Jodie & James’s Country Backyard Wedding Celebration in Darwin

Jodie and James’s country backyard wedding celebration in Darwin was a beautiful fusion of relaxed charm, heartfelt moments, and down-to-earth style. Set against the lush, laid-back backdrop of the Northern Territory, their day was a true reflection of who they are as a couple – fun-loving, grounded, and madly in love. From native blooms and warm golden-hour light to outdoor dancing under festoon lights, every detail spoke to the magic of an intimate backyard celebration done right.

Enjoy all the special details of their wedding today on Polka Dot You!

We met through Internet dating. I was thinking this is my last try for a while and I am very lucky I decided to take the date.

It was the 29th of February 2020. James had been waiting all day for me to propose to him. I wasn’t aware of the Irish tradition of “Ladies Privilege” where ladies are “allowed” to propose to their man.

We were at a friend’s house for dinner. James was clearly worried I wasn’t going to ask – which I wasn’t because I had no idea about the tradition. He mentioned in passing the tradition, and my friend and I said that it’s not a thing. Her partner looked at her and said, “Don’t you dare” and we all laughed. I said, I’ll give it a go and James said “yes, I have been waiting all day for you to ask.” I didn’t believe him until we called three aunts, and they verified the tradition.

James designed me a ring (after copious screenshots systematically hit his inbox).

I knew the shop I wanted to buy my wedding dress. I had walked past it to work every day in my 20’s. The dress was the 3rd I tried on. I wanted to look like a princess, this was going to be the best day of my life yet (and it was). The shops name was Raffaele Ciuca Bridal.

My sister was my maid of honour and wore a navy blue dress from Miss Bella Bridal.

I wanted to get married on our property because I wanted the wedding to be a party – a backyard get-together. I can now look out to where the wedding was held and think about the day any time I wish. We also have fur babies and they had to be included in the wedding. If we went to any other venue, they would not have been able to be part of our day.

I chose flowers that matched the natural surrounds. The centre flowers were burnt orange, and the surrounding flowers were shades of green. I knew I wanted burnt orange as this matched perfectly with the navy in my sister’s dress and the boy’s shirts.

I always knew our wedding would be on our property. The groom and his best man wore RM Williams, navy blue shirt, camel trousers, and caramel boots. They also wore Akubra hats (as they do most days). I wanted the boys to be comfortable but also have clothes that they could wear again day to day.

I did walk down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Haley Reinhart. My nephew is a huge part of my life, so he walked with me down the aisle for the first half, and my Dad walked with me for the second half.

My favourite detail was seeing James at the altar waiting for me and the look on my friends’ faces – there was just pure joy everywhere and it was quite overwhelming.

I wanted our ceremony to be full of love – the two of us letting everyone know that we are now a team, we are one. I did not allow phones to be turned on during the ceremony and it was the best decision. I wanted everyone’s attention to be on us, not an experience from behind a screen. Everyone invited to the wedding has had an impact in mine and James’s lives. This day was for them as well – there were times in my life I never thought I would have the privilege of getting married.

During the ceremony, Jodie and James shared heartfelt vows with one another:

“Everyone standing here can’t mate at to the amazing person, woman, friend, daughter, sister and lady I’m so lucky to stand with today (and every day).” – James

“You strengthen my weaknesses, you hold me when I’m fragile, you understand my language when I have no words, you are the other gentle quieter half that sometimes hides from me.” – Jodie

I made sure our two Australian Shepherd pups (Ted and Digby) were part of the day. I wasn’t worried about them jumping up on me or being near the dress. They are our life, and they were always going to have a pivotal part in the wedding. Even when Ted stepped on my veil at the altar and nearly pulled me backwards – I wouldn’t change a thing.

Someone mentioned I should hole punch some leaves to use as confetti. I thought that was a bit too much for me, so the morning of the wedding I asked the boys to go to the back of the property and find some turkey bush – they have a beautiful light purple flower on them. The nieces and nephews stripped the flowers, and we used them as confetti.

Ange from Gem Photographics was amazing. I was extremely emotional leading up to the wedding and on the day. Ange was my right hand, helping me make decisions whist never being intrusive. We laughed, I cried, we laughed again. No one has been able to get photos like what Ange produced. The photos were us – hardly posed and exactly what I wanted. I did not want many staged photos, I wanted her to capture the whole thing, warts, and all – they made up some of the best photos. Ange captured the best day of my life. I couldn’t have asked for more.

My favourite photo of the day is of James, Ted, Digby, and myself with the bush behind us. That is us every day. I also love the photo of James and I on the front steps of our house.

James speaks of the special moments from the day below.

Marrying Jodie was special.
Ted was very active, jumping on Jodie’s dress twice, jumping in the pool.
Holding the microphone for Jodie as she was without crying during vows
Being able to get married at our home.
Holding a huge celebration rather than having a package wedding, Our wedding was two weeks of celebrations. Everyone stayed on our property.

The planning was all very overwhelming, so once I locked everyone in, it all came together in three weeks. Finding the dress was a highlight and seeing how the day turn out exactly as I had planned, was surreal.

Vendors that stood out were The Two of Us – Tamie was fantastic, Just like Ange from Gem Photographics, she calmed my nerves, and I did not have to worry about any arrangements for setting up on the day.

I didn’t have a first dance song picked out. It wasn’t until the photographer said to me “you have to have a first dance song” that I thought about that. I walked up to the band and asked, “what’s your next song?” and they said “Islands In The Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. “Islands In The Stream” became our first dance song and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

5 things which made the wedding special:

Ted and Digby attending.
My sister and James’ brother as maid of honour and best man respectively.
Friends I have known for 40 years all coming together.
The feeling of togetherness and family
James and I coming together in front of everyone who loves us – forever.

Advice for future couples:

Don’t take yourself too seriously, it will all come together. If there are too many plans, things will surely go wrong, and you will be upset. Also enjoy every minute as it is gone in a flash. Walk slow down the aisle – they are all waiting for you.
It is a day about you and your groom, so enjoy.