Real Wedding – Carly & Lyndon, Yarra Glen VIC

 

Carly and Lyndon used gorgeous Yarra Glen as the backdrop to their beautiful day.

Carly knew she wasn’t a ‘traditional’ bride so it was important that her bridal fashion choice reflected this. She couldn’t have been more thrilled with her Chosen by One Day two-piece number that she wore with pride as she made her way down the aisle to their romantic and lighthearted ceremony.

They wanted to keep their celebration relaxed with a fun vibe so they sourced vendors that could create exactly that.

The florals by our friends at Flowers St Germaine were an absolute stand out and certainly a statement maker (the installation is a must see!). Knowing that food trucks always create a buzz, they not only hired a pizza van, but a taco truck too! Following the feast, they hit the dance floor all night long with The White Tree at the entertainment helm.

Lens legend Jackson Grant captured every aspect of this day, and quite simply, this one is an absolute must-see.

 

 

The meeting.

We met in 2011 through mutual friends. I moved in with Lyndon’s best mate who was dating one of my good friends. Lyndon would come around to the house to hang out with my housemate and I would be on the couch in my hoodie and pjs, very glamourous. The boys convinced me to come out with them one night and we have been together ever since.

 

The ‘one’.

It was on our first trip overseas together. We were on a skiing trip in New Zealand with friends, I had decided to have a rest day because my legs were sore. He left for the mountain in the morning but then ended up turning around and coming back so that I wouldn’t be alone and we spent the day together instead. It showed me how much he cared.

 

The proposal.

It was my birthday, which was great as it took me by surprise. He proposed at home with a ring made by one of my oldest friends. We celebrated both my birthday and our engagement with dinner afterwards.

 

The process.

I really enjoyed the process. We booked most of vendors in very early, within the first couple of months. Then it was a bit of a waiting game.

We sent out paper invites through invitation supplier, Maybe at Dawn but we also created a wedding website. We used this as a bit of fun to introduce ourselves and our bridal party to our guests. We also included accommodation and transport information.

The month leading up to the wedding definitely felt like crunch time with confirming all the vendors and nailing down all of the details. For me it gave me peace of mind to reach out to all the vendors at this time and confirm. So much goes into a wedding, it can be hard to keep track at times so we made a lot of lists!

 

Style inspiration.

We really wanted to have a relaxed, fun vibe for our day. That’s why we chose Acacia Ridge as our venue. We loved the laid back atmosphere and the view at the venue is unbeatable. The flexibility at Acacia means you can choose your own catering which was perfect for us as we had been discussing the possibility of food trucks.

We love the buzz food trucks create at an event and wanted the day to be a reflection of us and how we live our lives. Pizza, tacos and wine pretty much says it all!!

Our guests absolutely loved the food, it was a great talking point and it worked out even better than we had imagined.

 

The look.

I knew for a while that I wanted to wear a two piece. I didn’t want to be a traditional bride and wanted to wear something that reflected me and my style. I wanted to stand out and be a little different. I went to two different bridal boutiques and tried on quite few options. I was surprised with what I chose, I never pictured myself wearing a full skirt but I loved the split and the drama of it. The girls at One Day were fantastic. It was so much fun, definitely my vibe.

With the bridesmaids, I wanted them each to wear something different. Something that suited them and reflected their personal styles. However it was a bit of a challenge finding four different outfits that looked good together. I was very happy with how it looked on the day, thank god!

 

Favourite moments.

I have two.

Saying our vows. I was absolutely busting to say them! Hearing Lyndon say his vows was the best, he had been quite stressed in the lead up with writing them but he absolutely nailed it. They were beautiful.

My sister’s Maid of Honour speech. She changed the lyrics to Justin Bieber’s Baby and made it about Lyndon and I. Not being a natural singer it was definitely something we didn’t see coming. She smashed it out of the park! It was unforgettable and really set the tone for the night.

 

Meaning of marriage.

A celebration of our life together so far and a promise to each other to continue to work on and grow our love and our relationship.

 

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran

Reception entry: Staying Alive (We had a disco theme for our entrance songs. Mainly because we were so delirious when we picked them a couple of nights before the wedding!)

First dance: The Luckiest by Ben Folds Five

 

Funny stories (or near disasters).

We had some pretty crazy wind during our ceremony. The flowers from the arbour were hitting us in the head,  the whole marquee was shaking. At one point I was sure something was going to fall or take off.

 

Planning surprises.

I suppose just how many elements are involved.

 

Words of wisdom.

It’s easier said than done but try not to stress over the small details. It will all work itself out on the day and if it doesn’t you’ll be having too much fun to realise anyway.

 

Last words. 

A big thank you to all of our vendors!! You help us create the wedding of our dreams.

 

 

Keen to avoid a wedding budget blowout?  Here are twenty top tips to do exactly that!

 

CARLY & LYNDON’S TRIBE

Ceremony and reception: Acacia Ridge Vineyard

Celebrant/Officiant: Zena Lythgo – Zena was fantastic. Her approach is so personal, she really takes the time to get to know you as a couple, to ensure she does you justice in your ceremony. Many of our guests commented on how great she was.

Photography: Jackson Grant Weddings – This guy is the best! We absolutely loved having him around on the day. He has such a creative eye, meaning that our photos are unique, genuine and full of fun. He captured so many moments, we will cherish these photos forever.

Florist: Flowers St Germain

Hair: Hair by Natalie Jaye

Make-up: Arielle Wray Beauty 

The Dress: Chosen by One Day

Shoes: Loefller Randall

Rings: Chloe Mccoll Jewellery – One of my oldest friends who now specialises in engagements and wedding bands. Her stunning pieces are unique and personal.

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Rebecca Vallance, Bec + Bridge, Stevie May

Jewellery: Earrings by Isabella May and Emeldo Design

Groomsmen’s suits: Country Road

Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss

Bow ties / ties: Peggy and Finn

Catering: Pizza Wagon and Taco Truck

Entertainment: The White Tree 

Hire: The Photobooth Guys – Selfmatic Photobooth

Honeymoon: Was supposed to be Europe. So hopefully Europe 2021.