R Y A N + C A R L Y
Their first meeting was at a backyard party, so it only made sense that Ryan and Carly made their love official at an outdoor and elegant cream and white wedding at Bells at Killcare.
A picnic proposal…
Ryan popped the question to his bride to be on a summer afternoon picnic. “I left Ryan to set up whilst I walked down to the waters edge to check out the view. As he called out to me and I turned around, he had dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him” says Carly.
Cream, white and classic at Bells at Killcare…
Yearning for a venue that was simple, elegant and classic the couple settled on Bells at Killcare for their special day. “We always had our hearts set on an elegant garden setting for our wedding ceremony and Bells certainly hit that brief.”
Focusing on the Hamptons styling of the venue, Carly and Ryan chose a cream and white palette with touches of greenery dotted throughout complimenting the stunning gardens of the ceremony space.
For the reception, the couple chose tall bouquets and hanging greenery to liven up the space, but largely let the Bells at Killcare conservatory speak for itself. “We used a lot of tea light candles and brought in beautiful Tiffany white chairs to finish the look.”
The guests enjoyed canapés on the lawn before sitting down to a feast ranging from gnocchi, to pasta, barramundi and beef followed by a range of delicious desserts. “Bells presented a stellar menu for the night and the food was something that guests were talking about for days after the event.”
Burgundy and black…
Carly chose her three oldest school friends as her bridesmaids, each wearing burgundy Shona Joy gowns. The look was paired with classic black heels and rose gold Swarovski earrings that she gifted to them on the day.
Ryan’s brother and two best friends stood by his side in custom made tuxedos from George and King, paired with silk pocket squares made from extra material from the bridesmaids dresses. The groom wore similar, with a cream pocket square to match his bride. The look was finished off by a white rose corsage.
Timeless and unique…
The bride walked down the aisle in a stunning two-piece gown from Maria Chiodo’s Entwined collection. She loved that the collection allowed her to select and combine layered separates to create her own totally unique dress. “I wanted something classic and fitted. I also wanted a dress that would stand the test of time for photos. Maria worked with me to create the lace jacket top I wanted. The dress was beautifully beaded. It took a few fittings to get the top exactly how I wanted it. But I was thrilled with the result. I wore a long silk veil, pearl earrings, pearl bracelet and white satin heels.”
She paired the look with soft pastel and cream roses.
“Party, party, party!”
The couples tips on how to enjoy the engagement party? Keep it simple and “party, party, party!! Without the pressure of formalities/speeches/first dances as there is on the wedding night, its important to do just that… party! Let your hair down and celebrate the moment with friends and family”.
Venue: Bells at Killcare / Celebrant: Sarah Tolmie – Life and Love / Music: Mick Fetch and Acoustic Moose – Hunter Valley Wedding Entertainment / Photography: Sherringham Photography / Brides Dress: Maria Chiodo Bridal Couture / Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy / Makeup: Sandra Patea – Makeover by Sandra / Suits: George and King Custom Suits, Sydney / Flowers: Emma’s Flowers