It takes a lot to plan a wedding and generally it helps to be present during the planning process, but that didn’t seem to bother Aussie expat Sarah and her Irish-born beau Kevin. The pair planned their entire Australian wedding from their home base in Berlin and it went off without a hitch thanks to the helping hands of their family in South Australia.

Sarah originally dreamed of marrying between the sand dunes, Priscilla Queen of the Desert style but when that didn’t eventuate the landscape of her family’s homestead property in the Adelaide Hills had just the right mix of dusty plains and rolling hills to keep her satisfied. Such picturesque country surrounds gave guests a taste of the true blue Aussie lifestyle, especially Kev’s family who flew in from Ireland. Talk about an international affair!

For most, marriage is a one time thing, so what to do when you’re torn between two dresses? You wear both of course! Not one to shy away from colour, Sarah found the fruitest, most vibrantly patterned dress we’ve ever seen browsing on Net-A-Porter. Originally she planned to wear this Matthew Williamson number for the entire day, until she spotted an elegant 1940’s style Kisui gown in a little boutique in Berlin. “I did feel that it was OTT to have two dresses for one day, but in the end I’m glad I got the white one too as I felt like a million dollars wearing it.” OTT? HOT is more like it!

Finding somewhere to hold the reception from abroad was a little more difficult as Sarah and Kev couldn’t visit the venues, but when they learnt that Penny’s Hill Winery in McLaren Vale was available it was a no-brainer, “It has been a favourite place of mine for a long time and Kev and I have enjoyed many gorgeous meals there together. We love their decor, food and of course the wine!” Sarah shares. The space was simple and colourful and Louise Woodhouse Flowers put together gorgeous blooms, perfectly complementing the vibrant feel.

Having Kate Pardey photograph the wedding was bittersweet as she had originally been unavailable but her good friend and photographer Amelia O’Connor had stepped in. Our sweethearts fell in love with Amelia’s work and couldn’t wait to meet her but tragically, Amelia passed away in March, leaving everyone shocked, “We mourned Amelia, having never met her.” Sarah says. In the midst of such a tragedy, Kate Pardey had things covered. “For Kate to be so natural, bright, warm and on top of everything, having just lost a close friend, is simply incredible. Simon and Kate were phenomenal on the day and we are so grateful to them.”

Family came first in this affair and our newlyweds couldn’t be more grateful for the helping hands that made their wedding happen. Sarah’s parent even dabbled in some DIY before the day, “In particular, they took the ‘beard and bob’ icons from a pattern we designed for our invites and had a metal sign laser-cut as a surprise!” Sarah tells us. As the night wore on, Irish dancing ensued (much to Sarah’s delight) and all in all a wonderful time was had by all, on the night ‘the bob and the beard’ became husband and wife.