Not short of tradition, Joanne and Chanh had a tea ceremony on their big day before saying their I-do’s at beautiful NSW venue, Waldara. Sitting on 800 hectares, this property features a barn and two gorgeous homes where you can stay on-site with all of your mates.

If you love country weddings as much as we do, you’ll find yourself nodding in agreement as you scroll through these lovely photos, captured by the talented crew behind Studio Something.

Hey Joanne and Chanh, tell us about how you met and the proposal?

We’d actually dated in high school but had broken up by the time we graduated. Many years later, we reconnected after Chanh had a pretty serious motorcycle accident, and that was it for us! We got engaged at the Snowy Mountains surrounded by a group of our friends. Unfortunately, with the weather at the snow being so unpredictable, things didn’t go exactly to plan and the proposal happened in the middle of a blizzard – our car got stuck on the mountain for a couple of days but it gave us a reason to stay and celebrate just that little bit longer!

What DIY projects did you do accomplish for the wedding?

The biggest DIY project involved the wedding flowers. Chanh made the planter boxes for the ceremony and reception, and with some help from the bridesmaids and friends we made the bouquets, boutonnieres, garlands, centrepieces and ceremony flowers the day before the wedding. We kept the styling of the flowers super simple knowing that we were going to do it ourselves with limited time. 

The signage for the day (welcome sign, and signs directing our guests to the reception and ceremony spaces) were also DIY’d. We designed and handcut them with a scalpel a few months beforehand so it was one project we got out of the way early!

Our papers goods were also printed and cut at home. We designed the save-the-date and menu cards ourselves but our invitations were purchased as a template from e.m. papers and printed at home and they turned out beautifully.

Jo’s sister also made the cake and had it decorated with berries and flowers on the day. We didn’t want an elaborate cake so what she made for us was absolutely perfect.

What was your theme for your wedding?

We didn’t really have a theme in mind when we planned the wedding but I guess it ended up being slightly rustic and natural in theme. We just knew we wanted it to be simple and unfussy and more about having it be a laidback affair during the day and a massive party at night with our family and friends. 

What traditions did you involve during your big day? 

We’re not particularly traditional people, but we knew we wanted a simple Chinese tea ceremony in the day to pay respect to our parents and have our families feel more involved in the day. 

What advice would you give to other couples leading up to their big day?

Just take it easy on the day and enjoy it because it goes so quickly – no one else will know if things don’t go according to plan except you, so don’t stress about it! 

What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?

The favourite moment for both of us was the ceremony and vows. We were both nervous leading up to it but it worked out perfectly and was a beautiful way to celebrate us and our love.  

The dance and flashmob Chanh had prepared with all the boys during the reception was a close runner up though – so hilarious and a great kickoff to partying the night away!

How did you find your venue and was the process difficult for you?

We found Waldara Farm through WedShed! We’d only visited one other venue but we were a bit disappointed with it and stumbled upon the WedShed website which was super easy to navigate. We made one visit to Waldara and knew straight away that it was perfect for us! It’s such a beautiful property and we loved that we could have our ceremony and reception held in one place. 

Ceremony song? 

The processional song for the bridesmaids was an instrumental version of Angus and Julia Stone’s ‘Bella’ and I walked down the aisle to Angus and Julia Stone’s ‘The Wedding Song’. 

First dance song? 

Jason Mraz’s ‘I Won’t Give Up’. We had one quick dance lesson a couple of weeks before the wedding and had only practised it a couple of times but we figured if we couldn’t remember it step for step, we’d just wing it.

CREDITS: Photography Studio Something // Videographer Way Up High // Venue Waldara // Catering White Lime Events and Catering // Stationery E.M Papers // Bridal Gown Lover the Label // Bridal Shoes H&M // Pearl hairpiece Elizabeth Bower // Accessories Samantha Wills // Bridesmaid Dresses H&M // Bridesmaid Gifts Samantha Wills // Groomsmen Suits Politix // Groomsmen Gifts Ben Sherman // Ties Blaq and Geoffrey Beene Myer // Rings Midas Jewellers // Hair Veronika Moreira // Makeup Veronika Moreira // Music Alyse Barnhill at Boutique Music Agency // Celebrant Justine Wu // Smoke Bombs Coloured Smoke // Tea Test Tube Bomboniere Wedding Traders.

+++++

How far in advance should you buy your wedding rings? Find out here.

INSPIRATION: Bridal winter wedding jackets.