Weddings

Holly & Brad’s Stylish DIY Wedding on the South Coast

Words by Amy Richardson / Images by Jason Corroto
September 3, 2019

After a decade spent exploring the world and building a life together, Holly and Brad celebrated their 10th year as a couple by tying the knot surrounded by their loved ones. Sydney based lensman, Jason Corroto, captured the couple’s gorgeous wedding amongst the tranquil woodlands of Bawley Point on the NSW coast.

There was no question that Bawley Point would be the perfect place for their relaxed and intimate wedding. Not only does the South Coast spot happen to be where Brad popped the question, but Holly’s parents had just finished building their home there. The bride shared “It was awesome for everyone to experience where we love to holiday, and see why we love it so much.”

Holly and Brad opted for an intimate ceremony filled with personal details, with the help of Haley from Love Notes Ceremonies who guided them through the planning process. A good friend of theirs read her own poem and they both wrote their own vows. Wanting the ceremony to be just the two of them up front, they let their bridesmaids and groomsmen take a seat and enjoy the affair as guests.

The party continued on with cocktail hour, followed by dinner from Rabbit & Co under a beautifully lit, clear ceiling marquee that was a DIY styling effort by the couple. The bride shares, “I had a lot of family coming from the UK so we really wanted a sit-down dinner for everyone to come together. We had two very long tables to celebrate the feast.”

short wedding dress with lace bodice and long sleeves

stylish and modern DIY backyard wedding on the South Coast NSW

Rosie the dog helped Brad pop the question with her lovely new red collar and tag, which read "Will you matt me Holly?" The cutest!

Holly worked with Marry Me Bridal to create the perfect low-key bridal number. They paired a lace Pronovias blouse with a custom structural mini skirt by Wendy Makin for some sweet 60s vibes.

With some assistance from The Brides Collection, these devoted DIYers styled their own bouquets and arrangements with blooms foraged from the family property and topping up with seasonal florals from the Sydney Flower Markets.

stylish DIY marquee wedding on the South Coast NSW

Holly and Brad had a clear idea in mind for how the day would feel, with a little guidance provided by The Brides Collection along the way, the couple were able to style the wedding just the way they wanted. For a personal touch, the couple used stones from the beach where Brad proposed as their name cards.

“We had Haley from Love Notes Ceremonies as our celebrant, and she made the entire ceremony beautiful from start to finish,” Holly shares. “She delivered the best love story on the big day, and we received so many compliments.”

bride drinking champagne from the bottle

Holly asked her bridesmaids to choose their own dresses, matching their different styles and personalities with a mix of designs from Zimmermann, Tallulah and Reformation.

The couple were delighted with their photographs from Jason Corroto, who kept things natural and comfortable for the couple on the day. Holly shares “His style of editing is everything we dreamed of!”