Bernadine and Simon’s Chic Mountain Wedding

Bernadine and Simon

Bernadine and Simon’s chic mountain wedding captured  by Katie Bennett of Embellysh Photography was a wedding that I want to be at. Not only did Katie wear polka dots (which lets face it, endears me to her immediately) but it rained, and you know how much I love a couple that kicks up their heels no matter the weather. Then there was their tractor entrance, oh yes, this is the wedding that you grab a glass of wine and dance in the rain and never, ever wipe that big grin off your face.

Bernadine and Simon’s story goes a little like this. “Simon and Bernadine met at a wedding as the Groomsman and Bridesmaid. To get engaged though Bernadine entered a competition on behalf of Simon saying that in 25 wrds or less he was excited about proposing to his girlfriend at the Falls Festival in Tasmania. We won a guided flight around Hobart. One nights stay at the MONA pavilions. Free car hire for a week. A picnic spread and free flights to Tasmania. All Simon had to do was propose….and he did! ”

“The bride’s brothers and sisters gave her a few ideas for the comical road signs, that were erected on the morning of the wedding. A great bonding moment for all. ”

Bernadine wore a short polka dot dress by Carla Zampatti.

Bernadine and Simon chose Coolabine Ridge Eco Sanctuary, Mapleton for their wedding. Bernadine recalls, “The ceremony was to be on the mountain side with the guests perched on the verandah of the main lodge. Due to the weather, we had to move it to the verandah but it mattered not. The reception was in the undercover pavilion on the 400 acre sanctuary. It was an incredible venue with fantastic staff that kept the day running smoothly, particularly with the weather, there was no drama for any of the guests whatsoever.” Bernadine walked down the aisle to ‘Longing to Belong’, Eddie Vedder.

Of their photographer, Bernadine remarks, “Katie was a family friend. She knew exactly what I wanted when describing it to her. She had a natural eye for detail and was very relaxed throughout the whole process. ”

A tractor arrival anyone? “When deciding how the Bride and Groom were to arrive, many ideas were thought of but, Marcus, the caretaker, a man of many talents suggested the tractor. Very fitting for the rainy day. The groom carried the bride across the wet grass to the reception pavilion. The weather was not great but it made for a very intimate reception. ”

“From the invitation, to the journey through the forest to the ceremony, guests were invited along a journey, a story of our relationship.”

Eden Cupcakes made a tiered wedding cake complete with cake pops.

Lunch was catered by Elliots Fine Foods. “Guests were presented with a seven course degustation menu, wine, beer and mocktails to match. The theme of the wedding was a lunchtime, garden party. Canapes and a roving dessert allowed guests to mingle and partake in the tasty morsels at the same time. The Master of Ceremonies prepared, without the knowledge of the Bride or Groom, a sing-a-long to The Proclaimers ‘I will walk 500 miles’, with lyrics so that the entire wedding party and guests could rock out. The groom led the song with gusto.”

Bernadine recalls, “The Wishing Well was an old lockable keepsake box from my grandfather. My dad, being the greatest handyman there is, fashioned a new lock and covered the inside with white satin. It was as if it was made for the occasion.”

Of their first dance, Bernadine recalls, “Simon and I had lessons. We were petrified. When ‘Dance me to the end of love’ by Leonard Cohen came on Simon directed me to the dance floor. We did a few moves and then quickly disguised our fear by getting the rest of the guests up and dancing. We did get a quick dip in of course.”

The invitation was thought up by the couple and tied in with their thank you’s – Bernadine explaining, “The invitation was many hours on the internet searching for a company that would make the reels for the old eighties viewfinders. Guests received in the mail a small box. Like a present. They looked through the viewfinder and seven 3D photographs of the bride and groom inviting each guest to the wedding, with a written message on chalkboards.”

Congratulations on your marriage Bernadine and Simon! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Thank you also to Katie Bennett of Embellysh Photography for sharing today’s wedding with us!