“One of the things we didn’t want was to schlep all over the city from venue to venue, or long waits between the ceremony and the reception.” Hear, hear! A relaxed (and convenient) celebration in this couple’s local park and town hall was well in order, and beautifully captured by And A Day Photography.

“We’re pretty humble, low-key people, so extravagance was ruled out,” says Peta, proving as much with her recollection of Alex’s simple, yet very special beachside proposal. “The ring was a beautiful little gold band with a fire opal at its centre. I remember thinking it was perfect – exactly to my taste, and was relieved that it wasn’t a huge diamond thing.” It was a perfect fit, and family heirloom to boot.

Lawyer Peta met physiologist Alex while they were studying at uni. Peta had gone out of her way to “bump” into Alex as often as she could. “Interest was reciprocal,” she defends, “so didn’t amount to stalking, technically…” She wasn’t wrong – soon enough these kids were writing wedding vows on their “date nights”, romantic much? And she looked ever-so-dreamy on the day, donning an exquisite creation from Sarah Joseph Couture.

“We love our little neighbourhood, so decided to have our ceremony in the community park that is just around the corner from our house.” They had initially planned to wed in Balmain, but it seemed a tad costly, so they looked a little closer to home. Only a short stroll from their door (and one another), Alexandria Park and Town Hall perfectly fit the bill – “and we got to feel like we could share a bit more of our own lives and things we love with our guests.”

They decorated the hall with handmade touches, embracing its vintage grandness and charming imperfections with a little art deco, boho and rustic styling. “A colour palette of autumn plums, pinks and blues kept things from getting too whacky,” says Peta, who put her hand to most of the decorations, while “many many lovely friends” helped to bump in the night before.

They were rewarded the following day with quite the epic feast, and while we’re eyeing off that paella, it would have been tempting to skip straight to dessert, what with that incredible, single-origin chocolate torte from Black Star Pastry gleaming on its stand…

Photography: And A Day | Bride’s dress: Sarah Joseph Couture | Bride’s shoes: Tony Bianco | Bridesmaids dresses: Alannah Hill | Groom’s suit: Joe Button | Groom’s shoes: Rockport | Rings: Raphael Jewellers | Accessories: Bridal Reflections hairpiece, Mazal earrings | Hair: Noddys on King | Makeup: Abbey Love | Ceremony venue: Alexandria Park | Celebrant: Andrea Calodolce | Reception venue: Alexandria Town Hall | Flowers: Justine Rose | Catering: Forte Catering | Cake: Black Star Pastry | Stationery/invitations: Paper2