Michael and Sally

Michael and I met almost 5 years ago after an ‘Eagles Vs Dockers’ Derby (AFL match) in which the West Coast Eagles were victorious! We were both out celebrating (in Fremantle) when my friend (and future bridesmaid Kate) pointed out a guy wearing his WCE guernsey on the dance floor! Still on the high of celebrating the win, and thinking ‘this guy must be a bit of a legend’ I approached him and we got to talking and the rest as they say is history! We have literally been inseparable since.

My little sister, Kristen Lily was my flowergirl and my father Craig walked me down the aisle. Our beautiful flowers were by Rebecca at ‘Pick Me Function Flowers’.

With some help from our families we were able to plan the wedding within 18months, and as soon as we visited Caversham House I was in love with the gardens and Marquee and couldn’t imagine a more perfect location for our wedding day! We were a little bit worried as it was quite wet and rainy in Perth the few weeks leading up to the wedding, but on the day the weather was perfection.

The ceremony went off without a hitch, and there were plenty of happy tears shed! I am proud to say that I held myself together quite well, and only required one emergency tissue (thanks Jenni!).

The beautiful gardens at Caversham House made a perfect backdrop for our photos. We had so much fun exploring the grounds and celebrated with our bridal party with a bottle of champagne by the river.

My little sister Kristen (4yrs) was such a fabulous flower girl on the day! She did a perfect job of walking down the aisle, posing for photos and at the reception she was the last one on the dance floor! The next day she asked us ‘Is that it? Is the wedding over?‘. While we were exhausted I think she was ready to do it all over again!

The reception was so much fun! The decorations came together so well to create an elegant, soft and romantic feel, the food was delicious and the speeches were very touching and sincere.

The table numbers handmade by myself while the flowers and decorations were supplied by ‘Touched by Angels’.

Cake by Paula at ‘Sweet and Simple Cakes’.

Once the Bridal Waltz was over it was time to party with everyone (especially the groom’s Dad ‘Mike’) tearing up the dance floor to a mixture of old school hits and new music. I especially loved the bridesmaids moves to ‘I’m sexy and I know it’! (as per picture). We also had a photobooth for the night which was a huge hit with all the guests! Even Michael’s grandma threw on a few dress ups and got involved! Everyone said they had a great time and we couldn’t have been happier with the day as a whole.

A big thank you to all of our friends and family that shared in our special day! It was filled with lots of love and laughter, and was the perfect way to celebrate our marriage.

Photography by Carri at All About Image Photography Perth

Ms Gingham says: Oh that sweet little flowergirl… I love the picture where she’s craning her neck to see Sally and Michael kiss. What a beautiful day. Thanks go to Sally and Michael for sharing it with us.

Sally says: “I am a 25yr old Speech Pathologist from Perth WA. I recently married the love of my life (my Plumber hubby Michael) on a lovely spring day in October. ”

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Sally and Dan

When a wedding comes along where the bride and groom have been so true to themselves, so in the moment, with photos of laughter, moments of clairty and balloon animal artists, well I know it’s going to be one you will love. Sally and Dan married in an intimate ceremony in Fremantle. Sally wore a dress printed with brightly coloured flowers and the most spectacular hairpiece and the couple decided to celebrate their wedding day their way.

Sally recalls how she met her beloved. “Dan and I met through mutual friends at a bar just over three years ago and it certainly wasn’t love at first sight. I seem to remember thinking to myself “Who’s the old, bald guy standing next to Joel?” The timing wasn’t ideal and everything started off (and remained) very relaxed. Both of us are incredibly laid back and unromantic. I don’t think we went on an official date until about a month into our relationship. But who says everything has to be poetry and candlelit dinners? Why can’t it be NBA and Indian takeout on the couch?”

The couple chose Snappatronik Photography to capture their wedding day and specifically asked for more photos of their guests and moments, than of details. I love how in tune this is with what Sally and Dan wanted for their day.

The groom wore a suit from Matinique and shoes from Ted Baker. The couple chose not to have a bridal party. Sally explains, “Although we didn’t have an official bridal party, we asked close friends to be with us on the day to help calm the nerves when we were getting ready. Dan spent the morning at the beach with his family and later shared a few drinks with his mates at the pub before suiting up for some photos.”

Sally wore a gorgeous multi coloured  floor length gown from Bernice Sara , shoes from Vivianne Westwood for Melissa and jewels from Etsy seller OOAKjewelz . She recalls “My headpiece was made by an amazing local milliner, Kate Bell of Blake And Bell I wanted a statement piece that was going to compliment my dress without making it look like a costume. I also didn’t want to be too “bridal”. I think Kate nailed it!”

Sally’s hair was styled by Hair By Amanda and her makeup by Thiana Sperry. The floral arrangements were by Lime Flowers.

Sally got ready with her best girlfriends. She explains “I spent the day with two girlfriends in an apartment near our venue. We wandered the streets of Fremantle running last minute errands, gave ourselves manicures and had our hair and makeup done. Once we were ready we walked with my parents and the photographer to the venue, stopping for photos on the way and dodging guests who were also making their way to the gallery.”

Sally and Dan were married at Moore & Moore Cafe in Fremantle. Sally explains “We wanted to have our ceremony and reception all in one venue to keep things easy and relaxed. Our ceremony was in the courtyard at Moore & Moore followed by canapés and (many) drinks in the main gallery. Moore & Moore was perfect for us. It’s an amazing space and their staff went above and beyond to make our day perfect.”

Music was chosen carefully. Sally says “I walked down the aisle to ‘Light and Day’ by The Polyphonic Spree. ‘Beginner’s Luck’ by The Eels was played when we signed the registry and we exited to ‘You’re My Best Friend’ by Queen.”

Sally recalls “Our ceremony was fun and relaxed. Dan’s quick wit ensured there were a few laughs and the courtyard setting was beautiful AND comfortable.”  The couple were married by Kathryn Sturrock.

Sally describes her favourite part of the day as “Having our families and closest friends all in the one place helping us celebrate.”

The couple chose the 20th of November as their wedding day for a very special reason. Sally explains ” The date was significant to us as not only did Dan’s parents marry on the same date some years earlier, but his grandparents (Oma & Opa) also married on that same date (even earlier!). Three generations now share the same name and wedding anniversary. “

Sally remarks “We had the wedding we wanted. We didn’t bother with the traditions that weren’t important to us.”

Of their photographer, Sally remarks “My close friend Seshanka (Shanks) moved to Melbourne from Perth about four years ago. He suggested (or insisted) he shoot our wedding. I was a little apprehensive as I wanted him to enjoy our wedding and not have to work all night. We came to a compromise – he would shoot until he got sick of it. We were all happy! We specified early on that we didn’t want photos of people missing their heads or inanimate objects. We were more interested in capturing candid photos throughout the day and have minimal “posed” shots. We broke away from the venue for about 15 minutes between the ceremony and reception for a location shoot”

The reception was decorated simply and beautifully with Sally’s handmade touches, She recalls “I collected antique bottles and vases which were used by our florist along with old cider and beer bottles. I collected some antique cake stands for our dessert buffet. I made some first aid kits (bandaids, Panadol, Quick Eze, mints, hand cream) and had them in the bathrooms.  I also invested in about 40 pairs of thongs for the ladies (and some gents) who were struggling with sore feet. This was much appreciated by many and I would strongly recommend it for anyone having a cocktail reception!”

The reception had one final extra special touch, a balloon animal artist! Sally says “After seeing Aaron Smyth creating the most incredible balloon animals at Little Creatures one Sunday morning we agreed that we wanted to have him at our wedding. He was fantastic keeping our guests intrigued and entertained with his creations.”

Finally Sally says “We didn’t have a first dance. But that’s not to say there was no dancing!”

Congratulations Sally and Dan! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Snappatronik Photography allowing us to share today’s photographs!

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Ashleigh & Brad

There is nothing like a classic country wedding which is exactly what I have today. There is so much of Australia to explore and Ashleigh and Brad married in the little township of Wagin in Western Australia.

Ashleigh and Brad met in high school. Ashleigh recalls ” Brad and I met through my brother. Living in a small country town everyone knows everyone, but I had just moved back to town. he asked me out on a date and voila here we are today!”

Photographs today are by Clare Day Photography who made the most of the wide open spaces and golden light that regional Western Australia offers.

Ashleigh wore a gown from Brides By Design. The flowers were styled by Twisted Willow.

One of Ashleigh’s bridesmaids Kahli Murray styled the girl’s hair while Jodie Douglas styled the makeup. 

The couple were married at Wagin Anglican Church. Ashleigh says ” It is a lovely old church and means a lot to Brad’s family as his grandparents and parents were married there as well. It “just” held all of our guests!”

Ashleigh walked down the aisle to “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias.

Ashleigh describes the day as “everything I ever dreamed of!”

Ashleigh’s bridesmaids wore blush pink gowns from Studio Collections. The groom and groomsmen wore suits from Penguin Formalwear.

Of their photographer, Ashleigh remarks “I had seen some of Clare’s work on the internet and instantly fell in love with her photos. They are so natural and capture every detail you could possibly want in wedding photography. When Brad and I first met with Clare in her studio I instantly knew we had made the right decision as they were absolutely breathtaking.”

The couple celebrated with guests at Eric Farrow Pavilion. They styled the reception themselves with help from Queen of Theme. Ashleigh says “It is basically a function centre and is one very big plain room. I was lucky to have had the help from a few of my lovely family members to make the room as it was on our wedding day. My mum and I bought 600 metres of Violeen to create the silk lining on the room, and were also very fortunate to have the services of Jane at Queen of Theme who decorated the room and provided all of the beautiful furniture”

Of their first dance Ashleigh says, “It was to “Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams. We had a moment together where we were singing to each other and Brad threw in a few dips and twirls much to the delight of our guests.”

The couple used lots of Wigan locals for their wedding. A retired couple Harry & Billy Bellinghem catered the wedding, Leonie Kirk, another local made the cake and another friend made the stationery.

Congratulations Ashleigh and Brad! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Thank you also to Clare Day Photography for sharing today’s photographs!

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Claire and James

The festive season is making me feel rather romantic, so today’s wedding of Claire and James seems like just the right fit for my mood. Claire wore her mother’s wedding gown, a gown she used to play dress ups in and dream about as a little girl. The couple married at a cafe they love – where they spend Sunday mornings with the paper and their coffees.

Claire recalls how she and James came to be. “James and I met when I was 16, and still at high school living in the country – although he was a city boy, attending university in Perth with my brother. I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful older brother! We didn’t start dating until I was 18, and had moved to Perth to attend university myself.”

The delightful photography this afternoon is by Lauren Wellington who has captured so beautifully the intimacy and romantic feel of today’s celebration.

Most of Claire’s outfit was previously worn by family members, starting with her jewels. She explains “My jewellery was given to me as a gift from my Nanna and Papa on graduating from university. I decided to keep them and wear them on my wedding day. Papa had given it to my Nanna shortly after they were married.”

The dress Claire wore was her mothers. “I wore my Mum’s dress. I used to play dress-ups in this dress and veil as a little girl (I have a photo of a little 6 year old gap-toothed me all dressed up as a little bride). The petticoat was also worn by my Mum on her wedding day, and Nanna had sewn around the bottom of it lace from my Nanna’s, my Great Grandmother’s, and my Great Great Grandmother’s wedding veils. I had generations of my family with me on my wedding day.” Claire wore handmade shoes from Benelli Shoes.

Claire remarks, “The wonderful lady who did my makeup was Amber, and she did an outstanding job!” One of Claire’s favourite memories was getting dressed. “I loved getting dressed with Mum helping me into her wedding dress and veil, and Nanna’s jewels, then seeing the look on Dad’s face when he saw me – that’s not a feeling I’ll soon forget.

Claire put together the flowers with her family and friends. She recalls “The day before the wedding, I made an early morning trip to the flower markets with my Mum and best friend and bought armfuls of my favourite in-season blooms. I then had an afternoon tea at my house for all my favourite ladies, and we had a flower arranging afternoon! All the flowers were done that afternoon except for my own bouquet of Nanna’s roses, which was arranged by my Mum and Nanna on the morning of our wedding.”

Claire and James were married at Moore & Moore Cafe. Claire explains “We had both the ceremony and reception at Moore and Moore Café, in Fremantle. This was fantastic, as it meant that our guests could relax and enjoy yummy drinks and nibbles together in that in-between time, while we nipped out to take some photos.”

James had one very special request. Claire explains, “James was so sweet during the preparation for our wedding. He was very easy, and really wanted whatever I wanted – the one thing he had a definite opinion on that I hadn’t really thought about terribly much, was what song I should walk down the aisle to. So of course, there it was! I walked down the aisle to Air (Bach), played by Heavenstrings.

I’ll always remember that moment walking down the aisle, with both Mum and Dad by my side. At first, I was just taking it all in, looking at all the smiling faces turned towards me, but as I adjusted to it all, my eyes found James, and I couldn’t stop grinning (yes, grinning!). He had the sweetest smile on his face and in his eyes, and tears rolling down his cheeks! It was so precious, to see him so happy. I never want to forget that moment.”

James and his groomsmen also had a nod to the vintage vibe of the wedding. Claire explains “James’ suit was a gorgeous vintage brown woollen pinstripe, which he wore with a cream cravat and vintage gold tie clip I had bought for him as a gift. It’s his absolute favourite suit. He has worn it many times before, and will wear it many times again – so it already has lots of wonderful memories. The groomsmen wore grey suits and vintage brown-tone ties, and they all wore blue shirts. This was completely James’ domain – I left their outfits up to the boys, and I think they all looked very dapper.”

Claire remarks “Doug Booth was our celebrant, and we really couldn’t have asked for any more. He made it personal, intimate, involved our guests, and was truly outstanding. Both he and Amber worked with my Mum, and were known to some of our guests.”

Of their venue, Claire says “It’s a wonderful art gallery/café, and it just felt so right for us. We’re regulars there on weekends for breakfast or coffee, the staff are amazing and so friendly. We love the feel of the place, with their mismatched tables and chairs, beautiful white-washed walls adorned by ever-changing artwork…I could go on!”

The bridesmaids wore mismatched red gowns. Claire says “My bridesmaids wore beautiful bright dresses all chosen by themselves, to tone in with one-another. They are from Cue, Karen Walker and Review.”

Of their photographer Lauren, Claire says, “We had an engagement session a week or two before the wedding, and I couldn’t have been happier. She’s the sweetest girl, we all got along so well, and I am over the moon with the images and moments she captured.”

Claire remarks, “What was so precious for me was that we were surrounded by 50 of our closest family and friends, on the day that we were married. It was wonderful that everyone contributed to our wedding, that there were so many links, and it really felt like a community wedding. However, I couldn’t help thinking that while everything looked beautiful and came together just as I’d hoped and planned, if it hadn’t, deep down, it wouldn’t really have mattered. Because James and I are now married, and even if everything else had fallen apart, there’s no way that never could.”

Claire and her family styled quite a few elements of the wedding themselves. Claire remarks “I suppose I constructed quite a few of the details for our wedding myself, and with the help of family and friends – and it was so much fun! I made all the save the date, invitations and placecards/guestbook myself, using vintage unused postcards. I also made the seating chart myself, and had a wonderful time doing the flowers, bouquets and button-holes. My Mum and Nanna put together my bouquet with roses from Nanna’s garden, and Mum and Mother in law decorated the cake with a few pretty roses (the cake itself was made by a friend). I had collected an assortment of old English sweets (as well as a few other favourites – milk bottles, anyone?), and had these placed along the tables in some of my own favourite dessert bowls – a la family tradition at Christmas feasts.”

The couple put their one vintage touch on the day. “Before our wedding, we visited Her Handpicked Harvest, and became very excited about the beautiful pieces they have collected. From them, we hired some props for our photobooth (vintage hats and bowties, among other things), lovely vintage embroidered napkins, and exquisitely mismatched plates for the tables.”

The reception was held surrounded by beautiful artwork. Claire recalls “The reception was then held in the main art gallery space, which was just fantastic. They set up three long tables for us (we wanted it to feel like one of our big family dinners – which, with only 50 guests, it almost was!), had part of the room for a dance floor and the bar, and had another part of the room set up with couches – one of these, we used for our own little photobooth!”

The decadent cake was definitely a highlight of the reception, gushes Claire. “The cake (a delicious sponge cake smothered in fresh cream and strawberry jam) was baked by a good family friend, Kylie. She put it together, and the flowers were placed by my Mum and Mother in law.”

Claire and James made the paper goods themselves using vintage treats. Claire remarks “All of the wedding stationary was created by myself. Save the date cards and invitations were all typed on my Mother in law’s sweet old Princess typewriter, onto vintage unused postcards (we had a great time collecting these!). We also used these postcards as a placecard and guestbook in one, inviting our guests to write us a note or a piece of advice for a happy marriage.”

The speeches were beyond memorable, Claire tells “James astounded me again. He made, what my Nan has since told me, was the best bridegroom speech she has ever heard. It was sincere, true, sweet and loving, and made me laugh, smile and cry all at the same time.”

The night ended with a sweet first dance. Claire recalls “Our first dance was a very sweet moment for us. We danced to ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’, sung by Billie Holiday.”

Congratulations Claire and James! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Lauren Wellington for sharing today’s photographs with us!

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2. Claire and Tim
3. Kristy and James’ Vintage Funk Wedding

Redcliffe Barn at Ravenswood Sanctuary

Photo via WAWeddings

Redcliffe Barn, located in Ravenswood Sanctuary, Pinjarra. The venue offers a multitude of ceremony venues – from their deck to a number of beautiful areas on the property. The barn offers numerous food & beverage packages.  Email them for more information redcliffebarn@ozzienet.net

http://blackswanbride.blogspot.com/2009/02/barn-in-perth-metro-area.html

Perth Zoo Homstead Barn

Fancying marrying next to the elephants? Perhaps penguins are more your style? The Perth Zoo offers a gorgeous rustic stylish function area plus you get the added benefit of furry and not so furry friends joining you on your wedding day! The Perth Zoo Homestead Barn can hold 200 guests or more if using the adjacent courtyard. Mustard Catering holds the contract for Perth Zoo, so check out their website for more.

Villa Pourzand

More “French Rustic” than “Australian Rustic” I still love the feel of Villa Pourzand. Located in the beach side suburb of Cottesloe, Villa Purzand has a minimum of 40 guests and can cater to 120 guests for a cocktail function or 90 for a sit down. Visit the Villa Purzand website for more.

Chapel Farm

Swan Valley’s Chapel Farm offers a beautiful rustic style venue with a capacity for 250 guests. There’s a private waterfall and lake on site (great for your ceremony)  and a bar located within the restored homestead. Visit the Chapel Farm website for more.

Sandalford Winery

From the gorgeous underground cellar to the oak room, Sandalford Winery has a range of function spaces that are beautifully rustic. The underground cellar is the largest space, able to fit 250 guests and the venue has two beautiful garden spaces for wedding ceremonies. Visit their website for more.

Kidogo Art Institute

Kidogo Art Institute is a stunning limestone building sitting right on the beach. Located in Fremantle, the venue has two galleries available for hire (the smaller White Gallery can only be hired together with the Large gallery and makes the perfect place for ceremonies or pre dinner drinks) The exposed beams and beautiful limestone walls make this a gorgeous blank canvas for your event. Visit their website for more.

Cambinata Farm

Cambinata Farm, a working yabbie farm in Yallingup. The venue can cater to 200 guests. The onsite shearing shed is a great option for functions with a baby grand piano and beautiful candelabras available for use. Guests can even camp on the property! Visit their website for more information.

Brookside Vineyard Bed & Breakfast

Photo by Christine Lim

Brookside Vineyard Bed & Breakfast is located in the Bickley Valley.  Polka Dot couple Linda & Joel converted the wine shed into their reception venue and it has just the right amount of rustic charm! Visit the website for more information

Stone Mason’s Distillery

Photo by Objecktiv Photography

Stone Mason’s Distillery was built ion Kojonup in 1894 and retains it’s historic charm. The venue can cater to 85 guests in their restaurant with delicious three course menus.  Visit their website for more.

What other venues can you add to my list?

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