Kelly and Paul

Kelly and Paul, both being Melbournites decided to throw caution to the wind and celebrate their wedding in Byron Bay with a sweet celebration at Byron View Farm, Byron Bay. With 360 degree views, the couple made the most of the location – staying on even after their guests had left – but not before a beautiful outdoor ceremony and dinner and dancing, all captured by Todd McGaw of The Giddy Up Camera Club.

Kelly kicks off their story. “Paul and I met whilst working together in advertising at The Age newspaper 10 years ago. We were best friends before we started dating 4 years later.”

Estelle of The French Petal styled the sweet floral arrangements for the day, Kelly remarking, “Our flowers were created by Estelle of The French Petal and featured pink peonies which had just come into season a week before our wedding.”

Kelly’s gorgeous gown was made by dressmaker Leffy Demeris with fabric from Tyler’s Fabrics Richmond, Melbourne. She says, “I sourced all the fabric for my dress – silk, vintage French lace and beaded belt, and had my wedding dress custom made by a Melbourne dressmaker.” The bride borrowed earrings from a dear friend who couldn’t attend due to giving birth two days earlier!

The couple chose Byron View Farm, Byron Bay for their wedding day. Kelly and Paul telling, “Paul and I love Byron Bay so it seemed like the perfect destination for our wedding. We searched many venues in and around Byron but nothing fit our brief. As soon as we discovered Byron View Farm, a gorgeous cottage on a beautiful property surrounded by rolling hills and views of the ocean located just outside of Byron town, we knew it was the one. We wanted a relaxed laid back wedding with a slight vintage feel, which matched the home-style of the cottage and views of the ocean. Our ceremony was held on the lawn overlooking the ocean and the Byron Bay lighthouse.”

Kelly remembers “My brother walked me down the aisle to Kiss Me – Ed Sheeran.”

Of their photographer, Kelly and Paul remark, “Our photographer was Todd McGaw. He was recommended to us and we instantly loved his work. We were thrilled he was available and willing to travel to Byron to photograph our wedding. He has a really unique style of work and an amazing eye. Paul and I really connected with Todd which helped us relax in front of the camera. Todd really captured our personality which is evident in our photos.”

Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés under the bamboo grove.

 

After photographs, guests settled in for dinner on the balcony, Kelly remembering, “Dinner was served on one long table that wrapped around the balcony of the cottage, which overlooked the hills of Bangalow and a beautiful sunset. Dancing and drinking continued under a marquee adjacent to the cottage. My brother made the wooden rounds that were used as centre pieces for our dinner table. He engraved our names and the date of the wedding. Some of our guests look them home as a memento of the day”. Seaweed Catering ensured guests dined on “amazing food”.” (as noted by the newlyweds!).

The stationery was a nod to how the couple met, Kelly explains, “We designed and printed our wedding stationery. Paul and I met at a newspaper so we created our wedding stationery in a newspaper theme. Our wedding invite was like a front page of the newspaper – with a travel, food / wine and shopping guide on the back which listed all our favourite cafes and restaurants, shops and accommodation options for our guests. Our place cards for the reception was a classified page of a newspaper with personal / love advertisements. Our program, which doubled as a hand fan, was also a DIY project.”

Kelly and Paul loved, “Being surrounded by happy, relaxed family and friends. Paul and I are from Melbourne so all our guests flew into Byron for our wedding. Most of our family and friends were from Melbourne, Brisbane and Noosa. We loved having everyone in Byron to share in our special day.”

Maria and Emma-lee of Frank + Joy styled and planned the wedding.

“Byron View Farm’s owners Robert Schwamberg and Andrea Duff were absolutely incredible. They were so friendly and welcoming. Paul and I didn’t want to leave!”

Guests enjoyed sweet favor treats, says Kelly, “La Belle Miette, a tiny French patisserie in Melbourne that specialise in the most delicious macarons supplied our bombonieres. A very good friend of ours carefully transported our 300 macarons on the plane with her for guests to enjoy.”

The couple danced under the moonlight, Kelly remembering “Our first dance was to Stay With You – John Legend. Our dance was choreographed by our close friends who are professional dancers and choreographers. It was performed on the dance floor of the marque situated just behind the cottage.”

Congratulations Kelly and Paul! Thank you for sharing your stories with us! Thank you also to Todd McGaw of The Giddy Up Camera Club for sharing today’s wedding with us!