This couple took DIY weddings to a whole new level building a bar, bench seats and even a jetty. That’s got to win prizes. Held at Willow Farm Berry, a picturesque NSW south coast wedding venue, this pair also converted the owner’s then-garage into an incredible barn that’s now available to other engaged couples looking for something special *bows down*.
With shots of Jaegermeister, a flashmob and a whole lot laughter, these two made their big day exactly how they wanted. It was certainly a labour of love but well worth the effort. Captured by Red Berry Photography you can see the entire shebang by scrolling down.
Tell us about how you met and the proposal?
We met the day after my 18th birthday. Oliver was a friend of my cousin’s and on the way to a nightclub I pushed Oliver over to save him from stepping in dog poo. We discovered we would be going to the same university and the rest is history.
Nine and half years later, Oliver finally proposed! It was a few days after my birthday and we went on a bush walk out to Wedding Cake Rock in the national park. There were a few people there so Oliver found a quiet spot and got down on one knee, but had a hard time convincing me to turn around as I was watching a bird that was stuck in a net in the ocean below.
Our friends commissioned a local photographer to go out and take a sunset photo of the spot we got engaged just before the national parks closed it off and framed it for our engagement present. It is so special to us.
What DIY projects did you do accomplish for the wedding?
The whole bloody thing!!! Hahaha. The building of lots of the venue, all the table decorations (stumps and boxes), hanging plants, signage, guest gifts, table place cards, aisle decorations, the music playlists, the lawn games and the esky’s!!!! My dad put so much hard work and effort into building the wedding of our dreams. My sister and I enjoyed the making, styling and wedding so much we now want to start a hiring business – this will definitely keep our dad busy!
I earned myself matching blisters on both thumbs that will have to be photo shopped out of pictures! Oliver’s cousin did all our stationary designing and we just printed and cut it out ourselves! We went down to the farm on the Thursday and worked our butts off for the next few days.
The first bus arrived on the wedding day and my mum and dad were still working and had to run inside and get ready. Oliver had a lovely Saturday morning playing golf with the guys whereas myself and the gang were up from 6:15am working to get everything put out and set up for the day! Not fair!
What traditions did you involve during your big day?
We used my great grandfathers suitcase for our cards. Oliver’s Nan gave me a horseshoe before the wedding for good luck. Other than that we wanted just a day that was entirely us – fun and a bit quirky.
What advice would you give to other couples leading up to their big day?
If you are going to go down the DIY route to planning a wedding then you need to be prepared to be very busy on the actual morning of the wedding and you may not have the calm lead up expected. After going through the process now, I can see the value in hiring someone to set everything up that allows you to have a calm morning. However we wouldn’t have changed a thing and we want to just do it all over again and again!
Try and incorporate any traditions or family requests into your day but in a way that reflects you, as that’s a good compromise for keeping all parties happy!
PLAN PLAN PLAN – I wrote thousands of lists and then wrote some more. I had a plastic display folder with each stage of the wedding day and what was needed, what was still to make or buy and what needed to be packed. On the day, we delegated some jobs to family members to make them feel included and this worked really well for us as it meant I wasn’t worrying about jobs getting done!
What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?
So many things! My family (which is huge) organised a flashmob style dance routine and broke out in the middle of the dance floor. I could not stop laughing or smiling – it was the best. I also made a special speech to thank my dad for everything he did for the wedding which ended with shots of Jagermeister for everyone to cheers him! He was so cute!
The bridal party entrance songs and dance routines were a surprise for us and soooo funny!! They did uptown funk, a remix of the lion king and turn down for what! We came into a remix of jaggered edge ‘lets get married’ so much fun!
During the ceremony the wind was blowing our hair all crazy and halfway through our vows I stopped to say “I feel like Donald trump” everyone burst into laughter – it instantly created the fun vibe we were after.
My bridesmaids and I all got in the car ready to drive over to the big tree and nobody could work out how to start the car as it was an electronic push start – which sounds easy but under the stress and adrenalin of the day it proved very difficult. Many times due to the wind my veil got caught on barbed wire fences yanking me back.
The poor photographer nearly died three times –my uncle nearly reversed over him, he slipped off the edge of the jetty and his hair caught on fire from the sparkler tunnel.
CREDITS Photos Red Berry Photography // Flowers RedBud // Ceremony and reception Willow Farm Berry // Catering Garnish Creative Catering // Prop hire South Coast Party Hire // Bridal gown Rue De Seine via The Babushka Ballerina // Brides shoes Wanted // Accessories Samantha Wills and Mimco // Bridesmaid dresses Briony Leigh Bridal // Groom and groomsmen suits MJ Bale // Hairpiece Etsy // Rings Annie Macpherson // Grooms shoes Ted Baker // Ties T.M.Lewin // Cake Wedding Cake Art South Coast // Hair Amy Studio Stylist // Makeup Nicole Mammone MUA // Music Witchwood Official // Celebrant Jane Zwar // Transport Berry Bus Service // Marquee letter lights The Love Sign // Balloons House of Party // Personalised stubby holders Kool 4 U
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