Mel and Nic got hitched at their very own family farm in idyllic rural Victoria. “It’s such a special place for us. It’s an old apple orchard farm on 10 acres, with rolling hills, a beautiful dam and home to our horses.” Cuddling their gorgeous baby boy, the duo of 14 years exchanged vows under the palm tree where Nic proposed. So sweet! As was the ring Mel made for her Mr (perks of being a jewellery designer by trade.)
Jen Tighe Photo was there to capture every heart-tugging moment from this “laid-back love party”, and we had a chit-chat with the newlyweds about all their favourite details, plus that hella romantic proposal story. Scroll on, lovers!
THE PROPOSAL “It was Christmas morning, and I had given birth to our baby boy just six weeks before. We started a new tradition of opening our presents and having coffee under our beautiful big palm tree (where we would later be married!). Nic had the ring hidden between some beautiful flowers and said, ‘Baby, we’re getting hitched!’ I was definitely not expecting it and was completely overjoyed. We popped a bottle of champagne and soaked up the excitement as a new family. It was such a good day to propose as we saw our family for Christmas and could share the news.”
FAVE DETAILS “We loved having the bar caravan (Hitch Caravan) featuring all our favourite drinks. Nic’s groomsman, James, decorated the beer taps with cute photos of us. [Another favourite detail was] our sign above the bar caravan, which read ‘Happily Ever Arthur’, which we still have hanging up in the shed. ‘You’re absolutely Gorgeous’ was embroidered inside the breast of Nic’s suit – something Nic’s gran has always said to him.”
THE DRESS “I always said I probably wouldn’t wear a white wedding dress. After years of modelling for wedding dressmakers, I think the mystery kind of wore off until my mum and family friend Glenda convinced me to visit some boutiques. I knew I loved KYHA’s simple yet elegant style, and when I arrived for my appointment, I was blown away by how beautiful the store and experience were. I was there for just over 30 minutes and tried on three dresses, and that’s all it took to fall in love with my dress! Miraculously, it fit perfectly without any alterations needed, so it was a pretty straightforward process to order it and have it delivered home. I am so glad I chose that dress. It was more special than I ever could have imagined, and I felt so glamorous.”
THE SUIT “Houndstooth Tailors. He’s my guy, and if you’re in the market for a new suit, he’s your guy, too. Nothing feels or fits better than a suit made just for you. Andy is a great Tailor, and being one of my oldest friends, he was also one of my groomsmen. He made my suit custom and gifted me the shirts and vest as a wedding present.
MEMORABLE MOMENT “Our vows and our speeches were so incredible. Also, our baby boy Sidney coming down the aisle and then having to join us for a cuddle mid-vows.”
Ohhh how we love a big backyard betrothal bash! If you’re planning your own private property nups our Hello May Directory is about to be your BFF. Including caterers and equipment hire; it’s a hub of all our favourite vendors, so assembling your dream-day-dream team will be easy peasy.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Jen Tighe Photo Florist Georgia (Friend) Venue Private Property Catering Ethos Catering Food Truck Hitch Caravan Bar Cake Maker Mel Arthur (Bride) Hire Items & Marquee Elderberry Events Entertainment Nick Saw Celebrant Ann Flockhart Rings Aeon By Mj (Groom) & Hamish Munro (Bride) THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer KYHA Studios (Day) & Rachel Gilbert (Night) Veil & Bridal Boutique KYHA Studios Shoes Urban Revivo Accessories Kookai & Chanel Hair & Makeup Bec Shannon Fragrance/Perfume Aesop Bridesmaid Dresses Christopher Esber & Anna Quan THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Shirt, Pants, Tie & Cufflinks Houndstooth Tailors Shoes R.M. Williams & GH Bass Grooming The Bearded Man Groomsmen Gifts Opinel & Patron
