Location: Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
Setting: Garden
Wedding season: Australian summer (December)
How long did the couple plan the event: Over 1 year
The number of guests: 180
Wedding theme/style: ‘Australiana’, summer garden party vibes.
Angus and Kate’s love story is a tale of fate and friendship. Although they attended different high schools near each other, their paths didn’t cross until mutual friends moved into a shared house, bringing their two groups together. Despite Angus’s numerous unsuccessful attempts to win Kate’s heart, it wasn’t until he decided to ignore her at a party that she finally saw him in a different light. A bottle of tequila and a change of heart led to their first date, and from that moment on, their relationship blossomed into a beautiful journey of love and laughter.
The couple got engaged during the Covid lockdown. Angus arranged for a custom-designed ring to be made and proposed during a casual outing on the water. Inspired by their love and the challenges they faced during the pandemic, they decided to celebrate their wedding with family and friends at Angus’ parents’ home in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. The reception took place in the front yard of the country home, while the ceremony was held in the neighboring garden, creating a charming and intimate setting for their special day. Months of dedicated effort from their families and friends paid off as they transformed the once-overgrown and chest-high grass of the neighbor’s garden into a picturesque oasis, restoring it to its former glory just in time for their special day.
On the morning of her wedding day, Kate was joined by her bridesmaids who were all dressed in black bathrobes, creating a chic and coordinated look. As they got ready together, the bride’s excitement grew, knowing that her closest friends were by her side.
Kate slipped into her stunning Marquise Bridal dress, beautifully tailored by Corston Couture, transforming into a vision of elegance and grace. Her radiant smile and impeccable style left everyone in awe as she exuded confidence and radiance throughout the day. Kate’s choice of dress perfectly accentuated her natural beauty, making her look absolutely breathtaking on her wedding day.
The earthy tone of the bridesmaids’ dresses added a touch of natural elegance and coordinated beautifully with the overall color palette. The combination of the dresses and the thoughtfully designed bouquets created a cohesive and captivating visual aesthetic.
Meanwhile Angus looked dashing in a classy suit that exuded timeless elegance and sophistication. The support and camaraderie of the friends by his side filled the room with excitement and joy, creating a memorable and heartwarming atmosphere. With his close ones by his side, Angus embraced the anticipation and celebrated the start of a new chapter in his life with style and grace.
The groom also added sentimental touches to his wedding attire by wearing his paternal grandpa’s 1968 Omega Genevè watch and his maternal grandpa’s cufflinks. These heirlooms not only completed his look but also served as a beautiful tribute to his beloved grandfathers. The presence of these cherished family heirlooms added a touch of nostalgia and meaning to Angus’ wedding day ensemble, allowing him to carry the memories and love of his grandfathers with him as he embarked on this new chapter of his life.
While Angus looked stunning in his classic suit, his friends elevated the style with their black tie attire, creating a cohesive and polished look. The groomsmen exuded elegance, perfectly complementing the groom and adding a touch of formal sophistication to the wedding party. Angus, known for his spontaneous nature, underestimated the task of getting the groomsmen’s shirts and suits sorted for the wedding. Fortunately, Michael at Pascalis came to the rescue, providing impeccable custom shirts and suits for the entire groom’s party with surprising efficiency, saving the day just in time for the big day.
Barbra, the beloved dog, was not to be outdone as she donned her own black-tie attire, perfectly following the dress code alongside the groomsmen in their matching suits.
Callan Robinson was the one who skillfully captured this wedding day. His keen eye for detail and artistry resulted in breathtaking and emotional photographs that showcased the love and joy of the couple and their guests. With his creative compositions and ability to capture candid moments, Callan beautifully documented the entire celebration, leaving the couple with cherished memories to last a lifetime.
In the serene setting of the neighbor’s garden, anticipation filled the air as Angus, standing, eagerly awaited the arrival of his bride. As the vintage car pulled up, time seemed to stand still. All eyes turned towards Kate, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. She looked ethereal, stepping out of the car with grace and radiance, her beauty captivating everyone present.
In a tender and heartfelt ceremony, the lovebirds exchanged vows, their voices filled with love and commitment. Their promises intertwined with heartfelt emotions, forming a solemn bond witnessed by their nearest and dearest. With each word spoken, their connection deepened, and the love that engulfed the space was palpable.
The celebrant, Pippa Moore, was an absolute breath of fresh air. Full of vibrant energy, she had everyone in stitches with her witty jokes and playful demeanor. Her casual and humorous approach created a joyful and light-hearted atmosphere, as laughter filled the air and guests couldn’t help but smile and enjoy the unique and unforgettable ceremony. As bride remembers: “Our celebrant was totally non-traditional, she was cracking jokes, swearing and had everyone laughing, she was an absolute hit.”
Every detail of the wedding was carefully curated to create a memorable and enchanting atmosphere. For the ceremony, they opted for white paper umbrellas, which added a touch of whimsy and created a cool and unique look as they were held aloft by the wedding party. The bride envisioned a wedding that prioritized the guests’ experience, extending the canapes/cocktail time to foster connection and excitement. With an emphasis on personalization, a relaxed atmosphere, an abundance of drinks, and vibrant music, their celebration was a perfect blend of fun and genuine hospitality. As Kate notes: “We wanted lots of personal touches, not too formal, plenty of booze and great music. Although we wanted black tie, we wanted this to be the most formal aspect of the wedding, we wanted it to be a relaxed environment as we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”
At Angus and Kate’s wedding, the venue truly stole the show. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful historic house and surrounded by lush Australian gardens, the natural beauty of the location took center stage. The couple opted for a minimalistic approach to decorations, allowing the charm of the venue to shine through without overwhelming it. Adding a touch of whimsy, a magical circus-style marquee provided the perfect space for the reception, creating an enchanting and unique atmosphere. The combination of the historic house, the vibrant gardens, and the charming marquee created an unforgettable backdrop for their special day, showcasing the beauty of the surroundings and allowing the love and celebration to take center stage.
Every detail of the table arrangement exuded personal and sentimental significance. Angus’ mother, in a heartfelt gesture, handwrote the place settings on gum leaves gathered from a tree on the property, attaching them to lemons provided by a local farmer.
Each table number was adorned with framed photos showcasing the love stories of their parents and grandparents on their own wedding days, along with cherished childhood images of the couple. These thoughtful touches not only added a unique charm to the reception but also served as a beautiful reminder of the generational love and memories that shaped their journey to this special day.
For the reception, the duo arrived in style, making a grand entrance in Angus’ mother’s vintage convertible MG, a classic and elegant mode of transportation that perfectly complemented the charm and romance of their wedding day.
The newlyweds were warmly welcomed by their loved ones and guests, who showered them with applause, cheers, and heartfelt congratulations, setting the tone for a night filled with love, joy, and celebration.
The reception was a testament to their desire for a celebration filled with joy, laughter, and lighthearted moments. Stepping away from formality, they created an atmosphere that was effortlessly fun and devoid of any unnecessary seriousness. The speeches delivered by their loved ones were filled with heartfelt anecdotes, amusing stories, and genuine expressions of love and support. Laughter echoed throughout the venue, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the sound of lively conversations. The bride and groom also paid homage to the bride’s Maltese heritage by delighting their guests with pastizzi, a traditional Maltese pastry, later in the evening. This delightful treat served as a meaningful connection to the bride’s family and added a touch of cultural flair to the festivities.
Callan Robison skillfully captured precious moments, turning fleeting interactions into timeless memories with incredible precision and artistry. The photos of the guests and the newlyweds with their loved ones exuded genuine emotion and showcased the authentic connections shared between each individual. Each frame immortalized joy, love, and laughter, preserving those special moments for a lifetime, and allowing the couple and their guests to relive the magic of the wedding day whenever they gaze upon the captivating photographs.
The musical talents of Lueth were an absolute highlight. Starting with a soulful solo performance on guitar during the ceremony, Lueth set a beautiful and intimate tone for the vows and promises exchanged. Later, joined by his band, he brought a vibrant energy to the dance floor after the speeches, creating an atmosphere of pure celebration and joy. In a heartfelt gesture, Lueth even learned The Corrs’ “Runaway” for the couple’s first dance, going beyond his usual repertoire to make the moment truly memorable.
The reception was held in a magical circus-style marquee by Sperry Tents, adding an extra touch of whimsy and enchantment to the celebration. The interior of the marquee was adorned with twinkling lights, cascading drapes, and vibrant colors, creating a dazzling and immersive atmosphere.
The party was nothing short of spectacular. The dance floor was alive with energy as guests let loose, grooving to the music and embracing the joyous atmosphere. The night was filled with non-stop dancing, with friends and family joining together to create unforgettable moments of celebration. Kate remarks: “As it was held on a private property we didn’t have any noise restrictions so the party kept going until past 4am thanks to our DJ! We hated the idea of a ‘send off’ as we didn’t want to miss a minute, so we were there, putting people in taxis and saying goodbyes right until the end. We started back up the next day with sore heads, bacon & egg rolls, a coffee cart, swimming in the pool and backyard cricket.”
From the heartfelt moments during the ceremony to the vibrant celebrations at the reception, every element came together to create a day filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. The unique touches, heartfelt vows, and the genuine connections shared among family and friends brought an undeniable sense of magic and warmth to the entire occasion. From the authentic venue to the incredible music, delicious food, and laughter that filled the air, it was a day that exceeded all expectations. Angus and Kate’s wedding was a true reflection of their love story, and as the celebrations came to a close, there was no doubt that they had created a day that would be cherished forever by all who were fortunate enough to be a part of it.
Advice from the couple:
• Don’t feel the need to follow the ‘traditional’ or expected parts of a wedding if they don’t feel natural or aren’t a genuine reflection of you as a couple.
PHOTOGRAPHER Callan Robison | VIDEOGRAPHER Big Bear Films | FLORALS Bespoke Country Weddings | CELEBRANT Pippa Moore | MAKEUP Nik Wootton | HAIRDRESSER By Charnie | DRESS Marquise Bridal | DRESS TAILOR Corston Couture | BRIDESMAID DRESSES Significant Other | SUITS Pascalis Bespoke Tailoring | CATERING Margot Burke | MARQUEE Sperry Tents | MUSICIAN Lueth Ajak (Suaver) | DRINKS CaraVan Morrison | HIRE JD Events | BRIDAL PARTY CARS Parkers Wedding Cars
