Ashleigh & Nathan

I love the country feeling of Ashleigh and Nathan’s Winter high tea wedding – the couple, who were soon to be married on the beach in Fiji were intent on having their grandparents, who were not able to travel, present at their wedding – so they tied the knot before their beach celebration with their grandparents in the front row. The vintage inspired details – from the beautiful wedding gown of her mothers that Ashleigh donned, to the vintage tea cups guests sipped tea from, gave this pre-wedding wedding such a beautiful sentimental feel. All captured beautifully by  K Thorpe Photography.

Ashleigh and Nathan found each other in high school – though not as quickly as one would think! Ashleigh explaining “We went through most of high school together, never meeting or talking for the first 4 years. In year 11 (17 years old) we happened to be in a class together and once we started talking, we never stopped.”

Ashleigh explains of the day. “Our wedding was a bit different in that we booked a wedding in Fiji with a big group of friends and the family who could make it. Our grandparents are all not able to travel, and as they play such an important part in our lives, we wanted them to share our special day with us. Before we left for Fiji, we decided to hold this legal ceremony/high tea with just our grandparents, parents, siblings, and two witnesses (and their partners).” Adding “Our grandparents were our guests of honour, and sat in the front row. We had a vintage and sentimental theme, using old songs and focusing on the simple things. We were so lucky to have the most beautiful winter weather and have everything outside in a gorgeous national park.”

Ashleigh and Nathan held their day at the beautiful Scheyville National Park, with stylist Events At Km Creations transforming the natural space to accommodate the wedding. Ashleigh remarking “We did the entire thing in Scheyville National Park which is quite close to our home. I had been in the park before and was blown away by its size and beauty, and the fact that not many people know about it! It has so much history and natural beauty. Our wedding stylist (the super talented Kiera from Events at KmCreations) found the most magnificent tree to hold the ceremony under, and it was just stunning on the day. The high tea was held a short walk away and our stylist set up and decorated tables and seats for our guests. My mum’s closest friends made all the food!! They did such an amazing job to make our day perfect! They’re such beautiful people to do that, and we are very lucky.”

The bride walked down the aisle with her father to Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me” remembering “It is classic and beautiful, and the song still gives us goosebumps. It fit the day perfectly. My dad walked me down the aisle. I am very close to my dad and he was the perfect person to keep me calm and excited for the big walk!!”

 

Justine Milne officiated the ceremony, Ashleigh telling “Our ceremony was done by the most wonderful celebrant – Justine Milne. She performed such a beautiful ceremony that was relaxed and intimate and felt very ‘us’. We wrote our own vows and Justine used our stories to create an intimate vibe.”

Ashleigh notes “I was completely shocked by how the day brings out different emotions. I (normally the super anxious, emotional one) got weirdly calm and just so excited before walking down the aisle. I could not wipe the smile off my face!! Nathan (normally relaxed and super casual about things) got so emotional and was so nervous, he cried as I walked down the aisle, more than I’ve ever seen him cry in 8 years of being together! It was really touching and amazing what weddings can do. My brother was very emotional, as were a few others who normally are very relaxed.”

Haus 101 styled the beautiful floral arrangements of the day, the bride noting “The flowers were done by Haus 101 – an amazing and talented florist!!! She did the most elegant bouquet, buttonholes, and bunches, and completely understood my vision, in that I just wanted white flowers with plenty of greenery. She blew me away with her work, and understood that I didn’t want anything over the top.”

Guests celebrated the ceremony with a high tea catered by friends Lorraine, Jo, Karen and Julie who whipped up chocolate-covered strawberries, fresh scones, sandwiches and meringues – along with plenty of tea!

Of their photographer, Ashleigh telling “We just wanted it to be special for the grandparents and make sure that we got family photos with them, as well as our couple portraits. Our incredible photographer, Konrad from K Thorpe Photography, understood the importance of this. I also just wanted very natural and candid shots, and that’s exactly what he delivered!! We always felt so comfortable and just had fun, and the photos were more than we could have imagined.”

“I love the above photo, I think it’s my favourite!” says Ashleigh, adding “It just shows the incredible natural beauty of the park, the sunshine, the amazing setup, and just how much I adore my new husband!”

Ashleigh donned her mother’s own wedding gown, explaining “My dress was actually my mother’s dress…from her wedding to my dad in 1980! I didn’t alter a thing, it fit beautifully and was the most gorgeous, perfect dress for what we wanted. It was so beautiful being able to wear it, as she had 37 years before, she was more than a bit emotional about it as you can imagine! It had the perfect ‘foresty’ vibe to it, and beautifully fit our elegant and vintage theme.”

Congratulations Ashleigh and Nathan! Thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us! Thank you also to  K Thorpe Photography for sharing today’s beautiful day with us!