T O D D + C A R L Y
This real wedding at Glen Erin at Lancefield feels like it was set a world apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The couple hosted a relaxed weekend away wedding at the property which functions as both a wedding venue, ceremony location and accommodation all in one.
Young love
Todd and Carly met as teenagers when they were working at the same supermarket. With similar personalities and interests, they became good friends instantly.
“We had been friends for almost 3 years and that was all it ever really was, until I went off to schoolies for 2 weeks. I really began to miss Todd and after constant messaging, I come home and we caught up, the rest is history,” says Carly.
The New Zealand Proposal
After six years together, the couple took a trip to New Zealand to celebrate their anniversary. Todd had packed a small ring box in his luggage.
“We went glacier hiking during the day. The conditions weren’t the best to purpose and I was nervous that Carly would drop the ring down one of the 50-80m deep cracks in the glacier. Later that day we were at Lake Hawea (near Queenstown) where I popped the question. It had incredible views and just seemed like the perfect place,” says Todd.
A Relaxed Wedding at Glen Erin
Both Todd and Carly wanted their wedding to be relaxed and fun. The dream was to have a big party with close friends and family. Glen Erin at Lancefield offered the perfect setting for this.
“Colour and style weren’t something we really looked into much as Glen Erin is so beautiful, it didn’t need anything to make it ‘us’. We love the outdoors, natural greenery and our venue just brought all of that” says Carly.
The night before the wedding, the couple’s parents, bridal party and other close friends stayed with them at the venue. “Glen Erin put on a BBQ for us and it was just a fun relaxing way to start the wedding weekend,” says Carly.
Wedding Photography
The couple wanted photos that reflected the relaxed wedding as well as the nature of the couple and the friends. With this in mind, they chose Justin and Jim Photographers.
“Their work is absolutely incredible and they bring a relaxed feel to the day, not just for us but for our bridal party and our guests. We loved that they captured who we are as people and the relationship we have together. No pictures were posed and we just love that we are shown to truly be having the best day of our lives,” says Carly.
A Surprise Bridal Party
Carly and Todd’s bridal party consisted of five groomsmen and five bridesmaids. “All are incredible friends of ours and are lucky to have been friends with most of them for over 15years” says Carly.
The selection process for the bridal party was quite unique.
“We both have wonderful friendships with each other’s friends and thought it would be fun to pick one another’s by writing them down on a piece of paper. Who we chose were exactly who one another would’ve picked,” says Todd.
Before the big day, both the bride and groom had been treated to bucks and hens parties.
“The groomsmen took me to Apollo Bay for the weekend, a big night out on the town and a fishing charter during the day,” says Todd.
“The bridesmaids took me away for a girls weekend in Echuca. We danced, played some games and ate delicious food. Fantastic weekend,’ says Carly.
On the day of the wedding, the groomsmen wore a charcoal three-piece suit and light grey shirt. The bridesmaids shone in stunning fit-and-flare gowns by J’adore with lace trains and off-the-shoulder sleeves.
Yes to the Dress Before the Ring
Carly had found her dream dress long before she had a ring on her finger and it was all thanks to her future mother-in-law.
“I’m very lucky that Todd’s mum is the owner of Belles and Bows Bridal, so I’ve had the chance to go to many dress showings. Two years before we even got engaged, I found a stunning dress, we ordered the dress in, I tried it on and fell in love, because I wasn’t even engaged we put this dress away, until the time came. When we got engaged I tried it on again and still absolutely loved it and didn’t look any further.
I had a second wedding dress for the reception so I could really let my hair down and have a party as it was a much lighter gown,” says Carly.
The first dress was a Demetrios ball gown with a lace bodice and lace train. The second was a Stella York gown with beautiful soft tulle and a lace illusion back.
The Perfect Weekend Away Wedding
As part of the couple’s wedding package, Glen Erin organised their flowers and the cake. “Glen Erin also had a large range of decorations we could use, which was fantastic, it saved us from buying them and having to cart them to the venue” says Carly.
The couple wanted whites blooms with lots of greenery. “Coming to the end of peony season the florists wasn’t sure she could get us a couple but she come through with the goods and we didn’t just have them in the bouquets but all our table centres were filled with them. The flowers were incredible,” says Carly.
The couple opted for simple styling and just a couple of personal touches.
“Glen Erin is such a beautiful venue and we felt that it didn’t require any decorations to create that comfortable, romantic environment, as it is all that and more,” says Carly.
The Wedding Menu
The couple had canapés followed by alternate drop entrées and mains. “We had an awesome sit-down meal. Our guests raved about the food and that was something that was very important to us. We wanted the food to be delicious and filling,” says Todd.
Entrée: Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli served with pumpkin puree and pine nuts – or – Twice Cooked Five Spiced Pork Belly with an apple and pear mille feuille and a sweet tamarind jus
Main: Char Sui Lacquered Roasted Duck Breast with broccolini and sweet potato mash – or – Grilled Chicken Thigh marinated in lemon, garlic, oregano, sided with Mediterranean chat potatoes and garden-fresh vegetables drizzled with tahini sauce.
“We decided not to have bomboniere, as we have been to many weddings where they are left behind. So we decided to put that money towards another hour of drinks and fun for our guests,” says Todd.
Memorable Moments
Carly and Todd’s wedding was marked with laughter and joy, especially during the speeches, and even before Carly had walked down the aisle!
“Carly’s dad stood on her dress while coming down the aisle, she had a little stumble and a nip-slip (behind rose bushes, so no one saw). Carly has an ear piecing laugh and hearing that coming down the aisle before I could see her made all the guests burst into laughter and made me feel so relaxed,” says Todd.
The wedding music began with She’s the One by Robbie Williams and Stand by Me by Ben E King. The reception featured You make my Dreams by Daryl Hall and John Oates (entrance), You and me by Alice Cooper (first dance) and Have I Told you Lately by Van Morrison (Father/Daughter & Mother/Son).
The couple and their friends carried on the party into their cottage at Glen Erin until 5.30am. “It was a massive weekend that we fully made the most of,” says Todd.
The newlyweds went to Bali for seven days for their honeymoon “It was a great way to chill after a very busy year and to celebrate each other. Nothing beats a pool and a few cocktails,” says Todd.
Words of Wisdom
The engagement: It is a really happy moment in your lives. Allow yourselves to feel the happiness before getting bogged down in the planning of it.
Planning: Focus on what you both want on your wedding day, not what others have done or what people want you to do.
Wedding Day: The goal of the day is to share your love with each other. Don’t stress over the flowers, decorations, cake etc. That’s not what is truly important. If your partner is standing in front of you excited for that first kiss then you have achieved your goal.
Wedding and reception venue: Glen Erin at Lancefield / Wedding and bridesmaids dresses: Belles and Bows Bridal, Eaglehawk / Photography: Justin and Jim Photographers / Flowers: Gisborne Cottage Flowers / Hair and Makeup: Boudoir Hair and Beauty / Cake: Blackbird Cakes / Music: Mercury DJ Hire