Alex & Sammi’s Kangaroo Valley Wedding

Words by Kristy Kyi / Images by Jimmy Raper
April 25, 2017

Alex and Sammi love to throw a good party, so there was no better way to celebrate their wedding than by inviting all their family and friends to Kangaroo Valley for a New Year’s Eve bash to remember! All the festivities were captured by Jimmy Raper and we’re loving this couple’s fun-loving style.

What began as a high school crush progressed to an overseas fling before Sammi and Alex realised what they had was pretty special. Alex proposed in New York City by enticing Sammi into a photo booth at one of her favourite bars and presenting her with an engagement ring as their pic was being taken. When they emerged, a group of their friends appeared, carrying balloons and a cake with “Yes” written on it. “We then just had a massive party to celebrate! It was the best night,” recalls Sammi.

When it came to choosing a venue for their wedding Sammi says they didn’t need to look very far. Her aunt had recently purchased a house in the Kangaroo Valley, with a view the stuff wedding ceremony dreams are made of! “She knew we wanted backyard style, something super casual and a venue we could add our own touch to so she very generously offered to let us take over her house.” Conveniently, the house next door was often rented for weddings and it was here that the dance floor and band were set up for the reception.

It was a collective DIY effort with family and friends pitching in for the setup, and Sammi and Alex tell us the hard work was well worth it. “There’s always a nervous feeling when you go down the DIY path. There are no benchmarks to follow – no guarantee that you can actually pull everything off, no one else has had their wedding there using the same vendors – so it’s incredibly rewarding to see it all come together on the day and know everyone had a great time!”

glamping bell tents DIY wedding signage boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper native bouquets
Sammi’s sister from The Little Market Bunch was on floral duty, crafting native bouquets with flowers picked from a local plantation.
DIY wedding signage bridesmaid robes persian rug wedding aisle runner
South Coast Party Hire supplied the eclectic ceremony furniture, while the beautiful Kantha Quilts by Market & Lane made for a cosy backyard setup for guests to chill out.
vintage tricycle boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper casual groom in floral shirt
Alex and the boys kept things nice and casual, pairing floral print shirts from The Critical Slide Society with rusty chinos from H&M.
boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper
minimal wedding dress by Johanna Johnson
native flower bridal bouquet
beaded bridal cape
Sammi opted for an elegant gown by Johanna Johnson which she found second-hand through Still White. She made it her own by creating a cape, spending several months painstakingly hand-stitching the beading. “I wasn’t sure if I’d wear it in the end but I’m so glad I did – it added something different to a very simple, beautiful dress.” She also made her own tassel earrings.
boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho bridal party boho bridal party boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper seafood paella woodfired pizza
The catering by Mezadellas was true backyard party fare, featuring woodfired pizza, paella and a late night snack of pulled pork rolls and gozleme. Cinnamon doughnuts and ice cream sandwiches from Pat & Stick replaced the traditional wedding cake. Yum!
boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper Mike Champion and the Cool
“A real stand out was definitely the band,” shares Sammi. “Mike Champion and the Cool (and they are so cool) were the best investment we made. They totally made the night, the dance floor was pumping!”
boho backyard wedding in Kangaroo Valley NSW - photography by Jimmy Raper

Credits

Images Jimmy Raper | Bride's Dress Johanna Johnson | Bridesmaid's Dresses Lover | Groom's Suit The Critical Slide Society | Hair Pure Hair & Beauty | Makeup Makeup by IVD | Flowers The Little Market Bunch | Catering Mezzadellas | Prop hire South Coast Party Hire | Quilt hire Market & Lane | Band Mike Champion and the Cool |


Leave a Reply

Ragasaan 7 years ago

Very awesome wedding. God bless both..

Luxury wedding cars 7 years ago

Love the unique wedding elements and the serenity in the photography!

Stay in the loop!