ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-62

While holidaying in Port Stephens just after they got engaged, Sarah and Duncan turned to Instagram to do some venue research when they came across Butterland. “It ticked all of our boxes  out of Melbourne, not a winery, not a function centre and was able to hold our 120 guests. It was the only venue we looked it and we absolutely fell in love with it as soon as we visited upon returning from our holiday.”

Going for an ultra relaxed vibe, this pair opted for a Friday afternoon wedding. “We wanted people to kick up their heels and leave nothing in the tank  knowing they had the whole weekend to recover. Our dress code was garden party’ so we were happy for people to lose the ties. Some even showed up in shorts and loafers, which was just perfect for both the weather and the setting,” the couple tells us, adding that their flowers by Katie Marx Flowers were their favourite detail from the day.

“The flowers and installations that Katie and her assistant Skinny’ had put together absolutely blew us away. Loving all of the work we had seen Katie do on previous weddings at Butterland, we felt very comfortable leaving the style and or choice of flowers completely in her hands. My only request was green and whites,” explains Sarah, who really wasn’t sure what kind of dress she was after.

“For a while I felt like I was missing the bride gene’ because everyone kept inquiring about the experience with so much excitement and anticipation and I just felt completely overwhelmed about the entire experience. I made 4 or 5 appointments at well-known dress shops in Melbourne and also did plenty of online research. The experience at One Day Bridal was great. They had the most beautiful dresses to try on in the most gorgeous surroundings and the staff were al really helpful.”

Captured by This Day Forward Photography, the couple tells us that they are really glad they handed the reigns to the experts. “There is so much inspiration out there  but when it all comes down to it  these people are experts for a reason and we could never have come up with anything quite so spectacular. We have no regrets from the day!”

ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-6 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-8 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-9 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-18 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-25 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-27 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-29 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-31 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-38 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-45 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-46 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-51 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-59 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-63 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-65 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-66 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-68 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-69 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-75 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-88 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-90 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-93 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-94 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-95 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-99 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-100 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-105 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-111 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-113 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-124 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-127 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-129 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-136 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-138 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-140 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-143 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-146 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-149 ThisDayForward_Sarah&Duncan-158

CREDITS Photos This Day Forward Photography // Bridal gown One Day Bridal // Lingerie IM Lingerie // Shoes Green with Envy // Hair Raw Essence Hair Design // Rings Simon West Jewellery // Bridesmaid dresses Elka Collective // Bridesmaid shoes Rubi Shoes via Cotton On // Groom and groomsmen jacket, pants and tie The Suit Shop // Shirt Tailors Mark // Shoes Loake // Socks Trenery // Watch Daniel Wellington // Florist Katie Marx Flowers // Styling and catering Pot and Pan // Ceremony and reception Butterland, VIC // Decorative elements Queen B // Entertainment Rutherford Entertainment // Celebrant Mrs Hitch.