We admire that this pair stuck to their guns and went their own way – creating an intimate garden wedding at two stunning Hunter Valley wedding venues, Wallalong House and Mindaribba.
Their day, amongst other things, featured a dress designed by the bride, giant pool toys (which had late night adventures of their own) and their dog, who turned out to be quite comfortable in front of the camera.
But it’s the aftermath of the wedding that paint our favourite picture – their friends and family once again gathering together the following day to spend the afternoon swimming, reminiscing and polishing off the leftovers. Check it all out below, captured by WedShed fave Daniel Ferris Photography.
Tell us about how you met and the proposal?
We met eight years ago at a work function and Jo proposed on a weekend where I organised a secret escape to Barossa Valley for his 40th birthday. By insane coincidence, he picked up my ring that afternoon and he happened to have it with him when I sent a taxi to pick him up from work to go to the airport. Best way to surprise someone after being together seven years.
What DIY projects did you do accomplish for the wedding?
I designed my own wedding dress taking great inspiration from a french designer I love and had it made by a friend. I designed the stationary, decorations, linen placemat and tableau de marriage.
What was your theme/inspiration/vibe for your wedding?
I wanted to have a pool party in Tuscany as I’m Italian, so I tried to recreate as much of my own land in the beautiful Wallalong and Mindaribba houses. I would say an ‘Italian Garden’ wedding was my aim.
What advice would you give to other couples leading up to their big day?
Do not worry too much about the silly things, you will be the happiest ever and everything will be perfect because all the people you love are there for you, and not because the napkin is a greater shade of blue.
Take in every minute, enjoy every minute, the “theory of time relativity” is never more true – your day will be over in five minutes and you will not even know what happened.
What does marriage mean to you?
Marriage for us means creating and establishing a family and let the world witness we are in love and we are happy to commit to our choice. It means we are happy to take on the sacrifices that love demands and that we are not scared of what life throws at us because we made a promise not to leave each other’s sides.
What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?
Dining under the trees with the people we love the most on a perfect summer night, enjoying the laughter and the kind and funny words of our friend’s speeches.
Tell us any funny stories that surrounded your wedding?
One of our friends kidnapped an inflatable swan from the pool, the swan ended up taking a ride back to Wallalong House on the back of a convertible mini for the amusement of us and the bus that was following.
How did you find your venue and was the process difficult for you?
WedShed. It wasn’t easy as I didn’t think there was a need to book so far in advance and we only had six months until our preferred wedding date… also I was very determined to find a villa with a swimming pool and there are not many around. We were very lucky a Saturday become available very close to date.
Ceremony song?
Georgia (Vance Joy).
First dance song?
Fire and the Flood (Vance Joy).
CREDITS: Photos Daniel Ferris Photography // Flowers Morpeth Flower Gallery // Ceremony Wallalong House // Reception Mindaribba Weddings // Catering Mason Catering // Rings Diamond Emporium // Brides Shoes Mellow Yellow // Cake Ocello // Hair and makeup Sandra Wograndl // Music DJ Monica Cook // Celebrant Rebecca Fay Shaw.
Find more Hunter Valley wedding venues right here.
