Real Wedding – Rachael & Brendon, Rochford VIC
Rachael and Brendon made some serious magic come to life at their Macedon Ranges celebration.
Armed with a stellar team of suppliers and among the surrounds of a glorious private estate, almost a decade into their relationship they stood before their favourite people and swore it would be forever.
Earthy tones and textural lace details, combined with incredible florals and some perfectly-timed sunshine – there was beauty at every turn.
True to form, our master behind the lens, Jackson Grant, has captured this day impeccably.
The meeting.
In high school, we’d been going out for nine years before we got married.
The ‘one’.
Pretty much right away. It was young love that kept growing. Now we have a little bubba, he was six months old at the wedding.
The proposal.
Brendon popped the question when we were in Santorini. We spent the day sailing around the island and planned to go out for dinner. He asked me just before we left for dinner, just the two of us. Then we watched the sunset over Oia, Santorini.
The process.
It’s a lot of planning but I had fun doing it, it’s so rewarding watching everything come together on the day. I tried to do as much planning as I could before our son was born. I had most vendors booked in before he was born (sending off emails the day before I went into labour.)
Style inspiration.
Hmm, a little bit rustic and a little glam.
The look.
Well, most people get their dress six months before their wedding but I was heavily pregnant so I had to wait a couple of months after my son was born to go dress shopping. I went to two dress shops and found ‘the one’ second go. It fit perfectly so I didn’t have to mess around with alterations. My shoes were from Sportsgirl, they were the perfect height and heel thickness (no sore feet and I could easily walk on the grass). My mum also gave me a small gold brooch that belonged to my great-great-grandmother that I wore on the front of my dress. Luckily, it suited my dress perfectly.
Favourite moments.
The Ceremony. The sun came out at the perfect time. AND the speeches, it was a great moment to just stop and take it all in. The day goes so fast.
Meaning of marriage.
A lifetime together, through the ups and downs and to always support one another.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: You’ve Got The Love by Florence and The Machine
Signing: Chateau by Angus and Julia stone
Recessional: Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac
First dance: Home by Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zero
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Nope, most things went to plan
Words of wisdom.
Get good vendors. They will seriously make the day go from good to amazing.
When it comes to a sweet ceremony setting, giving thought to your set up is a must! Click here for some of our top ceremony set ups.
RACHAEL AND BRENDON’S TRIBE
Ceremony and reception: Hillcrest Country Estate
Celebrant/Officiant: Erin McMahon of Sweet Wonderful You – Erin made the ceremony so fun and relaxed, just what we wanted.
Photography: Jackson Grant – I seriously LOVE all the photos, he has such a great eye for detail.
Florist: Zara from Wootton and Nicholls – Zara definitely exceeded my expectations, the flowers were next level.
Hair: Kaitlyn Greaney
Make-up: Shiloh Henderson
The Dress: Spell Bride
Shoes: Sportsgirl
Rings: Rod (personal Jeweller)
Bridesmaid’s dresses: One Fell Swoop from Coco & Lola
Groomsmen’s suits: Briggins
Catering: Truffleduck – Clare from Truffleduck was amazing to deal with, super helpful and the food was AMAZING, everyone was raving about the food. Prior to bookin, we were worried that having a cocktail-style wedding that there wouldn’t be enough food, but there was more than enough. Everyone was full, myself included!
Bar: Liquid Infusion
Cake / Cake topper: Sue’s Cupcakes
Stationery / Signage: ABC Photo Signs
Entertainment: Tammy & Paul from Hey Jack Entertainment – the acoustic duo was beautiful, I wish I had more time to listen to them play and the DJ was great, everyone was on the dance floor.
Décor: I made the ceremony back drop and the macramé light fittings (it took ages but I enjoy making things), I also got the candle sticks from op shops and sprayed them gold (shout out to my mum for helping with this), table runners are from Lincraft (just some white fabric we tore up and I made the welcome sign stand from an old clothes rack. We also made little name plaques for all the glamping tents.
Marquee hire: Events by Kate
Furniture hire: Elderberry Event Hire
Glamping tents: Twilight Glamping
