Laura & Chris

Chris and I knew of each other before we officially met through friends as our families went through school and played sport together. The first actual ‘date’ we had was a quick coffee at a local café. The conversation was easy, and we instantly connected. Eight years later we married!

The bouquets were loose posies with a variety of soft pastel, pale pink, ivory and white flowers; mostly roses and peonies with olive leaf and gum tree foliage for movement.

For my something new, old, borrowed and blue my nana and mum had organised an exquisite ring to be made for me using blue sapphires and diamonds they had. It was presented to me on the morning of our wedding and it made almost everyone cry. I was glad to get the tears out nice and early! It was a truly special moment that I will cherish forever

A friend pointed me in the direction of Anna Schimmel. Once I was at Anna’s workshop, I was instantly relaxed as it was just her and I talking about the style I was after. My dress had exquisite hand-beading on the waist and along the straps and back neckline. It was a fitted gown with a beautiful low back and a decent length train.

I also really like one of the programmes Anna Schimmel sponsors. For every wedding gown ordered a girl in Togo, Africa is enrolled in the S H E – Style Her Empowered Programme. The sponsorship pays for the school uniform and a year’s worth of after-school tutoring. The goal is to empower the powerless, give them resources, skills and confidence. Saying yes to one of Anna’s dresses meant one more girl was being given this incredible opportunity.

All the groomsmen wore a simple ivory rose buttonhole with some olive leaf

We broke with tradition and had our photos taken before the ceremony. It meant that we were able to mingle with our guests and relax and enjoy a glass of bubbles or two without needing to rush off before the reception.

My bridal party wore sage green wrap dresses to suit the rustic, relaxed barn theme.

Chris and I wanted what we wore to strike the right balance between formal and casual – We obviously wanted to look like a bride and groom, but also suitable for the barn setting.

 “Spend time with just your bridal party at some point in the day. Waiting to make our reception entrance was such a memorable moment – It was one of the only times it was just us and we were laughing, joking, chatting, sharing champagne and enjoying quality banter.”

We wanted our wedding to be simple and relaxed to reflect our laidback personalities and minimalist style.

Country House Farm was actually the first and only venue we looked at. When we went to visit, we knew straight away that it was where we wanted to get married – it’s a rustic yet elegant barn.

Chris’ sister Kath made our rustic three-tier buttercream cake with a layer each of chocolate mud, white chocolate raspberry and carrot. We gave her free rein to style it as she wanted.

The evening was so warm and relaxing. We’ve been in a constant happy bubble since the wedding and really appreciating each other. It’s true – the best things in life aren’t things!