Mel & Tom’s Alternative Wedding at Mindaribba House

Words by Hannah Pronesti / Images by Barefoot & Bearded
September 28, 2016

If Barefoot & Bearded’s moody captures aren’t proof enough, Mel and Tom make a mighty fine pair and we are dying over their simultaneously alternative and rustic take on a fairytale wedding. The couple tied the knot in the gardens of Wallalong House before taking their wedding party to one helluva reception setup at Mindaribba House – think flowers floating from the ceiling and cheeseburgers on arrival.

On meeting, Mel reveals that Tom initially spent some time in the friend-zone but we are glad to report his eventual escape, just in time for a happily ever after. Their wedding theme was no big deal (“We had a very rough idea that we wanted to feature a lot of gold and blue, with succulents and wood grain playing a major role”) but with Mel’s lifelong penchant for all things Disney (Tom even proposed at Disneyland Paris) we can’t help but see some resemblance between this babin’ bride and The Little Mermaid.

DIY was no trouble for these darlings, they sourced props from antique stores and hand-potted 92 succulents they’d collected over the course of six months. They also put together their own photo-booth, complete with antique frame and a box of dress-ups that had been stowed away at Mel’s childhood home.

With their wedding day now behind them, Mel and Tom’s greatest lesson learnt was all about the people. “We found that all our vendors, family and friends and everyone in the bridal party wanted our day to go well. This type of synergy made it extremely difficult for anything to go wrong, so stress less!” Says Mel. “Also, put some thought into choosing the Best Man and Maid of Honour. Choose someone who will take the role seriously, because it is a lot of hard work and having someone there to help out makes the day run very smoothly.”

Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded hipster groom in navy suit Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded hipster groom in navy suit
Tom and his groomsmen were looking v sharp indeed, dressed head to ankle in Gentlemen’s Outfitters Charlestown - toes were dressed by Happy Socks and that glorious beard was kept immaculate thanks to George Wolfenbear beard oil.
Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded blue haired bride and bridesmaids
Mel’s wedding day wardrobe was enviable to say the least - she donned a Rachel Gilbert skirt and lace For Love & Lemons top for the ceremony, paired with an ocean-inspired crown by Chelsea's Flower Crowns. For the reception, she changed into shimmery custom-made dress and Crystal Eclipse Crowns headpiece, and we can’t forget those super cool and comfy Melissa x Vivienne Westwood kicks!
blue haired bride and bridesmaids blue haired bride with mermaid crown hipster wedding first look hipster wedding first look blue haired bride and bearded groom Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded blue haired bride with mermaid crown blue haired bride and bearded groom blue haired bride with mermaid crown Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded
Hanging floral installations catch your eye? Ours too! Desert Born Flowers were responsible for the floating floristry and we are taking notes!
Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded gold wedding cake with succulents 'for like ever' cake topper Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded hipster bride and groom eating cheeseburgers Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded blue haired bride and bearded groom blue haired bride and bearded groom
Joel Alston, the man behind Barefoot & Bearded always gets a good review and Mel and Tom’s wedding was no exception. “We were stoked with how the photos turned out and Joel is a top bloke as well!”
Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded
Wanting to stay close to home, Mel and Tom checked out all of the local venues and with its beautiful fig trees and cozy, rustic setting, Mindaribba House took the proverbial cake.
Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded Mindaribba House wedding Hunter Valley - photography by Barefoot and Bearded

Credits

Images Barefoot & Bearded | Groom's Suit Gentleman’s Outfitters Charlestown | Rings Tiffany & Co. | Ceremony Venue Wallalong House | Celebrant Jules Amidy | Reception Venue Mindaribba House | Flowers Desert Born Flowers | Catering Mason Catering | Videography Light Noise Films | Bride's Skirt Rachel Gilbert | Bride's Top For Love & Lemons | Ceremony Mermaid Crown Chelsea's Flower Crowns | Reception Crown Crystal Eclipse Crowns | Bridesmaid's Dresses ASOS | Hair & Makeup Glow Hair & Makeup | Music Chris Phillips |


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Chantal Routhier Photography 7 years ago

Love this wedding

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