Real Wedding – Gaby & Ash, Murrindindi VIC
For Gaby and Ash, it was important to be married before as many of their family and friends as possible, so a near-Christmas wedding with their loved ones flying in from across the globe, was the perfect solution.
Opting to pull together a relaxed and fun celebration with their loved ones, this dream day combined the native landscape of the private property that played host to their celebrations, with simplicity, elegance and romance.
The addition of tipis, a caravan bar, food trucks and beautiful florals saw their vision brought to life and there to capture all the action was Kyra Boyer.
In their words…
The meeting.
We first met at the Yea Ball. Ash fell instantly in love with Gaby, he still remembers the yellow dress she was wearing. After mustering up the courage, Ash asked Gaby for a dance – which she promptly declined and carried on tearing up the dance floor.
Luckily, a mere two years later at the infamous Geebung Polo Club for a friend – Kate’s birthday – we met again. And with much more luck, as Gaby took me up on that dance, we had a laugh, some drinks and knew there was something special brewing as later sitting across from the table at Maccas – Gaby threw her fries at me, and for everyone who knows Gaby she doesn’t waste fries, EVER. That was our real beginning. I (Ash) still remember saying to Kate that Gaby was way too good for me and I could never get a girl like that.
The ‘one’.
Ash: when she came to the farm and loved it. We went to the falls (where it snowed on us), rode horses, explored the farm and she even slept in a caravan as it wasn’t long after the Black Saturday Fires – so we were still living in the shed.
Gaby: It was fairly early on. One morning Ash left for work and as he left, half asleep I said “I love you”, and he replied “you what”. And I crawled under the doona and said I don’t even know where that came from so I must love you.
The proposal.
We got engaged at the Murrindindi Cascades (near where we got married), on a rock just next to the waterfalls. It was nice and simple with a picnic, a ring and a special place where we visited on Gab’s first trip to Murrindindi. Gab was also severely hungover after celebrating Lauren and Mick’s engagement with the girls so I got her at a weak moment after feeding her a picnic including her favourites – diet coke and chips.
The process.
Well, we knew we wanted our wedding close to Christmas so our family and friends from overseas could stay for Christmas and so that we could spend time with everyone over the relaxed summer period. We also knew how special Ash’s family property is to us – it’s the one place we can always go and feel safe, relaxed and ourselves.
So we picked 15 December 2018 in Murrindindi, and it was the best decision.
Whilst there was a lot to do in the lead up to the day (co-ordinating all the suppliers times etc without a dedicated wedding coordinator was much harder than expected!) it was a lot of fun.
Some of the memories from the lead up to the big day will stay with us forever. Special moments like carrying the logs from the bush and building the arch and Ash hoisting us up on the tractor to reach the highest parts of the blue gum trees in the pouring rain to get the best branches for our floral arrangements all contributed to great memories in the lead up to our big day.
Style inspiration.
We really wanted a relaxed and fun wedding which combined the native Australian landscape with simplicity, elegance and romance.
The tipis combined with the caravan bar, food trucks (with table service) and beautiful florals achieved this perfectly!
The outfits.
Ash: Looked through Instagram and of course sought the final outfit on my beautiful wife’s advice.
Gaby: I really wanted a comfortable dress, that was relaxed, had a bit of sparkle to it and made me feel amazing. I tried a lot of dresses on and when I put the Made With Love “Harlie” gown on, I felt it was perfect.
Favourite moments.
Top three:
When it was just the two of us in the bush in the beautiful light.
After reading our vows, walking back down the aisle together seeing everyone smiling and throwing petals over us.
Tearing up the dance floor surrounded by people we love.
Meaning of marriage.
A symbol of lifelong trust, commitment and love.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: I choose you by Ryann Darling
Entry: You make my dreams by Daryl Hall / John Oates
First dance: Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sherran
Planning surprises.
We found that the tricky bit was not having a wedding coordinator or go-to person on the day as we were organising our own wedding, trying to get ready and direct all of the people helping us out was a little harder than expected. The little things are the ones that can take you by surprise, like the timing of printing signs / table seating.
Words of wisdom.
Get a wedding coordinator for the day! Haha. But if you are going to do it yourself, don’t be afraid to enlist help – people love being part of it – and start early!!
No one else knows what you didn’t do so don’t worry about anything that you don’t get to.
Want more? Check out our Top Real Weddings from 2018 – there is inspiration aplenty.
ASH & GABY’S TRIBE
Location: Private property – Murrindindi, Victoria
Tipis: Tipi Kata – Phil and the Tipi Kata team were amazing. So easy to work with and went the extra mile to ensure we had everything we needed.
Celebrant/Officiant: Kate Morgan – incredibly thoughtful, open and stylish!
Photography: Kyra Boyer – the absolute BEST! No words can do justice to this incredibly talented and fun photographer!
Florist: Thrive Flowers and Events – Flowers are Gab’s thing and Alyssa was Gaby’s floristry teacher so it was super special to have Alyssa and Rosie do the flowers and understand the style Gab wanted. They nailed the brief completely, were a dream to work with and couldn’t recommend them more!
Hair: Love Co Hair and Beauty – Mim was a pleasure in the lead up and on the day. Such a calming and fun influence with the ability to tame all hair!
Make-up: Makeup by Gin – An old friend whose talent and passion for beauty and make up is clear – check her out!
The Dress: Made with Love Bridal
Veil / headwear: Bluebell Bridal
Shoes: Country Road
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Zimmerman
Groomsmen’s suits: Country Road
Bow ties / ties: Mr Moseley
Catering: Happy Camper, Bianco Latte
Bar: Lady Francesca
Cake / Cake topper: Maddie Bakes Patty Cakes
Stationery / Signage: Annie Sarah Design
Entertainment: The Baker Boys
Hire: Black Tie Toilets
Honeymoon: Hawaii
