For a couple who would have happily eloped, a small and intimate garden soiree was exactly what Courtney and Nathan wanted. Surrounded by close friends and family, the two tied the knot ‘neath the shade of an enchantingly beautiful canopy of wisteria at Yarra Glen’s Alowyn Gardens.
Despite being laid-back about their day, one detail this pair took seriously was the photography. “For us, photographs serve as a continual reminder of the day we started our lives together as husband and wife.” Says Courtney. Enter Kim Cartmell and her killer camera skills – “I couldn’t speak more highly of Kim. She made us feel as comfortable as one can in front of a camera and you could hardly tell that she was snapping away on the day!”
When it came to the proposal, we reckon Nathan’s question-popping skills would have been impossible to refuse. Under the guise of a post-exams celebration, Nathan took Courtney on a Mornington Peninsula winery tour, followed by a significant detour to Wilson’s Prom. In preparation for the proposal and unbeknownst to his future bride, Nathan and his friends had built a beach hut on the sand. With his bow-tie clad mates as waiters, he popped the question over dinner and a game of hangman!
Simplicity was key when it came to the theme, and we're loving these sweet and simple succulent boutonnieres by From Little Things.
Fitting perfectly into the fresh, modern palette, the girls nail it in white Zimmermann bridesmaid dresses.
Courtney admits she knows nothing about flowers, but fortunately she had Kaitlin of From Little Things in her corner. “Nathan and I were hopeless and gave her no direction, we just told her to take the reins. She made Alowyn Gardens shine more than I thought that lush acreage could! The detail and certainty she exuded made me want to marry HER!” Look out, Nath!
A natural beauty like Courtney needs little assistance but Amelia Webb worked her makeup magic and had this gorgeous bride glowing. Loose tresses and a Grecian Carla Zampatti gown added a slightly bohemian feel to Court’s elegant look and we couldn’t love this gal’s bridal style more!
With Alowyn Gardens' achingly beautiful wisteria arch as backdrop, Courtney and Nathan kept decorations to a minimum, letting the setting speak for itself, “Our intention was to let the gardens shine.” They tell us.
These darlings described their day as ‘the people’s wedding’, because everyone pitched in – from DIY wooden signs to invitations, from hairstyling to the setup and pack-down, “We could not be more grateful for the collective effort of everyone that helped make not only our day, but our engagement period go as smoothly as it did!” Courtney tells us.
We're losing our minds over this banana and salted caramel drip cake created by the bride's aunt!
Everyone loves burgers and donuts, but you know what everyone loves more? Burgers and donuts at a wedding! Mr Burger served up his tasty specialty while guests contributed a variety of donuts picked up from around Melbourne. Relaxed dining at its finest!
What a stunning wedding, I love the cakes and the bridesmaids dresses, and that bouquet…gorgeous xxx