Collits Inn is a rustic, Blue Mountains wedding venue that Ingrid and Iain say ticked every one of their boxes. ‘[We] knew straight away it was exactly what we had been looking for – a romantic barn setting with stunning lake and mountain surrounds making for a perfect backdrop for our ceremony and relaxed garden party’, says Ingrid.

It was a very magical day (weather-wise too), captured beautifully by Hello Sweetheart but we’ll let you scroll down and check it out for yourself!

Tell us about how you met and the proposal?

We met randomly in late November 2012 in the Retro Hotel, Sydney. We got chatting at the bar and the rest as they say is history!

Iain proposed to me in June 2017. He had organised an indoor picnic by candlelight in front of a projector screen with a video he had made showcasing our time and photos together which ended with the words “Will you marry me?” up on the big screen at which point he dropped the knee and of course I said yes!

He had organised for both sides of our immediate families to arrive as a surprise and we were then able to celebrate with them all.

What DIY projects did you do accomplish for the wedding?

We made our own flower petal confetti cones, favours (jars of honey) and photo booth (including a backdrop made of large timber crates and some of the props we purchased from Spotlight and hand painted).

We also did a bit of DIY for our welcome sign – we got the text designed by a graphic designer and then had it made up on a board at OfficeWorks.

We collected our vases and table decorations from all over the place and spray painted them rose gold and gold to tie them all in together in the same colours.

What sort of vibe were you going for?

We both wanted a really fun and relaxed day which led us to opt for a barn style wedding.

Choosing a barn on a country property pretty much gave us our inspiration, theme and set the vibe. Everything sort of came together from there as we went along without too much planning – we ended up with mix of rustic, romantic and eclectic styles – the vases, table decorations and fairy lights that we collected over time paired really well with the old barn and open fireplace.

Having our wedding in Autumn also played a part in our colour choices – we went for vibrant flowers with warm pinks and burnt oranges which we thought would match in with the beautiful Autumn tones around the mountains at that time of year.

We wanted to have a really close and personal ceremony and reception and were able to achieve this by using an amazing celebrant and a close friend as MC.

What traditions did you involve during your wedding?

We did a lot of the typically traditional things during the big day including my dad walking me down the aisle, a first dance, cutting of the cake and bouquet toss, although we didn’t take things too seriously and just had fun with it all!

We had a ‘warning of the rings’ which involved both of our wedding bands being passed around all of our guests during the ceremony so that our family and friends could ‘warm’ the rings before they arrived at the arbour and were exchanged between us. We also had both our mums light a candle during the ceremony to symbolise the coming together of both of our families. .

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

Don’t take the planning too seriously or stress over the little things – just try to enjoy the lead up and excitement as much as you can! Everything always works out and it’s likely that your guests will be having too much fun to even notice if something was missing or doesn’t exactly go as you imagined or planned it to go on the day.

What does marriage mean to you?

We think marriage is a way to show that you have found that special person to spend the rest of your life with, someone to laugh and cry with, someone to start a family with. It means being happy to put another person’s needs before your own, hiding nothing of yourself and being able to share everything with the other person knowing they will love and accept you just the way you are.

What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?

Ingrid: It is very hard to pick just one thing!

I stayed off the property in Mount Victoria the night before and my dad drove me to Collits Inn for the start of the ceremony. It was just a beautiful thing to share with him, winding through the mountains on the most picturesque of days to the wedding venue!

Walking down the aisle was also a major highlight – it was just a surreal moment for me and the most amazing backdrop with the olive tree aisle, seeing Iain standing at the end under the amazing floral arbour with a huge smile on his face, in front of our closest friends and family.

Another highlight would be stepping into the barn for the first time and seeing the stunning job our florist had done with the flowers, foliage and styling on the table with candles and glowing romantic lights – it was just magical and all my dreams come true!

Iain: My best moment of the day will be one that I will never ever forget – the moment I saw Ingrid step out from behind the olive trees on the arm of her dad – she was breathtaking.

Any funny moments on the day?

The one that springs to mind involved my maid of honour discovering first hand (literally, via third degree burns) that it is not a good idea to light several packets of sparklers at the one time using direct flame from an open fire pit! Fire: 1, Roxy: 0.

Ceremony song?

‘Old Pine’ by Ben Howard.

First dance song?

‘Tenerife Sea’ by Ed Sheeran.

CREDITS: Photos and video Hello Sweetheart // Flowers Blue Mountains Floral Designs // Ceremony, reception and catering Collits Inn // Cake JK Cake Designs // Stationery Michael Cooper Graphic Design // Bridal gown, bolero and veil Karen Willis Holmes // Brides shoes ASOS // Accessories Lovisa and Forever New // Robes Le Rose // Bridesmaid dresses Witchery // Groom and groomsmen suits and bow ties Oxford // Rings St Germain Jewellers // Hair The Bridal Hair Co // Makeup The Bridal Makeup Co // Music Luke Zanc Trio and The Vintage Stylus // Celebrant Married By Allegra.

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