Real Wedding – Lochie & Tanya, Bellbrae VIC
From the moment Lochie proposed, on a beach walk with their gorgeous dogs, to their laughter-filled wedding day, Tanya and Lochie made fun and festive their priority. Scrolling through the superb snaps of the day, it’s evident that everyone relished the relaxed atmosphere and blissed-out beauty.
For these two stunning souls, both who grew up in country Victoria, choosing local and independent vendors was important and made for a day that felt genuine, authentic and super-special.
Taking their styling inspiration from the terra tones of the autumn leaves, and beautiful bushland surrounds of Bellbrae Harvest, made for a theme of relaxed romanticism meets country class. Tribesters Elderberry Event Hire added the final flourishes to the festivities.
There to capture every minute of the relaxed vibes and laid back love was lens legend Jackson Grant.
The meeting.
Six years ago, we initially swiped right. After a couple of weeks of chatting, we realised we were both going to the same Rüfüs gig in Geelong, so we met up after that.
The ‘one’.
We can’t recall a specific moment, but we know from very early on that we wanted to be in each other’s lives. We were on the same page and just got each other.
The proposal.
In the past, we had casual conversations about a proposal. I mentioned I would like it to be rather private; he didn’t really care.
So, it was a warm 35-degree day in January 2019. Lochie organised to go to Basils Farm for lunch, on the way we stopped off at Barwon Heads to take the dogs for a walk on the beach. When we got to the beach, Lochie saw about 50 people on the beach and thought it wasn’t very private, but the time felt right! Lochie got down on one knee and popped the question, I screamed and cried happy tears with strangers cheering us on!
Planning process.
It was very much a team effort; we both had important roles to play and did a majority of the planning process together. Being a teacher, I was very organised with spreadsheets, explicit timetables to the minute and detailed ‘to do’ lists. I did a lot of the background organisation and enquiries while Lochie was great at keeping track of the finances and budgets. We are both from country Victoria so we value the notion of supporting local and independent businesses and suppliers where we could, that was really special to us. We really enjoyed the process of planning our wedding and didn’t find it overly stressful.
Style inspiration.
We went for a relaxed yet classy style. Green and white flowers complemented the beautiful Australian bush landscape and setting of Bellbrae Harvest, which we used as the centre of our styling.
The outfit.
My sister and I went wedding dress shopping in Geelong one weekend, which was a hilarious experience in many ways. I knew I wanted a dress with sleeves but couldn’t find what I was looking for in-store, so I decided to get it made by a local lady. I fell in love with my dress from the initial sketch she drew, it was very me, and I felt so comfortable in it, which was important.
Favourite moments.
The whole day was just absolutely amazing, and it is hard to pinpoint one moment. If we had to choose, it would be having our photos taken before the ceremony and doing a first look. It was such a special moment to be present, just the two of us. Then we had photos with the bridal party, that was so much fun!
Meaning of marriage.
To us, it means to solidify our unconditional love for each other and share the moment with our closest family and friends.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Miracle Love by Matt Corby
Signing: Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles and Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
Recessional: Lovin is Easy by Rex Orange County and True Lovers by Holy Holy
Reception entry: World of Our Love by Client Liaison
First dance: The deepest sighs, the Frankest Shadows by Gang of Youths and Will we talk by Sam Fender
Exit song: Love is only a feeling by The Darkness
Funny stories or near disasters.
The funniest story was during the ceremony when we were saying our vows. Lochie spoke some beautiful words about my late Pa, which set the waterworks off for everyone. I clearly needed a tissue, so my mum handed the bridesmaids a tissue to pass down to me, oblivious to them that the tissue was actually for me. The tissue went all along the line for the bridesmaids to use and it didn’t actually get to me. All our guests knew what was happening apart from the bridal party. We didn’t know what everyone was laughing at until after the ceremony. Maybe it was a “had to be there” moment, but it had the guests laughing about throughout the day.
Planning surprises.
The sheer number of things that need to be organised really took me by surprise and obviously the cost of things that come with a wedding price tag.
Words of wisdom.
Be well organised, try to get your suppliers booked in and deposits paid nice and early so near the time of the big day you’re not scrambling to finalise things. Make a lot of enquiries and if your heart is set on something, do it!
You hear time and time again that the day goes so fast- it really does! Try to be present in the moment and take it all in.
So you’ve got your besties lined up and ready to go, but you’re just not sure what this bridesmaid business really involves? Whether it’s choices over who organises the hens or how to work out who pays for what, we’ve got the key moments covered! Gather your gals and get reading.
LOCHIE & TANYA’S VENDORS
Ceremony and reception venue: Bellbrae Harvest.
Celebrant/Officiant: Simon Prince (A friend of ours)
Photography: The unbelievably talented, warm and kind-hearted Jackson Grant. Our day wouldn’t have been the same without Jackson; he instantly eased any nerves and made us all feel so relaxed.
Styling: We did it ourselves, with help from friends and family.
Florist: Wildfolk Flowers
Hair: Jess from Rok, Paper & Scissors in Belmont
Make-up: Emily McGrath
The dress and veil: Wedding dress made by Claire Home Designs
Shoes: Ceremony shoes were from Bared. Party shoes were from ASOS.
Rings: Engagement ring is from Leskes Jewellers in Port Fairy. Port Fairy is our home away from home, we love holidaying there. Wedding rings were from Duffs Geelong.
Bridesmaid’s dresses: The girls chose what they wanted to wear. Dresses from Seed, Esther and Co and ASOS.
Groomsmen’s suits and bow ties: Hired from Brown’s Mensland Geelong West.
Catering: Round the Way
Cake: Happiness Is
Stationery / Signage: Ryan McKenzie Graphic Design
Entertainment: Abe Anderson
Hire: Elderberry Event Hire
Honeymoon: We had a little get away to McLaren Vale in South Australia straight after our wedding. Unfortunately, our honeymoon to Europe was cancelled due to Covid-19. We hope to get there one day.
