James & Suzie’s Scottish-Inspired Wedding in the NSW Southern Highlands

Words by Adriana Sinicropi / Images by Petter Karlstrom
July 29, 2020

‘Scottish-inspired but for the modern-day couple’ is exactly what Suzie and James had in mind when planning their remote Southern Highlands farm wedding, captured by photographer Petter Karlstrom. Given Suzie’s roots in Scotland, and its significance in their love story (where Suzie and James first met), the duo knew they wanted to celebrate tradition while keeping a casual vibe for their special day. They managed to strike the perfect balance, with James’ Tartan Trews, the groomsmen’s Kilts and a picturesque, green location reminding Suzie of her homeland, while contemporary styling and the bride’s minimal Prea James gown lent a modern spin.

modern country wedding in the NSW Southern Highlands modern country wedding in the NSW Southern Highlands blush and neutral toned bridesmaid dresses minimal two-piece wedding dressBridal gown and bridesmaids

“I found the Prea James ‘Cara’ gown in Hope x Page boutique in Sydney,” shares Suzy. “It really worked for the modern, casual look I was going for – I loved the effortlessness of it and the silk was to die for, I never wanted to take it off.” Suzie accessorised with a pearl veil from Hope x Page, Nakedvice shoes and earrings borrowed from her mother. For the evening, Suzie wore earrings from a.b. Ellie bought by her sister. The bridesmaids wore slip dresses in mixed neutral tones from Shona Joy and Bec and Bridge with their own shoes. Hair was done by Jaimi Irving Hair, and Makeup was done by Samantha Lee Makeup.

minimal two-piece wedding dress blush and coral bridesmaid bouquet blush and neutral toned bridesmaid dresses blush and coral bridal bouquetmodern country wedding in the NSW Southern Highlands modern country wedding in the NSW Southern Highlands modern country wedding in the NSW Southern HighlandsGroom & Groomsmen

James wore ‘Tartan Trews’ for the ceremony which were custom made in Scotland by David Ogilvie, and switched things up with a kilt and kilt jacket for the evening. For the groomsmen, ceremony suits were MJ Bale, followed by kilts for the reception, hired from Australia Wide Kilt Hire. “James has Scottish heritage from his Mother’s side so James is used to wearing a kilt but we thought it would be fun for all the Groomsmen to change into kilts for the evening, they were definitely a hit on the dance floor,” shares Suzie.

modern country wedding in the NSW Southern Highlands modern country wedding in the NSW Southern Highlands modern country wedding in the NSW Southern Highlands modern country wedding in the NSW Southern HighlandsThe ceremony

“We took a bit of a risk with the weather and got married on top of Somerton Ridge under an arbor on a property owned by friends,” shares Suzie. It was a bit of a walk for our 120 guests, but it was definitely worth it for the amazing view. We had seats for family and guests that required it, but most people stood. Bishop Mark Calder led a modern and meaningful service for us all which was perfect. We were able to have drinks and canapes at the top of the Ridge before sunset so our guests could enjoy the view for a bit longer.”

blush and neutral toned bridesmaid dresses minimal two-piece wedding dress by Prea James Bridal minimal two-piece wedding dress by Prea James BridalPhotography

“Our photographer Petter Karlstrom was just such a cool guy,” shares Suzie. “So professional and easy to be around. We picked him because we love his style and we couldn’t be happier with our photos.

hanging floral installation modern marquee wedding modern marquee wedding cheese wheel wedding cakeThe reception

White Top Venues provided the clear marquee with 3 long trestle tables, flowers were from Flowers on the Mill, and napkins and cutlery were from Simply Seated. For the cake, Suzie and James veered away from tradition choosing a selection of cheeses from Bowral, assembled by caterers of the day, PB Catering. “Foodwise, we chose shared antipasto platters to start and alternate drop mains,” explains Suzie. We then had a dessert station made up of petit fours, cheese from our ‘wedding cake’ and everything you need for an epic cheese board. Later in the evening we had ham rolls and extra cheese put out to fuel the hungry dancers! Can you tell we like cheese? Kerry (from PB Catering) was amazing to work with. She helped us design our menu and head chef Barry even made Haggis Bonbons for our canapes, which is something he’d never made before, but every Aussie/Scottish wedding needs them – he nailed it!”

modern Sydney wedding photographer Petter Karlstrom modern Sydney wedding photographer Petter Karlstrom modern Sydney wedding photographer Petter Karlstrom modern country wedding in the NSW Southern Highlands

Credits

Images Petter Karlstrom | Bride's Dress Prea James | Bridesmaid's Dresses Shona Joy | Groom's Suit Kilt Hire | Flowers Flowers on the Mill | Catering PB Catering | Entertainment Blume Events | Stationery/Invitations State of Elliott | Marquee White Top Venues | Hire Simply Seated | Videographer Marcus Rusbourne Media | Piper Highlands Pipes and Drums |


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