Toni and Tom
My lovely fiancé Tom proposed to me in November 2014 and I instantly began making and creating for our wedding. However a few months into 2015, when someone asked me whether we were having an engagement party, I knew it was time to stop and put my energy into the planning of another wonderful event!
We had a simple garden engagement party at my parents’ Brisbane house that was made all the more special with just a few DIY touches and a dress code of bow ties and fascinators.
My parents have a very long driveway and I wanted guests to feel completely immersed in our theme straight away, so we spent hours spraying these gorgeous butterflies and stapling them to the fence.
I also made a DIY photo booth with a gorgeous tissue paper flower backdrop. Guests enjoyed being able to jump behind the big frame and take pictures with their friends.
The entire garden was filled with little DIY decorations aimed at improving the atmosphere of the event. The biggest project was the 70 origami cranes I folded. On the morning of the event my Maid Of Honour and her husband threaded each one onto the branches of a tree.
My favourite DIY item however was the colourful woollen pom poms that my girlfriends and I made when camping one night. The colourful balls dotted the clear sky, and the moment they were put up it was clear we had thrown something spectacular together.
We also ensured our guests couldn’t possibly get bored by having heaps of games and activities to keep them entertained whilst they sipped on their bubbly and shared in our merriment. We had croquet, boules, jenga (which my amazing brother measured and cut two days earlier), table tennis and a big group game.
To end the day my fiancé’s father threw some dry ice into our swimming pool and amazing smoke billowed off the surface, making for some spectacular pictures.
Images by Ty Walker
Tom and I had the most perfect day; thanks to my lovely family for hosting, as well as every single one of our wonderful guests who made our day special. We can’t wait for our wedding day in August!
Ms Chinoiserie Says: What a bright and happy engagement party; love all the DIY details, especially the paper butterflies and the origami cranes!
About Toni: I am an English teacher with a love for writing. I am a DIY bride and my friends keep telling me that I am the calmest bride around. I recently found out my wedding venue had been double booked with a music festival. Instead of turning into a half-dinosaur creature, I now have some great live music that will play while our bridal party photos are taken. I refuse to let anything ruin our perfect day!
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