Location: Glenbrook, Blue Mountains, Australia
Setting: Family house
Season: Spring
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Number of guests: 13
Wedding theme/style: Ethereal, natural, intimate.
Rosie and Jake are a couple from a fairytale place, where mountains meet the sky and the ocean crashes on the rocks. They find happiness in their day-to-day life together and fall in love increasingly with each passing day.
“We enjoy the simple things in life: a Saturday night dinner with a nice glass of wine and Sunday mornings in a café. We head up the coast as much as possible so Jake can surf while Rosie watches from the shore with a Chiko Roll,” the couple says.
Damien Milan photographed a new chapter in the family history. On this important day for the whole family, he brought all the warm feelings together, taking photographs filled with real emotions and the natural beauty of that day. “Rosie and Jake had the most joyful, sincere, and relaxed backyard wedding that we ever got to experience,” he recalls.
Isn’t spending such a significant day in a house with a rich family history ideal? The story that began with your parents’ love led to your birth, and now you are the new chapter and continuation of that story.
“When we started planning, we didn’t even look at any other venues. It was important for us to get married here because it holds significance for Rosie’s family and us. We spent a lot of time here during our early relationship, and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones together with our combined families,” Rosie and Jake share.
The bride looked stunning in her wedding dress. The gown featured a sleek silhouette with a square neckline, beautifully highlighting her graceful figure. Her look was completed with a minimalist headband, perfectly complementing her ensemble. The bouquet of soft, pastel flowers she held added a romantic touch.
“My dress was from L’eto Bridal, the first dress I tried on. I just knew I had the “moment.” Anya from L’eto is an extraordinary designer and a real joy to work with. She is so open to altering her baseline collection and is excited throughout the entire process,” said the bride.
Jake chose a custom tobacco-colored P. Johnson suit. He went into the first consultation trying to figure out what to say or ask for. Still, after sitting with the designer, he was able to take his vagueness and help translate it into something Jake felt comfortable in and even looked forward to wearing. “This was the first time I had ever worn a suit,” says the groom.
The ceremony, initially planned outdoors, was moved to a charming covered porch due to rain. “It was nevertheless magical with the rain falling during the entire ceremony,” the photographer said.
Rosie recounts, “It was rather moody, which made it even more magical, especially as we explored a beautiful cliffside location in the mist and rain after the ceremony.”
After the ceremony, Rosie and Jake embraced the mist and rain as they explored a national park just five minutes away from the house. The photographs by Damien Milan exude a moody charm, with each frame capturing the delicate raindrops and the earthy scent of the forest surrounding them. You can almost hear the gentle patter of rain and feel the cool mist in the air as you look through the images. Far from ruining the intimate moments, the rain enhanced them, draping a veil of soft, ethereal vibe over the day. This added layer of natural beauty makes each photograph stand out, turning what could have been seen as a setback into a highlight of their special day.
The reception was a picture of understated elegance, held in the dining space of house. Soft candlelight flickered across the elegant table settings, creating a warm, inviting ambiance. Each table was decorated with lush floral arrangements, featuring a mix of delicate white and soft peach blossoms interspersed with vibrant yellow flowers that added a subtle pop of color. The wooden tables, dark and rich in tone, were set with pristine white plates, gleaming glassware, and polished silverware, lending a rustic yet refined touch to the setting.
The evening was thoughtfully curated to foster a comfortable and enjoyable dinner experience. Rosie emphasized the atmosphere they aimed to create: “I think the most important element was how we wanted it to feel, and that was just for people to be relaxed, comfortable, and to have a good time.” Guests enjoyed a delightful dinner, engaging conversations, and laughter, experiencing a sense of unity throughout the evening. This memorable gathering set the stage for a larger celebration planned for the following year, promising to include all their loved ones who missed out.
Advice from the couple:
• The biggest tip is to choose vendors you genuinely enjoy dealing with. With the possibility of lockdowns and changing plans, it’s crucial to have accommodating and genuinely decent people.
PHOTOGRAPHER Damien Milan | FLORALS Flore at Floral | MAKEUP Kim Pham | HAIR Naydene Mehmet | BRIDAL DRESS L’eto | BRIDAL SHOES Mara and Mine | HEADBAND JENNIFER BEHR | GROOM’S SUIT P. Johnson | GROOM’S SHOES Adieu Paris | CELEBRANT Marry Me Zoe | CATERING & BAR Pepi’s | RENTALS Simply Seated
