Kelsie & Chris’ Gorgeous Country Wedding in Eleebana

Kelsie & Chris

I have to tell you when it comes to the wedding of Kelsie & Chris I am smitten. I am smitten because they married at a place filled with memories, I am smitten because they ditched the traditions that meant nothing to them (see ya first dance!) I am smitten because they made sure to include those that that did (hello heartfelt ceremony). These two so honestly did it their way – from greeting each other as they walked down the aisle, to creating a space that was truly theirs. We’re pretty darn thrilled that Alex Jack Photography was along for the ride so we can share it all with you today!

It was over pizza that these two came to be, they share their story to start us off. “We met as younger versions of ourselves with no idea what it would grow into, we met at our first job, which was at our local pizza takeaway shop!”

The bride found her beautiful lace gown at Newcastle Bridal House. She tells “The dress was lace with an open back and small trail. The lace had roses and leaves in the pattern and tapered out towards the bottom. To be honest I had no idea what I was after and when I tried the dress on I knew it was the one.”

Family was important to these two, the bride adding a special piece of jewellery to her look, explaining  “I wore an opal ring, which is a family heirloom. The opal was farmed by my late Pop and handmade by my Pop for my Nan. The ring was given to me on my 21st birthday and is a very special heirloom.”

The groom and groomsmen wore simple, black suits by Rundle Tailoring.

Chris’ family farm set the scene for the day, Kelsie sharing “We chose a relaxed familiar backyard setting, in Chris’ parent’s backyard where over years passed we spent many days with our friends playing backyard cricket and celebrating different occasions.”

Kelsie and Chris met at the top of the aisle and walked down together, they explain “We walked down the aisle together to City and Colour, “We found each other in the dark”. We believe this song reflected how when we met each other we really had no idea what it would grow into, and when we met we had no idea how much we really needed each other.”

Kelsie and Chris wanted a no-fuss ceremony. “We wanted the ceremony to feel intimate, personal and be an opportunity to celebrate our love with our nearest and dearest. It was important that the ceremony included what we love most about each other. Our celebrant was a close friend who was able to personalise the ceremony. We wrote our own vows as a surprise for each other. We did not do any readings.”

A bright orange kombi was one of the newlywed’s favourite parts of the day, Kelsie explaining “using Kelsie’s best friend’s kombi as the bridal car. We didn’t stray far from the venue, having pictures taken in the street and surrounding properties, however having the car to get from Chris and Kelsie’s house where the bridesmaids and Kelsie got ready, to the wedding venue, was very special.”

September being Spring was one of the reasons Kelsie and Chris chose their wedding date. The couple choosing flowers from Kemps Creek Flowers which they arranged themselves the night before the wedding. Kelsie telling “We both love flowers so choosing flowers was one of the easiest yet most difficult tasks. We chose to go with a simple colour palette, with blushing hues. Chris loves proteas, so they were a must. The other flowers were based on what was in season, and were either foraged or purchased from the local flower man.”

Of their chosen photographer, the bride raves “Alex Jack was absolutely amazing. It’s hard to put words to just how great she was. She made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera and it didn’t feel like she was there. Alex made sure she captured every moment. She was a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend her.”

The reception was filled with handmade details, crafted by the happy couple. Kelsie shares “We DIY’d heaps! All of the furniture, rugs, drinks trolleys, buckets for flowers, signs and lighting was DIY. We did a grazing board, which was handmade (we made for our engagement party and has been used at countless events between). We bought LOVE letters that a friend made for her wedding, and they were a hit! The lace behind where we were married was hung ourselves between the trees and we personally re-upholstered the chairs for our signing table. Our dear friend Sheree helped pull everything together on the day and ensure things ran smoothly.”

With the wedding being at home, Kelsie and Chris had to do absolutely everything themselves, which led to a few fun events on the day. Explains Kelsie “Chris had a total debacle in setting up the festoons, the only lighting we had arranged, with the majority snapping while being installed. Chris made a dash for Bunnings and threw up some fairy lights, which took ages, but we both think turned out better than the festoons anyhow.”

“We feel blessed with how wonderful all of our vendors were and it would be hard to choose a standout” tells Kelsie. “Alex was truly amazing, and she went over and above. Our favourite part of wedding planning was being able to plan a day that’s exactly how you’ve dreamt of and that reflects you as a couple and as individuals.”

“It was exactly how we’d planned, dreamt of and hoped for. We wouldn’t change a thing.”

There was no first dance for these newlyweds but there was dancing! Kelsie remembers “We didn’t do a first dance! Our final dance of the night was John Farnham, “You’re the Voice” and all our guests circled us while we danced together. It was totally unplanned and a huge highlight of the night.”

Little Ruby Visual created this stunner of a film of the day which captured all the country beauty.