There’s something undeniably magical about a wedding that not only celebrates a couple’s love but the journey that brought them together. For Daina and Wei Te, their country chic wedding was the result of a long-distance love story that spanned years and continents, surviving through the trials of separation and pandemic lockdowns. Their wedding was more than just a celebration—it was the start of a beautiful new chapter!

Captured by Angela Givney Photography and GMTMT Films and set at the picturesque Goonoo Goonoo Station, every element of their day was thoughtfully crafted to reflect both their personal style and the deep love they share.

When Daina and Wei Te attended their mutual friend’s wedding in Singapore in 2019, neither could have ever dreamed of how their life was about to change. Meeting after they found out they were both in the wedding party, their connection grew into what it is today. Unfortunately, Wei Te lived in Singapore, and Daina lived in Sydney, so their relationship was long-distance, with plans to meet every few months. Even more unfortunate was the worldwide disaster that was COVID-19 hitting, so they had to spend 698 days physically apart. “People often drift apart with distance, yet our relationship grew stronger. I could not wipe away her tears and hug her when she was unwell or feeling down with life’s tribulations, nor could I share in her joy with its triumphs. Daina’s unconditional love and care for me eventually helped pull me out of a dark place. I became happier.”

By the end of 2020, Wei Te already knew that he loved her and wanted a life together – all the good and the bad, the highs and lows and ups and downs, they would experience them as one unit. “I decided to propose to her the first time we could meet again. I will never let her go. Then, around the beginning of 2021, the cafe owners in Barraba, with whom Daina works, decided to move to another state the following year. They planned to sell the cafe business and their house here. They offered them to us. They admired Daina’s work ethic. We thought this would be a good opportunity and took it up after much deliberation. I started preparing to sell my home and assets in Singapore to fund the purchases. Finally, on 5 Dec 2021, after the border reopened for Singapore citizens in NSW, I flew in at the first opportunity after settling all my affairs and resigning from my job in Singapore. I bent my knee right at the arrival hall of the airport and proposed to Daina. She said, Yes!” Wei Tai shared. (psst! Find the video of this sweet encounter here!)

Wei Te wore a dark blue and maroon chequered suit, a lilac shirt, and grey pants from The Bespoke Corner in Melbourne. To finish his look, he wore silver sneakers from Maison Margiela that matched Daina’s shoes.

Daina wanted something simple and comfortable to wear all day, so it was fate when she found this gorgeous midi dress from Ferrari Formalwear. With delicate polka dot details across the whole design, off-shoulder straps, and a fitted bodice, it was the perfect addition to their country chic wedding. Finishing off the look, she wore her silver sneakers to match Wei Te.

In their wedding party, Wei Te and Daina had Ronnie, as Best Man, Finn, as Ring Bearer, Mia as the Flower Girl and Sunshine, as their Matron of Honour (who was the bride from the wedding where Wei Te and Daina met!).

From the moment they dined at Glasshouse, the restaurant on Goonoo Goonoo Station – they’d fallen in love! “It is a meticulously restored property with an interesting history set in the lovely expanse of the countryside. The accommodation options were perfect for our guests. The little chapel would serve as an amazing backdrop for our ceremony. And the regional airport nearby made travelling there relatively easy for our overseas guests.”

To honour Wei Te’s late parents, Daina organised with Alicia from Form Over Function to have framed pictures of his parents on a chair front and centre at their ceremony. “My husband was in tears as he saw his late parents’ pictures on the memorial chair as I was walking down the aisle. I knew how much he had hoped they could be present for our wedding.”

She walked down the aisle to “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain, performed live by her cousin and his wife. “There was a memorial chair with pictures of loved ones we had lost. While waiting for Daina to walk down the aisle, it only took a glance at my late mum and dad before my eyes welled up uncontrollably,” Wei Te recalled.

They wanted the ceremony to be fun and intimate, and with the help of Annabelle Welsh from The Rural Celebrant – it was exactly as they had dreamed! They even included a raffle to pick out their witnesses to sign the wedding certificate.

As the photographer for the wedding, Angela Giveney captured the country chic vibe of the day perfectly! “She was amazing. It was a joy working with her. I am in love with her photography style and storytelling. I was an editorial photographer in my previous life, and I believe she knows her craft well!”

The top five things that made their country chic wedding so special were:

“1. Family, relatives and friends from far and near came to attend our wedding,

2. Annabelle Welsh, our celebrant, was a gem at our ceremony. She injected such humour into an otherwise sombre formality,

3. The glorious food! Kudos to Goonoo Goonoo Station,

4. Our first dance as husband and wife. It was so intimate,

5. We both said, “I Do!” I married my best friend.”

The creative genius behind this beautiful country chic wedding was Alicia from Form Over Function! Creative Director & Stylist doesn’t do justice to her role in the day, and her passion and love for what she does is evident in every little detail. “Her attention to detail is second to none. Her passion for what she does was very evident in the amazing styling she did for our wedding. During the planning process, she was always willing to go the extra mile for us, I think she has already circled the earth once by now. We are very grateful for what she has done,” Wei Te gushed.

Those framed photos of their late loved ones were also included at the reception, set up on a table at the front so they could pay respects.

After Wei Te’s speech at the reception, they did a Yam Seng (which means “Drink to Victory) toast – which you can learn more about here!

One of their favourite details of their country chic wedding was this incredible big cupcake wedding cake made by Faye Cahill Cake Design!

Wei Te is self-proclaimed ‘dextrously challenged’ when it comes to artistic bodily movements. Daina, however, is his polar opposite, so as they danced to “Nine Million Bicycles” by Katie Melua, they shared plenty of laughter and secret smiles.

Congratulations to Wei Te and Daina on your beautiful country chic wedding! And thanks to Angela Givney for capturing and Form Over Function for sharing.