Tell us a little about yourselves!
Blake and I first started dating when we were 14 and 16. We lived in two separate country towns, 40 minutes apart but somehow were inseparable. I’d find all sorts of creative ways to sneak up and see him on weekends and he would find ways to see me after school. Blake would try his hardest to make me laugh (which he still does) and I’d try my hardest to play it cool. We got on so well and never ran out of things to talk about. It was so comfortable yet so exciting at the same time.
15 years later, we have experienced many things together and lived many lives since but we are still just as inseparable and we are still just as excited to be together. We spend our spare time nowadays working on our home, spending time in the garden, exploring vintage stores or taking film photos on weekends away.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
The town we got married in, Bangalow, is our favourite village in the Byron area. It is a quaint little town with a beautiful atmosphere. The main street is lined with beautiful old buildings that house some great boutiques, eateries and just a special uniqueness that we love! We had viewed a few other venues in the Byron hinterland that didn't quite feel ‘us’. When we discovered The Bank House, it was love at first sight! The entry is through a wrought iron gate in the main street that you would probably never notice. Once upstairs, the sound of the street somehow doesn't make its way into the house or garden so it really does feel like you’ve stepped into a hidden oasis. It's just one of those places where you instantly feel at home.
Blake also proposed in the area so it was really special to have our actual wedding here too!
How many guests did you have?
30.
What was your budget?
We spent about $26,000.
Tell us about your outfits.
Blake wore a black tuxedo with a satin lapel and bow tie. He picked the first suit he tried on in good old typical groom fashion! He wore suspenders underneath so he could take the jacket off later in the day for a second look.
I, on the other hand, spent way too long trying to find a dress! I decided on a mikado silk a-frame dress by Elli Nicole Bridal I purchased the dress second hand from the sweetest girl so it's really lovely that it got to make its debut for two special days. I originally had my heart set on a 1930s vintage silk dress so my second dress (which was a last minute panic purchase) was an incredible substitution for something vintage. I also wore a scalloped lace trim veil which I loved.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
We wanted our day to be fun, relaxed and a true representation of us. We ditched some of the traditional things that felt like they added more pressure and stress and just went with what felt right to us. We got ready together, set up the venue ourselves with the help of our family, spent the morning making the food for our grazing table and recruited our friends to help out throughout the ceremony and reception.
Having the people closest to us, laughing and just having the best time, whilst everyone pitched in made the whole day feel like we were at a big family gathering and that honestly was the best!
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
We wanted a ceremony that was intimate, real and full of love.
Any tips for couples getting married?
Prioritise what is important to you and really be present with each other throughout the day.
Also find a photographer that can handle any weather, captures moments that feel honest and who also have great reviews that mention their personality. You do have to spend all day with them!
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Our photographer, Damien Milan and our videographer, Nich (Rolling Dawn Films) were by far our favourites! From the moment we met both of them it was like we were just hanging out with our friends. They both were so invested in everything that was happening throughout the day, excited for every pocket of light or special moment and clearly passionate about their work. They kept it lighthearted and fun, and were also so nice to all of our family and friends, allowing everyone to be themselves for truly candid moments. During our ceremony the boys were so discrete, we didn't see them at all so seeing what they captured after was incredible. We will be forever grateful for their work and cannot thank either of them enough!
Also, not a vendor but I asked my brother if he would be up for making us a wedding cake the night before our wedding. Without hesitation, he whipped it up like it was nothing. Everyone raved about it. It was absolutely perfect so he deserves a special mention.
Photographer: Damien Milan @damienmilan_photographer | Planning & Styling: by the couple | Flora: Rosewood Flower Studio (Bride’s business) @rosewoodflowerstudio | Videographer: Rolling Dawn Films @rollingdawnfilms | Ceremony & Reception Location: The Bank House, Bangalow
@thebankhousebangalow | Celebrant: Michelle Shannon @byronbaycelebrant | Hire: WE Hire Byron Bay, Byron PA Hire @wehire_byronbay @byronpahire | HMUA: Sayta Schmitz from The Future Mrs |
Pizza: Ciao Mate @ciao.mate | Grazing table & Beverages: by the couple | Cake: by the bride’s brother | Stationery: by the bride | Guestbook: Plain Ink Diary @plaininkdiary | Ceremony Dress: Elli Nicole Bridal @ellinicolebridal | Reception Dress: Shona Joy @shonajoy | Suit: YD @ydaustralia | Veil:
MI Bridal Veil @etsy | Engagement & Wedding Rings: Louise Jean @louisejeanjewellery | Shoes:
Aquila (Blake) @aquila_est1958 & Princess Polly @princesspollyboutique