Lauren & Sam

Bright colour always makes me happy, so when there are bright colour and a wedding in one, well how can I can anything less than ecstatic? I fell for the beautiful bright flowers in Lauren and Sam’s wedding, just one part of a day that seemed to be carefully thought out and executed to match the bride and groom’s laid back personalities (complete with food trucks!) and captured beautifully by Madeleine Chiller.

They newlyweds tell their story. “We met at the Kinglake Football Netball Club, Sam always states for him it was love at first sight, Lauren always needed convincing.”

Lauren’s sister designed the modern stationery for the day, kicking off the handmade elements.

The bride chose a beautiful gown from Mariana Hardwick , telling “It was a simple but elegant dress with a low exposed back. The beautiful girls at Marianna Hardwick made it so easy to find my dress, such a easy process! All done in a day!”

The couple chose a family property for the wedding, noting “We used Lauren’s parents’ property in Kinglake which is set in beautiful bushland and overlooks a large free water dam. Kinglake is a special place for the both of us, also Sam recently finished building Lauren’s parents’ place there.”

Lauren walked down the aisle to “Say My Name” by Florence & The Machine.

Father Peter officiated the ceremony, Lauren noting “We just wanted to be simple, it was performed by a priest but in a very relaxed fashion, allow us to live together to a happy old age and let marriage be held in honour by all. Our readings were based on building marriage on great foundations of love and respect also what an honour it is marry your soul mate.”

Of their photographer, Lauren raves “Where do I begin to thank Maddie, we meet in high school and had always got along. I followed her work on Facebook and her blogs over the years in awe of her creative ability and stunning photos. I had used Maddie previously for some family photos, and I knew when Sam and I were getting married there was no one else I would turn to and trust. I was over the moon when she was free on our date.

We met over the months leading up to our day, her advice was fantastic. She gave ideas and made sure I didn’t forget anything, it felt like she knew everything I wanted from the word go. On the day she was simply amazing besides her amazing photography she was like a second bridesmaid for me.”

Gillian Pollard styled the bright and beautiful floral arrangements for the day, Lauren explaining “My florist Gillian Pollard was outstanding. I had no idea what I wanted when it came to flowers or visualising the space. After my first meeting with Gill, I fell in love with her ideas and just let her use her creativity so I actually had no idea which flowers I was having, but I was absolutely blown away by what she was able to pull together! The guests still comment on how beautiful our flowers were! All the vendors that we used were so amazing and easy to deal with! Which made everything run smoothly!”

“My mum made all the cushions that we had on the planks of wood, most we wrapped in calico around the planks. Sam built our arch. My sister helped with making the signs around the marquee and for the wedding.”

Wanting to make most of the country, guests dined from food trucks in a beautiful clear marquee. Culinary delights including offerings from Beatbox Burgers, All Ablaze Pizza ,  Rhodes Greek Tavern and Crepes for Change. Lauren tells “Food was a big thing, We wanted great food, didn’t want anyone to be hungry and wanted to people to choose what they wanted. Rhodes Greek Tavern is our favourite restaurant and they were more than willing to help us cater which was fantastic.”

Of the first dance, Lauren remembers “We danced to Have I told You Lately by Van Morrison, for me it was always a song that highlights love between each other, Sam just went along with it!”

Congratulations on your marriage Lauren and Sam! Thank you for taking the time to share your day with us. Thank you also to Madeleine Chiller for sharing today’s beautiful celebration with us!