Keeley & Aleksei’s Montrose Berry Farm Wedding

Words by Hannah Pronesti / Images by Nina Claire Photography
December 11, 2015

A 2am wake-up call and a hike up a Sri Lankan mountain in the rain wasn’t exactly Keeley’s idea of a romantic adventure – that is until Aleksei won her over with a spectacular diamond ring. Smooth move Aleksei! These sweethearts tied the knot in NSW’s Southern Highlands at Montrose Berry Farm and Nina Claire captured some stunning snaps of the day.

Keeley and Aleksei are keen campers, so a country wedding was the way to go. Montrose Berry Farm had the rustic woodland vibe they were looking for and when it came to a location for the ceremony, Keeley tells us, “We decided on a small clearing in a forested area, flanked by two giant pine trees. Our stylist and florist let the beautiful natural scenery be the focus by sticking to a simple set-up.”

They had originally planned to have the entire day outdoors, until a last minute change meant saw them holding the reception in the onsite barn. This cool couple took it in their stride and decided to bring the outdoors in. Working closely with their florist Mikarla Bauer and stylist She Designs, they created a foliage heavy canopy using vines, ferns and native wildflowers and it proved to be quite a hit, “More than a few guests told us afterwards that they felt like they were in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’!” Keeley laughs.

With the groom’s Russian heritage, it was important to incorporate some cultural traditions into both the reception and styling – “We raided my grandmother’s collection of matryoshka dolls, samovars and other decorations to feature on the dining tables,” Aleksei tells us, “and my Mum read a traditional Russian poem and gave a toast at the start of the night – vodka, naturally!” We may not be able to pronounce it, but to that we say “Tvoye zdorovye!”

Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography boutonniere by Mikarla Bauer / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Dahlia and protea bouquet by Mikarla Bauer / Suzanne Harward gown
Kelly opted for a warm toned bouquet of protea and gorgeous dahlias, expertly crafted by Mikarla Bauer.
Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Suzanne Harward wedding dress with fur shrug / Nina Claire Photography
This bride was the epitome of old Hollywood glamour in her backless, Suzanne Harward sequined gown, with a luxurious vintage fur cape thrown over her shoulders for good measure!
Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography
Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography
Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography
Keeley traversed the aisle to New Order's 'Ceremony' and the pair signed the marriage certificate to 'I Feel It All' by Feist. Under a shower a shower of confetti, the two exited to 'Mountain Sound' by Of Monsters and Men - all performed live by acoustic duo, The Sweet Little Arm.
Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Woodland wedding at Montrose Berry Farm NSW / Nina Claire Photography / Styling by She Designs Events Woodland wedding at Montrose Berry Farm NSW / Nina Claire Photography / Styling by She Designs Events Woodland wedding at Montrose Berry Farm NSW / Nina Claire Photography / Styling by She Designs Events
These two have thoroughly impressed us with their DIY efforts, which included homemade jam favours, woodland-themed stationary, confetti made from biodegradable tissue paper and even Aleksei’s cufflinks – old roof bolts from his beloved Land Rover!
Woodland wedding at Montrose Berry Farm NSW / Nina Claire Photography / Styling by She Designs Events
Woodland wedding at Montrose Berry Farm NSW / Nina Claire Photography / Styling by She Designs Events
Woodland wedding at Montrose Berry Farm NSW / Nina Claire Photography / Styling by She Designs Events Woodland wedding at Montrose Berry Farm NSW / Nina Claire Photography / Styling by She Designs Events
Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography
Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography
Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Montrose Berry Farm Wedding / Nina Claire Photography Sparkler wedding exit / Nina Claire Photography

Credits

Images Nina Claire Photography | Bride's Dress Suzanna Harward | Bride's Shoes Wanted Shoes | Groom's Suit MJ Bale | Groom's Shoes R.M. Williams | Rings Utopian Creations | Accessories Samantha Wills | Hair Gemma Nichols | Makeup Gemma Nichols | Ceremony Venue Montrose Berry Farm | Celebrant Rochelle Haley | Reception Venue Montrose Berry Farm | Flowers Mikarla Bauer | Catering Chef In Your Kitchen | Stationery/Invitations 3 Eggs Designs | Styling/Prop hire She Designs | DJ We Play Records | Cake Cakes by the Village Cook |


Leave a Reply

Stay in the loop!