After getting engaged on the cusp of COVID, Sophie admits, “trying to organise a wedding in the middle of a pandemic and El Nina, leading to restrictions changing every five minutes and a very wet Summer and Autumn, I was in the middle of laughing and crying!” The result, however, was this stunning event, the idea being to “juxtapose industrial/ urban with soft, wild, romance,” says the bride, who donned the most delicious dress and sleeves, paired with Grace Loves Lace heels and Kate & Kole rings. Mouth-watering caterers, The Wilderness Chef provided the food and photographer extraordinaire, Jimmy Raper Photography, got the good captures. Scroll down for all…
THE VENUE “Choosing a venue that wasn’t ‘done’ was important to us. As beautiful and close as the Hunter Valley is, we wanted to keep it local and stick to our theme of ‘urban romance’. [For the ceremony], Sprout, with its gorgeous, exposed brick walls, was decked out in soft drapery and heaps of lanterns. It turned out even more intimate and special than we could’ve imagined. And [for the reception] we stumbled upon this really cool, industrial warehouse-style gallery whilst looking for art for our house. We could immediately visualise the space decked out in florals, soft drapery and candlelight juxtaposing with the industrial feel.”
FAVE DETAILS “I spent months agonising over details! Our menus were letter-pressed on Indian cotton rag paper which matched our invites, they were divine, timeless and added a touch of luxe. The glassware was Waterford crystal and added to the soft romance we were aiming for. However, I think the thing that set off the entire space was the 3m floral installation [by Blooms on Darby] on the wall behind the bridal table full of foliage, two types of roses and orchids. My jaw hit the floor when I walked into the reception as it was the only thing I hadn’t seen prior! It all came together so beautifully in the end.”
THE DRESS “It was actually my second dress. The Hazel by Emmy Mae Bridal. She was everything I wanted in a dress, a flattering fit on my body type, statement sleeves and a statement train. But it was too late to order her. Then one day (two months out from my wedding day) Emmy Mae put up an online ‘ready to wear’ sale. They were including one-off, never worn samples to sell on their website. I contacted them immediately and managed to secure one in my exact size! It was fate! When she arrived and I tried her on for the first time I cried, it was the one.”
LITTLE LOL “It rained consistently through the day, but it POURED during portraits, which were of course outside. We made the decision to just go with it and enjoy it. Jimmy Raper Photography was soaked and the whole time he made us feel so happy and at ease. In the end, the photos in the rain turned out so romantic and intimate, it made the whole thing look like an old Hollywood movie, it was gorgeous.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Do what’s important to you and don’t get too caught up in others’ weddings. To be honest, Wade was the one who kept me grounded and reminded me of this throughout the whole process, as it is easy to get caught up on what you think a wedding ‘should’ include. In the end, our day was a true reflection of us as a couple and truly unique.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “We are really glad we chose a sit-down wedding. We are big foodies and quality food is really important to us. We wanted our guests to have time to sit, mingle and relax while they enjoyed a three-course menu by the wonderful, The Wilderness Chef.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Jimmy Raper Photography was the biggest legend. Because of COVID we had never met, but the minute I spoke on the phone to him, he was the type of person I would be mates with. Also our gorgeous celebrant, Claire Considine. We got so many comments on how beautifully she conducted our ceremony. But from the get-go, she was warm, attentive and genuine. She was everything we wanted in a celebrant!
If you want to see more from a number of the vendors Sophie and Wade used to make their dream wedding day a reality, head on over to their listings on our Directory at the following links; Jimmy Raper Photography, The Wilderness Chef, Grace loves Lace and Kate & Kole. The inspiration is endless. But first…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Jimmy Raper Photography Set Up, Pack Down, Hire Items & Lighting For The Unique Florist Blooms on Darby Stationery Bride (Design) Printer Where Things Happen (Letterpress) Ceremony Sprout Reception The Showroom at The Owens Collective Catering The Wilderness Chef Cake Wonderland Kitchen Signage Bride (Design) Printer Wish Boutique Entertainment Own Playlists Celebrant Claire Considine Rings Kate & Kole (Bride) Curtis925 (Groom) Transport Blake’s Classic Wedding Cars THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Emmy Mae Bridal Veil Atelier Rose Robes Le Rose Shoes Grace Loves Lace Hair Shag Hair (Grace) Makeup Stevi Hopkins Bridesmaid Dresses Bec + Bridge Bridesmaid Gifts Le Rose (Robes) THE GROOM Suit & Bow Tie Gibson Tailor Rundle Tailoring Shirt Brookesfield Shoes Florsheim Groomsmen Suits Rundle Tailoring