We’re giving Jen and Matt’s Kangaroo Valley wedding at Ooralba Estate 5/5 stars. Lovers since uni, these two included lots of fun and fancy things like an oyster bar, a giant grazing table, live music and ample time dedicated to dancing.
Captured by Across The Forest, here they share some of their wedding highlights and a few golden nuggets of advice for other engaged couples.
Congrats on getting married. First, could you tell us about how you met, any funny first date stories and a bit about the proposal?
Met at Bond University on the Gold Coast. Proposed in Southern Highlands after planning a weekend for Jen’s birthday. I asked her to get ready for a nice lunch, then when we got to the car I pulled out a picnic I had prepared earlier. I later proposed when Jen wasn’t expecting it.
In a few sentences, how would you describe your wedding day? Was there a particular vibe or theme you went for?
Wedding day was unbelievable. We arrived in the Kangaroo Valley and were at the pub in town the night before which was amazing, it was packed, there was karaoke on and all our wedding guests, family and friends. It was a great start to the weekend.
The wedding day itself was at Ooralba Estate and our event coordinators were White Top Venues. It was an overcast day with a passing shower or two, but we were well prepared with umbrellas and marquee for guests. There were canapés following the wedding ceremony, oyster bar, grazing table and small eats by Rabbit and Co catering. The gardens at Ooralba are amazing for photos. Everyone looked amazing in black tie dress, we had an amazing dinner and speeches followed by three hours of partying away the night with the amazing band The White Tree. It was a day and weekend to remember!
What’s the best piece of advice you took on when planning your wedding?
Start early, Jen was amazing with her research and planning for the day she envisaged. She styled a lot of the wedding herself with the amazing Estate Manager Mon, and Josh and Sophie from White Top Venues. We also decided to start our wedding earlier than most people do, just so we could spend as much time with everyone, have time for speeches but still wanted at least three hours at the end of the reception formalities to really party the night away with all our friends and family!
Now that you’re married, what’s the best piece of advice you can give other couples?
Don’t compromise on your plans and wishes. Often there is a lot of money and expense involved in planning and arranging a wedding. Be confident to express what you want for your day and work with your vendors to make it a reality.
Finish this sentence. The best (or most unique) thing we did at our wedding was…
Start early and maximise time with friends and family celebrating an amazing day.
CREDITS: Photos Across The Forest // Video and music The White Tree // Flowers Ooralba Estate // Styling Ooralba Estate and White Top Venues // Catering and cake Rabbit & Co Caterers // Bridal gown and veil Helen Rodrigues Bridal // Flower girls Arabella and Rose and Annie Eyles Designs // Bridesmaid dresses White Runway // Grooms suit Institchu // Groomsmen suits and ties Peter Jackson //Rings Unique Diamonds // Hair Dounia Merhi // Makeup Dounia Merhi and Natalie Acuri // Celebrant Elena Forato // Transport Kennedy’s Tours.
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