Nat and Andrew

A winery with sun streaming through the vines? Could life get any sweeter than a sunlit winery wedding? In fact, I think I could pull up a chair right now for the celebration of Nat and Andrew captured by Carla Atley. It looks like the best way to spend a lazy afternoon!

As for how the couple met, Nat tells that it isn’t a straight forward story. “This is actually a point of contention between us. We do know for sure that we both went ice skating together in 2005 with some mutual friends but we didn’t really spend much/any time together there as we were part of a larger group. We then ended up just hanging out in the same circle of friends over time and we all become mates. It wasn’t a long time before we started spending more time together and began dating in early 2007.”

The couple chose stationery from Etsy and made sure the day was as relaxed as possible, Andrew telling, “There are so many specific stories from the day, but overall it was just such a comfortable, fun day. Which is exactly what we wanted. I (Andrew) started the morning with some cards and beers with 3 of my best friends, while watching the cricket (fortunately our photographer managed to pull us away from the TV and get us ready in time to leave). Everything was pretty much perfect when we arrived thanks to some last minute crafty solutions from Andrew’s sister.”

Nat wore a gorgeous lace gown from Collette Dinnigan.

Nat and Andrew chose Barrett Lane for their wedding venue, Andrew remarks, “Our reception and ceremony were both held at Barrett Lane. It’s a small private property that a lovely couple have built a function room on. The family that owns the place works a lot with arts and crafts, and this is very much reflected in the venue. It’s new, but has a very rustic and homely feel (probably because it is built at their home!). It’s a small venue, which seated our 64 guests perfectly, but has all the extra facilities you’d expect/want, like a quality PA system, semi-industrial kitchen etc.”

Guests enjoyed ice cream from Mr Whippy while waiting for Nat to arrive.

Trevor Jalla performed the ceremony music, for the bride’s processional Andrew remembers. “We chose Your Song (originally by Elton John), performed live by local acoustic blues performer Trevor Jalla.”

Andrew remembers, “There were no nerves before the wedding and it was just really enjoyable. I did jump the gun a little and prematurely say ‘I do’ during the ceremony (you’ll see a couple of photos of us laughing mid-ceremony), which calmed everyone else down.” Robyn Henderson married the couple, Andrew describing her as “Relaxed, down to earth, very easy to talk to and work with!”

The ring exchange was particularly special due to Andrew’s mother. He tells, “My (Andrew’s) mum passed away suddenly in May. We had already chosen the date and venue and told my mum about it, and she was so excited. Despite the difficulties, we decided to keep the date the same. Nat wore a sapphire pin (attached to her beautiful bouquet) of my mums on the day. Nat and I also had our rings made out of some of her old jewellery. It was very special to us that she knew when and where we were having it and that a little piece of her could be there on the day.”

Andrew tells “I really enjoyed the hours between the ceremony and the reception where we just hung out with the bridal party (6 of our closest friends) and spent time together. It was an amazing experience. ” The groomsmen wore grey suits chosen by the groom from Next while the bridesmaids wore apricot gowns from Lulu’s.

Of their photographer, Nat tells, “Carla Atley was our photographer, with Anika Schmotter as her second shooter. Carla was recommended to us by a photographer friend of ours. We knew from the outset that we wanted someone with a candid style of shooting, who could capture some very natural shots of our friends and family. We wanted the focus to be on our guests as much as (if not more) that us. From our first meeting with her we were 100% convinced that she was perfect. Her style and presence is very natural and comfortable, which is exactly what we were looking for. It felt like we had another friend at our wedding rather than another vendor.”

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The reception continued inside with plenty of handmade details decorating the room. Each guest received a plant potted by the couple as a wedding favor (which doubled as a place card).

Blossom and Bloom styled the flowers, Andrew noting, “Couldn’t give them a big enough endorsement, friendly & efficient!”

Each table was numbered by Andrew. “The table numbers were all made by Andrew. The numbers themselves came from all over the place. Some were found, some I already had and some were bought. The wood came from around my house, my dads house and some that I just collected out on my travels.” Metallic painted tin cans were used to hold white blooms and painted by the bride. The arrangements sat on wooden stump rounds cut up by a friend of Andrew’s.

Guests enjoyed a feast catered by Comestibles who Andrew notes “….was effectively a wedding coordinator as well!”

The first dance was particularly memorable for the groom, who explains, “Our first dance was to How Long Will I Love You, by Ellie Goulding (originally by The Waterboys). I (Andrew) am one of the worst dancers you will ever find, so Jodie (one of Nat’s and oldest friends and bridesmaid) gave me a few lessons in the week leading up to the wedding.”

Congratulations Nat and Andrew! Thank you for sharing your day and its stories with us! Thank you also to Carla Atley for sharing today’s wedding with us!