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Julia and Mick

There’s nothing more romantic than being surrounded by books on your wedding day and the Southern Highlands book barn is becoming a firm favourite for that very reason. Julia and Mick held their magical wedding day in the Southern Highlands, choosing to create a day that was family orientated and filled with their own spirit. Their day was captured by Jonathan David

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Julia wore a gown by Nelder Jones Couturier, who also made the bridesmaid dresses. Her veil was sewn by family, who also created a garter for the bride out of her grandmother’s lace. They even decorated the church with beautiful flowers.

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Julia and Mick married at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the ceremony performed by Mick’s local priest.

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Julia remembers, “My girlfriend Rosie Lockhart sung me down the aisle to an acoustic version of ‘So Good to Me’ by Chris Malinchak. It was divine.”

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Julia remembers,  “It was a family orientated day and a special time where we remembered some beautiful people that couldn’t be there to celebrate with us. We had lots of friends and family members contribute which helped to create the heartfelt and unique event. Jono’s terrific photography captured the wonderful venue and the beautiful styling within that amazing space: the tables, the cake, the flower arrangements, the dancing, the laughter, the toasts and then sharing of the food. We are absolutely stoked with the photos and feel that they represent our wedding day truthfully and with style. ”

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Of their photographer, Julia notes, “Jonathan David was amazing. He has a terrific ability to make people feel comfortable and at ease – which we felt was a really important factor. The boys (who usually don’t like having their pictures taken) commented on his kind and genuine nature. He continuously reminded us that it was our day and 100% delivered on our dream photos.”

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Julia and Mick held their reception at Bendooley Estate- Berkelouw Book Barn, with catering by Pearl Catering. They tell, “The Berkelouw Book Barn is located on the property and is the perfect venue if you are looking for a rural setting. The barn itself has been recently renovated and offers a spacious, understated and tasteful setting perfect for a wedding in any season. Pearl Catering was outstanding, the staff were friendly and the atmosphere warm. We were lucky to be able to invite our guests down to the lake for drinks and canapés for a few hours before retreating to the book barn for dancing, dinner and more champagne.”

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Julia notes, “For Mick, he was proud to have his two older brothers by his side as groomsmen and for me, it was special to have my brother and sister MC the day. It was especially touching to have my sister, who has Down syndrome, take complete command of proceedings, while my brother, an accomplished MC (for corporate and social events) was totally upstaged. The wedding will be remembered because of Jacqui’s vibrant and engaging nature and her ability to make people cry with laughter at the drop of a hat.”

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The cake was a special treat, Julia noting, “My two good girlfriends made a delicious white chocolate ganache cake which was devoured during dessert!”

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Julia remembers, “I am an artist – so as a little special surprise I sent all the guests an ink dove sketch along with their invitations. I also twined a gorgeous speckled feather on to each name tag which complimented the venue’s rustic and earthy vibe. Then to tie the feather in – I had thank you cards made with my midnight blue wash-ink feather design on the front. The wedding came together seamlessly because I had so many gorgeous friends and family members adding their unique touch.”

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The bridal table was highlighted with a ceiling installation, Julia remarking “Some extremely clever girlfriends (Dusty Miller Styling and Wildeslane) did the flowers at the venue, the bouquets and created the most amazing flower installation above the bridal table.”

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The first dance was a classic, Julia remembering, “Bruce Springsteen is an old fav’ of ours – so we rocked out to ‘Dancing in the Dark’. We saw him live last year in Sydney and were excited to have our 1st dance to an up-beat classic! The bridal party ran onto the dance floor about half way through the song and then the rest of our guests followed.”

The White Tree captured a movie of the day, with the beautiful landscape and heartfelt moments.

Congratulations on your wedding day Julia and Mick! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Thank you also to Jonathan David  for sharing the story and photographs today!