Victoria based lovers Sarah and Sam (first featured in Issue 16) admit that there was a handful of times that they questioned whether it would be easier to just elope. But while it would have been both cheaper and, probably a bit simpler, the pair says they are glad they went through with hosting a love-filled, fun-filled wedding. “It always came back to celebrating the occasion with everyone we love and bringing our families together – from overseas, interstate and around the corner. What better excuse to draw everyone to this beautiful site and throw the most epic party?”
A beautiful site it was, Sarah and Sam’s day took place at Cumberland River Holiday Park in Victoria which ticked all their boxes. “We wanted somewhere we could create our own wedding with no restrictions and finishing times. We liked the outdoor vibe and idea that our mates could all camp on-site. There was no set theme, just colourful and festive. A big focus for us was music, celebrating with all our loved ones and a good dance floor,” explains Sarah, whose favourite element of the day included a special something by Bobilee Style.
“Bobilee’s epic disco ball installation – I had thought we’d just hire one disco ball, but she knew one wouldn’t be enough for us… and hence we ended up with a chandelier full! Bobilee is our amazing friend, insanely talented stylist and floral fancier. Despite being eight months pregnant, she still managed to work her magic for us,” Sarah tells us, adding that she never thought she’d wear a dress to her wedding.
“I’m more of a jumpsuit gal, but on a trip back to Melbourne, I thought for laughs I’d go along to one of those bridal shops. We’d drink champagne and try on some dresses with Mum and my bridesmaids…just for fun. I’d seen some gorgeous Rue De Seine dresses around and found The Bridal Atelier stocked them in Melbourne. After trying on a few obvious ‘no’s’, our attendant suggested the Zeppelin gown and I couldn’t wipe away the smile,” says Sarah, who despite looking oh so amazing had a bit of a fashion mishap.
“My shoes broke in the middle of the dance floor and I ended up flat on my back! Luckily I escaped with no injury and was swiftly lifted to my feet. A girlfriend quickly reappeared with a backup pair of shoes” and by the looks of the epic photos by Brown Paper Parcel they were much flatter – read more dance floor friendly!
Topping the list of extraordinary moments, the newlyweds tell us, were feeling the love of all their family and friends, the majestic cliffs and tipi wonderland and dancing away under the moonlight (and into a marriage full of adventures and endless foot-rubs). Dancing being a past time that surely struck a chord with bride, Sarah, when reminiscing over the moment when she’d realised she’d found ‘the one’.
“Sam and I had met a few times over the years at various parties. But it wasn’t until one night he danced his way into my heart at a friend’s engagement party. A couple of months of friend-dates followed whenever I was in Melbourne from Byron (I didn’t want to start an interstate relationship). Sam eventually put the cards on the table, saying he didn’t want to just be mates. Soon we went off on a road-trip together…and the rest is history.”
Sarah and Sam’s gorgeous celebration in Victoria was originally featured in Issue 16, on sale now. Shop online with Mag Nation or through the HM online store here.
CREDITS Photos Brown Paper Parcel // Stylist and florist Bobilee Style // Stationery You Rock My World // Printer Implant Media // Ceremony and reception Cumberland River Holiday Park, VIC // Catering Pan With a Man // Disco balls Music Workshop // Prop / furniture hire Dress My Wedding, Good Day Rentals, Memphis Hire, and Kata Lane // Catering Marquee Surfcoast Party Hire // Lighting Technical Events // Sound hire Music Workshop // Entertainment The Moonhops, Tek Tek Ensemble, CC Disco, and DJ Lana // Celebrant Geoff Talbot // Rings Karl Fritsch and Katherine Bowman // Bridal gown Rue De Seine via The Bridal Atelier // Bride’s Jumpsuit Parisima // Shoes Dolci Firme // Accessories Gallery Funaki and Gorman // Hair Myke O’Halloran // Makeup Jos Loenard // Bridesmaid dresses Mister Zimi and LovinginLight via Etsy // Suit, cufflinks and socks American Tailors // Shoes Loake // Hat Hat Shop // Flower girls La Ciudadela.