Liz & John
Oh how romantic it is to dine under the stars – which is exactly how Liz and John celebrated their stylish outdoor wedding. They married in Liz’s childhood home neighbour’ s backyard, a place where Liz spent much of her childhood – before moving to her childhood home’s backyard for a sit down reception. As the sun set the lights came on, the dancing started and Nicolle Versteeg Photography captured it all.
Liz tells their story of how thy came to be. “We met in a very unexciting way – at a bar at a mutual friend’s 21st birthday! The relationship progressed as is the usual way these days – Facebook friend request, a few private messages back and forth, first date (a huge success) and so on… ”
Liz chose a gown from Anna Campbell with shoes by Tony Bianco.
The groom chose a suit from MJ Bale.
Liz’s bridesmaids wore gowns in different shades of grey from Jenny Yoo.
Liz walked down the aisle to Ellie Goulding “How Long Will I Love You?”.
Liz tells, “The ceremony was held at my parent’s next door neighbour’s garden. They have hosted a few weddings there previously and I knew it would be perfect. It is a beautiful garden and our next door neighbours are very close friends of ours. I have so many memories of parties, childhood concerts, afternoon teas etc in that garden.”
“Our celebrant, Cameron Eglington, was fantastic – he was so flexible, easy going and ran the whole ceremony like such a professional.”
“Our pugalier Rex was our ring bearer and we absolutely adore him and were so glad he was part of the ceremony – we let him out from the backyard studio when the celebrant announced it was time to exchange the rings and luckily for us, when we called his name, he ran straight towards us (there is a picture of him in the ceremony photos) with the rings tied around his neck!”
“Our good friend Sue Gawned coordinated the flowers for us and the bridesmaids, mother of the bride, mother of the groom helped the day before. They turned out beautifully!”
Of their photographer, Liz tells, “Nicolle Versteeg was our photographer. We chose her after she photographed our friend’s wedding and did a fabulous job. We loved how relaxed and natural her style was and how she was familiar with Fremantle and all it had to offer. Nicolle was a ‘calming influence’ on the day and the bridal party had a fantastic time shooting at a few locations around Freo and East Freo. She was an absolute delight to deal with from start to finish and made us feel so comfortable on the day.”
“The most memorable moments of the day for us were the wedding party photos where we were able to relax and be silly with our closest friends (and recover from feeling so nervous at the ceremony). We had our photos taken at the Roundhouse in Fremantle and George Street in East Fremantle. We particularly love the photos taken in front of the mural on the corner of George and Hubble Streets, in East Fremantle.”
Reception celebrations were held in Liz’s parent’s backyard. The Event Mill pulled together the look with furniture from Hire Society. Liz noting, “A special mention to our friend Jesse Wilson from The Event Mill who organised the chairs, staging, lighting and dance floor for us.”
“John did all the signage, wedding invites, menus etc with the help of a couple of colleagues at work (he works in advertising). Many elements were DIY on the day – the drinks station, welcome tables, chalkboards and cake table.”
Guests enjoyed a feast by Beaumonde Catering, the newlyweds noting, “We have to make special mention to Beaumonde catering who did the most fantastic job. The food was incredible as was the service. We received many compliments on the catering from guests.”
“All the speeches were fantastic and were another favourite moment – our dads spoke, as did both my sisters and John’s best friend, Baz. The speeches were so funny and heartfelt and were the perfect addition to the night.”
Bride Liz remembers, “John was keen to do a first dance but I was reluctant. I had seen a few first dances that were quite awkward and we decided that we wouldn’t have one. I actually regret not doing one now. On the night it didn’t matter and once the band started people did not get off the dance floor all night.”
“My parents surprised us with two oversized vertical garden letters (J & L) that they attached to the wooden framework of the patio. We were very impressed!”
Congratulations on your marriage Liz and John! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Thank you also to Nicolle Versteeg Photography for sharing today’s wedding!
Stylish is right! What a beautiful wedding!