When one of my oldest and closest friends Katie asked me to capture her day, I knew it would have all the ingredients to be the perfect day. With a Graphic Design background and an exceptional eye for all things beautiful, there was no shortage of gorgeous details and personal touches making it a day to remember.
Set on Katie’s family property in Warialda, north west NSW, was one of the most magnificent marquees you’ve ever seen. So much planning had gone into the day that there were specific instructions for her Dad to plant a crop of wheat right up to the edge of the setting. It gave the feeling that you were sitting right in amongst the paddock.
On the eve of the celebration, Ben and his lads stayed up the road at the secluded cottage aptly named “Snake Gully.” This self contained bush cottage was the perfect retreat for the boys to enjoy some blackjack, chilly dogs and fire off a round or two of Clay Pidgeon shooting on the morning.
The gorgeous girls (all of who are close friends of mine) eased into the day with relaxation, horoscope reading and champagne. It was beautifully relaxed and very sentimental for Katie to get ready in her Childhood bedroom.
After the most beautiful ceremony (filled with a moment of chaos caused by the PA system) with the infamous wheat crop as the backdrop, guests mingled in the garden as the sun set deep in the hills behind.
A dinner of the finest beef and steamed vegetables was served up by the designated Head Carver at each table who were presented with their own individually monogrammed apron on arrival at the reception. Just another personal touch added to this magnificent day.
The dance floor was soon kicked off with a first dance by the Bridal Party to Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al” including their very own recorder player then the guests were lead into a dancing train around the marquee. of course, No dance floor is complete without a tambourine, which was shared between guests and spread the laughs and fun throughout the night.
A show of fireworks finished off the formalities of the evening before guests enjoyed the treats at the Whisky and Cigar bar and danced well into the morning.
There are so many things that make me smile when i think about how beautiful it was to be part of their day, but I’ll let the photos do the talking. Katie and Ben’s day was such a lovely, fun filled affair, full of glamour and love. There is nothing more special than seeing old friends begin new journeys and I wish them all the very best for a long, prosperous and special marriage.
