For Olivia, there was never any question that when she tied the knot, she’d do so on the family farm where she grew up. And when dreams come true, they come true magically, Oliva and Henry tying the knot on the very lawn that Olivia spent her childhood playing, before celebrating with guests in a marquee reception.

And while that all sounds delightful, it is the rest of the details, as captured beautifully by Leo Farrell that are going to make you fall in love with this story. From Olivia’s fluffy pink wedding gown to the homemade wedding cake by Henry’s mum, to the garden roses grown right on the farm that decorated much of the day.  It was every bit as beautiful as it sounds, every bit as charming, and just perfect for these two souls. Olivia sharing “We wanted to keep everything as simple as possible and just provide a beautiful setting, good food and wine and great music for a fabulous country wedding with our nearest and dearest.”

It was while celebrating about and about, over a decade ago, that these two first had their paths cross, tells Olivia “We first met at a party in our uni days (back in 2008!) and something must have sparked as we kept in touch while both living overseas or in other states. Both back in Melbourne by 2012 we bumped into each other at another party and the rest is history.”

And with country-loving somewhat of a theme for them both, Henry surprised Olivia with a proposal on his own family farm. “Henry caught me very off guard, we were staying at his parents’ beautiful property just outside of Geelong but for some reason they were away. We had just cooked dinner and were sitting at the table when he pulled out a ring. He had used the same jeweller as his father did for his mum which was very sweet and a nod to tradition.”

 

The groom and groomsmen wore P Johnson Tailors says Olivia.  “Henry and his groomsmen wore dinner suits to match our black tie dress code, simple and classic.”

Olivia’s incredible blush pink wedding gown was created by designer Claire Home Designs. “I had no idea what I wanted to wear but I knew I didn’t want white” explains Olivia. “I searched for ages for something off the rack but ended up meeting Geelong based dressmaker Claire Homes who happened to have a gorgeous piece of fabric from another bride that hadn’t been used. She died it pink for me and created a really fun dress that I loved.”

The couple chose Olivia’s family’s farm for their wedding, the only spot Olivia ever really considered. “There was only one place I ever wanted to get married and that was on the farm where I grew up. A lot of work went into improving the garden for the big day and it was such a special location to both of us. We were married on the lawn at the front of the house, moved around to the side for drinks after the ceremony and then had a marquee erected at the back of the house for a sit-down dinner.”

Olivia walked down the aisle with her dad to the sounds of Paul Kelly’s “Summer Rain”.

With their ceremony officiated by Emmalee Bell, it was important to both Olivia and Henry that their favourite people took part. “We wanted all of our family to be involved in the ceremony so designed little parts for each of them” explains Olivia. “Henry’s sisters read an excerpt from Les Miserables and my brother read a piece from The Little Prince.”

Olivia shares this sage advice. “At the end of the day it’s just about you two so create a wedding that reflects you both.”

“There is a fabulous photo of the two of us surrounded by our flower girls and page boy, two of which are hysterically crying, it’s our favourite photo from the day.”

Olivia had her bridesmaids dress in dresses they loved. “I had my two sisters as bridesmaids as well as four of my best friends. Henry had his brother and five of his closest friends. I wanted my bridesmaids to wear something they loved and would wear again so they all chose their dresses, I loved that all the dresses suited their own personal styles.”

The stunning floral arrangements were a mix of flowers from Yellow House Flower Farm and flowers grown on the property itself, says Olivia.  “We worked with Ash from Yellow House Flower Farm to source seasonal flowers that were as local as possible. We both love garden roses so we mainly had simple arrangements of these in the marquee which smelled incredible, we also complemented these with huge blooms of the Magnolia Grandiflora that was flowering in the garden that was also placed on the tables as well as on the wedding cake made by Henry’s mum.

For the aisle, Ash sourced local branches of flowering gum. Bouquets were made up of roses and hydrangeas, the boys all wore a simple white rose as their buttonhole.”

 

What Olivia and Henry loved most? “Creating a party that was a reflection of us, and also working together towards the big day.”

Even the reception was filled with personal, country charm, Olivia explaining “My sister handmade all of the linen napkins for the sit-down dinner and Henry’s grandmother hand wrote a name card for every guest. Henry’s mum made our wedding cake which was decorated with magnolia flowers from the garden. My other sister helped to design our wedding invitations.”

Guests celebrated the newlyweds with a sit-down dinner reception catered by Rococo Events. Says Olivia  “We loved working with all of the vendors but were particularly thankful to our caterer Fushy who created the most delicious and abundant menu.

Both of us agree that sitting down for dinner and looking around to see all of our closest friends and family gathered in the one place was the most special part of the day.”

The newlyweds took some time out with their photographer Leo Farrell for sunset portraits. “Our photographer was Leo Farrell who had also photographed all three of Henry’s other siblings’ weddings over the years” explains Olivia. “Leo was so fabulous and captured every moment so well.”

The newlywed’s dance floor debut? The “Days Like This” by Van Morrison.

Congratulations Olivia and Henry! How special to be able to share your beautiful day. Thank you to you both and thank you to Leo Farrell for sharing this beauty with us!