Real Wedding – Jarnay & Jayden, Hunter Valley NSW
After a nervous, joy-filled proposal on a trip to Malta, Jarnay and Jayden chose to underpin their style with Italian and Maltese influences throughout their stunning Hunter valley celebration, planned in only six month.
After locking in the first venue they saw, the Sienna, they ramped up their planning agenda and nailed a truly uplifting, effervescent party with their nearest and dearest.
As they put it, “it was a magical whirlwind of DIYs, ‘how hard can it be’s, and reminding each other that all that mattered was a beautiful day with all the people we love, having the best day full of love.”
Constantly bringing themselves back to that philosophy throughout their plannign truly paid off, with every frame by Memento Collective giving pure fun and party vibes.
The meeting.
How all good love stories start, we met at a house party ten years ago through a mutual friend. Jayden was tending to his brother in the gutter when Jarnay appeared to see what was going on, and that’s the first time we met. The chat was great and the sparks were instant, kicking off a short-lived friendship that turned out to be a lot more.
The one.
It wasn’t one big moment but rather a lot of small ones in every moment. Feeling safe, seen, and completely ourselves. Over time, it just became really clear that life was better, calmer, and more meaningful when we were together. We know it in our bones when we hug, and everything that has ever been wrong is gone in an instant.
The proposal.
We had set off to Europe, and Jayden knew he was going to ask me there. Seeing as some family, from both sides, are from Malta, he chose to do it there. When it came time to pop the question, Jayden thought he was going to be nervous, but mostly fine – that was not the case.
We had gone up to our rooftop balcony at our Airbnb in Malta at dusk. It was the most beautiful view. Jarnay knew something was off as Jayden had no words coming out of my mouth and was acting odd. We shared wine together, looking out at the view, when, just as Jayden was about to ask the question, another couple came up to enjoy the same view. Thank god Jarnay forgot her charger, so she asked, “Should I go and grab it quickly?” while we had a glass of wine.
So, as Jarnay went down to grab the charger, Jayden abruptly interrupted the couple next to us and asked them if he could have the floor for five minutes, and they were so nice and let him have his moment.
By the time Jarnay came back, she was even more suspicious now as the couple who came up with drinks and then had all of a sudden gone. Jayden began to hold Jarnay’s hands and said I have something I need to ask you. As he shook the boots off his feet, he began to attempt to ask, but really, we just knew what I was talking about as we both were sobbing in absolute bliss and happiness.
Not to mention, while Jarnay was downstairs, a couple on another balcony saw him waste a good glass of wine as it shook out of his hands.
Now we think back on it and just laugh, it makes us feel so much joy.
Planning process.
We got engaged in October 2024 and thought we’d give it at least a year before getting married. We thought we would start the process of looking for a venue when we came across The Sienna. We went to have a look and knew within an instant it was the perfect venue.
As it had just opened, they also had an opening offer, which led to us planing the wedding in six months. It was a magical whirlwind of DIYs, ‘how hard can it be’s, and reminding each other that all that mattered was a beautiful day with all the people we love, having the best day full of love.
Style inspiration.
Given we got engaged in Europe and loved it, we drew massive inspiration from the Maltese and Italian vibes.
We found a lot of inspiration through real weddings that other couples had planned. We knew we wanted it to feel like and party and just like us rather than a styled shoot so seeing what other couples had done and how they’d done it really held.
The ceremony.
What made it so special was doing it in a way that felt like us, not just the way it ‘had to be done’. We picked music that had meaning, we had our brothers as flower men, both Jarnay’s parents walked her down the aisle and we had our first look to give ourselves the private moment to take it all in right before.
The outfits.
I (Jarnay) originally wanted to make my own dress; however, once we decided we were going to plan the wedding in six months, I realised I’d be out of my mind. I sought out a way to still be able to create the vision I had while being more time-effective. On that journey I was able to thrift some items, buy some new to alter them and create parts on my own to pull it all together. It came out even better than I imagined, although Jayden was banned from two rooms in the house for most of the six months while I pulled it all together.
For Jayden, he wanted something that really felt like him, which was the all-green suit.
Favourite moments.
The whole day felt like a perfect dream, but we really loved walking into cocktail hour after the ceremony. As we did a first look, most of the photos were done, the nerves from the ceremony were gone, and we got to walk down hand in hand as we saw the excited faces of everyone we loved. No more nerves, just love and fun and cocktails. It all felt worth it.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage to me is a sworn oath that until the day we leave this earth that we will love and cherish every moment we spend together, to protect each other, love each other, and show each other we don’t need to be two halves to be whole, we’re two whole people who choose each other every day.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle (Jayden and groomsmen): Concerning Hobbits – Howard Shore
Aisle (Bridesmaids): Yellow Acoustic by Jonah Baker
Aisle (Jarnay): Can’t Help Fallling in Love – Kacey Musgrave
First dance: You’ll Be OK – Garreth Emery
First look: You Are In Love – Taylor Swift
Funny stories (or near disasters).
One that makes us laugh: we bought an audio guest phone to record our guests’ messages, set it out for everyone to use, but forgot to turn it on until just before dinner. Everyone has told us how many heartfelt and loving messages they left, but at least we got the re-do messages after the cocktails/drinks had kicked him. We were on the floor laughing, listening to these.
Planning surprises.
We were surprised by how many little decisions there were to make and things we didn’t even know existed until we had to choose them. You think it’s just about the big things like the venue and dress, but it’s the small details that really add up.
Also, how emotional the planning process could be. It’s not just logistics, but every choice feels personal because it represents part of who we are. We didn’t expect it to feel so meaningful, even in the stressful moments.
Words of wisdom.
It might get hard, you’ll question your sanity, and everyone will have an opinion, but remember that it’s about what you and your partner want and what feels true to you as a couple. It might feel like only just one day in the planning, but it was all worth it and more.
Our seating chart was changing right up until the day before (people can be unpredictable) so I would 100% recommend a QR for your seating chart. So, so so easy to change at the last minute. We used Please Find Your Seat and just added the QR code to our welcome sign.
I’ll also say that not everything will go to plan on the day, but what matters most is how you handle it. As long as you get to that aisle, take it for the fun whirlwind it is, and make it to that aisle to marry the love of your love, the rest will fall into place.
And last thing – Brides, you set the tone for the day. Have FUN and be in the moment!
JARNAY & JAYDEN’S VENDORS:
Ceremony & reception venue: The Sienna, Hunter Valley
Celebrant: Jake Fonti
Photography & videography: Memento Collective
Content creator: Lychees and Love
Styling: ourselves
Florist: The Ivory Atelier
Hair: Alicia Personal Hair Design
Make-up: Sammie Leigh Artistry
The dress & veil: Bits and pieces from all over the place put together. Some thrifted, some made and some bought.
Shoes: Honestly – Shein!
Rings: Novita Diamond and Cullen Jewellery
Suits: Kelly Country
Bow ties/ties: Ferrari Formalwear
Catering & bar: The Sienna, Hunter Valley
Cake / Cake topper: We did a Gelato cart instead of cake.
Stationery / Signage: Mostly self-made and seating chart/welcome sign printed by The Ivory Atelier
Entertainment: Carson Todd from Silent Shout
Transport: Luckys Hunter Valley Tours
Décor: DIY
Honeymoon: Yet to be done
