S A R A H A N D M A X
Sarah and Max stayed true to the natural beauty of the Australian country throughout their Mudgee wedding. The couple sourced native botanicals for their special day and incorporated a few new traditions to make the celebration truly their own. You will fall in love with the photos of this romantic day, perfectly captured by Society Photography.
First Love to Forever Love…
Sarah and Max were childhood sweethearts. After meeting in primary school, the pair knew of each other as they grew up in the same area and ended up attending the same high school in year 10. Having been together since then, it’s difficult for the couple to think of the particular moment they fell in love. After being together for so many of life’s biggest milestones, the couple loves how easily their relationship evolved with them as they grew.
The Big Leap…
The couple got engaged on their nine-year anniversary at Govetts Leap lookout in the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Sarah and Max both love the Blue Mountains and choosing a day that held significance in their relationship meant so much to both of them. The pair decided to choose the ring together after their engagement, loving that they could both share in the excitement throughout the process and extend that feeling well after the proposal. Sharing the exciting news with those closest to them, the couple wanted to take an old fashioned approach and not announce their engagement over social media.
Long Distance Planning…
When Sarah and Max began the process of planning their wedding, the pair had no clue what they wanted! All they were certain on was that they wanted their day to be as much about their family and friends as it was about them. The stunning hills of Mudgee were the perfect backdrop for their relaxed ceremony at Logan Wines. Having to organise their “I do’s” from London, they relied heavily on their wedding planner. In the amazing hands of their planner Tammy Robertson from Darling Days, along with their other fabulous suppliers, everything fell into place perfectly for the big day.
The Perfect Image…
Choosing a photographer to capture their big day was super important to the couple. Having seen some of their work online, the pair got in touch with Society Photography. After a skype call, Sarah and Max knew Dave and his team were a perfect choice. The couple felt Dave immediately understood their laid-back style and desire to not have photos that felt too forced. When looking back on the photos from their special day, Sarah and Max love how the images are visually stunning and also capture the magical feeling of the whole day.
Surrounded With Love…
While the pair had no bridal party, the bride still had her best girlfriends on hand to help her get ready for the big day. This helped create the laid-back atmosphere the couple wanted, as they didn’t feel the need to give anyone responsibilities in the lead up to the big day. While the bride was getting ready with her girlfriends, the groom was putting on the Canali suit he purchased in London.
Bridal Bliss…
The bride wore a simple fishtail style dress designed by Monique Lhuillier. From the designer’s Bliss Collection, Sarah purchased the dress in London after trying on every style under the sun and eventually finding a dress that made her feel like herself. The gown had a clip-on train that added volume to the skirt, making the bride feel like she was getting two dream dresses in one! Contrasting with her dress, Sarah had a bouquet created using a mix of flowers native to the region, full of banksias, red kangaroo paw, pink strawflowers and red roses to tie it together.
Natural Beauty…
The reception took place at Burnbrae Wines, another winery in Mudgee. The venue was outdoors with covered areas, lit up with delicate fairy lights. The long tables had overhanging floral arrangements that matched the bride’s bouquet, bringing in the native florals to tie the reception decor into the surrounding landscape. The table was set with wooden place settings, offset by white plates, soft pink napkins, and gold cutlery, letting the flowers draw the eye.
Made For Sharing…
Adding to the relaxed feel of their big day, the couple’s guests were treated to a sit-down meal consisting of delicious share plates. For guests with a sweet tooth, the dessert table was home to the couple’s beautiful wedding cake, as well as an array of delicious treats!
Something New…
Instead of a father-daughter dance, Sarah surprised her mum with a mother-daughter dance. Keeping the secret, the bride wanted to take the time to show her mum how special she was. While they danced along to “Where You Lead” by Carol King, other songs that made up their wedding soundtrack included ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ by Elvis Presley as Sarah walked down the aisle, and “Feels Like Home” by Martha Marlow for the couple’s first dance.
The Next Day…
The day after the wedding, the bride’s mother planned a recovery day by the river at their farm nearby. With games to entertain everyone and a bell tent to relax in, as well as more food and wine, all their guests were nursed back to life. As a bonbonniere to remember the day, all their guests were gifted with a candle with the scent “Mudgee Morning” to remember their weekend in the town.
Special Moments From The Day…
One incredible moment was when the groom’s family took over the band, playing a rendition of “Love Is All Around”. While Max’s father sung, his brothers were on the drums and guitar. As well as this, Sarah admits she made quite the entrance, arriving at the ceremony on a tractor!
Plans For The Future…
After honeymooning for two weeks in Corsica and Sardinia, the pair still plan on living in London for another year or so, and then possibly moving back home to Australia. Looking to the future, Sarah and Max hope the next 40 years will still be full of traveling and making each other laugh.
Words Of Advice…
When it comes to planning your wedding, Sarah and Max want to remind couples to make the day about what you and those close to you want. This ensures everyone will have an amazing day and look back with happy memories. The biggest challenge the pair faced was trying to plan an Australian country wedding while living in London. But having faith that their supplies have seen a fair few more weddings than them, they trusted their judgment and remembered not to get too hung up on small details. Keeping everything in perspective, the couple knew all they wanted was a great marriage, and that their wedding was just the gateway for that.
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Wedding Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier / Ceremony Location: Logan Wines / Reception Location: Burnbrae Wines / Florist: Shiralee Archer / Wedding Planner: Darling Days / Groom’s Suit: Canali / Photographer: Society Photography / Catering: Relish Catering / Cake and Dessert Bar: Who Ate the Cake / Bride’s Hair: Emma Rapley / Bride’s Make Up: Beauty Room Mudgee / Signage: Pencil Pop Designs / Band and Videography: The White Trees