Real Wedding; Tia and Giuseppe @ The Woods Farm
About You Two;
Now, How did you two meet?
We met on the dating app, Hinge in 2021
Who popped the Question and how did it happen?
Pep popped the question. He had organised a nice little date night for us at a beautiful restaurant in town called, Cirrus. It was an unusually warm winter evening, but he didn’t want the waiter to take his jacket on arrival (wonder what was in his pocket?)
After a lovely dinner and cocktails, we walked up to have drinks at bar Palisade and came across a beautiful spot called ‘Stargazer Lawn’. As we overlooked the Harbour Bridge, not a soul insight- I turned around and he was down on one knee with tears in his eyes and asked me if I’d marry him – best night!
Why did you choose your venue and how was the venue choosing process?
It was a pretty easy choice with the Woods Farm really! Pep and I both wanted somewhere out of Sydney, but not too far from home. We had both spent loads of time on the South Coast as kids, we love that it’s the perfect blend of beach and bush.
We loved that The Woods had an already perfect canvas to work with and we could make it everything we’d dreamed of and the idea of everyone being able to stay onsite for a whole weekend was pretty cool! Communication from the team was great and the whole package excited us- from the animals, the gorgeous chapel, the wedshed, glamping tents, welcome pizza night and recovery brekkie- it just sounded so much fun and really resonated with us.
Quick Fire Questions;
How many wedding guests did you have?
113
Sit down or Cocktail Style?
Cocktail hour, then Sit down, shared banquet meal
What month?
September
Planning The Wedding;
Was planning the wedding stressful or did you enjoy the journey?
Some parts were definitely stressful but at the same time, we knew it would all get sorted and somethings you just have to let go. We really enjoyed the process and got to be creative in bringing our dream to reality.
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 would say we were equally involved, but I probably took the lead on more of the styling aspects, like invites, flowers, colourway, general vibe I was going for- though I always wanted his opinion and approval!
Pep loved working with the music stuff and he was great with numbers, budget and the admin side.
What was the top couple of non-negotiables or important must-have’s at the wedding for you both?
Long rows/ banquet style for our guests, vintage plates, photos of loved ones passed, live music, great food and drinks, caravan bar, time for ourselves to view the reception space before guests, Pep to have first dance with his mum, when I had first dance with my dad.
Tell us about your dress and that dress-finding process?
Again, finding the dress was an easy part for me! I wanted something comfortable, I could eat, drink and dance in. I’ve always loved figure hugging lace and long sleeves on a wedding dress. ‘Grace Loves Lace’ dresses always stood out for me. I kept coming across my particular one on Instagram and loved the gorgeous detail! I had just hoped it would look good on my body shape. It was just mum and I, my first dress shop and first dress I tried on- it was love at first sight. The lady at the store made me try on another 3 dresses to be certain and my decision was made. A few tweaks to be made and fit like perfection.
What sort of theme, vibe or style did you go for?
We went for Boho vibe with an Italian twist and a touch of relaxed, vintage style. Our colourway were rich, earthy tones which suited the venue perfectly.
On the Day;
How did you both feel wedding morning?
We spent it in our separate cottages, with our families and bridal parties. Excited nerves definitely kicked in for the both of us. Music and bubbles flowing, we kept a relaxed atmosphere during hair and makeup time, which my friend and her team (Airlie and Co) did a wonderful job! We both then shared our personal gifts to our parents and one another.
What was the best part or moment of your day?
OMG, how do we pick one! Seeing each other for the first time in the Chapel, our nerves quickly disappeared! Big special moment for me was when Pep got up with his dad and sang an original song to me, that they’d written and choreographed. I got through my vows pretty well, but that part made me cry!
Anything you would change about your wedding or anything that didn’t go to plan?
I should’ve cut the strings of the back of my dress and removed the tissue from inside my sleeve! Silly little things that pop up in photos later. But truly the whole day, including the weather, was perfect to us!
Are there any rituals, sentiments or traditions you incorporated into the day?
Our mums lit special candles during our ceremony to represent the joining of our two families. Even though we are more spiritual than religious, not getting married in a church we still wanted to incorporate some prayers and blessings, so we had my brother, my aunty and Pep’s Nan read them out for us. We also had traditional sugared almond bomboniere – our guests each took 5 home to signify blessings of health, wealth, happiness, family and a long life! We had framed photos in memory of those guests that couldn’t be there, guestbook and wishing well.
After the Wedding;
Describe newlywed life in a couple of words?
Nothing really has changed! Life is pretty great and we look forward to what the future holds.
Best investment or money well spent on the wedding that you made?
Hiring a co-ordinator! Emily made the day so easy for us and styled everything just the way we wanted. Getting a Videographer AND Photographer- Those guys did such an amazing job!
And the florals…they looked spectacular and I’m so glad I organised to get my bouquet pressed afterwards. It’s the most beautiful keepsake I have hanging on our wall now.
Budget-over, under or what you estimated?
Over, slightly!
Credits:
Coordination/Set Up; The Wedding and Event Creators
Celebrant; Coastal Ceremonies Celebrant
Venue; The Woods Farm
Florist; Ivy Lane Collective
Photographer and Videographer; Storytellers Wedding Collective
Catering and Cake; Rabbit and Co
Bar Staff; Henry Clive
Entertainment; Baker Boys Band
Makeup and Hair; Airlie and Co
Hire; SCPH