Real Wedding – Jim & Jordan, Yarra Glen, VIC
When you know, you know. And Jim and Jordan knew they were always meant to be together. To celebrate their wedding day, they opted for a fun and relaxed backyard soiree. The weather was threatening in the lead up to their big day, but it was backyard bliss in the end. Hosted in Jordan’s parents backyard, the couple celebrated with family and friends, playing croquet, dining from a delicious array of food trucks and dancing away under tree adorned with fairy lights. Photographer, Sarah Godenzi, helped mark this special occasion with some incredible photos.
In Jordan’s words…
The meeting.
We met through my eldest brother, Jim and he were best friends.
The one.
The night I met Jim, I knew he was the one I was meant to marry. We even made a pact before we were together that we would be. Eventually the timing was right for both of us to get together and then as they say, the rest is history.
The proposal.
We were staying at my holiday house in Metung with some family and friends. It was New Years Eve and we were heading down to the town to watch the 9pm fireworks. Jim suggested we get a photo on the beach in front of the sunset (I should’ve known he was up to something; what man ever asks for photos!) and he got down on one knee. It was beautiful although he was squeezing my hand so tight due to nerves the bottle cap I was holding cut my hand. We then went down and watched the fireworks and celebrated with everyone.
Style inspiration.
I think my Pinterest board would tell you I had no idea what direction I actually wanted to go. There is so much amazing inspiration and it’s hard to narrow it down to what you actually want. My only instruction from Jim was that he just wanted a massive party. So we just tried to create a relaxed, party vibe and everything was just as a result of that.
The dress.
It was from Made With Love and I purchased it from BlueBell Bridal. It was the second dress I tried on and I knew that that was the one I wanted. I changed a few things about it but the whole process was a breeze and the dress was beautiful.
Favourite moment(s).
For both of us it was probably walking down the aisle. That is the peak of your wedding day and it is such a special moment. The speeches were really special too. It was the first time I have ever seen my Dad cry!
Wedding soundtrack.
Signing song: You make it real by James Morrison, Here comes the sun by The Beatles The Beatles and XO by John Mayer
Exit song: Who Loves You by Jersey Boys
Funny stories/near disasters.
We planned a completely outdoor wedding with really no decent contingency plan if it rained. It was all well and good to not think about the possibility it could actually rain until two weeks before when the weather forecast comes out and we both turned into nervous wrecks. The day before the wedding it was monsoon like rains. It flooded my parents garage and the girls spray tans were nearly pointless as we had to get to and from the cars in torrential rain without any umbrellas! It definitely wasn’t funny at the time, but its humorous to look back on. Possibly only because it didn’t rain on the actual day!
Planning surprises.
Not by surprise but things that we loved. The three food trucks were amazing, as were the staff and we would highly recommend this as an option. Our guests loved them, and everyone could eat as much as they wanted. One of our friends claimed to have eaten 15 tacos, so it was worth it.
Words of wisdom.
Stay true to yourself and what you both actually want and also to not do things just to ‘keep up with the Jones’. Joe Bloggs is not going to notice if you don’t spend that $500 on serviettes. There were several times where we had to remind ourselves the reason why we were getting married and not to allow yourself to get lost in the stress of it all! Also – spreadsheets! Need I say more.
Last words.
When we decided to have the wedding at my parents property rather than a venue, we were only allowed if we arranged someone to help us to make sure it wasn’t the most horrendous party of all time. That is where Catherine and Clare of will&jac came in. They were so wonderful at recommending reputable suppliers, co-coordinating details, and reminding us of important things that we would of otherwise just turned a blind eye too. Their service on the day was absolutely invaluable, and I truly think that we were able to enjoy the day just that much more because we knew everything was in safe hands. They literally think of everything. Even when my dress broke (due to some fence climbing with our photographer) they were there with a needle and thread. They worked tirelessly the entire day, and so many of our guests commented on how brilliant they were. In saying that, all of the suppliers we used were amazing and would highly recommend them to anyone especially Sarah (photographer), Anthony (videographer) and Adam from Dahlia Fandango (florist).
Backyard weddings are beautiful, so go on over and check out Andrew and Erin’s private property party!
JIM AND JORDAN’S TRIBE
Wedding Planners – will&jac
Photographer – Sarah Godenzi
Videographer – Little Cinema
Marquee – The Marquee Company
Celebrant – Ilona Cox
Ceremony Venue – Alowyn Gardens
Band – The Baker Boys Band
Photo Booth – Shutter Hub
Food Trucks: Fancy Hanks, Nem n Nem and Dos Diablos
Ice Cream Truck – Matrix Fun Food Hire
Furniture and Festoons – Pepper Sprout
Lawn Games – My Sweet Event
Lanterns/Candles and Styling Items – The Small Things Co
Flowers – Dahlia Fandango
Hair – Martin Hall Hairdressing
MakeUp – Chelsea Darnell Make-up
Bride Details
Bridal Boutique- Bluebell Bridal. My dress was by Made With Love.
Veil: Heather Sellick Bridal Couture
Robes / getting ready tees (if applicable): Homebodii (Bride) and Cotton on Body (Bridesmaids)
Shoes: Siren
Accessories (earrings, bracelets): Samantha Wills
Bridesmaid dresses: Pilgrim Clothing
Bridesmaid shoes: Billini Shoes
Groom Details Suit, Jacket, Pants and Shirt: Briggins
Bow tie – Wood & Beau
Cufflinks – The Northwood Co (Etsy)
Shoes – H-Wood
Groomsmen suits: Briggins