Liz & Justin’s DIY Garden Party Wedding

Words by Lucy Wright / Images by Sarah Kennedy
March 25, 2019

Liz and Justin’s vision was simple – a relaxed garden party wedding with plenty of greenery. They spotted Terara Riverside Gardens on Instagram and the picturesque South Coast spot proved to be the perfect blank canvas venue for their DIY affair.

Another Instagram find was the couple’s photographer, Sarah Kennedy, whose natural aesthetic suited the laid back vibes of the day to a tee. Liz tells us “We feel like we hit the jackpot with all of the vendors we used. Working with them was like hanging out with old friends.”

The stylish couple no doubt made the photographer’s job an easy one. Liz chanelled bohemian romance in a long-sleeved, low-backed Rue de Seine gown, while Justin looked sharp in a burgundy velvet jacket from Politix.

Sydney florist Redbud created a romantic floral arbour for the lakeside ceremony and wild bouquets in a deep plum and blush palette. After the I do’s (officiated by celebrant Merinda Richardson) guests played lawn games and enjoyed cocktails and a grazing table whilst the newlyweds disappeared for some photos.

Styling for the marquee reception was a DIY effort and the pair kept things fairly simple with timber tables, lots of greenery, tea candles and fairy lights. Liz’s mum created greenery chandeliers from timber hoops and cane lobster pots, and her dad carefully curated the wine selection for the event. Other family members pitched in with the dessert table and helped to set up the venue the day before. “It was all hands on deck,” Liz shares. “We wouldn’t have been able to do it without our families and friends.”

burgundy velvet jacket
burgundy bow ties
dapper groom in burgundy velvet jacket dapper groom in burgundy velvet jacket bridal flatlay with shoes and accessories DIY garden party wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast bride getting ready Long sleeve lace wedding dress by Rue de Seine DIY garden party wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast Long sleeve lace wedding dress by Rue de Seine
Wanting something bohemian yet refined, Liz had her heart set on long sleeves and lace. Of course Rue de Seine fit the brief and Liz found her dream dress at The Bridal Atelier in Sydney. “It made me feel more beautiful than I ever could have imagined,” she tells us. “There was no question it was the one!”
floral wedding arbour in blush and plum palette
floral wedding arbour in blush and plum palette
Long sleeve lace wedding dress by Rue de Seine
burgundy off-shoulder bridesmaid dress DIY garden party wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast DIY garden party wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast DIY garden party wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast Long sleeve lace wedding dress by Rue de Seine Long sleeve lace wedding dress by Rue de Seine floral wedding arbour in blush and plum palette dapper groom in burgundy velvet jacket DIY garden party wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast
“I kissed Justin as soon as my dad and I got to the end of the aisle – I couldn’t wait!” Liz tells us. “We wrote our own vows, under the guidance of our wonderful celebrant, Merinda Richardson. Our ceremony was informal and there was lots of laughter, a true representation of who we are as a couple.”
modern mismatched bridal party modern mismatched bridesmaids dresses
Perfectly mismatched, Lizzy's bridesmaids wore different dresses from Sheike, Pasduchas and Shona Joy in a burgundy and navy palette. "My brother was also part of the Bridal Party," Liz explains. "He wore a navy suit and floral bowtie and pocket square, to tie in with the girls."
boho bride and groom in burgundy jacket boho bride and groom in burgundy jacket unstructured bridal with plum and blush flowers boho bride and groom in burgundy jacket
dapper groom in burgundy velvet jacket
dapper groom in burgundy velvet jacket
unstructured bridal with plum and blush flowers boho bride and groom in burgundy jacket DIY garden party wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast modern marquee wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast
floral and foliage table runner
‘best day ever’ laser cut sign
DIY garden party wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast floral and foliage table runner jute placemat
greenery foliage chandelier
DIY timber glass seating planer
trendy Sydney wedding DJs - We Play Records trendy Sydney wedding DJs - We Play Records
We Play Records provided awesome tunes for the night,” Liz tells us. “They created such a fun atmosphere, playing everything from Hall & Oates to Thundercat. We’re fairly sure most of our guests had a blast on the D.F.!”
DIY garden party wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast DIY marquee wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast share plates for wedding dinner
Rabbit & Co Caterers dished up generous share platters of smoked ocean trout, pork belly, and beef cheeks, with sides of roast potatoes, tahini pumpkin and fattoush. Guests finished off with a homemade dessert table instead of wedding cake.
homemade dessert table wedding DIY garden party wedding at Terara Riverside Gardens South Coast

Credits

Images Sarah Kennedy | Bride's Dress Rue de Seine | Bride's Shoes Kurt Geiger | Bridesmaid's Dresses Shona Joy | Groom's Suit Politix | Hair Amy Cain | Makeup Sally Ann Beauty | Celebrant Merinda Richardson | Flowers Redbud | Catering Rabbit & Co Caterers | Venue Terara Riverside Gardens | DJ We Play Records |


Leave a Reply

Stay in the loop!