D A N I & M A R K
F R O M T H E B R I D E …
The Proposal…
We got engaged on our 2 year anniversary. We had just moved into our house so we thought we would just have a low key dinner. I went straight to dinner in my work clothes, to a little Thai restaurant that we went to on our first date. I had no idea he was going to propose!
Wedding Style…
From the start of the planning, I was very clear about the feel I wanted as opposed to a particular theme. I wanted an intimate, simple, fun day spent with family and friends. I didn’t want a massive show or a million people. I wanted to do things because I wanted to, rather than because “that’s what you are meant to do”.
Ceremony + Reception Venue…
We wanted everything at the one spot so guests didn’t have to worry about the awkward time between the ceremony and reception. They could just turn up and have a good time.
We ended up deciding on the Loxley on Bellbird Hill, Kurrajong Hills as it had a lovely country feel, but less than an hour from Sydney too, so if people wanted to drive home they could, but there was also accommodation on site for people that wanted to stay.
We also organised yard games (croquet, chess, bocce, badminton) so guests could have a play while we took photos.
The Dress…
I bought a lovely Maggie Sottero dress from DressSense Miranda. It was a simple, elegant dress with a lace bodice and small train. Even though the dress I originally tried on in the store was too big, I knew it was the right one.
The Flowers…
I put a lot of trust in Daniejla from Decorations by Jelena. I told her that I wanted bright vibrant pinks/reds, but left the actual flower choices up to her. I just wanted that pop of colour and she did an AMAZING job!
Wedding Decorations + Styling…
Decorations by Jelena did all the reception flowers and decorations. To keep with the intimate feel, we decided to go with 3 long banquet tables so it felt like a cosy family dinner. I wanted the pop of colour to continue so we had bright arrangements run down the entire table combined with tonnes of candles.
We also had candles on top of the fireplace and at the entrance to the room, combined with fairy lights and flowers hanging above the dance floor. The room looked incredible, bright pinks and reds combined with the intimate feel of candles provided a really romantic setting. My husband and sisters still laugh about how excited I got to see the final product.
The Cake…
For the cake, I used Something Blue Cakes in Edensor Park. It was a naked cake with strawberry and caramel mud and it was absolutely delicious.
On the Menu…
Canapes for between ceremony and reception;
Cream cheese sundried tomato tartlets
Tandoori marinated chicken tenderloin on croutons with cucumber raita
Vegetarian arancini balls with aioli
Chicken and corn mini quiches
Alternate Serve;
Entrée
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Crisp Mediterranean Tart
Sorbet between entrée and main as a palate cleaner.
Main
Grilled rib eye steak, potato gratin, spinach, roasted field mushrooms, red wine jus
Roasted corn fed chicken supreme, potato and zucchini cake drizzled with porcini sauce
Dessert
Berry trifle, layers of homemade sponge, pastry cream and mix berries
White chocolate and raspberry pudding with balsamic strawberries and vanilla bean ice cream
Wedding Bomboniere…
We gave our guests succulents that Mark grew and potted himself.
Wedding Photography…
We choose Sarkodie Photography as we just loved his style of photos. I hated the really posed wedding photos and all we really wanted was a couple of nice photos that we could put on our wall and call “art” and then when you look closer, you go “hey, that’s a wedding photo”.
I was initially a little nervous about booking him as I hadn’t heard of anyone using them before, however as soon as we met Joseph we knew that we were in capable hands. He was so relaxed on the day and definitely not a pushy photographer which let us have that fun, relaxed day we wanted.
Memories…
The whole day. I was just so surprised at how relaxed and fun the day was. I thought I would have been really nervous, but I was just so excited and had so much fun.
Wedding Songs…
Walking down the aisle – Marry Me by Train
Signing of register – Kiss Me by Sixpence none the richer
Walking Out – Stuck On You by Meiko
We hired the most amazing performer, Matt Purcell (that we found on YouTube). As soon as I heard his voice, I knew I had to have him perform. He did all the ceremony music as well as perform during the ceremony and reception. His energy really got our guests having fun.
Honeymoon…
Hunter Valley & a cruise through the South Pacific (New Cal and Vanuatu)
Photography Sarkodie Photography Ceremony + Reception Venue Loxley on Bellbird Hill Bride’s Dress Maggie Sottero Flowers, Decorations + Styling Decorations by Jelena Wedding Cake Something Blue Cakes Entertainment Matt Purcell
MW x