Pizza and picnics and pastels and Champagne and velvet lounges – if there ever could be a dream for a day in the sunshine, then Kristyn & Andrew’s pastel picnic wedding could just be it (also, turns out, it’s a perfect addition to The Pastel Issue!). This was a day as much about embracing the beautiful garden venue, as it was about each other, about community. Says Kristyn “It was important to us to create a space where everyone could relax, and feel comfortable to mingle and get to know each other. Everyone spoke to someone they didn’t know and it was wonderful to see.”

Smith + Archer joined the merry crew for the day, a day that was a long time coming and a great relief (and joy) that after lockdowns and much time away from their family, Kristyn & Andrew were thrilled to see come to life. “We loved seeing our vision come together and knowing all our first choice vendors were available for our day. Planning a wedding during lockdowns and while Andrew was working overseas was tricky. We also knew that the wedding industry was playing catch up from all the postponed weddings. So, it was great to see it come together smoothly.”

Kristyn & Andrew’s journey began on Tinder, where after a week of chatting, they decided to meet for a drink at Ease’s in Collingwood. “We both turned up wearing burgundy (jumper/cardigan). At dinner, I felt like this was something I could do for a long time to come (talk and laugh with his man whilst eating burgers and tatter tots haha).”

The proposal? Kristyn says it was a long time in the making! “Andrew and I first had a conversation (in 2019) on my Aunty and Uncle’s farm about knowing we had found our special person to live life with. We were sitting on a log next to a pond, overlooking Mt.Macedon whilst eating vanilla slices from Bourkie’s Bakery.
On the same day in 2021, Andrew and I walked back up to the log, this time with our cousin’s dog in tow (Harper). As we sat and discussed life, I was throwing a stick for Harper. I got up and walked over to the stick, threw it, and as I turned around Andrew was down on one knee with my Great Grandmother,s engagement ring in a beautiful burgundy box. Andrew proceeded to ask me to be his wife and as I cried, I said ‘yes! Every time, yes!”.

Kristyn’s gown was a last-minute find from Moonstruck Bride. “I had my dress chosen 12 months before the wedding, but unfortunately when it came back from the dress alterer three days before my wedding, it was not suitable to wear. My mother-in-law sent an SOS email to Moonstruck Bridal as I had seen via Instagram that they had a sample sale. The wonderful ladies at Moonstruck were able to fit me in and the second dress I tried on was the one for me. It had thin straps, with a beautiful geometric patterned bodice and a tulle skirt. All that needed to be done was the straps taken up a touch. The Moonstruck Bridal team managed to fit me in with one of their dress alteration people. They went above and beyond for me, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

I wore my mother in law’s veil on the day, changing to a flower crown post-ceremony. I went for a classic look with hair and makeup, minimal makeup, and red lips. My hair was simple with a wave at the front and into a low bun at the back. Melinda Wain made the hair and make-up process fun and easy.

My jewellery was art deco inspired by Swarovski crystals. I wanted something different for my shoes, so I went with a pair of blue velvet heels from Bared Footwear. They were extremely comfortable!”

Andrew wore a classic blue suit from Ferrari Formal and paired it with a patterned tie, from Peggy & Finn.

The beautiful pastel floral arrangements for the day were the work of Raven And The Rose. Says Kristyn  “I grew up knowing Ame from Raven and the Rose, so it was a no-brainer to have her beautiful creations as part of our day. I gave Ame some colours and photo examples of what we would like for buttonholes, bride/bridesmaid bouquets, flower crowns, and church floral pieces. We had soft pastel tones, with pops of colour throughout, with some roses, and wildflowers amongst the florals. Ame’s amazing creations were above and beyond any expectations. Simply stunning!
The florals on the tables and throughout the pavilion were sourced from my grandparent’s and cousins’ gardens, which hold a special place in my heart. These were natives (wattle, proteas, banksias, and blue gum leaves).”

The couple were married in the sweetest white chapel (and it’s gardens) The Little Church At Spring Hill. “We chose The Little Church at Spring Hill as it provided a relaxing country atmosphere all in the one space for both ceremony and reception” explained Kristyn. “We wanted a space where our family and friends (most kept apart due to covid and interstate living) could meet and mingle without having to worry about anything. This venue allowed us creative control to set up and do as we wished with the space.”

Kristyn walked down the aisle with her father to an instrumental tune “Pacific” by Sleeping at Last.

The couple were married by Sweet Wonderful You – Erin McMahon. “We wanted a short and relaxed service that was full of love, joy, and laughter” remembers Kristyn. “That is exactly what we had and it was possible with Erin from Sweet Wonderful You.”

“Our wedding bands were made by a wonderful local jeweller at Scarlett Jewellery Label.”

Andrew’s favourite moment? “Being able to marry my best friend in front of our closest friends and family. To be able to relax and catch up with everybody afterwards at our own pace was great.”

“It was beautiful to have my Gran there on the day” remembers Kristyn, “she even had a boogie down the aisle after the ceremony to the music that was playing (I want to hold your hand-The Beatles).”

“Where to start with our amazingly wonderful photographer Ali of Smith + Archer!” remarks Kristyn of the couple’s chosen photographer,”Ali goes above and beyond for her couples. She is so kind and gracious with her time, answering any questions we had.”

Knowing the load planning wedding brings, Kristyn and Andrew hired wedding planner Harper & Grace Designs to bring it all together. Kristyn raved “All of our vendors did such an amazing job. We are so thankful to all of them for supporting us to have such a seamless day.
We had Maddi from Harper and Grace Designs there on the day to make sure all our vendors bumped in and out effortlessly and that the running of the day went smoothly. Harper and Grace Designs were there to support and help with anything we needed before the day, even supporting us with finding a beautiful marquee option a month out from our wedding.”

“We made sure to acknowledge our relatives that were no longer with us. We had a photo of my aunty and Pop on the signing table next to us during the ceremony, and Andrew acknowledged them and some of his passed relatives during the speech.”

The newlyweds chose Jack Johnson’s “Better together” for their first dance, which was played live by Cal Young. “It was on the deck of the pavilion, with our friends and family looking on” remembers Kristyn, “Halfway through our dance I got my Dad and Andrew got his Mum up to dance. It was lovely.”

The day was filled with handmade touches to bring out the relaxed picnic vibes, says Kristyn “A group of friends helped quilt our velvet picnic blankets. My wonderful mother-in-law hole-punched heart-shaped gum leaves for the confetti toss at the end of our ceremony as we walked out of the Little Church.
We also had my cousin create an illustrated sign for our message in a bottle-activity. Op shopped our tea plates for the grazing platter, and op shopped the coloured vases for the flowers from Gran’s and cousin’s garden. A few slices and yoyos were made for the grazing platter.”

Kristyn has all the good advice for you! “Start planning early. Choose vendors that suit you and your style of wedding. Vendors who have worked together before will know how to support each other on the day, and we found that to be hugely helpful.”

 

Congratulations on your marriage Kristyn and Andrew. What a perfect day for you both! Thank you and thank you to Smith + Archer for today’s beautiful images.