C A N D A C E A N D K O D A N
Candace and Kodan first met when they were only twelve years old and have been falling in love ever since. With the help of their friends and family, their rustic wedding was a charming DIY masterpiece filled with personal touches and romantic tributes.
Young Love…
Candace and Kodan’s sweet love story began when they were only 12 years old in a Brisbane carpark. “He was skating and I thought he was the cutest boy I had ever seen. I clearly remember thinking I was going to marry him'” Candace tells us. Their romance flourished from there. “Falling in love with Kodan was a progression of knowing and loving each other for a lifetime, appreciating who he is and who I am with him” the bride explained.
Picnic Proposal…
The proposal took place during a day of fun filled activities. In the late afternoon, their adventures took them to a sentimental spot where Kodan had prepared a romantic picnic complete with candles, fairy lights and lanterns. It was there that Kodan got down on one knee and asked Candace to be his wife.
The Ultimate DIY Project…
The couple tied the knot four months after Kodan’s thoughtful picnic proposal as Candace didn’t want the stress of a long engagement. There was a lot of work to do in those few short months as the couple had decided on having a DIY wedding. Candace shares that they had no time for any pre-wedding celebrations before the big day. “Our whole bridal party and many of our friends and family came the week of the wedding and helped us DIY the whole thing,” says Candace. “So, the day before the wedding we were cutting down trees to use as foliage for the tables and all sorts of other mad things”.
Personal Touches…
During the planning stages of the wedding, Candace and Kodan agreed that they wanted their wedding to truly capture their personalities and their love for each other, first and foremost. “We really wanted the wedding to be a reflection of who we are,” shares Candace. “We are complete opposites so it made for fun, inventive dreaming! I wanted it to be as classy as possible and Kodan wanted to wear his Adidas sneakers.”
Boho Bridal Party…
Candace’s wedding gown was a sleek, silvery number designed by Bo and Luca. The long sleeved dress featured a daring open back and shimmering beads that showcased a relaxed boho bridal vibe. Her bridal party consisted of eight bridesmaids who all chose their own dresses with the concept of something “black and classy” in mind.
Fresh Kicks…
Kodan’s wedding look consisted of a black suit featuring an oversized red velvet bowtie. However, the hero of his look were his favourite Adidas sneakers! Kodan had six groomsmen who all chose their own classic black suits for the big day.
Rustic Romance…
The ceremony was held in a pecan orchard on Candace’s family hinterland property. The rich greenery of the land was complimented by the deep red tones provided by the wedding florals. For their rustic wedding, the couple chose a photographer that would capture gorgeous lighting in the wedding photos and reflect the celebration and party of the couple’s love.
Reimagined Workshop…
The reception was also held on the family property in Candace’s grandfathers old engineering workshop that was built in the 1960’s. “There was loads of work involved because we had to build a venue from the ground up but it was so worth it,” says Candace. The reception venue was adorned with the couple’s hard work and DIY touches. A macramé was made by one of Candace’s girlfriends as a backdrop for the reception and the rest was decorated with everything from the property as Candace wanted to bring the old steel workshop to life. “We literally cut down a tree and used the foliage everywhere. Our bridal bouquets brought the red into the reception and we hung about a kilometre of fairy lights.
Food, Glorious Food…
The couple had a sit down meal at the reception. “We had a burger bar and a sangria station and an old working tub full of beverages,” says Candace. Along with most of the decorations, the cake was made by one of the couple’s closest friends. The naked style cake featured vibrant red roses and fresh strawberries.
Sparks Fly…
The newlywed’s favourite moment from their big day was their entrance into the reception venue. “My dad organised for us to enter on one of the machines so we came in swinging above all the guests,” says Candace, “He also organised a friend to weld as we came in so everyone was screaming and laughing as sparks were flying everywhere”.
The Future Looks Sparkly…
After enjoying a two-part honeymoon cruising to Vanuatu and Hamilton Island, the couple have settled into married life. With the planning behind them, they have some wisdom to share! When it comes to preparing for the big day, Candace advises to make it a really special season. “Don’t make it about the wedding, make it about your life together,” she shares. Candace also advises future bridesmaids to buy their wedding dress before they start the hard core wedding plans and preparations. “There is no use planning an elegant wedding theme and then choosing a boho style dress. It will result in a lot of replanning,” says Candace.
Need more rustic wedding inspo? We’ve rounded up the perfect flowers for a rustic wedding here.
Photographer: Mallory Sparkles Photography / Flowers: Bloodwood Botanica / Makeup: Kate Ellen Makeup Artistry / Hair: Shear Beauty by Mia / Dress: Bo & Luca /