Cassandra & Tyler’s Down-to-Earth Farm Wedding

Words by Amy Richardson / Images by Caroline Sada
February 8, 2018

High-school sweethearts Cassandra and Tyler’s country Victorian wedding was a heartfelt celebration of love, life and family. The couple chose photographer Caroline Sada to capture the day, after instantly connecting with her emotive and natural style.

When Cassandra’s step-father David sadly passed away before the wedding, the decision to be married at his favourite place in the world came naturally. His Derrinal property, fondly referred to as the ‘Ranch’, was both meaningful and organically beautiful. “Our ceremony was so emotional for everyone there. We draped a large piece of white cotton over the branches of David’s tree, to create an arch, and we were married under it. We didn’t need any more decorations than that, the tree and the setting itself provided everything we ever wanted. And we knew that David was with us, in that moment.”

With their venue under the open sky, surrounded by the subtle colour palette of country Victoria, a natural theme for the styling was the perfect choice. A mixture of gum leaves and native foliage picked on the day, was combined with various candle holders collected from op shops in the months leading up to the wedding.

Cassandra fell in love with her gorgeous Mariana Hardwick dress as soon as she put it on. “People had told me to not make my expectations too great, and that crying when I see ‘the one’ was not really going to happen. But it did. I couldn’t help but let out a tear, it was so perfect and I didn’t think I would find something that matched our ‘theme’ and my personality so well.” It ended up being a good thing that she had picked a custom dress, as not too long after she found out she was expecting! The girls at Mariana Hardwick kept her bump in mind right up to her last fitting just a few days before the wedding!

Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Groom in burgundy suit
The boys sourced their suits from Menz Club in Melbourne, and Tyler wore a burgundy suit jacket to differentiate him from the groomsmen’s classic black suits. “We had an amazing experience with Menz Club. They were so flexible and charming, it was a lot of fun shopping there.”
relaxed farm wedding with draped cotton backdrop relaxed farm wedding with draped cotton backdrop Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography
Instead of traditional wedding favours, Cassandra and Tyler opted for something closer to their hearts. “For each guest, we donated money on their behalf to the Brightside Farm Sanctuary in Tasmania. Brightside is a not-for-profit, established and managed by one woman, which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals and provides education on animal welfare to Tasmanian students. They currently receive no Government funding, so Tyler and I both believed it was such a worthy cause and a far better use for our ‘favours’.”
Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Mariana Hardwick Autumn and Winter gown
Cassandra's gorgeous gown was custom combination of the ‘Winter’ bodice and ‘Autumn’ skirt by Mariana Hardwick. A few last minute fittings were required to accommodate her new baby bump!
Groom in burgundy suit Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography bridesmaids in black dresses Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography bridesmaids in black dresses
After much deliberation, Cass chose custom bridesmaids separates in black from Mix Bridal for her girls. Unfortunately, her MOH’s dress didn’t fit her, with only a few weeks out from the day! Trusty ASOS came to the rescue with a dress that had the same skirt, and looked just as gorgeous.
blush and burgundy king protea bouquet blush and burgundy king protea bouquet Mariana Hardwick Autumn and Winter gown blush and burgundy king protea bouquet
Tyler actually worked part-time for Kellee Flowers while he was at uni, so the choice of florist was an easy one. Kellee created stunning bouquets of native Australia flora, that worked perfectly with their natural theme.
Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography baby donkies baby donkies Mariana Hardwick Autumn and Winter gown Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography
Cassandra and Tyler were head over heels for Caroline Sada’s work from the get go. “We knew we didn’t want the ‘standard’, and often stuffy style that some wedding photographers provide. She takes photos that capture the ‘other’ moments, where it feels like no one else is around. Her photos embody the memories that you want to have from your wedding day; the fun, the excitement, the love.”
Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography Down-to-earth Bendigo farm wedding - Caroline Sada Photography

Credits

Images Caroline Sada | Bride's Dress Mariana Hardwick | Bridesmaid's Dresses ASOS | Groom's Suit Menz Club | Rings MDT Design | Celebrant Complete Circle Celebrancy | Flowers Kellee Flowers | Catering Two Sisters Catering | Hair & Makeup Magical Makeovers | Hire Kyneton Hire | Favours Brightside Farm Sanctuary |


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