There is nothing more fun than featuring the wedding of a beautiful couple that I know, captured by one half of another of my favourite industry couples! Phew – sorry that was a mouthful! I first met David & Belle of WE ARE ORIGAMI at the inaugural FORAGE & FERN workshop in Queenstown last year, so it seems fitting to be running their wedding now on the back of the third workshop in Vancouver last week with Jacob from BRUMLEY & WELLS who photographed this beautiful spring celebration in Sydney last October.
In Japanese culture, the annual appearance of the cherry blossoms is a reminder that, while fleeting, life is beautiful. So there was no better spot for David to propose to Belle than Kyoto, Japan, at the height of the cherry blossom season, and nothing more apt than that their wedding day should also incorporate this ubiquitous bloom. Marrying in the southern spring meant there were blossoms aplenty at their secluded venue of MILTON PARK – a country house situated in its own hilltop woodland in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. As photographers themselves – and eager travellers – they have always been drawn to visual aesthetics and beautiful landscapes, and with a soft spot for secluded estates this venue fit their vision for a French country garden affair perfectly. The couple wrote their own vows, and there wasn’t a dry eye among the guests – afterwards, many called it the most beautiful ceremony they’d attended.
Belle and Dave’s beautiful styling reflected the couple’s classic, romantic aesthetic with a twist of vintage to suit the French provincial decor and ambience of their venue. The ceremony dripped in stunning vintage inspired florals by CHANELE ROSE FLOWERS who constructed a custom canopy wrapped in David Austen roses for the occasion. Australia Wedding stylist CARINA BREZEANU says, “Guests were treated to champagne and canapés on the lawns where cafe tables and whitewashed wrought iron chairs carried through the French provincial theme. The long guest tables at the reception featured tall oak mini ‘trees’ which took advantage of the high ceiling, balanced by three huge green ‘chandeliers’ built on site by us. We loved the combination of the greenery offset with Lina’s vintage florals and lit up by hundreds of candles. Accents of gold danced amongst it all and custom-made linen table runners completed the look. Outside areas featured gold floor lanterns and birdcages, and a large green foliage installation adorned the entry to the foyer.“
“We especially loved the map ‘carte de mariage’ by THE WELLS MAKERY which included beautifully hand-drawn illustrations of the events of the day, our bridal party and parents, with introductions, little tidbits, much loved quotes, directions and fun information about us.”
For her florals Belle chose a soft and pretty pastel colour palette and blooms included her favourites; David Austen roses, luscious fluffy pink peonies, ranunculus, dainty white roses and cosmos accented by olive, gum and dusty miller foliage. The whimsical stationery suite by THE WELLS MAKERY reflected these same colours.
“I will never forget the nerve-racking, momentous day when I decided I wanted to nurture my inner crer creativity and engage a trusted luxury boutique couturier to create my dream bridal gown. Walking into Pallas Couture in Paddington for the first time, I felt like I had entered every girl's dreamland. Everything was so delicate and beautiful. I immediately fell in love with the exquisite detailing, handcrafted beauty of their gowns using the finest French laces, silks and embroideries, balancing romance with elegance and slim immaculate custom fit. It was truly an unforgettable experience from design to creation. One year in the making and six fittings later, I will always remember my final dress rehearsal and feeling like a real princess just moments from marrying my one true love. Our wedding day was the most magical day of our lives. Everything was soft, surreal and elegantly beautiful with a pretty and romantic French garden feel."
