danny had always said he wasn’t the marrying type. But like us with ice-cream, there are sometimes things you just can’t resist.
The same thing happened to Lauren when she saw Athol Hall, a heritage listed building dating back to the mid 1800’s. “…As soon as we went to Athol Hall… we loved it because it had the feeling of being in a national park, but with amazing views of Sydney harbour”, says Lauren.
Although the day was horribly humid, Lauren knew that their photographer Matt, a friend of hers for years, was one thing she could guarantee would work in her favour. She was a little less confident about the DIY projects, but in the end they were a success, too. “I turned my hen’s weekend into a DIY decoration workshop (some may say sweatshop…) One of my bridesmaids made close to 1000 paper cranes to hang from the windows…” Beyond everything DIY, most of the furniture was rented from Vintage Patina in an effort to maintain their rustic, vintage vibe. Her dress unfortunately, is one you won’t find anywhere. “My mother is a dressmaker and former fashion teacher, so it was obvious to me that I should enlist her to make my wedding dress. The fitted sleeveless top was made from Elie Saab lace with gold and silver flowers which flowed onto a silk organza peplum…”
For all the cutting, sewing, pasting and planning that went on behind the scenes however, it was the moment they stood together at the end of the aisle that meant the most. Danny tells us, “as Lauren squeezed the ring onto my finger, struggling over the knuckle, she joked: Right well that’s not coming off then”.
CREDITS // Photos Matts Photography // Brides gown and hair piece made by mother // Shoes RMK // Flowers Sydney Flower Markets // Rings Larsen’s Jewellery // Bridesmaids dresses Cue // Bridesmaids belts Kookai // Grooms and groomsmen suits West End by Simon Carter via David Jones // Grooms and groomsmen shirts Hardy Amies via David Jones // Ties Belmondo via David Jones // Ceremony, reception and catering Athol Hall, New South Wales // Cake Black Star Pastry // Styling Vintage Patina // Stationary Grooms sister // Hair and makeup Emily Doyle // Music Sara O?Connor Band and DJ Jack Shit // Celebrant Di Gibson // Transport Penguin Limos