For most people, planning a wedding in only five weeks is like trying to kiss their own elbow. Danica and Matt however, were determined to get married and knew their team of vendors were up to the challenge of pulling off a memorable wedding at NSW south coast wedding venue Mimosa Wines, despite the short time frame.

Their main objective was “to make sure everyone was fed well, drank well and had great music to dance the night away” and judging by the photos from Allume Photography, they clearly delivered.

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How did you meet?

I met Matt seven years ago on New Years Eve. There was an event on at the Overseas Passenger Terminal and Matt happened to be best friends with my cousin. We immediately clicked and on the night shared a sneaky New Years kiss. The rest is history.

Tell us about the proposal.

Matt and I bought our first home and on an unsuspecting Thursday afternoon, I arrived home from a busy day of work to Matt on one knee. He had decked the place out with hundreds of candles, red roses and rose petals. He had gone to great lengths printing photos and even making a cheese platter. It was very dreamy and romantic.

How did you decide on the location of your wedding and the venue itself?

Our wedding was at Mimosa in Bermagui. I am originally from Melbourne and Matt is a Sydneysider and pre-COVID we had originally planned a wedding in the Yarra Valley in VIC but it all became very tumultuous with borders restrictions etc. so we thought Bermagui was the perfect mid-way point for our families to meet.

We found Mimosa on Wedshed. We were so fortunate to have found Aymeric and the venue because we had planned the wedding with about five weeks notice. Aymeric was an absolute legend throughout the process and was so agile and accommodating.

In a few sentences, how would you describe your wedding?

It was very classic in styling but with a European twist. We tried to keep it very simple, modern and relaxed. Our main objective was that we wanted to make sure everyone was fed well, drank well and had great music to dance the night away. I think we covered all those bases.

Did you write your own vows? How did you find that experience?

We were assisted with our own vows and the experience was fantastic. We had Debra Summer as our celebrant (who also said yes with five weeks notice) and it was a very easy conversation with her that lead us to reading our own words out.

The best (or most unique) thing we did at our wedding was…

The Italian streamer dance for our first dance. It’s a tradition but one we hadn’t seen at our friend’s weddings. Mum and dad did it at their wedding and we wanted to do the same at ours. It’s the first dance and you basically have people holding one end of streamers and the bride and groom holding the other and you dance in a circle until you’re completely wrapped up in the streamers. Makes for great photos too.

How many guests did you have?

74.

What was your budget?

Our wedding budget was $50,000 and we were right on budget. We spent extra on the band, food and wine which we thought were very important elements of the night.

Did you partake in any DIY elements to your day?

Thinking back, I did bit more than I thought I would have. All the personalised menus and signage I created on Canva and printed at OfficeWorks. We also made the bonbonniere – little olive jars and at the last minute decided to purchase some olive branches and twine for table decorations which we also put together.

Any funny elements that just made the day or lead up even more amazing?

Aymeric (again) was fantastic. Once we had confirmed the venue he provided us with a whole list of suppliers that we could contact. It was very helpful and they were all amazing. Walking down the aisle was a moment I will never forget and when the back doors at Mimosa opened and we had full use of the expansive deck and views, it was an absolute dream. Planning a wedding is already stressful enough so planning a wedding in five weeks during a global pandemic is next level.

There were so many moments that were overwhelming and hilarious but getting blood on my wedding dress, from a cut on my finger, the week before our wedding, was crazy. Marry Me Bridal in Mosman managed to get it out but looking back it was so funny that it even happened.

Do you have any standout suppliers that you would recommend in a heartbeat? 

Obviously, I couldn’t recommend our venue, Mimosa, more highly. And to be honest, all our suppliers were incredible. Debra Summer, our celebrant, was a dream to work with. Dotti the cake maker was an absolute angel and the cake was so delicious. Allume Photography was fantastic and we love the photos. I can’t go past the Baker Boys Band who we continue to get great compliments on. And our florist, Jasmine managed some stunning flower arrangements. I had Lisa Jane Makeup and she was fantastic as well as Coventry from Eco Salon Hair who was a legend on the day too.

Tell us about your outfits – what did you love about them?

My dress was the first dress I tried on. It was Justin Alexander and I loved how simple it was. Matt’s suit was from M.J. Bale and it was a beautiful, tuxedo that looked fantastic on him. I loved that he had the bowties that required hand tying. At the end of the night, it was draped very casually around his neck for a relaxed look.

Now that you’re married, what’s the best piece of advice you can give other couples in the middle of planning their own weddings? 

Whatever decision you make, make it the right one. There’s always a million options and ways to do things and it’s so easy to get caught up in it when planning your wedding. I think it’s really important to trust your instinct and know that most of the decisions that you make are so unimportant on the day because it’s really all about celebrating love. Enjoy it. It all goes so quickly and it really is the best day of your life.

What are you most looking forward to now that you’re married?

Not having to plan a wedding. Jokes, having babies!

CREDITS: Photos Allume Photography // Venue Mimosa Wines // Celebrant Debra Summer // Flowers The Little Bouquet // Cake Dotti // Bridal gown Justin Alexander // Brides shoes Nine West //  Accessories Marry Me Bridal // Bridesmaid dresses Lover // Bridesmaid gifts Etsy and Myer // Groom and groomsmen suits and bow ties M.J. Bale // Groomsmen gifts Etsy // Rings Affinity Diamonds // Hair Eco Hair Spa // Makeup Lisa Jane // Music The Bakers Boys Band // Transport Sapphire Coast Transport.