Just like the proposal, James and Danielle’s south coast wedding was a relaxed and intimate affair. “We just wanted the whole day to feel like a big celebration”, says Danielle who hired a team of incredible vendors including David Campbell Imagery, Joyride Weddings and Rhianna Smith Events to bring her vision to life.

Held at one of our most Pinterest-worthy south coast wedding venues, The Barn on Melross, you can check out the entire day below.

First, could you tell us about how you met, any funny first date stories and a bit about the proposal?

The first time we met was actually on schoolies, fresh out of high school! The proposal was very relaxed. It was on the beach in Gerringong, on our eight year anniversary!

In a few sentences, how would you describe your wedding day? Was there a particular vibe or theme you went for?

Just like the proposal, our wedding day was very relaxed. Both of us weren’t great at styling so we knew we needed some help with that aspect. We just wanted the whole day to feel like a big celebration. Our stylist, Rhianna was amazing and helped to make the whole thing feel effortless but still look beautiful. Our wedding venue, Melross and Willows Estate was such an obvious choice because it was already so stunning and scenic. It also happened to be very close to where we got engaged so it felt special in that way too.

Did you write your own vows? If so, what made you do that and did you use anything in particular for inspiration, for example, love quotes?

Our celebrant, Monty King recommended writing our own vows and we were so glad that we did! They were short and sweet but still so special and something we will both never forget.

What’s the best piece of advice you took on when planning your wedding?

We both said from the beginning that we wanted the whole experience to be fun and as stress free as possible. Picking the right vendors who shared our vision definitely made the whole experience so much more enjoyable!

What’s one thing you wish you knew before you started planning?

Setting the budget as early as possible and prioritising what’s the most important. Eg. for us it was the venue.

Did you scrap any wedding traditions? If so, what?

We scrapped the bouquet toss and garter.

Finish this sentence. The best (or most unique) thing we did at our wedding was…

Our wedding was on a Friday and also out of town for many of our family and friends so we made the most of a long weekend – the wedding day went too quickly!

CREDITS: Photos David Campbell Imagery // Videography Joyride Weddings // Flowers House of Ivory // Ceremony and reception The Barn on Melross // Catering Duck Duck Goose // Cake Willow and George // Styling Rhianna Smith Events // Bridal gown and veil Christie Nicole Bridal // Accessories One Day Bridal // Bridesmaid dresses Bec and Bridge // Bridesmaid gifts Piyama // Groom and groomsmen suits Richard Bowman Menswear // Rings Forever Diamonds // Hair Kristen Wells // Makeup Stacey McPherson // Music The White Tree // Celebrant Monty King // Transport Kangaroo Valley Bus Company.