Jessica + Brendan - Wallalong House

Set among century-old fig trees and sweeping Hunter Valley views, Jessica and Brendan's NSW wedding at Wallalong House was the perfect blend of classic elegance and relaxed countryside charm.

With her background in events, Jessica brought an incredible eye for detail to every part of the planning process - from handwritten notes for each guest to the flamenco guitarist who played "Spanish Romance" as she walked down the aisle.

Their vision of a whimsical garden party with timeless glamour was a visually delightful celebration that felt like them: warm, joyful, meticulously considered and full of love.

How did you and Brendan meet? We met 10 years ago now, Brendan and I were both working at a school football carnival. I was an assistant real estate agent sponsoring the start of season game setting up a tent and flyers and Brendan was a coach. His head coach told him to go help me set-up my tent and that's when we met. I was dating someone at the time but we got chatting and realised we both went to the same uni and lived on the same street - only 100m apart! A few months later, we had the end of season carnival and I was newly single. Brendan helped me set-up again and asked if I wanted a ride to uni. Four weeks later we were officially dating!

The venue: We always wanted something we felt a connection to. Wallalong House felt so special, it was beautiful and had the most stunning gardens and view. We loved that there was a house on-site that all our wedding party could stay with us. The marquee, dance floor and pool area was unreal. It felt like getting married in a home, which we loved. It was a bit full circle, because I actually worked my first event there, when I was the event coordinator for the lady I was interning with.

Best wedding planning resources? The Bridal Journey, Pinterest, Vogue Weddings, The Lane and I loved listening to NewlyWeds podcast - so silly and charming.

The vibe: Leaning into the look and feel of the venue, I wanted our wedding to feel like a whimsical garden party. I wanted something that would be elegant and timeless. I loved the traditional, old-school glamour with a countryside flair.

Expectations vs reality? I'm an event manager by trade, so I envisioned most of the "event" side of things which were not too much of a surprise. We did a lot of "DIY" and my own sourcing, planning, research and management which being in events helped but I do wish I had some help or a wedding planner because decision fatigue was real. Especially when you have this idea in your head and everything had to be "perfect".

The "pinch-me" moments and overjoyed feeling we had the whole weekend was what I had hoped for but exceeded every expectation.

Hit (or near) miss: Oh I can think of a few!

1. I forgot to wear my veil down the isle!

2. Completely sleepless night the night before because I was anxious there were SO many mosquitos in my room I was worried I would have huge bite welts on my face and body!

3. Waiting until 10:00pm the night before to steam and iron all the tablecloths for the wedding day.... thank goodness I had all our wedding party there to help! It was such a challenge as the tablecloths were huge and we only had a few irons/steamers - we managed and figured out a system in the end!

Best thing you did? We hand wrote individual messages to each guest, reminiscing on memories or something we love about them. Notes of gratitude. It was a lot of work - but so worth it. I wanted that personal touch, to let people know how much it meant to us to have them there. We also had a few dance lessons - that was so fun leading up to the wedding and was a highlight of the night.

If we had our time again (anything you'd change in retrospect?)... I truly wouldn't change a thing! I loved every moment. But probably not to sweat the small stuff and put way less pressure on myself for the planning. It all works out in the end.

Rapid Fire Questions

Wedding splurge?

The dress! Obsessed with my J. Andreatta dress.

Wedding save?

The signage and printing.

First look?

No way! I wanted to see his face when he saw me in my dress for the first time down the aisle!

Best thing you ate or drank on the day?

Oh gosh, our catering was incredible, absolute highlight. I can't remember it all but honestly some good roasted potatoes! Also the lemoncello shots we served!

Aisle song?

We had a flamenco guitarist and band to play "Spanish Romance" it was so romantic.

Party starter track?

"Best of My Love", by The Emotions and "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire.

Ceremony or reception (which won)?

Ugh so hard. Ceremony was beautiful and emotional but I have to say the reception was my favourite.

On-budget or over-budget?

Let's say the wedding budget extended...

Honeymoon destination?

Straight to Bali for two weeks. Uluwatu, Ubud and North of Chengu - pure bliss.

CREDITS: Photos Alex Jack Photography // Venue Wallalong House // Celebrant Grace The Celebrant // Florist Golden Hour // Catering Fennel & Co // Cake Butter Bakery // Bridal gown and veil J. Andreatta // Bride's shoes Gucci // Bridesmaid dresses Shona Joy // Bridesmaid gifts Mecca and JT Luxe // Suits P. Johnson // Hair and makeup MBL Bride // Music Bandaluzia Flamenco and Silent Shout // Furniture hire Simply Seated and Lovestoned Styling