All weddings are beautiful and special. But this one holds an extra-spesh place in our hearts, because Isabella is Amy’s cousin (Wedshed’s Co-founder), which means she was there to witness (and MC) the whole gorgeous day as it unfolded.
Izzy and Kara were married at The Pavilion at Lowe – a glorious purpose-designed marquee space that overlooks vineyards, a scenic dam and the surrounding Mudgee hills. It was a balmy 37 degree day and it was perfect (if we may say so ourselves) – “…we just embraced the sweat through the ceremony”, said Izzy.
Given it was the first time that many people had seen each other in months, thanks to ol’ mate ‘vid, the atmosphere was absolute fire – full of joy and love. And the dancefloor that erupted later followed suit.
From the flowers to the food, their Mudgee wedding was, at the risk of sounding trite, a dream come true for both Izzy and Kara, whose initial friendship blossomed seemingly by chance into a once-in-a-lifetime love. Kara’s daughter Ella opened the ceremony that was officiated by all-round legend Nicky Surnicky with an Acknowledgement of Country, and later delivered some killer knock-knock jokes at speech-time. In short, it was a day focused on family and friends – two things that mean the most to Izzy and Kara.
To check out their entire day captured by With Heart and to read some wonderful wedding advice, scroll down.
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How did you meet? We both played soccer in the same competition but within different teams so had crossed paths without realising. One year, Kara moved to my team and we developed an awesome friendship as best friends, which later grew into true love. What we have built is so natural, pure and meant to be.
The proposal: We booked a little getaway for the weekend in Berry just us two at this cute cottage on a farm. On the first morning we went for a small hike up to an incredible view where I (Izzy) took the selfie stick to film the proposal, which Kara believed was for some general photos. I put the stick up against a tree and put on record to further surprise Kara with my proposal on the edge of this mountain, with her dream ring.
She was super surprised and even more shocked as she had spent the hike thinking about how she also had a ring in her pocket ready to propose to me on the same hike. This I found out later on as she decided to ask me back on a separate occasion, which was extra special as we got to have two amazing moments.
Wedding venue: We knew we wanted a country wedding where we could make a weekend of it for all, a venue with a great view and beautiful food. Our amazing cousin Amy knew just the place so took us to Lowe not long after The Pavilion had opened and it ticked all the boxes. We decided pretty fast that this was our spot.
The multiple spots across the venue that you could progress through, the food, the wine and the energy was everything we wanted. It was beautiful in every natural way and had everything you would need for a big wedding. We cannot fault Kim, David and the staff for all their hard work. From the moment we walked in, they were so accommodating, welcoming and all went above and beyond to ensure we had the wedding of our dreams.
Wedding vibe: We really wanted an organic look. From the very beginning we loved light, neutral and earthy tones. Having a country wedding we wanted to compliment the textures and colours that Mudgee radiates in spring with mix-matched tones. Our overall vibe was loose, unstructured, fun and relaxed as we progressed throughout the afternoon and evening to experience all the beautiful spots across the venue.
Traditions: adopted, adapted or ditched? We did the traditions of first dance, cut the cake and fathers walking us down the aisle but ditched the bouquet throw, staying apart the night before as we wanted to be together, although got ready separately. Our own personal twists were our personal vows and also giving Ella (Kara’s seven year old daughter) a ring during the ceremony.
We also had an awesome recovery outdoors at Huntington Estate the following day, with delicious food and drinks.
The outfits: Izzy: I went to a Karen Willis Holmes sale with my mum and sister as the first time looking, just to get an idea of what I might like as I wasn’t really sure. I knew I wanted something comfortable and relaxed but contemporary. I asked my sister to pick a few, thinking I’d just try them on and dress number two was it. I loved it. I felt beautiful, comfortable and I felt like it represented me.
Kara: I had always loved Grace Loves Lace gowns. With about four gowns in mind, I made an appointment at their Sydney store. After trying all four on I didn’t love any of them. The incredible stylist (Kiara) suggested that I try on the ‘Gia’. The rest is history. I was instantly obsessed. I knew straight away that it was the dress of my dreams.
Standout vendors: Marry Me Nicky (celebrant), La Fiesta Sound System at QC Entertainment (music), Suukha Studio (hair and makeup), White House Flowers (flowers), Evergreen Ink (stationery), Lowe wines and Zin House (catering), Huntington Estate (recovery venue).
Soundtrack:
Izzy’s aisle song: “Into You” by Tamia.
Kara’s aisle song: “1+1 by Beyonce.
Recessional: “XO” by Beyonce.
First dance: “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur.
Hit or (near) miss: A hit was when Kara’s bridesmaids the morning of the wedding ran into a lovely man in town whilst getting a coffee and got chatting. He went on to say he owned a 1960’s kombi van and would love to drive Kara and her bridesmaids in exchange for a photo by the van. So Kara turned up in a kombi van as a serious hit to start the event. You can find him through @countrykombi on Instagram to book.
A near miss was the 37 degree heat, however we just embraced the sweat through the ceremony and it cooled down later to a perfect temperature. Plus Lowe had everything we needed to cool down.
Words of wedding wisdom: Be a guest at your own wedding. Don’t sweat the small things and embrace it all, chances are anything that goes wrong on the day you will have a laugh about and not focus on later. Also… EAT!!
I’ll always remember… We will always remember first seeing each other down the aisle and our ceremony, every part was magical and beautiful! Our personal vows, Ella getting up and telling jokes plus all the heartfelt speeches from bridesmaids and our parents.
We will also never forget our dance floor and the energy from everyone across the whole day. The day was perfect and we wish we could do it all again!
The future: Continuing to live the beautiful life we are so lucky to experience every day. Lots of family time and in the not so distant future, adding to our little family.
CREDITS: Photos and video With Heart // Venue The Pavilion at Lowe // Celebrant Marry Me Nicky // Flowers White House Flowers // Catering Zin House and Lowe Wines // Stationery Evergreen Ink // Bridal gowns Karen Willis Holmes (Izzy) and Grace Loves Lace (Kara) // Brides shoes Senso (Izzy) and Billini (Kara) // Hair and makeup Suukha Studio // Rings Drakarkis // PJs/Robes Piyama.
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