Real Wedding; Maddie and Joel @ The Woods Farm
About You Two;
Now, How did you two meet?
We met through friends 12 years ago.
Who popped the Question and how did it happen?
Joel popped the question at a look out in Gerringong. We were staying in Gerringong for my sister’s birthday and he got her to take some photos and a video while he popped the question so I have the moment saved forever. He then surprised me by inviting all my best friends to celebrate with us at a winery right after.
Why did you choose your venue and how was the venue choosing process?
I always knew I wanted a weekend celebration and somewhere that majority of my guests could stay on site. I have a deep connection with the south coast, having grown up in Canberra, we would head down for multiple weekend get aways during the year and spend Christmas/New Years down there. As soon as I found The Woods Farm I knew it was exactly what I had been looking for.
Quick Fire Questions;
How many wedding guests did you have?
120
Sit down or Cocktail Style?
Cocktail hour followed by sit down dinner.
What month?
November
Planning The Wedding;
Was planning the wedding stressful or did you enjoy the journey?
It had its moments but for the most part I found the process enjoyable. Our engagement was almost 2 years so I had a good amount of time to stretch all of the planning tasks over. Also having a wedding coordinator took so much stress out of the process as she kept me on track for where I should be in the process and could answer any weird or whacky questions that I had.
How involved were you both in the wedding planning, did one of you take more of the lead on certain aspects than others or were you both equally involved?
I certainly took the lead in the wedding planning. If it was up to Joel we probably would have had a BBQ in a park somewhere. In fact I thanked myself on Joel’s behalf in my wedding speech for planning the day for us both.
What was the top couple of non-negotiables or important must-have’s at the wedding for you both?
Good food, cocktails and a venue where we could have guests stay on site.
Tell us about your dress and that dress-finding process?
I shopped around at a few bridal salons in Canberra and figured out that I wanted a square neck line but hadn’t found anything that I loved. I was talking to someone from my work and she randomly sent me a photo from a small bridal salon in Sydney with one of their new dresses and as soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one. I planned a trip to Sydney and went and tried on about 20 dresses at different Bridal Boutique’s, leaving that one for last and as soon I tried it on I was in love.
What sort of theme, vibe or style did you go for?
Rustic bush chic, with pastel spring florals and colours.
On the Day;
How did you both feel wedding morning?
I was just so excited and happy. I kept on waiting for the nerves to bubble up or the bridezilla to come out but I was just on cloud nine all day. Joel was cool as a cucumber and completely calm the whole morning.
What was the best part or moment of your day?
There were so many but I just can’t explain the emotions when I was walking down the aisle or when they pronounced us husband and wife.
Anything you would change about your wedding or anything that didn’t go to plan?
Literally nothing, the day exceeded every one of my expectations.
Are there any rituals, sentiments or traditions you incorporated into the day?
No.
After the Wedding;
Describe newlywed life in a couple of words?
We have been together for over 10 years, so it is pretty much life as usual but with a new title!
Best investment or money well spent on the wedding that you made?
WEDDING COORDINATOR! Also, if it is within your budget I would highly recommend a videographer.
Budget-over, under or what you estimated?
Definitely over.
Credits:
Coordination/Set Up; The Wedding and Event Creators
Celebrant; Melrose Memorable Moment
Venue; The Woods Farm
Florist; Ivy Lane Collective
Photographer; Alana Taylor Photography
Videographer; Two Folk Films
Catering; Rabbit and Co Catering
Bar Staff; Henry Clive Caravan Bar
Donuts; Krispy Kreme
Entertainment; Tillee Music
Makeup; Divine Makeup Artistry
Hair; Michelle Bosesci Hair
