“I must admit I did not enjoy wedding planning at all,” remembers today’s bride Milse (Amelia), who together with her family and beloved Buster (James) pulled together their wedding in just eight weeks (thanks to COIVD-19.  “As we really only decided to go ahead with the wedding about eight weeks prior so it was a lot to pull together in a very short period of time. We were very lucky all of the incredible friends and vendors helped to make it happen- it really took a village and we are (now) so grateful we were able to celebrate at all.”

And it is because of their community, and their dream vendor team (which included photographer Nat Salloum Photography, the pro behind the stunning images we’re sharing today) that these two, were able to tie the knot, in a stunning country celebration. A celebration had them surrounded by their very favourite people, at Orange venue The Hayshed, in the middle of a country farm, marrying in the sunshine, and celebrating under the moon and stars. “We will always recommend the importance of relying on your village to help with plans B, C and D when covid throws you curveballs,” guides Amelia, “particularly if you are keen to go ahead regardless of planning setbacks (like we were).”

The bride chose an elegant, silk gown for the day, telling “I wore a long, organic silk gown designed by Luna Bea, from Your Art Bridal. It had billowing sleeves and a skirt with drapes of silk that moved with the wind and felt like water on your skin. I chose it because it felt both elegant and understated in a way that allowed you to move how you pleased, it just moulded to your body.”

Wanting a classic look that stood the test of time, Buster and his groomsmen wore black suits, with white shirts and black bowties from Harry’s for Menswear.

The Hayshed Wedding and Events, located just outside of Orange, was the one-stop-shop for these two, who held both their ceremony and reception at the property. Says Milse “The ceremony was held under an Elm tree overlooking the beautiful golden rolling hills, with cocktail hour under white umbrellas and our reception seated at long tables under the stars and festoon lights.”

Buster’s stand out memory of the day? “I remember having all the people there who are most important in our lives, and how beautiful my wife looked when I first saw her walking down the aisle.”

The couple opted to have Pippa Moore Celebrant perform their ceremony alongside Rebecca Hinks Marriage Celebrant.  Amelia sharing “Our ceremony was incredibly personal and intimate, made extra special given our close friend Pippa Moore delivered the ceremony, along with Rebecca Hinks marriage celebrant.

It was quite emotional with every feeling palpable in a small crowd. James and I chose to write our vows which was daunting at the time (brought us both to tears) but something I am so glad we did and will never forget. James’ five sisters also did short readings at our ceremony with life advice written especially for us.”

Milse and Buster were beyond thrilled when it came to working with their photographer Nat. “Nat Salloum was our incredible photographer, she has such an eye for capturing the moment and the light in every shot. She buzzed around all day and was a complete delight to work with. When we received our photos back we couldn’t believe our eyes and were just overwhelmed with gratitude at how she managed to capture all the moments that matter. Her work is beautifully composed, and Nat herself is a beautiful soul.”

The couple spent their day surrounded by their very favourite people. “Our wedding party were a combination of family and friends” explains Milse. “My three sisters Alice, Skye and Felicity were all bridesmaids wearing black dresses of their choosing with Fairley pressed gold Florentine earrings. The groomsmen Pete, Harry and Troy were all very close friends of Buster’s and also wore black suit and tie, a timeless favourite.”

The couple was blessed to have locals Lyn Lampe and Janet Bowman style their florals for the day.  “We were incredibly lucky that locals Lyn Lampe and Janet Bowman were kind enough to put together all of our beautiful flowers, many picked from local gardens in the area. We had a combination of white and green/silvery foliage that looked soft and natural.”

Buster’s legendary and loved car featured throughout the wedding. Amelia telling  “Buster owns a blue 1967 Pontiac Parisienne which he and the groomsmen drove to the ceremony. At golden hour, we climbed into his Pontiac with Nat our photographer, and headed down the dirt road to get shots on hilltops chasing the last of the light.”

Guests settled in for a delicious dinner under the night sky, catered by Me’n’Us Catering. “We had an amazing caterer, Cath Thompson from Me’n’Us Catering, who sourced so much of the food locally and put together a fresh Mediterranean-style menu. Eating at long tables under the stars felt intimate yet communal, and we enjoyed beautiful local See Saw Wine and Swift Sparkling.”

Amelia’s mum was put in charge of the (delicious!) wedding cake. Milse telling  “My mum, Belinda, used to have a baking business making countless wedding cakes for others over the years – so it was incredibly special that she made the cake for our wedding too. It was an elegant buttercream frosting triple-layer mud cake, served as dessert for everyone to enjoy.”

Lovers of a dance floor boogie, the newlyweds weren’t going to miss out on their first dance. “Our first dance was to the same song that we were dancing to when he proposed on our old wooden verandah in lockdown 10 months prior” tells Milse. “Same moves, same song (but we were married this time).”

A beautiful big congratulations to you both Milse and Buster! Thank you for sharing your day with us. Thank you also to Nat Salloum Photography for sharing today’s celebration and beautiful imagery.