Our photographers Bronnie and Adam from Craven Images
There is something different about the excitement that fuels wedding plans. It’s a completely different excitement to, say, when you finish school/university, get a new job or go somewhere on a holiday. From the minute you’re engaged, it’s like the wedding powers that be have granted you access into a whole new world of ideas, possibilities and dreams. I was the kind of bride-to-be who took this on as if someone had just given me an unlimited credit card and said “go for your life”… how I bet every bride-to-be wishes they had that credit card!
Our wedding planning journey started with a conversation between Mr Tagg and I about what we wanted our big day to be like. From the atmosphere, theme/vibe and location ideas to timing, scale and dates – we discussed it all. The thing we decided on first was to choose a photographer before anything else. To us, photographers are the ones who see it all – the venues, the DJ’s, the flowers, the photo locations, the ideas, etc. We figured if we could find a photographer we loved, then the planning would be smooth sailing from there on – and it has been! We were so lucky to have found Bronnie and Adam at Craven Images within one month of looking. We arranged to meet with them for half an hour, ended up staying for three – if we hadn’t booked them as our photographers, we probably would have invited them as guests!
We then decided a winter wedding in a rural setting suit us perfectly – simple, elegant, yet understated and all about good company, good food and good memories to share. The minute we walked in to Centennial Vineyards in Bowral, we felt at home. Not only was the food to die for, but they had everything we needed – a great courtyard for the ceremony, beautiful grounds for photography, and a killer restaurant with incredible staff and big warm fireplaces. What’s best is the fact we’ve had 18 months to plan, and we’ve booked everything we wanted, had time to make sure we didn’t break the budget, and not once have we regretted a decision. A tip to all those yet-to-be-engaged ladies out there – give yourself time and space to plan if you’re not one for on-the-spot, snap decisions, and you won’t regret it. Regardless of your budget, wedding planning should be enjoyable, not stressful. There will be stressful moments (i.e. guest lists are a common “eek” moment amongst couples and families), but the process in its entirety won’t be stressful. Take your time to figure out what you both want, and research – you’ll also get the best deals.
So, the big day is just over six weeks away, and I can safely say that wedding planning has been one of the greatest experiences I have had – and to be planning with my best friend and future husband is a true joy. Stay tuned for more of our planning adventures in the lead up to our August nuptials!
Photography by Craven Images
Ms Gingham says: I love winter weddings! I think photographers do to because the lighting is just right to capture beautiful images. Thanks Rachael for sharing your plans (and advice) with us!
About Rachael: A bride-to-be from the South Coast (NSW), engaged to a charming accountant (Mr. Tagg) who is a very proactive Groom-to-be, planning our dream wedding in Bowral.
Read more from Mrs Tagg-to-be here.
Read more about the benefits of winter wedding photography here.
Bran & Adam shot our wedding, they are amazingly relaxed and that flows onto everyone else. We hardly knew they were there while dressing & during the service.
The finished photos captured the fun and excitement of our day perfectly.
Well done to Mr Tagg being involved, I planned most of ours apart from the dresses, some of the most fun I’ve had & made us closer as a couple.
Good luck on your day.
Alan.
Hi Alan. Maybe you’d like to write about your involvement in planning your wedding on Polka Dot Groom? We’re always on the lookout for more contributions from the guys!!