Wedding | Acacia & Michael

Tell us a little about yourselves!

We’ve been together for 12 years after meeting at our local beach, and spent our early years travelling overseas before eventually returning to Australia. Acacia is a nurse and Michael’s a firefighter, and we’re parents to a beautifully dramatic greyhound named Cudi.

Earlier this year we made the totally sane decision to plan our wedding with just three months’ notice. Can confirm it’s possible and last minute weddings might be a bit of a hack…though probably not one we’d recommend to Type A personalities.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We love craft beer and initially looked at independent pubs or local surf clubs where we could BYO. We also wanted something lowkey and close to home for the majority of our guests. So when our mates opened Goons, a new brewery in our hometown on the Central Coast, it really felt like the perfect fit. It ticked all of our boxes and we were so honoured to be the first couple married there!

How many guests did you have?

120.

What was your budget?

$18k.

Tell us about your outfits.

Michael was inspired by earthy tones and mid-century tailoring. He chose an oversized brown suit with slightly high-waisted trousers, paired with a satin shirt that featured a 70’s-esque collar. We stitched mismatched gold earrings over the cuff buttons of his jacket and he wore a vintage brooch that was his Nan’s instead of a pocket square.

Acacia always wanted something vintage and fell in love with 1950s tea-length dresses while searching for bridal inspiration. She found her dream dress at a vintage bridal studio in Sydney (shout out to Grace at Art Garments Bridal), which her Nan altered. She also made her veil which was pinned back with a vintage brooch borrowed from Michael’s mum.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

Creating a day that felt genuine and easy going, while avoiding any cliché traditions that didn’t feel like us. We put our energy into creating a fun atmosphere with live music, great beer and wine, and of course delicious food. Ultimately, we wanted it to be about connection and celebrating our love with the people we love most.

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

We incorporated personal touches wherever we could. Our entrance sign was a mirror from Acacia’s dad’s old farmhouse that she hand-painted and we asked guests to send in old photos that were projected throughout the night. Our wishing well was a replica of the church Michael’s grandparents were married in, built by his Pop as a birthday gift for his Nan back in the 90s.

The DIY approach was partly about saving money, but it also helped keep things grounded. We’re pretty sentimental people and being able to look around on the night and see all these little details that were meaningful and unique to us, rather than perfectly curated, felt really special and reflective of who we are.

Any tips for couples getting married?

There’s so much pressure and expectation around what a wedding is supposed to be, but at the end of the day, it’s whatever you make it. Do what feels true to you as a couple, and don’t feel like you need to include every traditional element just because people expect it. We think the best weddings feel personal — not predictable or scripted.

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

Goons matched the atmosphere we wanted for the day. It sits somewhere between relaxed brewery and classy wine bar, with a thoughtfully designed aesthetic that feels warm and inviting rather than industrial. The brewing tanks are deliberately not the focal point of the venue, which softens the space and creates a more intimate feel. Being a newer venue, the team were incredibly flexible and easy to work with, helping us curate the right vibe for the day rather than fitting into a set wedding package. It felt unique, personal and true to us, which was exactly what we were looking for.

James Simpson, our amazing photographer, flowed with us throughout the day. It felt natural and his unstructured, relaxed approach perfectly fitted the in-the-moment style we envisioned. He captured everything as it happened without making us feel like we were constantly posing, yet provided gentle prompts so we still got those key shots. The experience was seamless and allowed us to just focus on enjoying the day with our family and friends.

When you’re looking at catering options, don’t forget to check out your local cafes and small businesses. Our wedding was catered by Luna Café Terrigal, who have recently launched a mobile food truck, and ended up being one of the highlights of the day. The food was incredible, there was plenty of it, and the variety meant there was something for everyone. From canapés through to mains and dessert, the food continued throughout the night so guests were never hungry or waiting around. It was laidback and exactly what we were looking for.

Photographer: James Simpson Weddings @jamessimpsonweddings | Planning & Styling: by the couple | Flora: by Acacia | Ceremony & Reception Location: Goons Brewing @goonsbrewing | Celebrant: Friend | MUA: Elke @elkejean | Hair: Styled by bride; Colour by @eb_exotiquehairstudio | Catering & Beverages: Luna Café Terrigal @lunaterrigal | Entertainment: The Beautiful Things Band @the_beautiful_things_band | Dress: Art Garments Bridal @artgarmentsbridal, altered by Acacia's Grandmother | Veil: Made by Acacia | Engagement Ring: Made by groom