Lucy + Lindsey - Rowlee Wines

"We didn't really focus on traditions; we just did what felt right", said Lucy of their wedding day at Rowlee Wines, located in the beautiful produce rich region of Orange, NSW.

We love this approach to wedding planning (so much so, we wrote a book about it) because it allows couples to make decisions that reflect their own values and preferences. The result? A day with no regrets.

As trite as that might all sound, it's true and Lucy and Lindsey are living proof that it pays off. Their wedding had everything they wanted - a beautiful garden wedding venue where they could have their ceremony outside and reception at the same location, fab food (kudos to Eat Your Greens), coulourful bouquets (big clap for Botanica Flora) and all their loved ones together on the dance floor. Also, the three-tiered wedding cake (very impressive The Little Sugar Shoppe).


How did you and Lindsey meet? We met through mutual friends at uni. We bonded as Lindsey listened to me rave about Harry Styles (who we later met on our honeymoon!).

The venue: Rowlee was the first venue we looked at and instantly fell in love. We knew we wanted an outdoor ceremony with beautiful gardens. We loved the idea of separate areas for the ceremony, canapés and the reception, as well as the convenience of having everything in the one place. The lush greenery and stunning homestead provided the perfect backdrop.

My bridesmaids and I had a sleepover the night before and got ready at the cottage on the property which allowed for a relaxing morning with no pressure.

Nicole and the team were so helpful and always there to answer our questions.

The vibe: Our wedding vibe was a romantic, colourful country wedding. I loved the idea of white bridesmaid dresses with colourful bouquets and colourful tablescapes to match.

Traditions (adopted, adapted or ditched?): We didn't really focus on traditions; we just did what felt right. I did, however, wear a gold cross with rubies as it is a long standing tradition for the brides in my grandmother's family to wear it on their wedding day.

Hit (or near) miss: Unfortunately it rained a couple of hours before the ceremony started. Thankfully, it stopped in time for the ceremony and some photos!

The outfit/s: I struggled to find a dress through bridal shops, but fortunately a family friend with experience in bridal couture had just moved back to the area. Scarlet from Grace and Honor Bridal Couture and I worked together to design a dress that I felt comfortable in and I really loved. Lindsey wore a classic black suit.

I'll always remember... Lindsey's favourite moment was seeing me walk down the aisle. In the hour before the ceremony began, it was raining and we were stressing trying to work out what to do. It had stopped raining by the time I started walking down the aisle and we all relaxed.

My favourite moment was having so much fun on the dance floor with our amazing family and friends.

Standout vendors: It was important to us that we used local vendors.

• Angus McKern Wedding Photography - Angus was a pro.
• Jess and Ben from Eat Your Greens catered with the most unreal food.
• Emily from The Little Sugar Shoppe made the most stunning and delicious three tiered cake.
• Scarlet from Grace and Honor Bridal Couture.
• Kate from By Banks made the wedding party dresses in such a creative way.
• Christ from Orange DJs provided amazing entertainment.

Soundtrack: Aisle song: "Baby I'm Yours", by Arctic Monkeys. Recessional: "Gotta Be Real", by Cheryl Lynn. First dance: "We Have All the Time in the World", by Louis Armstrong.

Words of wedding wisdom... Be present on the day! So much is happening so take it all in, but remember to eat and drink and have fun.

CREDITS: Photos Angus McKern Wedding Photography // Venue Rowlee Wines // Florist Botanica Flora // Catering Eat Your Greens // Cake The Little Sugar Shoppe // Stationery Peppermint Press // Bridal gown Grace and Honor Bridal Couture // Bridesmaid dresses By Banks // Hair Pose Hair Design // Makeup Illume Beauty // Music Orange DJs.