These high-school sweethearts are just too cute, aren’t they? Maddie and Mick met when they were just 16 (naww!) and have supported each other all the way, even doing long-distance here and there when their individual dreams pushed them to travel to different places. However, “this ultimately bought us back together”, shares the bride – clearly, since the pair got hitched at her parents’ beautiful Gippsland home in November of 2020!
Maddie was pure magic in a chic, elegant gown by none other than designer extraordinaire Karen Willis Holmes, and we must say, Nic from Light & Type Photography did a bang-up job behind the camera on the big day, making some gorgeous memories for these two to treasure – and some epic snaps for us to steal a sneaky peek at! Ready to get the DL on these guys’ wedding? From the bride herself, here’s how the whole thing went down…
THE VENUE It was an easy decision to have our wedding at my parents’ property. We have lots of lovely memories at the farm together from when we were teenagers to now. My parents have always wanted my siblings and I to have our weddings on the property and I, too, had always imagined I would get married at home. The bonus is it didn’t cost us anything other than a few solid days working in the yard getting it ready.”
THE VIBE “Crisp and textural white. Intimate garden soiree.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “We were so in love with every detail! My mum did and amazing job of the wedding cake – it was a six-layer chocolate mud cake infused with Chambord raspberry liqueur, filled with chocolate ganache and vanilla buttercream icing, served with double cream and fresh raspberries. We were also blown away with the flowers by Botany Green. Ben [from Botany Green] went above and beyond to make everything beyond perfect. He took control of the event and personally made sure everything went smoothly, he coordinated with all the other vendors to bring everything together – he was definitely BOG (best on ground) along with my mum, who spent months making sure every inch of her house, lawn and garden was perfect. Right up until the final moments before the ceremony. Nic got a photo of her mopping in her robe with her hair and makeup done!”
THE DRESS “Karen Willis Holmes grabbed my attention on Instagram so I organised an appointment between COVID lockdowns at the Armadale store. As I live 3.5 hours from Melbourne, I made a day of it, spending time with my mum and sisters. I tried one dress and absolutely loved it. I knew that was it straightaway and didn’t need to try any more. We were in and out in 20 minutes. The staff were lovely. Due to COVID I unfortunately could not return for fittings before the wedding so they sent my dress and veil to me via post and I had a local seamstress Lindy Kennedy do the alterations. She did a fantastic job.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “Our favourite moment was having some time together to chat and have a glass of champagne after the ceremony. Having a small wedding allowed us to really soak up each moment together. It was surreal having silence after what was such an emotional build-up for both of us. We sat back afterwards (there is a picture Nic got on the lounges) like, ‘Wow we did it.’ After all the planning and excitement we were finally married.”
CUTE CUSTOM “At the beginning of the ceremony we lit a candle for our grandparents who have passed away. We also wanted our mums to speak at the ceremony, they got together and wrote a lovely reading. Michael and I are both the eldest in our families and first to be married so it was a really special moment for our mums.”
LITTLE LOL “Michael forgot most of the steps to our first dance we had prepared. We had previously done three dance lessons in preparation – they were pretty much wasted hours. But we had lots of fun and laughs in the process.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “We probably would never had had a small wedding if it wasn’t for COVID, but we enjoyed our relaxed and intimate day so much we couldn’t imagine doing it any other way. We even spent the next day playing games on the lawn and reminiscing with family.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Ben from Botany Green and Art Nouveau Styling really went above and beyond to make our day perfect. He even did a coffee run for us the morning of the wedding. Our celebrant Evie, from Peace and Love Ceremonies, made our ceremony so authentic, she tailored everything to create the ceremony we dreamt of. And Nic, our photographer from Light & Type Photography, did a spectacular job capturing our special moments. Michael and I are both particularly awkward with a camera in front of us and she made us feel super comfortable.”
Some glowing recommendations in there, folks! If you’re keen on Nic’s pics, click on over to the Light & Type directory listing to find out more and get in touch with the lens lady herself. This banger of a big day first featured in issue 32 of our print mag, which is all sold out now, friends – but not to worry, you can still grab a copy of our issue 33 (it’s a goodie!) or even our 2021 Real Wedding Special for more delightful ideas to get your inspirational juices flowing.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Light & Type Photography Stylist Art Nouveau Styling Florist Botany Green Stationery, Printer & Signage Ubiquitous Ceremony & Reception Bride’s family property “Arrabri” Catering Duart Homestead Cake Bride’s mum Cake Topper Botany Green Hire Items Art Nouveau Styling Celebrant Peace and Love Ceremonies Rings Jeremy Fleming Jewellers THE BRIDE Gown & Veil Karen Willis Holmes Bridal Boutique Botany Green Robes Homebodii Shoes Tony Bianco Accessories Kirsten Ash (earrings) Hair Khayaam Hair Salon Makeup Steph Pyers Makeup THE GROOM Suit & Shirt Stobies Land and Surf
