Real Wedding – Jordan & Bede, Daylesford VIC
Jordan and Bede’s celebration was a micro-wedding giveaway with momentously beautiful impact; centred around sustainability, kindness and nature, and the incredible couple, Jordan and Bede.
As described by the giveaway’s creators, Whole Lotta Love Creative (Agi) and Dear Henri (Kim), this idea was conceptualised during Melbourne’s hard lockdown – it was winter, they were cooped up indoors, and weddings at that time were banned. Kim and Agi knew they wanted to end the year on an absolute high and wanted to give something special to the community. They reached out to a number of suppliers and found themselves with an A-team of vendors wanting to be part of something really precious!
Jordan and Bede have a genuine and beautiful connection that absolutely shines. Their values around sustainability, nature and community struck a deep chord with Kim and Agi. These are the reasons they chose Jordan and Bede, though once they met, they discovered so much more, that just blew Kim and Agi’s minds. They felt they could not have picked a more deserving couple.
The stunning celebration was held at Oak + Monkey Puzzle. Surrounded by nature and an intimate group of friends – their chosen Melbourne family – Jordan and Bebe tied the knot amidst laughter and the calls of the kookaburra. Jordan’s stunning dress, a song written and sung by the groom to the bride, and an impromptu dance floor are just some of the captivating highlights from this dreamy day, all captured to perfection by lens legend Amanda Alessi.
The meeting.
We first met, very briefly, at a gig at the Grace Darling through a mutual friend. It turns out the encounter lingered on both our minds. It was sometime later that I (Jordan) was applying to live in a share house, and when I went to interview at the house, it was quite the surprise when Bede opened the door!
The ‘one’.
It only took a few weeks to know that a friendship wasn’t going to be enough. The feeling of finding home; a feeling of familiarity and something new at the same time. There was one memorable moment, though, when I (Bede) made a bread and butter pudding out of leftover almond croissants; Jordan took one bite and gave me a look I’ll never forget. Pastries: they’ll get ya.
The proposal.
While visiting Adelaide for Christmas, I (Bede) asked Jordan’s mum for a family heirloom ring originally belonging to Jordan’s Grandma (which was more nerve-racking than proposing!)
It burnt a hole in my pocket while we toured the North Island of Aotearoa a few months later. After a number of failed scenic outings, I finally proposed in the Redwood Forrest of Te Mata Peak in Hawkes Bay, a forest I had explored with my family since before I could walk.
Planning process.
After our wedding had been reimagined twice in one year due to the impacts of COVID, we had settled on simply doing a registration in our backyard, thinking that sometime in the hopefully not-too-distant future, we could have a proper wedding. I was scrolling through Instagram and saw that the lovely Cass from Fig and Salt was one of a group of vendors coming together to so generously create a micro-wedding in Daylesford for one lucky couple. With nothing to lose and a beautifully generous wedding to gain, I entered my first IG comp, and the rest is history…
Agi from Whole Lotta Love was a dream and helped us navigate the frustrating and ever-changing COVID restrictions.
Style inspiration.
Kim and Agi:
We chose an earthy palette with lots of beautiful details such as linen napkins, handmade beeswax candles and ceramic vases to compliment the look.
We wanted to focus on an intimate and relaxed celebration, and Jordan and Bede’s wedding was exactly that!
The ceremony.
The ceremony was authentic to who we are. We are blessed with the most special of friends, and their love and support held us as we shared this most precious moment in our story. Committing to each other, surrounded in love and nature, was magical. A moment in time that will last forever. The COVID friendly micro-wedding was also a strange blessing after a tough year in Melbourne: we missed our family greatly on the day, but it did allow for long-awaited quality time with our dear friends.
The outfit.
Jordan had her dress made by Bec Cassine and looked incredible.
Favourite moments.
The whole day was just so special, an endless day moving from one magical moment to the next. But singing to Jordan a song I wrote with my legendary groomsmen backing me with percussion and harmonies felt like an arrival of sorts. Something I’d dreamed of doing for years. It was perfect.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage gave us the next step in our relationship, a moment to deepen our relationship, an ancient ritual to recognise love, a chance to celebrate our love with friends and family.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: He Rangi Ataahua by Te Reotakiwa Dunn
End of ceremony: Baby, I Love Your Way by Big Mountain
Surprise song: Pounamu written by Bede and performed by Bede and the Groomsmen
Funny stories or near disasters.
Planning a marriage under ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions: nuff said.
Planning surprises.
Get a wedding planner. It took the stress out of it knowing someone had our back.
Words of wisdom.
At times the To-Do list seems endless. Chip away at it, one thing at a time. Remember what all the planning is for: an unforgettable day, floating on love, baby!
The incredibly talented Kim from Dear Herni is just one of the captivatingly creative florists we have in our directory. Allow yourself a moment of aesthetic appreciation and get browsing, here!
JORDAN & BEDE’S VENDORS:
We can’t thank enough the incredibly talented and generous crew that pulled out all the stops to make our day special. You all nailed it!
Ceremony and reception venue: Oak + Monkey Puzzle
Celebrant and florist: Kim of Dear Henri
Photography: Amanda Alessi
Videography: John Kurt
Styling: Whole Lotta Love Creative
Hair and make-up: Heather Woll
The dress: Bec Cassine
Catering: Firecracker Event
Cake / Cake topper: Fig and Salt
Stationery / Signage: Laura Elizabeth
Entertainment: Lark Music
Décor: Handmade Candles by Flört Designs
Hire: The Little Black Sheep Co
