Real Wedding – Lachlan & Belinda, Inverleigh VIC
Beyonce taught us all that when life gives you lemons, you make show-stopping, jaw-dropping, one of a kind lemonade. When Covid-19 hit, Lachlan and Belinda had to rework their original wedding plan for a 180-guest celebration. The result was nothing short of sweet, unique beauty.
With their families, they created an intimate, sunset celebration perfected with subtle rustic styling touches to echo the farm landscape surrounding them.
Belinda wore a gorgeous Bec + Bridge gown originally meant for her bridesmaids, styled to perfection with statement heels from One Day Bridal. The look on Lachlan’s face during their portrait session speaks volumes.
Photographer Justine Missen made the absolute most of the farm setting, capturing playful portrait shots as the sun went down, and dramatic moments by the bonfire as the night set in. The best bit? Lachlan and Belinda, newly married, cuddling a baby goat!
As Belinda says, Covid-19 has changed plenty, but it cannot take away the special moments of your dream day.
The meeting.
Through a mutual friend at the Western District Ball.
The ‘one’.
When we were living two hours away from each other, we had to spend a few nights apart. I missed him so much, and I remember laughing with my housemate at the time; she said: “I think you will marry this guy.”
The proposal.
In Port Douglas on Four Mile Beach, he was on one knee with the ring in his hand. Then, our closest friends arrived, and when told them on arrival it was pretty fun.
Planning process.
Our plans changed due to Covid. We were planning a big black-tie wedding for 180 guests which made our new plans quite simple. Firstly, we chose our favourite spot on the farm.
I was already using Justine Missen, our photographer for our big wedding which was meant to be in October 2020, so that was easy. She was a local girl who I had been stalking for some time.
Hair and make-up was tricky due to covid-19 restrictions, so I went with a local hairdresser/make-up artist who I had used before (Adam Di Biase).
My wedding dress wasn’t ready, so I ended up wearing the dress I had chosen for my bridesmaids.
Food was easy as Smith and Co were already catering for our wedding. We will use her again next year.
We only needed minimal flowers so I let Mum decide on these and she did a great job.
We were very fortunate that my father in law had restored the family’s 1928 model GMC truck. The truck has a lot of history for the Barclay family, so the choice of transportation was easy!
Style inspiration.
Simple yet elegant while at one with the land which Lachie and his family manage. Lachie’s Mum, Fiona is very good at styling so once we decided on what colours/theme we wanted, Fi did the rest. It looked so nice yet simple. All the furniture used is from Fi’s collection.
The outfit.
This was hard. I had chosen my dream dress; however I want to wear this in front of all our friends and family, so I wanted to go with something simple.
I ended up wearing my bridesmaid’s dress, and it was perfect.
Favourite moments.
Seeing my new husband cry as I walked towards him with Dad. He was so emotional; it was very special.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage, we believe, is two people coming together and forming a formidable team. To have each other’s back through thick and thin. To be best mates. To support and listen.
Two people are better than one. If one of us falls, the other can reach out to help them up.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Crazy Love by Van Morrison.
Funny stories or near disasters.
We couldn’t keep Lachie’s parents Labrador Lilly away from the wedding, so she decided to follow Dad and me down the aisle!
Planning surprises.
Covid-19. Trying to plan a wedding during lockdown was quite interesting, it was a new experience for everyone, so it was difficult to get guidance.
Words of wisdom.
Don’t think too much about what others will think if you want certain things; just do it! It’s your day, so make it special for you.
To all the other brides who have to plan a wedding during covid-19, your wedding will be just as special.
Thinking a micro wedding may be your perfect vibe? We spoke to Rach from Sweeter Than Honey, one of our favourite photographers, to get her advice on how to make intimate feel incredible. Check it out on the blog, here.
LACHLAN & BELINDA’S VENDORS
Ceremony and reception venue: The farm, Inverleigh
Celebrant/Officiant: Janine de Paiva
Photography: Justine Missen
Styling and decor: Fiona Barclay (groom’s mother)
Florist: Jenny Burke Florist
Hair and make-up: Adamo Di Biase
The dress: Bec + Bridge
Shoes: One Day Bridal – Alias Mae
Rings: Wedding band, Duffs Jewellers. Engagement ring, antique family ring.
Groom’s suit and bow tie: Browse Fashion for Men, Geelong
Catering: Smith and Co Catering
Cake / Cake topper: Sally Price – (bride’s sister)
Transport: Family Truck
Honeymoon: Byron Bay
