Jordan and Luke's love story spans 13 years but we'll jump straight to the climax - their wedding. Jordan and Luke hosted an intimate celebration at Linnaeus Farm on the NSW South Coast and it was nothing short of spectacular (anyone who has seen Linnaeus Farm firsthand will understand).
A beautifully decorated barn courtesy of Windwood Events and South Coast Party Hire, the most stunning photo locations ( a dream for photographer Matt Ashton) and one very adorable (and well-behaved) dog all made for an unforgettable day with their closest family and friends.
"It was pretty much a boujee backyard BBQ, and it was perfect for us", said Jordan.
How did you and Luke meet? We started dating almost 13 years ago after meeting through mutual friends. Strangely neither one of us can remember the first time we met, but I know it took us a couple of months of being at social events together before either of us took interest in the other. Luke made the first move and we've never looked back since.
The proposal: Luke asked me at home on a Tuesday night just before leaving for a dinner reservation and it completely took me off guard. He hadn't let anyone know he was popping the questions so it was a big surprise for all of our family and friends.
The venue: We got married at Linnaeus Farm in Berry, NSW. We wanted somewhere that felt like home and where we could relax with family and friends for a few days. We never got around to looking at other venues as we fell in love with Linnaeus Farm from the moment we drove onto the property.
The vibe: Having a traditional white wedding was never on the cards for us. We wanted to celebrate our love with the people we loved in a relax setting. We had a food truck and cocktails flowing all night with minimal formalities. It was pretty much a boujee backyard BBQ, and it was perfect for us.
Traditions (adopted, adapted or ditched): We took our own twist on traditions. We didn't separate the night before or the morning of. We are both anxious people and knew being apart would only make it worse. Luke was around whilst I got ready in the morning and didn't leave until I put my dress on.
We also opted for no wedding party and instead had an intimate ceremony with our family and the friends who are closest to us. My grandparents who have been married 52 years were the witnesses at our ceremony which we will forever cherish.
The outfit/s: I wore the Keaton dress from KHYA Studios. I wanted a bit of a statement and the sleeves were perfect. The moment I added the sleeves to the dress I knew it was the one.
Luke's outfit was from M.J. Bale. He went and chose it two weeks before the wedding... if only it were that easy for us brides.
I'll always remember... My favourite moment was of course our ceremony and marrying Luke, but a close second would be the first look I had with my closest girlfriends. Even though we didn't have a wedding party I still wanted my best friends to feel part of the day and chose to do a first look with them. Matt Ashton captured the moment so perfectly through photos and they are some of my favourite shots of the day.
Standout vendors:
Photography - Matt Ashton: We cannot recommend Matt enough. His chilled and friendly vibe made the photo sessions throughout the day so easy and effortless. Matt is filled with knowledge when it comes to the wedding industry and will happily answer any question you have leading up to the day whether it be vendor recommendations or how the day should run - he even helped me with styling my hair for a second look! If you're looking for a photographer do yourself a favour and enquire with Matt.
Wedding Coordinator - Windwood Events: Leisa was the backbone of our wedding. Working so seamlessly in the background leading up to and on the day. From florals and vendors to the set up and pack down she was there making it all happen. If you are choosing a DIY venue like we did I would recommend a coordinator for the day and Leisa would be the top of my recommendation list.
Celebrant - Jess Mutch: Jess nailed the brief when it came to our ceremony. She took the time to learn who we were as a couple and wrote our ceremony like we had known her for a lifetime. She was recommended to us by friends and we would happily recommend her to anyone looking for a celebrant.
Soundtrack: Aisle song: "Dreams", by The Cranberries. Signing of the papers: "Chateau", by Angus and Julia Stone. Recessional: "First Date", by Blink 182. First dance: "Love is in The Air", by John Paul Young.
Words of wisdom: It's so cliche, but take the time on your wedding day to stop and take it all in. Everyone said it to me leading up to our day and I wish I'd listened to their advice more. We put so much time, effort and emotion into the lead up and then the day comes and goes so quickly. It's easy to get caught up in it all and let it get away from you. I wish I could go back to the moment I walked down the aisle with my mum and dad and take that moment in a bit more. You're going to wake up and wish you could do it all over again, so make the most of it whilst it's happening!
The future: We are expecting our first baby in March 2025. We can't wait to introduce baby Houghton into our lives and enjoy the wild ride of parenthood together.
CREDITS: Photos Matt Ashton // Venue Linnaeus Farm // Celebrant Jess Mutch // Planning, styling and flowers Windwood Events // Catering Amigos Mexican Food Truck // Cake Baked by Emma // Bridal gown KYHA Studios // Suit M.J. Bale // Hair Chloe Piche Hair // Makeup Zoe Martin Makeup // Music Dale Ostridge // Furniture hire South Coast Party Hire.
