For Stace and Dan (who had been together three years), the target for their day of love was pretty straightforward: £We focused on a no waste, little impact wedding. We really wanted our surroundings to do the talking so we had no decorations at all at the ceremony. At the reception, we used vintage Australiana tea towels for napkins and all of our wedding favours were take-home pot plants, explains Stace, adding that their Yarra Valley celebration was £very original and took place in a small town.
£This meant that the next day we were surrounded by friends and family all over again. Whether they were up at the pub,
or down swimming in the river, it was a really comforting and casual time after such a big day, says the couple, admitting that their ceremony takes the cake as their fave memory from the day.
£The ceremony was incredibly special. We asked that no photos be taken during the ceremony which meant that we could
see and connect with every one of our guests. It would be my highest recommendation for couples.
Stace goes on with a few more words of wisdom… £Do whatever you like. Seriously. Do whatever you like, don’t be tied to traditions. Also, ask for help. If you are in the position to, pay a little more for someone to set up the day for you. Cassie of Firecracker Events did this, as well as all the catering. She went above and beyond, so we were able to focus on each other, our friends and family and weren’t tied down to last minute things to do, says the bride, who opted for a custom made (and super unique!) bridal get-up.
£I designed the dress myself, which was actually a jumpsuit! I worked alongside the dressmaker, Lexi (AKA Alexsis C Star), to create a simple and classic piece but we added some extra drama with the cape. The design was inspired by the tall trees that surrounded the ceremony location, she tell us, though she wasn’t the only capable creative who was a part of the day. The amazingly talented Eric Ronald made the trip from Melbourne, camera in hand, to capture every fleeting moment and, boy, are we glad he did!
Stace and Dan’s Victoria wedding was originally featured in our third annual Real Wedding Special, on sale now and stocked in newsagents nationally. Search for your nearest stockist via suburb or postcode here, or shop online with Mag Nation or via the HM online store here.
CREDITS Photos Eric Ronald // Event planner / Stylist and catering Firecracker Events // Florist and favours North St Botanical // Ceremony Yarra Valley, VIC // Reception Jadeswood House, VIC // Beer Caravan Tom Collins Caravan Bar // Prop / furniture hire Celebrate Party Hire // Marquee / teepee and lighting The Marquee People // Entertainment Adrian and The Gin Remedy // Celebrant John Von Goes // Bridal gown designer Stacey O’Connor (bride) and Alexsis C Star // Bridal Gown maker Alexsis C Star // Hair and makeup Olivia Still // Bridesmaid dresses and flower girls Vintage // Suits Oscar Hunt.