As our one-year anniversary approaches, I am still perplexed at the fact that it has been a whole year already! It honestly feels like last month, but being able to relive our special day has been such a reflective experience, wanting me to plan a wedding vowel renewal ASAP!
We have not both sat down and watched our extended versions of the videos that were provided to us until now. For those questioning whether to get a videographer or not, I would highly suggest you do – it's worth every penny. The short film or teaser is great for Instagram, but having all the intricate details is a super emotional snapshot of your day that truly brings back all the feels!
For our anniversary we sat down with a glass of wine from a bottle we saved from the wedding and were able to experience our special day all over again.
Tell us a bit about yourselves!
Mitchell is a Builder, and I, Amelia, have worked with Two Lovers from the very beginning. I am the Head of Partnerships, Wedding and Event Planner, and Stylist. Mitchell is a sports enthusiast; you'll find him on the golf course or playing football with the boys on the weekends. You're more likely to find me creating wedding and event magic or indulging in a long lunch with the girls. We both have many hobbies – none of them in common.
How did you meet?
We can't quite remember the first time we met; we think it was a night when we were introduced by mutual friends. While it wasn't necessarily love at first sight, we did hit it off instantly and built a strong friendship for two years before venturing into the "more-than-friends" zone.
How many guests did you have?
We had 120 guests
Our wedding style
In crafting our wedding style, we embraced a light and organic colour palette that felt authentic and intentional. Our aim was to immerse our guests in the charm of a countryside garden, adorning our ceremony with scalloped umbrellas and lining the aisle with lavish floral arrangements that felt as though they were growing out of the grounds. Our reception wove together linen signage, organic textures, and a pop of vibrant florals and fruits into a tablescape where every place setting felt uniquely different to the next.
Tell us about your wedding planning experience.
As a Wedding Planner and Stylist, the planning experience was always going to be pretty straightforward, nothing too overwhelming. I think the hardest part for me (us) was nailing down a wedding style that I loved. In the industry, you witness so many incredible trends and styles that come and go, making it difficult to decide on a style for your own wedding.
At the end of the day, we wanted something authentic to us, timeless, and complementary to our beautiful venue, Mona Farm. Enhancing the venue rather than detracting from it was a top priority when selecting our ceremony spot and floral arrangements.
What was the most important aspect for you in terms of planning your wedding?
Choosing local vendors was paramount for us. It was not only a response to the challenges of COVID but also a way to support talented vendors, many of whom had been affected by bushfires and floods on the South Coast of NSW. We also wanted vendors who embraced collaboration. While I had a clear vision, I was open to new ideas that could inspire us and our vendors. When searching for vendors, if you're unsure about your style, ask them about trends or ideas they love – it can often spark inspiration and make the planning and styling process enjoyable for both parties.
We started our planning process with three non-negotiables, something I often advise couples to do in the early stages of planning. These key elements allowed us to consistently prioritise what mattered most to us as a couple and allocate our budget accordingly: good wine, good food, and one unforgettable party. So, we opted for a premium food and beverage package, a live band, and a DJ to end the night.
We locked in Hot Potato Band, an interactive brass band, which we planned to introduce during our first dance. This set the stage for an unforgettable party that started right after our first dance. We ended the night with a DJ who played all the hits and provided a light and smoke show that had our guests dancing until the very end.
Stand-out Vendors
Stella from Fritillerie was an absolute dream to work with. When I engaged her, she had not yet done a wedding at Mona Farm and mentioned her eagerness to work there. Her enthusiasm convinced me she was the perfect fit. Working with Stella was collaborative and innovative; I entrusted her to bring my vision to life, and she absolutely nailed it! She is kind as she is a talented florist, and she honestly made the whole process so enjoyable and I am constantly blown away by her creativity, and so lucky to have her as a part of our special day!
Kate Willa, my bridal gown designer, is a true visionary and wedding gown wizard. I knew I wanted a custom gown that reflected my personality and vibe. I’ll never forget the moment when explaining my ideas, it was like a light bulb went off and Kate just started sketching the most beautiful design there in front of me.
We then started talking about materials and colour combinations and before we knew it we had designed the most beautiful and perfect dream gown that I could have asked for. I knew I wanted to change out of my dress to party, in which I had initially wanted to rock a white suit, but after finding a stunning Anna Quan strapless gown, Kate designed the most fun gloves to accompany to give it that fun and quirky flair that I was looking for!
Our photographer - Joey from Joey Willis Photography, a friend from high school, captured our day behind the lens. His editorial photography style made us feel comfortable on the day, and having a familiar face behind the camera added an extra layer of comfort.
Now, my glam angels, Grace Roby Hair Design & Christina Santagelo, were a vibe! If there's one thing I'd recommend, it's having a glam team that brings energy to your morning. These ladies are not only talented hair and makeup artists but industry leaders in their field. If you're looking for the ultimate dynamic duo, look no further!
We're so glad we...
We're not big dessert or cake enthusiasts, so we happily sacrificed a traditional wedding cake. Instead, we created an Espresso Martini Tower for dessert, a trend we've seen gaining popularity and one our guests loved.
Some words of advice for couples planning their special day.
I know it sounds cliché, but try to block out the noise. You'll receive a lot of advice from family and friends who've gone through the process, or you'll read countless articles and community posts. Still, honestly, do what feels right for you and your Lover. It's a party at the end of the day, and party planning should be a fun process!
If you're feeling overwhelmed, designate one night a week to sit down and discuss the progress of your plans. Set a goal to complete one task a week, whether it's sending vendor enquiries, mailing out invites, locking in deposits, or scheduling site visits or suit and dress fittings. Celebrate the small victories, and aim to accomplish at least one task a week in your planning process.
As a planner and stylist myself I may be a little biased, but investing in support will allow you to enjoy the process and will ease alot of the stress, if not only as a sounding board for your ideas but will be able to provide you with realistic expectations and provide you with the right connections within the industry who can help bring your vision to life.
Through the Lense of Joey Willis Photography
