Kate & Andrew wanted a relaxed wedding vibe; no over the top formalities, no unnecessarily long speeches and a laid-back outdoor reception on the groom's parents farm in central New South Wales – which followed the ceremony in the local chapel 'just up the road'. SHERI MCMAHON PHOTOGRAPHY documented their beautiful day and shares her thoughts with us; "An oasis in the middle of the country. Kate and Andrew were married in the cutest little county chapel a few hours from Mudgee, New South Wales, with a luxurious cocktail reception on Andrews family farm "Gullendah". Kate wore a simple sundress with lace trim detail throughout by ZIMMERMANN whilst Andrew looked very stylish in his MJ BALE suit. It was not your typical November weather – the family farm had had a lot of rain before the wedding day, which made for picturesque lush green gardens. The farm also backed onto a national park with stunning mountain views, which made for amazing wedding photos. Not to mention the beautifully presented and delicious canapés and dessert table by MUDGEE MADE CATERING for guests to enjoy during the twilight cocktail hour under fairy lights."
HOW DID YOU MEET? We met through mutual friends at the local football grand final.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR WEDDING STYLE? We wanted relaxed, no over the top formalities – there was only one speech from Andrew on the night.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS LOCATION? We decided that we wanted to be married in the chapel just up the road from the farm. And have our reception on the farm in Andrews parents garden. The farm has been in Andrews family for four generations.
DID YOU HAVE ANY DIY ELEMENTS? My wonderful sister in-laws decorated the chapel with fresh gum leaves picked that morning from the farm.
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS: peonies, roses and gum leaves
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROPOSAL: Andrew surprised me with a campfire lunch on one of the hills overlooking the farm, he had everything planned and while my daughter, himself and I were ‘posing’ for a photo with the drone, he popped the question, and gave my daughter Chloe a butterfly necklace – he was actually videoing the whole thing, such a beautiful memory.
TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS: I had booked an appointment at a bridal boutique in Sydney, we were 20 minutes early so we went for a look though DJ’s and well Andrew grabbed this white Zimmermann dress and said, “this is it…try this on” anyways my husband picked my dress, it fitted perfectly and we bought it, and the rest is history.
FAVOURITE DETAIL OF THE DAY: Everything! It was exactly how we both wanted our wedding to be!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUT TO A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING? Keep it simple and relaxed.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? My most memorable moment, apart from marrying my best friend, would be my 5year old daughter Chloe giving me away. Before the wedding, I didn’t really give it to much thought, but my dad insisted that it would be something special for her and I, I’m so glad I listened to him!
ANY OTHER DETAILS THAT HELP TELL THE STORY OF YOUR DAY? My favourite moment (apart from marrying my best friend) would be my five year old daughter getting to walk me down the aisle, at the time I didn’t give it much thought, but looking back it was so special. She gave Andrew the biggest hug when we got to the altar.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR HONEYMOON: We spent a week at Qualia on Hamilton Island. So relaxing and chilled out.