Stanya and Lenny

I just adore the feel of Stanya and Lenny’s wedding, There’s this bohemian, barefoot feel to it but it’s so very beautiful with Stanya’s gorgeous floral crown, the forest surroundings of coastal town Jervis Bay and the abundance of Australian native blooms. It makes me want to dance amongst the trees, around the beautiful big bonfire!

Stanya tells their story. “Lenny and I have known each other since we were in High School- we’ve always had groups of friends that know each other. When I moved in with one of his best friends 6 years ago, Lenny really just parked himself on our couch for weeks on end until I eventually gave in and we got together!”

The raw rich feeling of the photographs by Lara Hotz capture the true sense of the relaxed, intimate celebration.

Stanya wore an elegant gown by Soma Design with jewels from Samantha Wills. She wore a flower crown made by Kavelle Flowers.

The couple didn’t have a wedding party, instead incorporating their loved ones into their day in different ways. Stanya explains “We didn’t have any kind of bridal party but it was fantastic being able to include special people in different ways- with friends acting as MC, painting the poles for our “chuppah” (canopy that we got married under), reciting readings, singing blessings and holding the “chuppah” poles as well as my sister singing and fantastic speeches by family members. We felt very in love and loved by our friends and family on the day.”

Stanya and Lenny married at Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay. Stanya remarks “We got to share Hyams Beach, a place that we absolutely adore, with our guests. Most people rented houses and stayed the whole weekend and it was just so much fun having the whole little village packed out with our friends and family.  My family owns a house in Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, so we have been going there for many years. It is just the most beautiful spot in NSW so we always knew we would get married in the area.”

Stanya walked down the aisle to ‘Into White’ by Cat Stevens.

Stanya loved “The fact that all of our guests were people that know us well and people with whom we both have close relationships. ” Lenny wore a custom made shirt from Shirt Bar pants from Country Road and Havaiana thongs.

As part of the ceremony, the couple planted a tree together. Stanya remembers this as one of her favourite parts of the day. She recalls “We had a magnolia tree that we watered at the ceremony and had everyone water throughout the night. We planted it my family’s garden at Hyams Beach, alongside some other trees that have been planted at significant times in my family’s life- including a Magnolia tree that they planted the day I was born.”

Of their photographer, Stanya says “Lara was absolutely amazing! A few of my friends had used her for their weddings, so I knew she produced work that was exactly what we wanted- creative, natural and unique. I warned her that Lenny absolutely hates posing for photos and that we really didn’t want overly posed and cheesy photos. She completely went with that brief and made the whole experience just fun and easy for both of us. The photos are absolutely stunning- I could not have asked for better!”

The reception was held at Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay “Paperbark Camp was the first and last place we looked at as a venue. As Lenny and I both love nature, the bush and camping, it was the perfect setting for us. We could not have been happier with the venue- the staff and food were amazing and the fact that we could have a bonfire going all night and dance and party outside in the bush until 3am was totally unique and just made the night.”

The reception was decorated with beautiful Australian native floral arrangements.

Family and friends were so much a part of the celebration, says Stanya. “One of the absolute highlights was my sister singing at the reception. Accompanied by the guitarist and a djembe drum, she sang Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” and wowed everyone with her amazing, soulful voice.”

The couple lit a huge bonfire as the sun set. Stanya says “The bush surrounding Paperbark camp is just so beautiful. It was particularly special being able to dance outside in the bush until the wee hours of the morning to awesome music by our DJ, accompanied by some djembe drumming.”

Thank you Stanya and Lenny for sharing your wedding day with us! Congratulations! Thank you to Lara Hotz  for sharing today’s photographs with us!