The Diggers Store in Central Victoria is about as fair dinkum as venues get. A historic building, it was the perfect Australiana, no-worries space for Jourdan and Darcy to pull off their equally down-to-earth celebration.
Ditching a number of traditions in lieu of some new wedding rules, they walked down the aisle together, had a self-serve buffet and buckets of beer.
Tell us about how you met and the proposal?
We met at a friends party, exchanged numbers and started seeing each other almost immediately. Darcy proposed to me (Jourdan) in Japan on a hike.
What DIY projects did you do accomplish for the wedding?
Our parents were the DIY masters really. They cut stumps for seating, wood platters for nibbles, table cloths out of old calico, restored some old games found at op shops and more. We went flower rummaging for some basic greenery for the tables and our friend Anna did all the signage by hand on plywood that we bought from Bunnings.
What was your theme/inspiration/vibe for your wedding?
We wanted a low key celebration that didn’t have anything unnecessary or awkward. Dinner, party/dancing and a wedding ceremony. We wanted it to be easy for guests to enjoy, as well as us, with little rushing or stress involved.
What traditions did you involve during your big day?
We got ready separately, but I think that was more about hanging out with friends and keeping it calm. We would have totally stressed each other out if we were together.
What advice would you give to other couples leading up to their big day?
Think about why you are doing things before you just do them. For example, “Why am I walking down the aisle without Darc?” was a big question for me (Jourdan). The reasons were tradition and it was what people were expecting, but it didn’t mean anything to us, so instead we walked down the aisle together.
We also really wanted to have a serve yourself dinner so there was less waste and our guests could choose and eat the things that they wanted. So when people recommended waiters we knew why we wanted not to have them and then it was always easy.
What does marriage mean to you?
Before we got married, we felt like it was a way to share what we had with our loved ones. We knew that we loved each other and that, that wasn’t changing. So it was mostly about the celebration. It wasn’t until after our wedding that we found out how special it is.
I, Darcy, feel like I am a stronger part of Jourdan’s life and that we have a bond that can now be explained. Its like putting a word to a feeling as deep as love.
Jourdan: I feel like marriage doesn’t just come to the one day, it’s the process. Starting with the decision to do it and then the steps to make it happen. Throughout that period, each day you are more aware of the changes that are happening and you are helping each other to become more reflective and to enjoy the journey you are on together.
What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?
Jourdan: The entire ceremony was absolutely magical. I am struggling to put words to it but I have never felt more at home, or so grateful. It was as if I was standing with, not in-front of, the people that know me the best and share so many things.
Darcy: Standing in front of all our friends and family and looking at Jourdan and knowing that everything was spot on.
Ceremony song?
Avett Brothers – Swept Away.
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CREDITS: Photos Marie-Luise Skibbe // Videographer Ursula Woods // Flowers Castlemaine Floristry // Ceremony and reception The Diggers Store // Catering Alex Servinis and Ice-Cream Social // Stationery Paperless Post // Bridal gown Mariana Hardwick // Brides shoes Marc Jacobs // Accessories Faris Jewellery // Bridesmaid dresses Miss Crabb // Bridesmaid gifts Lucy Folk // Grooms suit Oscar Hunt // Rings Lucy Folk and Matt Wynne // Hair Melinda Wain // Music Moreland City Soul Revue // Celebrant Zena Lythgo // Prop hire Dann Event Hire // Lamb spit Cherry Tree Organics.
