Location: Sydney, Australia
Setting: Gunners Barracks
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 2 years
Wedding theme/style: Classic, romantic, formal.
Twelve years prior, James, a civil engineer with a knack for transforming landscapes, and Natalie, a creative force in reality television production, crossed paths on a university netball field in Brisbane. Their connection sparked amidst competitive spirits and grew from a silent crush to enduring love, thanks to a little matchmaking magic from Natalie’s best friend and future bridesmaid.
Six years later, their adventure took a significant turn, when they moved to Sydney to chase career dreams and a life filled with beachside sunsets and culinary delights. In the midst of a world paused by lockdowns, James proposed, setting the stage for a wedding that would be two years in the making.
James and Natalie did things differently when getting ready for their big day. They decided to pick out each other’s wedding outfits. James had a say in Natalie’s dress, and she helped to choose his suit. Natalie’s always been into fashion, so when the time came to pick her dress, she knew she wanted something unique. With James by her side, she chose a stunning blush pink dress.
On the morning of their wedding, Natalie was chilling with her friends, soaking in those last few hours before saying, “I do.” This wasn’t just about getting ready; it was about sharing laughs and memories with the people who had been there for her through thick and thin.
James’s morning of his big day was surrounded by his closest groomsmen; they helped each other suit up. The air was filled with jokes, laughter, and that warm feeling of friendship. James slid into an elegant ivory jacket paired with sleek black pants. The contrast was striking, especially since his groomsmen were decked out in all black.
Choosing Gunners Barracks for its classic beauty and historical significance, James and Natalie envisioned a wedding that mirrored the venue’s timeless charm.
James and Natalie’s ceremony unfolded in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Natalie entered with her father by her side, and as she walked down the aisle, James watched her lovingly, unable to hold back tears of joy. The guests witnessed a beautiful ceremony as the couple exchanged vows, all becoming witnesses to the birth of a new family.
After the ceremony, the guests and newlyweds gathered for a cocktail hour, where everyone had the chance to chat with the couple and discuss the emotions stirred by the ceremony that had just taken place. The pleasant live music created a warm and heartfelt atmosphere.
Natalie and James’s wedding was captured by the talented photographer Jack Jones, who masterfully documented their special day with the eye of a true artist. He caught every detail, missed no vital moment, and captured every emotion during the ceremony and the heartfelt atmosphere of the reception. He also created beautiful portraits of the couple that reflect their beauty, love, and, of course, their personalities. Like a time machine, each photo has the power to transport them back to that beautiful day.
The Gunners Barracks architectural beauty inspired the wedding theme—a blend of classic and romantic. White flowers, candles, and crystal glassware adorned the spaces, creating a softly lit ambiance that echoed centuries of love stories.
The reception unfolded in a delightful atmosphere, with guests delivering congratulatory speeches that sparked warm laughter and, sometimes, tears. Jack Jones captured these moments, conveying the cozy and loving atmosphere that prevailed then.
The evening was a vibrant affair, with Natalie slipping into a bright pink blazer dress to dance the night away, a nod to her love for fashion and color. Music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses filled the air, encapsulating the essence of their wish for a fun and intimate gathering.
The wedding concluded with a beautiful moment as the newlyweds exited the reception venue. Guests lined up to form an improvised tunnel, joining hands while the couple walked through it to the sound of joyful laughter. This moment added an extra touch of fun to the beautiful evening.
Advice from couple:
• Please keep it simple and low-stress wherever you can. We booked fantastic vendors in Jack Jones for photos, Bec Page as our celebrant, Little Lane Events for styling, the White Tree for music, and the Gunners Barracks, who all helped make the day super fun and memorable. Their planning and attention to detail meant we could enjoy the day to the fullest.
Also, feel free to rely on the help of your friends and family; it was surprising just how many small details need to be organized and how overwhelming it can become!
PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Jones | CELEBRANT Bec Page | STYLIST & FLORIST Little Lane Events | PLANNER Alyssa Deanne Events |MUSIC The White Tree | BRIDE’S DRESS Morilee through Perfect Day Bridal | GROOM’S SUIT Institchu
