Hot take: your favourite childhood fairytale has got nothin’ on Chris and Tilly’s South Coast wedding. They made the excellent call to host at Greyleigh in Kiama. An actual slice of heaven featuring 200 acres of hinterland gorgeousness, farm animals, luxe accom, plus a water-tight wet weather plan that came in handy. “The ceremony was filled with so many tears and smiles that no one noticed the sideways rain outside.”
The bride knew her show-stopping gown (styled with Bared Footwear) was “the one” the moment she tried it on. As for the groom, he was “in and out” of M.J. Bale in 15 minutes!
Taking inspo from a suite of sources (which we’re chuffed to hear included Hello May) Tilly and Chris assembled an A++ lineup of vendors, including The White Tree, who kept the d-floor full, and M2 Kitchen, who kept bellies full (we hear folks are still raving about the food!) And, of course, Matt Ashton Photography, whose talent behind a camera knows no limit… see for yourself below.
THE VENUE “The moment we stepped out of the car at Greyleigh, we knew it was the place. The huge fig trees, spectacular grounds and the two beautifully decorated houses were all showstoppers. The farmyard animals were a real bonus (even for us, not just the little kids). As two risk-averse people, we also wanted a good backup wet weather plan, which The Gables provided.”
FAVE DETAILS “Our flowers were everything we had hoped for and more – so much colour, creativity and brilliance. And then with some help from mum, we were able to send all of our guests home with a bunch at our recovery breakfast. We also incorporated a time capsule into our wedding ceremony, with us both putting our letters in during the ceremony. We will open this up in 10 years time.”
TALK ABOUT TRADITION “For us, our family is really important. It was really special to have our niece, nephew, and godchildren walk down the aisle. They did so well! We also included lots of special little touches throughout the day. Ribbons from my grandparents’ wedding pews (from 1954!) were re-used down the aisles, and our family good luck charm, Piglet, was attached to my wedding bouquet. [It’s] the second wedding he crashed after doing the same on my mum’s bouquet.”
LITTLE LOL “Turns out my dad arranged a magician for our guests during cocktail hour. We had no idea! He was clearly so good at disappearing acts, we didn’t end up seeing him in person and only found out later in the night after everyone was raving about him.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Greyleigh was our perfect venue. Isaac and Ivan (Bloom Films) and Matt (Matt Ashton Photography) felt like they had been our friends forever, which made us so comfortable in front of the camera. The flowers by Hannah (Flowerhead) were incredible, and our guests are still all talking about the food (M2 Kitchen), delicious cocktails (Henry Clive) and the dance floor that did not stop all night (The White Tree)!”
A stellar crowd of south coast wedding pros, if we do say so ourselves. Get your eyeballs around more Matt Ashton weddings here, or explore more from the breathtaking Greyleigh property on the Hello May Directory. While there, suss out M2 Kitchen and The White Tree band to ensure a pumping dance floor. Bared Footwear has you covered for hella cute heels, or if next on your list is suits, check out M.J. Bale. Itching for more inspo? Shop our latest Issue (the big 4-0!) here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Matt Ashton Photography Cinematographer Bloom Films Onsite Wedding Coordinator Pania Whyte – Greyleigh Stylist Rose Freeburn & Alison Freeburn (Family) Florist Flowerhead (Bouquets, Ceremony Nest, Button Holes) & Alison Freeburn (Family) (Table Decor) Stationery & Signage Rose Freeburn (Family) Printer Matrix Digital Venue Greyleigh Catering & Cake Maker M2 Kitchen Lighting Hire The Wedding Creators Entertainment The White Tree Celebrant Cathy Murray Rings Lauren Townsend Drinks Service Henry Clive Magician Omegan Entertainment Oyster Shucker Sydney Oyster Girls THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Angela Marcuccio Bridal Boutique Marry Me Bridal Veil Alison Freeburn (family) Getting Ready Tees Midnight Mischief Shoes Bared Footwear Hair & Makeup Kyzo Bride Fragrance/Perfume Jo Malone Bridesmaid Dress Fabric Saigon Fabrics Bride & Bridesmaids Jackets Bubish Bridesmaid Gifts Lauren Townsend & Natasha Schweitzer Flowergirl/Junior Bridesmaids Outfit Mode and Affaire (Jacket), Cotton On (Top) & 1000 Love via Etsy THE GROOM Jacket M.J. Bale Shirt Luxius Tie / Bow Tie Otaa Cufflinks Personal Cufflinks via Etsy Handkerchiefs Studio on Bowery via Etsy Groomsmen Suits M.J. Bale Pageboy/Junior Groomsman Outfit Country Road, Target
