Willow & Sam’s Relaxed Backyard Wedding

Words by Hannah Pronesti / Images by All Grown Up Weddings
January 21, 2016

First impressions aren’t always lasting. At least, that’s the lesson we learnt from this couple – apparently Sam’s manners weren’t up to scratch when he first crossed paths with Willow, but lucky for him, she was willing to give him a second chance! A friendly carpool to Sydney sealed the deal and the two have been together ever since.

When your mum’s house backs on to a beautiful nature reserve, you make the most of it. Sam and Willow certainly did and we’ve got to say that they executed the ol’ garden party soiree very nicely indeed. Aside from the fig tree adorned in festoon lights and handmade cushions scattered round the garden, Willow and Sam let nature speak for itself, though they do admit they turned to trusty Pinterest for inspo and ideas.

Andrea from All Grown Up Weddings not only beautifully captured the day, she also came to the rescue big time Willow tells us, “We ran out of time to get dancing lessons and shared this with Andrea while she was taking photos. She promptly advised that in her other life she is a dance teacher! She showed us a few moves which we took on to our first dance. Totally saved the day!”

DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings Vintage caravan mobile bar
Fancy a tipple? The crew from My Sweet Alice vintage caravan served champagne and refreshments throughout the day.
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings native floral arch by Moxom + Whitney
Canberra florists Moxom + Whitney were on bloom duty, creating Willow's bouquet and this stunning native arbour.
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
Bypassing the downer. We look forward to the day when Australian couples no longer have to cover their ears during the legally-required "union of a man and a woman" bit.
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
We’ve seen many a DIY wedding and one of our favourite parts is hearing about how everyone pitched in to help. Willow and Sam’s was no exception, with family and friends contributing everything from handmade cushions, a huge carrot cake (to serve 100) and bunting, not to mention multiple weekends spent getting the garden ‘wedding ready’!
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
Willow was the epitome of elegance with side swept hair by Axis and we can’t help but lust over the intricate beading and soft tulle of her Rosa Clara gown. Meanwhile Sam wore a mixture of navy and beige from General Pants and MJ Bale, the perfect palette for a spring wedding.
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
simple wedding cake with waratah topper
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
Acoustic duo, Steve and Kirrah of Tuchasoul provided some sweet tunes from ceremony to dinner with their rendition of Queen Bey’s Love on Top proving to be quite a hit - encore included!
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings
Formal affair or not, a spread of fab food is a must. Cue Tessa and her team of caterers who turned Sam’s mum's kitchen into a feast factory - think slow cooked lamb, salmon fillets and fresh salads. Yum!
DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings DIY backyard wedding / Photography by All Grown Up Weddings

Credits

Images All Grown Up Weddings | Bride's Dress Rosa Clara | Bride's Shoes Wittner | Groom's Suit MJ Bale | Accessories Peter Lang Jewellery | Hair Axis Hairdressing | Makeup Ali Price Makeup Artist | Celebrant Hannah Noller | Flowers Moxom + Whitney | Catering Tessa | Stationery/Invitations Minted | Prop Hire Barlens Hire |


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Leah - Rosemary and Twine 8 years ago

Willow’s look is an absolute dream! I adore her beaded dress and her veil!

Jill 8 years ago

What a great comment on such a wonderful wedding.
Beautiful photos capturing it all.And a truly gorgeous photographer.

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