Katie & Gavin

Fun country weddings, like today’s celebration (captured by Nina Claire Photography) never seem to get old. The Australian countryside is also so distinctive to me and the special touches that couples bring to make their day their own- well that’s what we’re all about!

Katie tells the story of how she and Gavin came to be. “We first met at our local pool while we were both training for triathlons. We became good friends for around 5-6 years. Then through spending more time with each other realised why not!! In Gavin’s words ‘why wait for someone else to snap her up from under me’!!”

Katie’s bridesmaids wore cream lace gowns from Forever New.

Peppermint Press created bicycle inspired invitations in taupe and pale blue.

Melanie Ford Designs created a custom gown for Katie, who tells, “I absolutely loved my dress and the process I went through when getting it made!! I didn’t want a big fancy frock and was never one who thought I’d spend much on ‘just a dress’ but walking into her boutique/couture shop quickly had my mind changed as it’s so personal and designed just for you!!”

Yarramalong Farm Stay was chosen as the one venue for the “wedding weekend”. Katie telling, “A gorgeous property in Yarramalong Valley. We rented the Farm Stay House to sleep our wedding party while other family and friends camped behind the house. The flat area designated for marquee set up was large enough for the 10×15 marquee, jumping castle for the kids and fire bins to keep everyone warm at night!”

The processional was a surprise, Katie remembering, “Gavin chose our song as a bit of a surprise for me. It was called ‘This must be the place’ by Talking Heads.”

Katie’s rings were a huge part of her family history, she explains. “I wore my grandmother’s (Betty) engagement ring and was lucky enough to make my engagement and wedding band out of yellow diamonds she had given me a few years ago. This made my day and my rings have so much more meaning and memories!”

The wedding cake was handmade and carried on a family tradition, Katie recalling, “Our wedding cake was created the night before by my mother and brother-in-law and is a bit of a tradition in my family. Both my sisters had the same one. It was a chocolate shell filled with Lola balls (a recipe my late great grandmother concocted). It was delicious!!!!”

Of their photographer, Katie remarks, “An amazingly talented woman who understood our desire to have minimal fuss and natural ‘in the moment’ photographs. Nina was so easy to talk to and was mistaken several times as a guest as she just seemed so relaxed! She mingled with guests and danced up a storm with us all on the dance floor!!”

“During our photos together we walked over to the horse and Shetland pony to pat them before heading back to our guests and the Shetland pony decided to stick its head through the fence and munch on my bouquet!! It was hilarious!! ”

The reception decor was done by the couple, Katie remarking, “All the flower bottles/jars were collected by family and friends. The straw haybales were kindly ‘borrowed’ from a family friend and covered with calico and twine the day before. I purchased the flowers at market with my amazing friend and florist (Annika- we set up the night before)! The tables (cable reels) were borrowed from a friend. The cutlery and dining pieces were eco so we could have a great rustic feel and could throw them out afterwards… no fuss.”

“Dad made our fire pits and chopped the wood for warmth at night. We decorated the inside of the marquee the night before with fairy lights and paper lanterns, my sister made a lace doily bunting for the lolly bar. My Grandfather made mini blackboards for signs around marquee.”

There was no first dance, instead Katie recalls, “We didn’t exactly have one…Our wedding was all about minimal attention on us and more about enjoying the company of all our guests! On our RSVPs we asked our guests to write down their favourite song to dance to. Then Gavin and I put together a dancing playlist for our DJ. So really everyone had a first dance! ”

Congratulations Katie and Gavin! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Thank you also to Nina Claire Photography for sharing today’s wedding with us!