Cody & Andrew

Every single time I write a wedding story I get goosebumps, goosebumps over the excitement, over the details, over the day – oh and certainly, most of all over the story. And Cody and Andrew’s day, described in Cody’s own words at “Romantic but rustic. Fun not formal. Party/festival” is honestly no different. I fell in love with Cody’s flower crown and I stayed for the epic first dance shot under the deep blue sky. Captured by Tahnee Jade Photography this country wedding is full of everything we need to kick the year off.

The couple met at work, Cody retelling their story. “We met one night working at the same shopping centre… cliche as it sounds we both looked up at the same time and caught each other’s eye! We soon became good friends but I think we both knew it would always be more.”

After ten years together, Cody had started to joke the proposal would never happen and yet Andrew still managed to catch her by surprise. “I would always joke that at ten years I’d leave if he hadn’t popped the question… 10 years came and went. I got a ring but not ‘that ring.’ We love to travel and escaping overseas for my 30th was the plan. He encouraged me to go all out and book a penthouse in Santorini for a three day weekend. It was beautiful!

Little did I know it at the time, but this was part of his plan. Sneaky! The night of my birthday we were on the rooftop watching the sunset and having a few pre-dinner drinks. I was keen to get to dinner yet he wanted to stay a bit longer. Next minute as the sun touched the water and all the lights lit up across the cliff edge, he got down on one knee and said the four words I thought I’d never hear, “will you marry me?” The most romantic thing he has ever done! And I love him for it.”

The bride found her wedding ballgown at Peter Trends. She shares “Choosing my dress was probably one of my least favourite experiences of planning our wedding! In most cases, you have an hour to look and try on and it’s usually with someone telling you what to like.

That aside, I knew I wanted a tulle skirt and lace top. To be unique and have a stand out feature. To be comfortable and to feel myself. And I was lucky enough to get all that! And it turned out to be the first dress I tried on. I got it local too which felt even more meant to be. I paired it with a flower crown, nude heels and a denim jacket personalised by my mum.

If I can give any advice, choose the dress that screams your name when you see yourself in the mirror.”

Woops a Daisy Florist created the stunning native bouquets for the day. “Sticking to the romantic but rustic theme I wanted a mix of native with roses. I wanted blush/nude/pink colours with lots of mixed greens. I loved my flowers! My bouquet was just divine! I have also framed my crown and I’ll treasure it forever.

Country venue Baxter Barn set the scene for the day, says Cody. “We wanted to get married close to home yet also have a venue that allowed all parts of the day to be in the same place. We wanted a less formal and more relaxed feel to the day and ideally outdoors. Baxter Barn ticked all of this and more for us and was an easy choice to make!”

Cody’s favourite part of planning? Seeing it all start to come together! “I’m a list person and to stay sane throughout the process we chose one thing to work on and stuck at it until a decision was made and then moved onto next thing.
Meeting our vendors would have to be our biggest tip. You truly know if they are the right match for your day by catching up in person!”

Of Andrew’s look for the day, which was by Politix and  Camp Nash. Cody shares “He had his heart set on a three-piece black suit from the very start! He wanted to stand out from the boys so went for a velvet jacket and looked very smart! A friend of ours designed and made bolo ties which was a personal touch and a nod towards his own style which I love! Not a fan of suit shoes, he went for a more edgy Doc Martin boot in cherry red. It was important to both of us to be ourselves.”

Of her walk down the aisle, the bride remembers “I wanted to surprise Andrew with an Elvis song yet I felt compelled to walk down to a woman’s voice. Kina Grannis, “Can’t help falling in love” was the perfect choice. Every time I hear it play I feel all the emotions come flooding back. My beautiful dad proudly walked with me.”

Melbourne Celebrant Danielle officiated the day, Cody noting “We wanted a short but sweet ceremony. It was important to us for our guests to be captivated and entertained, not bored. We really just wanted it light and cheerful. We chose two readings, the first being song lyrics of ‘stand by me.’ This was playing when we got engaged. The second being ‘when I hear you laugh’.
When we share a secret
When your eyes sparkle
When we’re just us
When we don’t have to talk
When I watch you sleeping
When you remember
When I don’t have to explain
When you walk into the room
When we are in a crowd
When I am by myself
When you are just being you
When you make me giggle
When I hear your heartbeat
When you reach for me
Even when you’re not looking
That’s when I love you.”

 

“It’s your day. Make every decision for the two of you.. not to please that of others” advises Cody. “Make the time to meet your suppliers and choose those that you gel with. You won’t regret it.
Remember why you’re doing it.. nothing is worth compromising your love.”

“We had an uneven wedding party but it was about having the ones we loved most up there with us not a numbers game” remarks Cody. “Andrew had the boys in 3 pieces black to match his suit but they had plain black jackets and black docs. I went with sage green for the girls but I really wanted them to all feel comfortable which is why they each chose their own style. I loved that each dress matched in colour but was also different in design. Everyone looked beautiful!”

One of Cody’s favourite memories involves bugs. “One that always makes me laugh is post-wedding de-bugging my dress! Being hot and humid and tulle mirroring bug netting, I had collected an army of friends during the ceremony. The girls were very busy helping me get them out of all 8 layers of dress!”

“Tahnee was a dream to work with” says Cody of the couple’s chosen photographer. “She instantly made us feel comfortable and also made it fun! We feel lucky we have gained a gem of a friend out of this too! And a lifetime of incredible photos to bring back all the feels!”

The first dance was utter magic, says Cody. “Neither of us are dancers but thanks to our gorgeous celebrant, she was able to teach us a few moves only a couple of weeks before the wedding. She saved us from awkwardly rocking for an eternity of 3 mins and It turned out perfect!
We danced to “Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac.”

Band Brendan + Sabrina was another favourite find of these two. “The music was just perfect and we have loved seeing you play since! Thanks for learning new songs for us!”

Cody and Andrew hired New Age Films to capture this joy-filled film of the day as it unfolded. “Sam our videographer was one of our favourite vendors” shares Cody, “He thinks of everything.. even what you wouldn’t dream of! He is all about the minor details and finishing touches and has a soul you instantly relax around.”

Congratulations to you both Cody and Andrew! Thank you for sharing your day with us. Thank you additionally, to Tahnee Jade Photography for sharing today’s beautiful celebration with us!