Tented Australian Wedding

When it comes to Aussie weddings, well, they’ll just always have a special place in my heart. So it’s no surprise that today’s wedding, sent to us by The Robertsons, has captured both my attention and my obsession! Everything here is utter perfection, from the oversized balloons to the suspender-wearing ringbearer!

From the bride, Stephanie: The style and feel I envisioned for our wedding day was romantic country, I also wanted it to have a relaxed feel and for our guests to have a good time. Both of us grew up on farms so it felt natural for us to get married and have our reception on my parent’s property.

I embraced a country theme with plenty of colours which was included throughout the wedding e.g. invites, flowers, decorations. Our flowers were a mixture of pastels which included roses, hydrangeas, daisies and baby’s breath. I wanted our bouquets and the table arrangements to look as though they had just been picked fresh out of the garden as we had our reception on my parent’s front lawn in a marquee.

Our wedding included various DIY projects including: our table runners were made from burlap which I bought from a warehouse store and cut to size. The vases we used for our flowers were recycled jars which I bought off eBay which I decorated with lace, burlap, ribbon and string which gave a chic country feel. We had fairy lights in our marquee which I decorated with doilies I bought off Etsy; this gave the marquee a romantic relaxed feel. We also had fairy lights across the front lawn as we wanted to create the effect of a fake roof of stars across the lawn. We also made various signs out of recycled wood which we painted and had placed around the ceremony and reception. My cousin also had timber flower boxes made for us which we painted and used at the reception as decoration. For our table seating chart we bought an old window from a recycling centre which I painted white, we also bought two old doors from the same recycling centre which we placed at the start of the aisle at the ceremony. We had our ceremony under a big old gumtree in the middle of a paddock so having the doors allowed for a more personal space to be created and gave me and the bridal party a point of entry. We placed burlap as the runner and placed string with ribbon and doilies on it either side of the burlap to create an aisle. We used straw bales as seating for the guests at the ceremony which my mum made covers for.

Some of the favourite memories from our wedding day would be driving down the paddock with my mum and dad in the car to were my future husband Alex, and our guests were waiting for us. Walking down the aisle and seeing Alex for the first and his reaction to seeing me was also a memory which I will hold close to my heart forever. Another great feeling was when Alex and I were announced as husband and wife, an instant feeling of happiness and relaxation came over me as I realised I was now married to my best friend. The same feeling also came over me when we were announced into the marquee at the reception; it was a great feeling celebrating our marriage with all of our closest family and friends. Another moment of the day which I really enjoyed was when Alex and I slipped away with our photographer after dinner to get some personal photos at sunset. This small moment was a great chance for Alex and I to actually enjoy each other’s company as I found on the day you’re so busy talking to your guests you actually have limited time together as bride and groom to be together on the day.

Any advice for other brides planning their weddings now? When having an engagement of a year make the most of it, be organised, if you have a plan you can’t fail. Communication is key, decide on your suppliers early on and try to lock them in, every time you get something ticked off that list it’s a relief. Make sure you communicate with your fiancé about your ideas – especially budgeting! This is important as unwanted stress can be placed on your relationship. Try to make the most of every moment, whether it’s putting your invites together, making your favors, dress shopping with your bridesmaids or the rehearsal. Remember that even though having a wedding planner might be handy, don’t forget to add your own personal touch. I’m a very sentimental person and loved making the experience very personal e.g. writing own vows, using my nannas jam recipe, getting married on my family farm under a big gum tree and making my own decorations. Another tip to all brides to be would be to make sure you look at your groom as you walk down the aisle. Seeing his reaction when he first sees you is an amazing moment, one you will have in your heart forever.

Wedding Music:
Bridal Party Processional: “Making Memories of Us,” Keith Urban
Bride’s Processional: “Give Into Me,” Garrett Hedlund
Signing of the Registry: “I Need You,” Tim McGraw and Faith Hill; “Got it Right This Time,” Keith Urban
Recessional: “Kiss Me,” Sixpence None the Richer
Newlywed Entrance: “Bright Side of the Road,” Van Morrison
First Dance: “You and Me,” Lifehouse
Father/Daughter Dance: “My Girl,” The Temptations

Wedding Location: Bigga NSW, Australia / Wedding Photographer: The Robertsons / Florist: Country Bunches Crookwell / Wedding Venue: Private Residence / Wedding Dress: Karen Willis Holmes / Wedding Shoes: Tony Bianco / Hair and Makeup: Diva Creations / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bridesmaids Only / Flower Girl’s Dress: Bardot Junior / Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Suits: Myer / Wedding Caterer: PB Catering Oakdale / Wedding Cake: Bride’s sister / Rentals: Camden Party Hire / Singer: Kiwi Gee / Stationery: Bridesmaid