Today's real wedding is a real party with gorgeous cocktails, lots of champagne, free flowing food and one gorgeous bride and groom. The amazing day was helped along by the Australian sun and the laid back stylish guests, acting as some really great inspiration of you're thinking of having a "at home" style outdoor wedding with lots of really doable fun ideas...Photography on the day was captured by the wonderful Beck at Paper Romance.
So how did these two meet? Both avid skiers Christie and Matt's love started on the slopes and eventually brought them to Japan..."We met ten years ago in Jindabyne, a small town not far from Australia’s major ski resorts. He owned a ski shop and I worked in the ski resort’s media department. We both liked to ski and party so it was a match made in heaven. The season ended but our relationship was still going strong so we moved to Sydney together. Eventually I found work in a ski resort called Niseko in Japan. I suggested my husband should start a ski shop there so we could be together. He did. We’ve been living between Australian and Japan ever since."
How adorable is this wedding day pooch?!
A fun loving pair Christie and Matt's proposal sounds almost out of this world..."He proposed in Niseko at sunset. We were on a balcony looking out towards Mt Yotei, the local volcano. The volcano turned pink as I said yes. He cooked me spaghetti Bolognese afterwards. Amazing!" Pink volcanoes and spaghetti - definitely a one of a kind proposal.
A stunning bride Christie chose a shimmering Amanda Garrett wedding dress with pretty plaits, drop earrings and a classic swishing veil.
For the reception Christie and Matt wanted a relaxed garden party in their Australian homeland with 114 of their closest family and friends - and with the majority coming quite a distance they wanted to make sure it was fun filled from beginning to end.
To achieve a homely feel (without actually having the wedding at home) they chose Verandahs, which they rented for a week to make themselves really feel at ease in their fab, scenic surroundings.
What a beard! All of the music on the day was provided by Starboard Cannons, who Christie and Matt couldn't praise enough and contributed to one of Christie's favourite memories of the day "We wanted a rocking dance floor and were incredibly lucky to find the right band for the job. One of my favorite memories from the day is coming back from a bathroom break to see each and every one of our guests on the veranda of our venue, jumping and dancing so hard it felt like the whole floor was bouncing up and down too."
To keep the mood relaxed and guests happy Christie and Matt went all out for their garden soiree food and drinks "To maintain the relaxed vibe we opted not to have a sit down dinner, instead there was a steady flow of food and alcohol throughout the evening. Guests were given cocktails on arrival, followed by champagne, which really set the tone for the day. "
How amazing do all of the nibbles look?!
Once everyone was fed and watered it was time for some entertainment "We went to every effort possible to make sure our guests had a good time so included some fun activities like lawn games, a whiskey bar and a customised 70s ski fashion photo booth. We’re pretty sure it all paid off because everyone seemed to be seriously enjoying themselves!" If you're thinking of having your own outdoor wedding these games are all really easily replicated and you could even set up your own photo booth with some props and a polaroid camera.
For the day after the guys prepared recovery kits as wedding favours for their guests with Asprin, water, breath mints and custom sunglasses - which I'm sure were much appreciated after all those cocktails, and once again a relatively easy DIY project.
Sneaking away for a a few portraits Christie and Matt look adorable and look how beautifully that veil photographs!
Would you believe all the flowers were prepared by Christie's friend Liza Rogers who was practising as a floristry student at the time, such an elegant and pretty combination of florals.
Christie planned her wedding with the help of Divinity Event Planning and has some wise words for any of you that are mid planning "As a bride everyone will tell you it’s your day and it’s all about you. Which is true but only to a point. We compromised on a couple of things to make life easier and more comfortable for our guests and it was definitely worth it. Also no one EVER says no to a bride so be careful what you wish for!"
Congratulations guys, it looked like an amazing day! A big thank you goes to Beck Rocchi for sharing her beautiful photography, to see more head on over to www.beckrocchi.com.au
The Wedding Details
- Ceremony/Reception: Verahdahs , Byron Bay
- Photographer: Paper Romance
- Wedding Dress: Amanda Garrett
- Bridesmaids dresses: Urban Outfitter
- Shoes: Deseo Shoes
- Accessories: Earings and bracelet from Karen Willis Holmes
- Caterer: Eat Drink Catering
- Groomsmen suits: Peppers Formal Wear
- Planner: Divinity Byron Bay
- Flowers: Liz Rogers
- Cake: Sweet As Cakes by Joselle
- Make Up: Julie Corbet
- Hair: Ron (Recommended by Makeup Artist)
- Wedding Bands: Max Jewellers, Sydney
- Reception Music: Starboard Cannons
