Weddings

Gess & Jim’s Eco-Retreat Wedstival

Words by Hannah Pronesti / Images by Barefoot & Bearded
February 2, 2017

Gess & Jim met at a Bush Doof back in the day (Gess made quite the first impression, emerging from a smoke-filled van and throwing a shoe on the fire…) and with Joel of Barefoot & Bearded on board, these festival loving folk planned a one-of-a kind wedstival in the Blue Mountains. We want in!

The feeling of being in their element at festivals on the land, amongst creative and kindred spirits was a huge source of inspiration for Gess and Jim’s day. They had in fact previously attended an event at Capertree’s Turon Gates Eco-Retreat where they decided to hold their wedding weekender.

Barefoot, Gess and Jim swapped vows on a river island with 120 guests gathered on the pebbled shore. Anita of Hand in Hand Celebrant crafted a beautiful and meaningful ceremony, centering around the land, their love and the journey that had brought them to this moment. With guests camping onsite, the post-ceremony party kicked off with some reggae tunes by local Manly band Mana Lion and their campfire and marquee celebrations carried on well into the night!

This bride sported bare legs in a short Thurley dress with bell sleeves, going barefoot for the ceremony and changing into her beloved Doc Martens for the rest of the evening. Her bridesmaids wore forest-hued dresses of their own choosing.

Eco retreat wedstival in the Blue Mountains - photography by Barefoot & Bearded

Jim and his groomsmen stuck to their earthy roots in custom made shorts, vest and shirt ensembles sourced from Etsy store Patchy Faun.

We're suckers for Barefoot & Bearded's images and it seems Gess and Jim are fans too. “Joel went above and beyond to make our day come together so perfectly, even if it had nothing to do with photos, he was part of our team. He’s a very easygoing guy with an amazing eye for the landscape and the love!”

Both creative spirits, the couple enjoyed DIYing all of the decor and according to Gess almost everything was recycled or sourced - the hessian tablecloths, the bunting and even the pallet furniture.

Food trucks kept the festival vibe going and the couple chose their vendors based on past experience. “We had had the pleasure of enjoying their tucker at previous festivals we’d been to.” Gess says of Om Noms and Pizzazle. Black Wattle Deli sourced their five favourite cheese wheels for a savoury wedding cake and our mouths are watering at the sight of it!