Sascha and James embraced the beautiful country setting for their wedding, in a day that the bride sums up, quite simply as “stylish, natural, luxury meets country estate.”

The modern? It starts with Sascha’s incredible gown (which she spotted in France), the beautiful, but minimal floral details, the sparkling lights that lit everything up. The natural? The country? The beautiful Western Australian country landscape, the reception where guests dined at long tables on the country lodge verandah. The red earth, the green foliage, and the way these two incorporated it all into every detail of their day- making it truly personal.

And the beautiful? Oh, I think that has to be the imagery by today’s photographer Scott Horsburgh who captured such magical moments; you’re going to fall in love with each of them.

A friend knew these two would hit it off long before they did, laughs Sascha. “We were set up! I (Sascha) had recently moved back home to Perth from Sydney and a friend of mine had assured me she had ‘the perfect guy for me’. He was tall, kind, handsome…ticked all the boxes. Rest assured, after a very obvious set-up at a friend’s birthday we hit it off… he did in fact, tick all the boxes!

James proposed in the coldest month of the year, surprising Sascha on a walk by the river. “One very cold Sunday afternoon in Winter James said to me “let’s go to the Swan Valley for a nice afternoon”. After umming and ahhing about where to go we decided it was too cold and we would go to our local in East Perth by the river.

We had a lovely dinner and after dinner, James said let’s go for a walk along the river. I said are you mad!? It’s like two degrees, I’m not walking along the river… he tried to convince me and after a failed attempt, he said ok well we’ll just walk to that post (near the river).

I continued to complain about the cold when he pulled a box from his coat pocket and said “Here is a ring so you will marry me”. I opened the box to the most beautiful Art Deco-inspired ring that he had made. Then, I could hear a splashing sound in the river and I kid you – not an enormous pod of over 30 dolphins swam past, it was such a beautiful moment. James joked “Right on time”. It was a very surreal. moment.”

James worked with Edward Mccann on a custom made suit, the bride telling “The design was inspired by Thom Browne, with a long jacket and cropped pant paired with boots.” He added his grandad’s watch to complete his look.

Sascha donned an incredible statement gown by designer Toni Maticevski and she found it on the runway in Paris! She tells  “I was working as an International Fashion Buyer for Elle Boutique and was at the Paris showroom for Toni Maticevski. I had my eyes open for wedding dresses while I was in Paris and when I saw the gown, I knew it was the one.  I wanted something unique and have always loved ruffles and gathers, in a simplistic silhouette.

My Mum had a raw silk taffeta dress for her wedding gown and I had always loved the fabrication. I tried it on in the showroom and I immediately adored the romantic, silk exploding sleeves and the way the fabric fell naturally from the belted waist. Toni Maticevski is a genius! I also wore an opal ring that belonged to my Nan.”

Sascha chose multiple songs for her walk down the aisle, for which she walked arm in arm with her dad. “It was a LONG walk up the hill to the arbour. We had a pianist play “Slow Hands” by Niall Horan and “I knew I loved you” by Savage Garden (die hard 90’s fan). James would like to make it known he had no involvement in the music selection lol.”

Sascha and James hired out country lodge and accommodation venue Stone Barn Lodge for their wedding, the bride told. “James and I both used to holiday in Pemberton when we were younger so it had nostalgic value. We love the tall trees and fresh country air. James’ father knew the owner of the property who gave us the grand tour. We immediately fell in love. I don’t think I even looked at anything else. They also grow truffles, need I say more!”

Sascha and James chose Wed By Nikki to officiate their ceremony. “The ceremony was very relaxed. Nikki our celebrant was amazing” raves Sascha. “The afternoon light was dreamy and we were surrounded by nature. There was a lot of love in the air!”

“Do what you want, don’t let others influence you” says Sascha. “It’s your day and you’re allowed to be a little selfish!”

Sascha and James were surrounded by their favourite people. “Our closest friends and siblings were in our wedding party. The girls wore simple ivory silk slips with front gathers and the guys wore traditional black and white.”

Sascha and James chose Natural Art Flowers by Rebecca Grace to style the all-white bouquets.  “Rebecca is amazing! I showed her a picture of my dress and said I wanted to keep it pretty simple, white and green and she did the rest.”

Sascha has all the rave reviews for the couple’s choice of photographer. “Scott’s energy was awesome. I get quite nervous and he is so laid back and relaxed that it’s infectious. That’s exactly what you want on your wedding day. Not to mention the photos were great too!!” And the bride’s favourite photos of all? “James and I dancing ‘under the moonlight’ just before sunset. He is spinning me and the movement of my dress catches the light. The backdrop of earthy red dirt and forest green trees contrasts beautifully with the sky.”

For dinner, guests were seated on one long table on Stone Barn Lodge’s verandah, the decor styled by the couple themselves. “We hired the venue and decked it all out ourselves so it was all very DIY. We hung fairy lights…lots of them.

Everything was thought out in detail. The fairy lights, flowers, hanging candle lights. We wanted the details to mirror our beautiful natural surroundings. We didn’t have a wedding planner or anything so we organised and arranged everything ourselves. It was a lot more stressful than I anticipated but when it came to the day everything ran smoothly and perfectly reflected us.”

The couple filled the space with candles and fairy lights. “One of my favourite details would have to be the lights” remembers Sascha. “I think lights add so much ambience to a setting and they certainly did just that. As soon as the sun set, the lights were on and the candles were lit. One candle that was on James’s grandad’s candle holder who had just recently passed away was in the middle of the table and by morning all the candles had obviously blown out but that one was still flickering… call me superstitious….”

 

Wanting a packed dance floor, Sascha and James chose a joyous song for their first dance, telling “Our first dance was to “What if I go” by Mura Mada. It was out around the time we met and had a bit of meaning to us. The lyrics say “Wherever you go I’m going with you babe” and it’s is super upbeat so was good fun to dance to.”

The couple chose  Huemen Media to capture the beautiful film of their day.

Congratulations to you both Sascha and James! What a stunning day you planned. Thank you to you Scott Horsburgh for sharing today’s beauty of a day with us!