Jennifer & Daniel

The Southern Highlands provides such a beautiful backdrop for weddings, so it was a real treat to receive this gorgeous, cold wet day soiree that encapsulated the moody, misty weather the region has to offer.

“We met in Whistler, Canada in 2002 after the girls and I decided to escape the race for a girly weekend away.  After a day of skiing we decided to go for some après ski drinks at the local bar.  Dan and I met while getting drinks and I loved his cute Australian accent.  Dan didn’t realize that you couldn’t pay for drinks using debit at the bar in Canada so I ended up paying for drinks the entire night.  The next day I got a knock on my door and to my surprise Dan was there holding my camera that I must have left there the night before. He said he felt bad that I paid for drinks so he wanted to make it up to me by taking me out for dinner and drinks.  He was such a gentleman, we laughed and chatted the night away and from the moment I met him I felt like I had known him for years.

Dan and I spent the rest of the year together and I made my way up to Whistler every other weekend.  We would spend summer days hiking and camping in the Rocky Mountains of Canada.  But we both knew that Dan would have to go back to Australia one day as he was on a working holiday visa.  That awful day of him leaving eventually came and we said our goodbyes but just temporarily as I would be making my way down to Australia in the following 3 months.  It was the longest 3 months of my life! We were reunited in Sydney once again and we have been together in Australia ever since. This September we finally got married after 9 years of being together and hope to spend many more years together.”

MMPhotos captured today’s wedding. A classic look with a romantic edge set the tone for the day.

Jennifer wore a gown by Sophia Tolli , she recalls “My wedding gown was a strapless ‘fit to flare’ gown by Sophia Tolli that had intricate lace and beading on the bust which reappeared in the train and gown of the dress.  I wanted a romantic vintage dress which ‘swooshed’ when I moved. ”

The gown had a little special heirloom touch. “When I was little I had a baby blanket that I used to carry everywhere. No matter where I went the blanket had to come with me. My mom used to joke with me that when I got married I would probably bring it down the aisle with me.  As a part of bringing together the old with the new, my mom hand sewed a piece of baby blanket into my wedding dress.  I guess you could say that that was my “something old” but it also meant bringing my values and my upbringing into the new life I was about to start with my new husband. ”

Jennifer and her bridesmaids had their hair and makeup styled by Lyndal Byran of Hair on the Move 2 U. Jennifer purchased hairpieces from Teeki to complete the look. She remarks “Amy Oram from Teeki Designs designed my headpiece as well as my bridesmaids’ headpieces.  Amy designed a gorgeous flower and face veil that I later used as a bow for my hair.  It matched my dress immaculately.  My bridesmaids each had a flower for their hair that matched their dresses as well.”

Jennifer’s bridesmaids wore gowns from Sheike. She says ” Each dress could be tied a different way (so that) each of my bridesmaids were unique. ”

Jennifer says “I walked down the aisle to Ingrid Michaelson “The Way I Am”. I think it’s a cute song that describes how it’s the simple and small things that couples love about each other.”

Jennifer remembers, “The whole day was full of excitement and emotion leading up to the ceremony but I think the one memorable moment that stuck with me particularly was when Dan cried when he saw me walk down the aisle. Dan isn’t an overly emotional guy and to see him cry made my heart melt.

Another memorable moment was when slideshows were played of Dan and I growing up which our parents put together for each of us.  It was definitely a moment that we shared with our families and friends that won’t ever be forgotten.”

Jennifer and Daniel chose Milton Park for their wedding and were married inside the bath house. Jennifer explains “We wanted an intimate wedding with only our closest family and friends but I knew that we wanted a garden ceremony as Dan and I were both passionate about gardens and the environment.  We lived in the Blue Mountains which already had beautiful gardens and we wanted somewhere to get away for the wedding.  Dan had known of a property in the Southern Highlands which was re-knowned for its gardens. We fell in love with Milton Park from the moment we saw it. Milton Park had English styled gardens, as well as French styled parterres but was also known for being one of Australia’s oldest gardens. It was perfect.

On the day however, we weren’t so lucky with the weather and opted for an indoor ceremony.  We had the ceremony in the Provincial French-style Bath House.  The pool made for great photography as well as the backdrop of the French style mural. The reception was in the Conservatory which sits about 60 people.  It had large windows which overlooked the garden, columns and a beautiful chandelier which set the mood for the room.  I scattered tealights on every table/surface to give it that romantic glow.  Milton Park was definitely the perfect spot for Dan and I to get married.”

Of their photographer, Jennifer says “Michael from MMPhotos was honestly one of the best parts of our wedding. He is highly professional and experienced and takes pride in his work and it all reflects in the beautiful photos he takes. His photos are just stunning.  They captured the day and special moments so beautifully. You wouldn’t have even thought that it rained on the day! When I look at them, I still get goosebumps about the excitement and emotion there was on the day.  There were beautiful portrait photos of us in the gardens but there are also those candid shots where those special moments were captured, not only of us but of my family and friends sharing the day with us.  I think the photos definitely speak for themselves.”

The bouwuets and floral arrangements for the day were styled by Kate Powell of Absolutely Flowers . Jennifer notes “Dan’s mother had given me a family heirloom that has been passed down to the women in the family.  It is a purple amethyst stone brooch which his mother wore on her wedding day and her mother wore on her wedding day.  I placed the brooch on the ribbon of my wedding bouquet and I will pass the brooch for our daughter to pass on as well. ”

Letter Bird Lane styled the invitations for the day. Edible Creations created a two tier lavender coloured cake.

As guest favors, Jennifer and Daniel gave their guests old fashioned heart lollies. Jennifer remembers ” I left one that said “will you marry me?” for Dan to read when we got to the reception.”

For their first dance, Jennifer says “Dan and I danced to “Crash into Me” by the Dave Matthews Band.  It has been our song since we first met and Dan had always been a big fan of Dave Matthews.”

Congratulations Jennifer & Daniel! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to MMPhotos for sharing today’s images!