You might remember these two lovers from our Worrowing styled shoot a while back. They were already engaged and due to get married at the same south coast wedding venue only a few months later.

They’d given us a brief run down on what they had planned (live music, an early and intimate ceremony, arvo tea…) but it wasn’t until we saw these images by Bear Hunt Photography that we fully grasped what an epic day it was.

Hey Camilla, can you tell us about the proposal?

Chris decided to propose at his 30th birthday party. I had no idea – I’d been too busy organising the party. The theme was W – Chris was dressed as a Wave and I was his Whitewash. It was a very intimate moment – in front of 80 of our friends and family.

Did you tackle any DIY for the wedding?

Our sisters’ put their hands up to style our wedding. They foraged from our families gardens and local bushlands, sourced fresh blooms from a local farmer and used mostly recycled wares. It was an awesome surprise on the day to see their vision – it was incredible. They reckon it cost them $200 all up!

We borrowed our friend’s pallet bar that they built for their wedding two months prior. I did the signage and place cards – I love handwriting things. Friends and family made sweet treats for arvo tea – we’re not so into cake, but we love a good slice!

What sort of vibe were you hoping to bring to the day?

Winter, day time, relaxed and cosy, Aussie bush by the sea. We wanted to choose all our favourite things and share them with all our favourite people.

What traditions did you involve during your wedding? 

We got ready separately which was a lot of fun and added extra anticipation to the ceremony (though we stayed together the night before – which helped calm the nerves for both of us!). Walked down the aisle with Mum and Dad. We had some readings in the ceremony: our mate Wazza who loves poetry and is an amazing storyteller adapted a poem to read aloud and both our Mums read out some motherly wisdom.

What advice would you give to other couples leading up to their big day?

Have a morning ceremony! It’s honestly the best. More daylight and time to spend with everyone. The ceremony wraps up and you still have the entire afternoon and night to celebrate. And delegate jobs! Involve people in different ways. Use your friends and family for their skills and creativity. Focus on what you can control (e.g. write lists and pace yourself) and let go of the rest (e.g. the weather).

What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?

The ceremony for sure. Saying our vows to each other. We wrote them separately, had my sister do a quick check that we were on the same page! Fortunately we were… it was pretty special hearing them for the first time with all our guests watching on.

Any funny stories from the day?

We had four seasons in the space of our outdoor ceremony – sun, drizzle, heavy drizzle, wind… My dad held the umbrella over our heads at some points, including during the vows. We got to The Kiss… my dad was standing one foot away holding the brolly over us, watching on (photo evidence shows he politely looked away eventually)… then he realised the rain had stopped so he moved out of view and we had another smooch, take two! It was a happy ending – the sun came out in full, and our ‘exit’ song was ‘I can see clearly now’ by Jimmy Cliff.  Perfect.

How did you find your venue and was the process difficult for you?

Worrowing was the first property we came across – we were looking for a DIY space where we could make the call on what we wanted to eat, drink, decorate, etc. It turned out the property was owned by the family of one of Chris’s old surfing mates – that was a very pleasant surprise! Every time we’d go out to visit, we would be in awe of its natural beauty. Maddy and Tom were absolute legends in helping us put together our ideas and problem solve.

One of the best things about the venue was having 40 of our guests staying with us for the weekend – sprinkled across the property in various dwellings. The day before was a working bee, the day of – max celebrations, and the day after – coffee, food and pack down.

Ceremony song?

Chris walked down the aisle with his parents to a cover of Blink 182 ‘Dammit’ (yes, really) by Guitar Tribute Players; I walked down the aisle with my parents to ‘Beyond’ by Leon Bridges. We had a sing-a-long during the signing – Lava – from “Lava”, the short film. Our friends Amy and Jack were our conductors.

First dance song?

‘Coming Home’ by Leon Bridges. Clearly we have a thing for Leon! So good hearing the seven piece Swaggers play this cover… it’s such a goodie.

CREDITS: Photos Bear Hunt Photography // Videographer Jordan Knight // Bouquets and button holes Gypsy Carmen // Ceremony and reception Worrowing Estate // Catering Bill and James //  Styling and ceremony/reception florals Collective Interior Design // Invitation artwork Kiara Mucci // Bridal gown Zimmerman // Brides shoes Kate Spade // Accessories Alison de Theleme // Bridesmaid outfit Tigerlily // Bridesmaid gift Eadie Lifestyle // Grooms suit M.J. Bale // Groomsmen gifts Bamboo Watches Australia // Hair Lisa Lewis Wedding // Makeup Tash Owers Hair // Music The Swaggers // Celebrant David Newman.

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