A whimsical garden wedding on the family farm
Surrounded by the beauty of the Australian landscape, with its native trees, open spaces and a relaxed country feel, Matilda and Mitch created a wedding day that was every bit as warm and wonderful as the love they share.
Set on Matilda’s family farm, the celebration brought together whimsical garden styling, colourful locally grown blooms and plenty of thoughtful details. Jewel-toned bridesmaids added a gorgeous splash of colour, while Matilda looked breathtaking in her elegant bridal gown with sleeves. Mitch brought his own touch of style in a striking green velvet jacket.
With the help of Over The Top Events, the setting came together beautifully, with carefully chosen furniture and styling that complemented the natural surrounds without taking away from the landscape. Matilda and her mum added an especially personal touch, creating the floral installations themselves.
And when it came to the ceremony, Precious Celebrations brought all the warmth, laughter and emotion. With plenty of happy tears, heartfelt vows and a little sunshine breaking through the clouds just as they said “I do”, it was a moment to remember. The celebrations continued with biodegradable confetti cannons, plenty of hugs and a whole lot of love.
A relaxed country celebration, filled with personality, colour and all the moments that made it unmistakably Matilda and Mitch, shot to perfection by Zoe Wedding Photography.
Style vibe
We both wanted a very relaxed, light-hearted vibe for the day, getting all of the formalities out of the way early so we could enjoy ourselves. The theme was a whimsical garden/farm wedding, using second-hand baskets for decorations and colourful, locally grown blooms.
Planning process
We did all of the planning ourselves, and it was stressful! You really don’t know what’s to come when you start planning a wedding. What was helpful was a spreadsheet we had, which included a guest list, budget and a list of to-dos. This was really helpful for us. Some surprises we encountered were vendors pulling out and having to find replacements, or us getting the date wrong when booking vendors.
We definitely used Pinterest, Instagram, vendor websites and word of mouth. Due to being very rural in our wedding location, word of mouth and vendors’ websites were really helpful.
The ceremony
We got married on Matilda’s family farm. This meant that the backdrop flowers were grown for the ceremony by Matilda’s mum, which we loved. We had the best celebrant ever, who ran everything so well and really carried the vibe of the ceremony, which was full of laughs and lots and lots of love. Everyone was very emotional.
We had the wedding party sit in the second row so they could watch us get married and didn’t have to stand the whole time. It was also better for photos. Both of Matilda’s parents walked her down the aisle. The sun came through the clouds just as we said, “I do”. The biodegradable confetti cannons were great.
The outfits
Twelve South in Yarragon is where Matilda found her dress. She was trying on dresses and really liked one of them but wanted the neckline changed. The staff mentioned that they had a custom order upstairs with the neckline she wanted, but it was made to another bride’s measurements. She tried it on and it fit like a glove, and she got all the feels.
The staff then mentioned that because the dress was a custom order that the bride never picked up, it was on sale and half the price of what it would have been if she had ordered it new. Some things are just meant to be.
Mitchell’s suit and blazer are from Peter Jackson. Matilda styled him.
Styling details
We hired everything from Over The Top Events, and all of their furniture matched perfectly. It left you not having to worry about whether things matched and meant we could do minimal styling.
Matilda and her mum did all of the flower installations and styling for the day. The groomsmen all wore vintage brooches collected by the bride, and they loved the bridesmaids’ handbag baskets and bouquets. Matilda loved her flower crown and bouquet.
Favourite moments
Our first look – we are so glad we did one. Of course, seeing our family for the first time, saying “I do” and reading our vows.
Funny stories (or near disasters)
Mitchell woke up on the day of the wedding with a big cold sore on his top lip, haha!
The marquee for the reception was meant to have a clear top. It came with a white top, and Matilda had a full meltdown the day before the wedding.
Matilda had booked her makeup for the original date of the wedding, and then we changed it and forgot to tell the makeup artist the new date. Thank God she booked a trial and found out three weeks before the wedding that we had no makeup artist for the wedding and quickly had to find someone else.
Regrets
We regret inviting family members because we felt obliged to.
Top tips
Triple-check your vendor booking dates, have a spreadsheet to help you stay on budget and on track, and only do what you want to as a couple. Do not be influenced into anything you don’t want to do – invites, decorations or the classic flow of a wedding.
Matilda and Mitch’s Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Oaks View, Darlimurla
Celebrant: Precious Celebrations
Photography: Zoe Wedding Photography
Videography: Han J Cam
Styling: Over The Top Events
Florist: AllamBee Blossoms
Hair: Toned Hair Suite
Make-up: Melissa Baines
The dress: Twelve South Bridal
Veil / headwear: Etsy and flower crown by AllamBee Blossoms
Shoes: Billini & RM Williams
Rings: Lacy Jewellery
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Kookai, Forever 21, Bec and Bridge, Petal and Pup
Suits: Peter Jackson
Bow ties / ties: OTAA
Catering: Dine With A Difference
Bar: We had friends run our bar and we hired a coolroom and alcohol from Monacellars
Stationery / Signage: Etsy Retro Wedding Pack and then Vista Print for printing
Entertainment: Little Wolf
Décor and hire: Over The Top Events
