Samantha & Josh

Give us a garden wedding with beautiful floral details, romantic moments and plenty of stories and we’re set. For Samantha and Josh, their autumn day was filled with all of this and so much more. The garden ceremony with the most gorgeous autumn light, the moody autumnal floral details, the champagne and canapes under the setting sun and a dance floor they’ll never forget. They invited Photogerson and today, we get to share every beautiful detail with you!

It was a dating app that led these two together, a next day drink invitation and they were soon inseparable, the groom choosing to pop the question in a scene that was akin to a dream for Sam. She shares “It was the most amazing night. Josh had set up a movie projector in his brother’s warehouse, with fairy lights, cushions, drinks, amazing food platter made by one of my best friends, three of my favourite movies to choose from and even Choc Bombs. He led me in blindfolded and while the music was playing got down on one knee. He had chosen the ring himself and it was perfect. I had no idea (just thought we were going out for dinner at a restaurant) and I honestly felt like I was in a romantic movie (in the best way). I still think about it all the time as one of the best days of my life.”

The day kicked off with a very special gift. “As part of my wedding gift Josh had bought me a record of “Come Rain, Come Shine” by Ray Charles which is the song we got engaged to, and a record player for me to play it the morning of the wedding. It brought me to tears and I was even more excited to see him later in the day.”

Sam’s brother has passed away, and her bridesmaids made sure to honour him with her on the day. “My bridesmaids organised a locket with a photo of my brother which was so touching, I had it wrapped around my bouquet so he could be there during the ceremony. My other brother was my witness, so they were both involved which was so special. My Mum also made me a garter with a bit of her wedding dress, an old blue button, a pearl, and other precious objects of hers. It was my something old and something blue.”

Samantha wore two gowns for her day, the first a gown by Karen Willis Holmes found on Still White. “The ceremony dress was the Sophia gown from Karen Willis Holmes” she tells. “I felt so beautiful in it, it was dress love at first sight when I first tried it on but unfortunately it was out of my budget. I was so lucky to find the dress on Still White, and the seller was in Perth so I could go and try it on, it was the perfect fit and the alteration I did was to change how the belt fastened… it was fate!”

Beautiful Old Broadwater Farm fit the bill for the all in one venue Sam and Josh wanted. Sam sharing “We wanted a space where the guests could arrive for the ceremony and not have to worry about leaving until the end of the night. Old Broadwater Farm is a stunning venue and we would highly recommend it.”

Addison and Bloom designed the moody floral details for the day, tells Sam “We went with native flowers throughout. We had an amazing arrangement on the arbour (which we moved into the marque to frame the speeches to get the most use out of it) and our bouquets were absolutely stunning.”

“The bridesmaids walked down to “The Way I am” by Ingrid Michaelson and my Dad walked me down to “La Vie En Ros” sung by, Daniela Andrade” remembers Samantha.

The couple chose Megan Dawson to officiate their ceremony, who also happens to be the bride’s aunt! Sam explaining “Our ceremony was short and sweet, we didn’t have any readings. My Aunty was our celebrant which made it so special.”

Family was a big focus for Sam and Josh, who involved their loved ones in as much of the day as they could. “I think the family involvement was our favourite part” remarks Sam. “Josh’s Mum, my Mum, and brother’s girlfriend came to get ready with my bridesmaids and me in the morning. My family were staying at the venue for the night of the wedding so went early to help my cousin set up the marquee and ceremony area (and packed up for us the morning after). My uncles drove my bridesmaids and me to the venue. My aunty was our celebrant and my brother and one of Josh’s brothers were the witnesses. Josh’s other brother designed our invitations and got a friend to be our DJ for the evening. Mine and Josh’s parents did a speech. It was so special to have them so involved, we will treasure that time forever.”

“We had a friend who is an artist did a painting of the tree we got married under during the canape hour, which was such a privilege and something we will treasure forever.”

“I actually really enjoyed the whole thing” notes Sam. ” People say it is stressful but I am a really organised person and loved putting all the pieces together. Everything does take a long time if you are making things yourself so it felt so weird after the wedding to have a weekend without any jobs to do!”

The newlyweds were thrilled with their photographer. “Luke from Photogerson was awesome, such a relaxed guy and makes you feel super comfortable. His skills are epic, and people cannot stop talking about how amazing our photos are!”

Sam’s bridesmaids donned their own dream gowns, under the advice of Sam who wanted them to each pick their own dress, explaining “My bridesmaids got to pick their own dresses. They were all midi-length styles but in completely different shapes and colours. I wanted to do something different (and) have them to chose something they loved – the bright colours looked so amazing with the flowers on the day!”

“We were so lucky with all our vendors, but I think the florist (Addison and Bloom) was a standout, every single person has commented on how absolutely stunning the flowers were! ”

Guests gathered after dark for a sit-down marquee reception, much of which was decorated by Sam and Josh. Sam remarking “Josh’s brother is a graphic designer, so he designed out invitations and I took the flower motif from these and used it for all the stationery. I made all our signage, seating chart, place cards, menus and favours. It took a lot of work but it was such an accomplishment to see it all come together, and it saved us some money too.”

“We had photos of our parents and grandparent’s wedding day’s on the gift table, plus a photo of my brother who has passed away. It was a lovely touch to have guests being able to see them all,” explains Sam.

Supper Road catered a delicious sit-down feast. “The food was fantastic, Supper Road did such a fabulous job keeping everybody well fed and watered.”

The newlyweds took to the dance floor to Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight”. A special choice for the bride who shares “It’s the song I wanted my first dance to since I was in high school.”

For dancing, Samantha switched to a short tulle gown from Jonte Designs. “My reception party dress I got changed into after our first dance. It was the Ethereal Lace Dress from Jonte Designs. It was a super cute knee length with an amazing tulle skirt, so easy to dance the night away in! I changed into some bright green Bell Frankie and Co earrings and silver sequin shoes to jazz up the party outfit.”

Congratulations Sam and Josh! Thank you for sharing your beautiful wedding day with us! Thanks also to Photogerson for today’s beautiful wedding images!