It’s always a privilege to witness two people, once strangers, being united in marriage as husband and wife. It becomes even more special when the bride and groom think outside the box with their wedding planning.

With impressive DIY touches and eclectic mix of vintage garden whimsy, this couple were definitely thinking outside the box and keeping it personal when they decided to ditch the traditional bridal waltz, and opted for some karaoke to one of their favourite songs!

From the Bride:

Music played a significant part in our wedding, just as it has in our lives. Many of our memorable moments have been at gigs, festivals and concerts and we wanted to honour these moments in our entrance songs. We also pegged polaroid pictures of ourselves to the centrepieces, each accompanied with a sentimental song quote.

We entered the room to Hot Chip’s ‘One life stand’ and rather than doing a traditional dance we opted for some karaoke to one of our favourite tunes, ‘Home’ by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. This was a song we often sang to each other as we’d make the long six and a half hour road trips from Coonamble to the Coast where we were both working at the time.

The ceremony contained most of the traditional elements but we kept it personal and relevant by asking close family and friends to read poems/song lyrics that were meaningful to our relationship. For example, Shane’s sister read Florence and the Machine’s ‘You’ve got the love’ lyrics. Shane and I did not let go of each other throughout the entire ceremony.

I walked down the aisle to Jeff Buckley’s version of ‘Hallelujah’ – played by Shane’s cousin Maryanne on the harp. I had goose bumps! It was magical and set the tone for the ceremony. Guests threw petal confetti and lavender (a symbol of good luck) as we walked back down the aisle as man and wife.

My gown… after several disappointing trips to bridal boutiques, I purchased my dress online and took it to my dressmaker (Benji in Killcare) for alterations. She worked wonders – transforming the back into an open lace design, and modifying the sash and brooch.

My family and friends helped set up the ceremony venue the day before, stringing up the tissue paper poms and pinwheels I had made. My florist did an amazing job with the variety of flowers that adorned each table – each displayed in vintage jars, cups and vases that I had collected from op shops. I made menus from paper doilies and the escort tags were displayed on rustic second hand door hutches I had found in a throw out pile! I also hung black and white pictures of our family on their wedding days. Guests could help themselves to the lolly stand that fit in with our purple and white colour scheme.

I really enjoyed adding my own DIY touches to the wedding. From the doily bunting that hung in the gazebo to the handmade program fans and sparkler send off, the day was highly personal and sentimental. I think it’s important that each other’s personalities and experiences come out in the wedding design as this will ensure an amazing day despite any hiccups.

Photographer: Imagine Images / Brides shoes: Coast London / Bridesmaids dresses: Sheik / Groomsmen’s suits: Man to Man / Hair: Danielle King-Fleming / Venue: Distillery Botanica, Acqua Vista Restaurant / Cake: Unique Cake Creations / Flowers: Kathy Moulton Floral Designs / Celebrant: Jennie Courtney, Celebrations with Style / Cars: Traditional Jaguars