As both a Melbourne Celebrant and a Yarra Valley Celebrant, I am very fortunate to visit a wide variety of beautiful wedding venues and locations, and this wedding certainly did not disappoint. Bride Lauren, a former student of mine, and groom Michael, a former groomsman of mine from a previous wedding from five years ago, chose their beautiful property in Gruyere in the Yarra Valley to create their perfect DIY wedding, with the help of many suppliers.
This attention-shy bride and groom chose a legals-only ceremony, standing in front of their 130 guests with their two young children, Archie and Bonnie. Nicole Goodwin Photography was there to capture the day.
When organising a DIY wedding on a private property, it’s extremely important to enlist the help of wedding suppliers to ease the stress of all the work that needs to be done. With the help of Kelly Ann Events and Celebrate Party Hire, Lauren and Michael’s country paddock was transformed into a rustic-themed wedding ceremony and reception. An eclectic mix of wooden chairs and hay bales with wine barrels, pontoon lights, marquee and wooden dance floor set the scene for a relaxed reception; exactly what this couple were looking for.
Wooden signs and chalkboards were used to welcome guests and direct them to the drinks station and, instead of a wishing well there was a wishing ‘basket’ on the front of a retro bike. An old Chevy was decorated in the traditional “Just Married” style, adding another wonderful photo opportunity for the couple and their guests. Picnic blankets with kids’ activity books, games and toys were organised to keep the little one entertained. Personalised water bottles were available to guests to keep them hydrated, Hot Coals Catering kept the food coming and Crazy for Cupcakes created the wedding cake.
Lauren looked absolutely gorgeous in her Manning Cartel dress paired with ankle-high white boots. Her hair was styled by Curious Blonde Hair Studio and her flawless makeup was applied by Lauren from LSA Makeup Artistry, also a former student of mine and getting married by me next month. To complete the look, Lauren donned a stunning flower crown by Crown Yourself Floral Design.
To entertain the guests throughout the ceremony and reception, Paper Hearts and DJ Apples were behind the instruments and decks, respectively. Having both live music and DJ at a wedding is a wonderful combination for the couple and guests to dance into the evening. The Photobooth Girl drove in in her Kombi so all 130 guests to take photos in the booth.
Lauren and Michael created the perfect ceremony and wedding to suit who they are. If you’re looking for a Yarra Valley Celebrant to do the same for you, please get in contact!
