Tayla Jo & Shawn

We do love a day in the country and when it’s as handmade, as beautiful and as heartfelt as the wedding of Tayla Jo and Shawn, well could we be any more thrilled? From a beautiful blush pink wedding gown to an olive grove ceremony, and celebration under festoon lights next to the wooden barn – it’s got all the makings of a simply beautiful country celebration! Luckily for us, Carry Your Heart Photography was there to capture it all!

The couple first met at the local pub, the bride recalling “Like all good Australian couples we met at the local pub in Bacchus Marsh. The Royal. Which was the place to be when we were 18-19.” The groom to be proposed some years later on an annual trip to the snow Tayla Jo telling “We were at Mt Hotham for our annual snow trip with our group of friends. After a full day of snowboarding, we returned back to the chalet where we were all getting ready for dinner at the pub.
Nicole, Ellie (bridesmaid and maid of honour) and I were upstairs, I was finishing off my hair in the bathroom, when I finished I went back into the bedroom, I didn’t think much of it at the time but they both were acting really weird.
David (second groomsman) came upstairs and told me that Shawn needed to see me outside.
I was very reluctant, but David made it clear that it was important and I really should go see him, so I huffed my way down stairs, proceeded outside where Shawn was standing.
I had my back to the chalet during the conversation with Shawn and once we he said to me “before we go inside, turn around and check out these idiots”…..
There were three big signs that said: “WILL YOU MARRY ME TAYLA-JO?” With about 15 of our closest friends watching on eagerly.
I, of course, started balling like a baby, I turned to Shawn who was on one knee and I said “YES, of course I will”.

Tayla Jo chose a beautiful ballgown in blush, found at bridal boutique Melissa E. She tells “Believe it or not, my dress was the complete opposite of what I thought I wanted. I keep trying on very simple crisp white dresses, no train, no poof, no sparkles, and definitely not strapless. I had been to a few stores and tried on what felt like 100 dresses and I was becoming so deflated because nothing felt right. My mum and I decided to try a local bridal store in Ballarat, where I continued to try on similar dresses, with nothing popping out at me. My mum came round the corner carrying what looked like enough fabric to make 10 dresses. She asked me to please, please, please try it on, me being quite stubborn I was reluctant because it was everything I didn’t want.
It had a big skirt, train, decorative corset bodice, strapless and it was blush pink.
I decided to try it on to humour my mother, and lo and behold I fell in love. I knew as soon as I looked in the mirror it was the one. I felt so amazing, and I didn’t want to take it off.”

Creswick Flowers created the floral details of the day, the bride remarking “Our bouquets, boutonnieres, cake topper, and decorative flowers were all produced by not only our beautiful family friend but the owner of Creswick flowers, Simone. I wanted classic flowers, a mixture of peach and white colours to tie in with both my dress and the bridesmaids. Having known Simone for years I had complete trust in her and she followed through with the perfect arrangements.”

The couple chose country venue Providence Gully for their day, noting “Our wedding and reception was held at Providence Gully, just outside of Newstead in central Victoria. The property was just perfect, surrounded by gums and colourful flowers. The gardens surrounding the barn were manicured to perfection. It felt like we had left the world and be transported to a fairyland, it was nothing short of perfect. The owners Clare and Trevor where so accommodating from the word go! Clare gave me the freedom to go DIY crazy and allowed me to use all her goodies stored at the farm. She kept everything cool calm and collected on the day.”

 

Tayla Jo walked down the aisle with her father to Train’s “Marry Me”.

Jo Mooney officiated the ceremony, Tayla Jo remembering “Jo Mooney married us and kept our ceremony short, sweet and personalised, which is exactly what we wanted. Jo listened to us, took everything into consideration and perform a beautiful ceremony.
Jo shared our meeting and engagement story in such a heartfelt manner. There were lots of happy tears flowing thought out the whole ceremony.”

Of their photographer, the bride tells I decided to go with Jess though a recommendation from a friend. I wanted someone who could capture the raw emotion and moments and wouldn’t get caught up in those posed photos. Jess did exactly that and went above and beyond to get the perfect shot, I often catch a glimpse of her half in a bush, just to get that perfect shot. Our photos are just divine and I’ll always be so grateful for that.”

The newlyweds celebrated with their guests with a relaxed cocktail reception, making the most of the open skies of the country location.

The couple chose Schatzi’s to cater their cocktail reception, telling “The food was important to us, we both love food and we wanted grazing style but it was important to us no one went home hungry.

A lot of research and planning went into our menu. And I have Frank from Schatzi’s to thank, he went above and beyond to meet our needs.”

“I made much as I possibly could”, tells Tayla Jo, “The reception layout, centrepieces, table runners, flower chandeliers, past family photo frames, confetti bags, lolly favours, polaroid photo station, and music playlist. I had a ball doing it!”

Of their first dance, the bride remembers “We danced to “Amazed” by  Lonestar. We both have two left feet so we decided to have dance lessons which was actually really fun. Our dance was classic with a few special spins and dips. Everyone loved it.”

A big congratulations to the newlyweds! Thank you for taking the time to share the stories of your day with us. Thank you also to Carry Your Heart Photography for sharing today’s imagery!