ELLIE & MICHAEL WEDDING - YARRAS - PORT MACQUARIE
There's just something really honest and organic about country weddings. I love the little stories behind each piece of decor and every bunch of flowers. Most of the guests have usually travelled from far and wide to be there, and some have usually had a big hand in the months of preparing and setting up for the day. Everyone is always so relaxed and friendly. There's no stuffy seating plans, no chicken or steak alternate dinners, no 5 tired cakes covered in diamantes, no hummers, there's ample room for prams and toddlers, and everyone is just relaxed, and having a damn good time outside under the stars. I bloody love it, that is my thing. Big parties out in the middle of nowhere, you just can't beat it. Throw in killer country light and I'm in heaven...
Ellie and Michael's wedding day was just that.
We started the day with Ellie, getting ready at her Nana's house. In honour of her Nana, Ellie had made the decision to wear her wedding dress for the ceremony (which she wore in 1945!) Her Nan's best friend Kaye (who also wore her wedding dress) was there, putting the girls bouquets together.
The celebrations took place on Ellie's family's property at Yarras. The property has seen 8 generations grow up, with Ellie spending many Christmases there playing with her cousins under the jacarandas and along the same river bank which they held their ceremony. While talking to Ellie about her plans she mentioned the Jacarandas and how she had planned a November date to ensure they were in bloom. Ellie shares my love for golden hour lighting (yes!!) and we managed to combine the Jacarandas and the perfect afternoon light for possibly my favourite photo of all time..!
So much of Ellie and Michael's wedding day was made possible by the help of their family and friends. Months of clearing the property, setting up marquees, all of the food preparation and homemade cakes. Even the car was donated by a very special new friend - Ellie had spotted this blue vintage pickup truck driving around town and fell in love with it. After putting the feelers out there and asking around town, she was able to get in contact with the owner Ron a.k.a 'Rocket' about the possibility of using it on her wedding day. Coming from a small town, Rocket was all too happy to lend a hand, driving Ellie and her maids to the ceremony. You could tell he was swelling with pride as he had a huge smile on his face the whole time. Ellie called in to see Rocket after the wedding to thank him, and she found out that his wife had helped deliver her mother & Aunty, and was one of the first to hold them the day they were born. Just amazing!
Michael's Aunty officiated their ceremony, Ellie's dad made the swing and even the succulents on their cake were from their own backyard.
Every little detail had a story
Michael & Ellie are two of the kindest people I have ever met. I met them both for the very first time on their wedding day, although it felt like we had know each other for a lot longer. They are both so honest, giving and humble. I really love that my 'job' means I get to meet so many amazing people and be invited into their lives. Thank you so much for allowing me to tell your story, it was so so special.
Celebrant: Anne Fitzgerald (Michael's Aunty!)
Hair & Makeup: All Made Up
