GEORGIA & SHAUN'S GARDEN WEDDING

Photography by Lucie Weddings

Wedding Date: 
11th November, 2020

Georgia wore our Cecile blouse & Tyler skirt.

What was your wedding venue and why did you choose there?
Our ceremony and reception were both held in the picturesque Merribee Gardens! We visited a variety of venues as organised by The South Coast Wedding Trail, and after three car break downs, we almost didn’t make it! Once we arrived, we instantly fell in love and spoke with the co-ordinator that same day to lock in our date.

Did you have a wedding theme/style?
We always wanted a Tuscan style wedding, with dinner and dancing under the stars! The open plan and manicured landscaping that Merribee is known for was as close as we could get to this dream. We always wanted long dining tables, low hanging festoon lights & elevated candles to set the mood for the evening. As the sun set, we danced to a live band under a cluster of hanging disco balls. 

How did you and your now Husband meet? 

Ah! The story… We met in a nightclub in Kings Cross. Shaun was 19, I was 20. I remember very distinctly seeing him from across the road walking into the club and I had commented on how hot I thought he was. Naturally I did everything I could to get him to notice me, so I made my way onto the dance floor. We started mucking around and ‘pushing’ one another playfully, which lead then him to give me a wedgie! We spent the rest of the night laughing about it and remember randomly got a photo on a disposable camera! 

What is your proposal story?

Shaun nailed it! We were away with ten other friends, just winding down after a weekend spent at Coachella. We had booked this ridiculous house in Joshua Tree National Park, which was a bucket list spot of mine. We all wanted to lay low for the night so everyone had prepared dinner and marshmallows to toast. After I jumped out of the shower, we had just started dishing up dinner and sat outside to watch the sun set over the Yuccas. Shaun had asked me to get a photo together, and being hungry and with soaking wet hair, I denied. After repeatedly asking, I buckled and followed him off to where he was leading me. As cliche as it may be, he pointed over my shoulder and insisted I turn around. After I realised there was nothing behind me, I swung back around to find him on one knee holding a ring. I was in so much shock and couldn’t stop crying. Our friend who was in on the whole arrangement took the most incredible photos of our reactions. 

How did you hear about Prea James Bridal?
I found it on Instagram! What a treat. 

From where did you purchase your gown?

I purchased it from Hope x Page, Carringbah! Alex was lovely and made the whole process extremely special.

What do you love most about the gown? 
The sleeves! What a game changer. I was mesmerised by their details and the way they swayed by my side.

Are there any special details about your wedding that you would like to share? 
Growing up, my Dad notoriously had Bruce Springsteen echoing throughout the house. We held our ceremony in an area of Merribee called ‘Secret Garden’, which so happened to be the title of the song, by Bruce, that Dad walked me down the aisle to. It’s a gem and still to this day gives me goosebumps. 

My mum was with me for every fitting and during each of them we had spoken about her making my veil - she’s very handy behind the sewing machine! Although I loved this idea, I couldn’t pass up wearing the one she and my older sister had worn on their wedding day. I felt like I was bursting with love and emotion as soon as she put it on me.


Were there any details that you (and friends and family) made yourselves?
Our florist, (@flowers.by.nicola) is a friend I have had since year 3. Her natural talent and style are light, airy and abstract! There was never a doubt in either of our minds to look elsewhere, she elevated our day, and it was so sentimental to me to have her make my bouquet. 

Finally, do you have any words of wisdom for couples planning their big day?
Work together, decide your non-negotiables and accept that some things may not work out. We struggled to plan during COVID as there were many restriction changes, but I think if you’re open to being flexible it will all come together. Don’t sweat the small stuff, the day will be pure magic, I pinky promise!

Photographer: 

Lucie Weddings - What an angel! Bursting with talent, kindness and love! We felt like we’d known Lucy for many years. There isn’t a single thing I could fault about her, recommend, recommend, recommend!

Also https://www.dylanbow.com/ - Dylan is a close friend to Shaun and I. In our opinion, he is the juggernaut of candid, film photography. We will forever cherish the pre-wedding, in-between moments that he captured.

Hair & Makeup:

Hair: Liam Hubbard Hair. Liam is my best friend, and a whiz when it comes to hair! He made me feel a million bucks! So glad to have him as my one and only bridesman, too!

Makeup: Joanna Luhrs. I met Jo through Liam! After sealing our friendship at my hens weekend, Jo quickly transitioned from ‘my makeup artist’ to someone who made truely made getting ready on the day that extra bit fun! 

Stylist:

N/A - We did it ourselves, which in hindsight sounds crazy, but we just knew what we wanted!

Wedding Co-ordinator: 
Belinda, who luckly for us came with our Merribee booking! She was a delight and made us feel at ease the entire time. 

Florist: 
Nicola has a natural talent with an exception ability to put together garden-inspired bouquets and romantic arrangements! @flowers.by.nicola


Stationery: 
I’m a graphic designer so I looked after the menus and signage. 

Cake: 
We had a cheese wheel cake, that we organised with our catering Duck Duck Goose.

Caterer: 
We went with local biz, Duck Duck Goose Catering! Delicious food and really helpful when Shaun and I had to change menus and arrangements in line with the COVID updates.

Hire/Prop furniture hire:

Simply Seated

Accessories: 
The headpiece I wore was from Christie Nicolaides. I’m contemplating wearing it around the house as it’s simply too perfect to be stored in my cupboard.


Bridesmaids Dresses: 
I threw away traditional ‘expectations’ for a bridal party and let them choose a dress that they felt most comfortable in. They ranged from one-shoulders, oversized power-suits and delicate slips. I loved the variety and how each of them shone in their own light. 

Groom & Groomsmen’s Suits: 
The boys looks extremely dapper in their Country Road suit and black bow-ties. 

Band/DJ: 
We found The White Tree on Instagram and we’re hooked with their infectious personality and energetic performances. They really got our dance floor jiving. 
(@thewhitetree)

Celebrant: 
Alice Harrington, our wonderful celebrant and dear friend! She shared an overwhelming amount of love and passion that was brought to our service. I remember standing outside the gardens, waiting to walk in and listening to our guests bursting into laughter at Alice’s quick wit and friendly character.  
(@aliceharringtoncelebrant)