Real Wedding – Andrew and Rachael, McLaren Vale SA
Mitolo Wines in McLaren Vale provided a spectacular setting for Rachael and Andrew’s wedding day.
Classic and modern was the brief for their styling, but pops of blush coral and unique touches like Rachael’s striking Christie Nicolaides earrings took their look to another level. Stationery and signage by tribe super stylers State of Reverie perfectly complemented the relaxed elegance.
We couldn’t help but feel the feels seeing Andrew’s reaction to Rachael as she stepped down the aisle towards him, glowing in her Karen Willis Holmes creation. Rachael’s favourite moment of the day was their ceremony; sharing their feelings for one another in front of their favourite people.
Janneke Storm was there to capture all the emotion and stunning scenery, and the result is a true treat.
The meeting.
We met at work back in 2014 and were work friends for about two years before Andrew asked me on a date. By this stage he had actually been transferred to Adelaide, so the first few months of our relationship were long-distance, with lots of flying back and forth.
The ‘one’.
I’m not sure that there was a moment as such, but on our second date Andrew flew up from Adelaide with homemade lamb ragu and chocolate mousse that he’d pre-prepared at home so he could ‘cook me dinner’. It was probably the sweetest thing any man had ever done for me, and I knew that he was a special kind of guy.
The proposal.
It’s quite funny really… we had just finished up work before Christmas and Andrew took me out for dinner to where we’d had our first date. It was storming in Brisbane and Andrew had planned to propose on our apartment rooftop after dinner.
So when we got home, he made an excuse to ‘go to the car’ when he was really up on the roof trying to light floating candles to put in the pool. The wind was so strong that they all just floated right over the infinity edge and into the catchment and the poor guy had to get naked to fish them out…
Meanwhile, I was downstairs wondering what he was up to. I got into my pyjamas and was on the couch when he came in. Suddenly he was walking towards me and music was playing on a speaker and he was down on one knee. I didn’t think it would happen on the couch in my PJs, but it was just the best!
Planning process.
I organised and ticked off all the big items early and then worked on the smaller details over time, so I really didn’t find it too stressful, despite planning from interstate.
I created a bit of a vision board in PowerPoint, which helped me get ideas and looks together. I didn’t have a planner or a stylist, so this really helped me.
Style inspiration.
Our venue definitely helped guide the style of our wedding, which was very much a classic but modern look. We kept it to blacks and whites with lovely blush and buff tones.
The outfit.
My dress was the second one I tried on, and it just felt right for both me and the overall style of the wedding. I went to three other stores but couldn’t find anything that compared.
I love its simplicity and how different it is to most wedding dresses out there. It was also super comfortable!
Favourite moments.
My favourite part of the day was the ceremony. I’d been picturing it in my head for so long, and it was so nice to be able to say everything we wanted to say to each other in front of our friends and family.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage is the ultimate partnership and friendship. For us, it’s knowing that the other will always have our back. And it’s also a lot of fun – Andrew makes me laugh every day.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Can’t Help Falling in Love by Kina Grannis (played live)
First dance: Time After Time by Iron and Wine
Funny stories or near disasters.
Our lovely photographer, Janneke, found great locations for us to shoot portraits on the day. At one location we were chased by a dog, and at the other we had to jump over a barbed-wire fence! We actually had a lot of fun, and the photos are amazing!
Planning surprises.
Looking back, I do wish I had an event planner or someone who could manage all the little details on the day and in the lead-up. I had a lot of great help from friends and family as well as the venue, but it would have made it a tad more relaxing to have someone else running the show!
Words of wisdom.
Have fun with the process and just focus on what’s important to you.
Planning a wedding interstate? We’ve grouped our incredible real weddings by State and Territory here, so you can find the best local inspo wherever you are!
RACHAEL AND ANDREW’S VENDORS
Ceremony and reception venue: Mitolo Wines – Amazing wine, amazing Italian food! Such a sleek looking venue!
Celebrant: Alice Colgrave – Alice made us feel relaxed from the get-go and is such a genuine, lovely person.
Photography: Janneke Storm – Janneke gave us so much great advice leading up to the wedding, and it was really fun spending the day with her. Such an amazing photographer!
Florist: Poppies Flowers
Hair: Carmen Tasovac
Make-up: Alicia Ngov
The dresses: Karen Willis Holmes, Bec and Bridge
Shoes: Sol Sana
Rings: James Allen (engagement) / Blue Nile (wedding bands)
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Bec and Bridge (2 of 3)
Groom’s suit and bow tie: MJ Bale
Cake: Frosty Cakes Co.
Stationery / Signage: State of Reverie – The girls at State of Reverie were so great to work with and all of their stationery is to die for!
Entertainment: The Happy Leonards – These guys are so talented!
Hire: Modern Party Hire
Honeymoon: Qualia Resort, Whitsundays
Other: Earrings by Christie Nicolaides
