Real Wedding – Nathan and Kate, Uki NSW

 

From the moment Kate and Nathan met at Pony Club as teenagers, their infatuation with one another began. So when it came to planning their wedding years later, it was all about following their hearts (and instincts!) to make the big decisions. What they created as a result was a spectacular party filled with all the emotion and minus any fuss.

An incredible mountain backdrop provided any dramatic beauty required, with Kate and Nathan choosing to keep the styling stunningly simple as a striking contrast. Add in a whole lot of all the good emotions and this was one love filled, bursting with fun celebration.

The natural landscape continued to provide the only drama throughout the day, when the newlywed’s photo session was interrupted by a frisky herd of goats. Like true Pony Club alumni and unflappable legends, Kate and Nathan played along, with photographer Tom Judson capturing every hilarious antic.

 

 

The meeting.

We competed against each other in Pony Club when we were kids.

 

The ‘one’.

Kate: I was 16 and infatuated by him, that just didn’t end. I didn’t have an exact moment of finding ‘the one’.

Nathan: I didn’t have a moment of revelation, I have just always wanted her with me, we’ve always been each other’s ‘ones’.

 

The proposal.

Nath wined and dined me and then we walked down to Cronulla Beach and popped the question. 

 

The process.

We knew where we wanted to have our wedding and the style, so it was easy once we set a date. Living in the NT made the planning difficult as we couldn’t site inspect anything so we had to base our choices on our gut instincts. We really enjoyed the process though; we mostly planned on the weekend with a few wines which we enjoyed. 

 

Style inspiration.

We knew we wanted a low-key cocktail wedding, but we wanted to keep it stylish. Nath and I have really similar taste so choosing a style of wedding was simple. We wanted it to be casual, loving, and intimate and a lot of fun! We just wanted us and our guests to have a great time. 

 

The look.

Kate : I flew down to the Gold Coast and only had the one day to choose a dress, my friend had recommended Pearl Bridal at the GC and the dress I chose was one of the first I put on, I loved it. I knew in my head what I wanted, as I don’t like any frills or sparkle. 

Nath: Mine was simple; again I only had a few hours to choose an outfit. We went to Robina with no idea where we were going and found Politix, who decked me out and made the process really enjoyable. 

 

Favourite moments.

Kate: I have three. Obviously, marrying Nath and hearing his vow was incredible and my ultimate favourite moment. Second is speeches, which surprises me as I didn’t want to have any speeches, but my brother made a beautiful speech which I won’t forget. Lastly, the dance-floor and the party, it’s so special to have all of your favourite people at one party. It’s overwhelming. 

Nathan: Seeing Kate was emotional and getting to marry her in front of all of our closest friends and family was amazing. 

Also, my groomsman’s speech was the best I have ever heard and the dance floor, as Kate said – it’s so great having all your favourite people together. 

 

Meaning of marriage.

It means we’re a team, we didn’t think we’d feel any different getting married, but we do. We love that we know that we have each other’s support no matter what and we genuinely want each other to be happy, which is so important. We’re an unbreakable team and we love that. 

 

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: In case you didn’t know by Brett Young

First dance: Somebody Like You by Keith Urban

 

Funny stories (or near disasters).

We didn’t have a wet weather plan, and we had torrential rain in the week leading up to the day and on the morning of we had weather warning texts but miraculously, it was perfect weather from 11am onwards 

Nathan insisted on me jumping into his arms and he carrying me in to the reception. The near-miss was when Nathan spun me and we nearly took out the tent post and half the guests. I’d suggest doing the maneuver before the bubbly kicks in for other brides and grooms.  

 

Planning surprises. 

It surprised me how much we enjoyed it, the mundane admin side of it was horrid but we loved sharing a bevvie and ticking wedding boxes. It was a great experience overall. 

 

Words of wisdom.

Don’t sweat the small stuff and take in every little moment and second, on the day and in the lead up to the day, as its over before you know it. 

Make the process enjoyable, no one likes a stress head or a bridezilla, laugh through the challenges as it’s all part of the experience. 

And take the staged family photos seriously, I hated getting these photos and I felt it was taking me away from everyone but these are the photos that mean so much. 

 

 

 

Looking for a dream destination to host your celebrations? We’ve put together our guide to some of the best venues Victoria has to offer (goats not guaranteed!).

 

KATE AND NATHAN’S VENDORS

Ceremony and reception location: Private Property – ‘Tom’s Hill’, Uki NSW.

Celebrant/Officiant: Leisa Ottley

Photography: Tom Judson – HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! He is such a great guy to have around and his photos are incredible. 

Florist: Tweed Banora Point Florist

Hair: Chelsi Hair and Makeup Kingscliff 

Make-up: Elle May Beauty By Tiann – The best make-up which lasted all day and night, and she made us all feel so comfortable and beautiful, I would highly recommend Tiann. 

The Dress: Pearl Bridal 

Shoes: ASOS

Rings: Crowns Family Jewellers Chermside

Groomsmen’s suits: Politix 

Catering: Gourmet Wood Fired Pizza

Entertainment: Steven Childs – AMAZING!!!

Hire: Mullumbimby Hire, they were so great to deal in the lead up to the wedding and then they set everything up for us and packed it all down. 

Honeymoon: We travelled around the Philippines for two weeks.