Courtney & Nathan’s Alowyn Gardens Wedding

Words by Hannah Pronesti / Images by Kim Cartmell
February 15, 2016

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!

Alowyn Gardens Wedding Alowyn Gardens Wedding Alowyn Gardens Wedding succulent boutonniere
Simplicity was key when it came to the theme, and we're loving these sweet and simple succulent boutonnieres by From Little Things.
Alowyn Gardens Wedding navy groomsmen suits Alowyn Gardens Wedding white Zimmermann bridesmaid dresses
Fitting perfectly into the fresh, modern palette, the girls nail it in white Zimmermann bridesmaid dresses.
Alowyn Gardens Wedding white Zimmermann bridesmaid dresses green and white bouquet
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!
green and white bouquet Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell
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!
Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell
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.
Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell
wedding chalk board
white rose confetti Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell
Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell
Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell
Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell
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.
wedding dessert table wedding dessert donut table salted caramel drip cake
We're losing our minds over this banana and salted caramel drip cake created by the bride's aunt!
Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell food truck wedding - Mr Burger Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell food truck wedding - Mr Burger
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!
Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell food truck wedding - Mr Burger Alowyn Gardens Wedding / photography by Kim Cartmell

Credits

Images Kim Cartmell | Bride's Dress Carla Zampatti | Bridesmaid's Dresses Zimmermann | Groom's Suit MJ Bale | Rings Browns Jewellers | Makeup Amelia Webb | Ceremony Venue Alowyn Gardens | Celebrant Shebu John | Flowers From Little Things | Catering Mr Burger |


Leave a Reply

Kelly - Boho 8 years ago

What a stunning wedding, I love the cakes and the bridesmaids dresses, and that bouquet…gorgeous xxx

Stay in the loop!