I couldn’t be any more head over heels for today’s lovely wedding from Bless Photography! If I ever manage to persuade Mr E to let me plan the vow renewal I long for, I definitely see it being in some magical woodland setting like the one today’s couple Holly & Brad chose to exchange their vows in. And their lush native florals with a foraged feel are just beautiful – not to mention bang on trend for 2016!

After a romantic picnic proposal in their favourite date night spot, Holly & Brad planned their whimsical woodland wedding in just over a year – although organised bride Holly had most of it nailed in 6 months and then had an agonising wait until the big day! Wanting a wedding that was relaxed and fun, but without compromising on style, the couple started with finding the perfect venue. Holly explains “We were married at Bilpin Resort (in the lower Blue Mountains area of NSW) in the Secret Circle, it’s a clearing in the pine tree forest at the top of the property and it’s so magical and suited us perfectly.”

The rest of their day is pretty perfect too – from the floral arch in the secret circle, to the vintage car that Holly arrived in and the salted caramel naked cake (how yummy does that sound?); they celebrated with the perfect balance of rustic charm and vintage glamour…..

“Because of the cold and possibly rainy weather, I wore my hair up in a high loose bun. I had a smokey eye with browns and bronze to keep it natural and classy.”

“When we got engaged, I started looking straight away on designers websites and I came across Elizabeth de Varga, who is an Australian designer. I found the Carmen gown and I was blown away. Her boutique is only an hour away from my best friends house who I had planned a holiday to see, so we went in and I tried it on, from the very first moment I felt beautiful and confident and I knew it was the one.”

“I chose Willow Flowers by Design to be my florist because I love everything she creates, I have known her family for a long time and knew she had a good reputation. I wanted the flowers to look colourful and wild and freshly picked. The bouquets included Billy Buttons, Poppies, Lavender, Delphinium, Geraldton Wax, Aster, Hypericum Berries, Tulips, Misty Statice, and a mix of native foliage.”

“My dad gave me away, I was very emotional getting out of the car at the entrance to the aisle, but as soon as we started walking I calmed right down and couldn’t stop laughing with my dad and looking at my husband-to-be! Walking down the aisle to Brad with my dad was so special, it was my favourite moment of the whole day, it felt like it was just us in the whole world.”

“We had Colossians 3:12-17 read out by a good friend of ours. We chose this passage because we believe that all of the qualities listed such as compassion, gentleness, patience and thankfulness as demonstrated by God should be held highest in a marriage.”

“My bridesmaids were my two best friends and my little sister. I always wanted my bridesmaids to wear white, I think its such a classic look, and I found the perfect dresses online. I got them all matching oxe blood stud earrings and they each had nail polish in their favourite colour; I also got them camel knit shawls for the evening.”

“The boys all wore the same thing, tan chino pants with a navy sports jacket, white shirt with bow ties and brown leather loafers.”

Pearls of wedding wisdom from the bride…..

“Enjoy the day! Don’t worry about the little details. Take it all in. And pick bridesmaids who you know will go the extra mile for you! You will need all the help you can get and if it comes from your best friend/family member, you will feel extra special.”

“The reception was in a marquee at the same venue as the ceremony. I hired vintage teapots and crystal vases, which were set on vintage crocheted doilies. The teapots and vases were filled with the same colourful flowers as were in our bouquets.”

“We made homemade toffee apples as our favours, and it was really quite hard! I have to thank my mother-in-law for slaving over hot toffee for hours to make the perfect batch!”

“The reception centerpieces had the same flowers as the bouquets and the bridal table was lined with the same flowers and gum leaves.”

“Our cake was made by Ten/6, it was a three tier white chocolate cake with salted caramel buttercream filling and a caramel drizzle. We kept it simple and had no decorations.”

Tell us a little bit about your photographer…..

“I found Bless Photography through the recommendation of a friend, I looked at her website and Instagram and her style was exactly what we were looking for. We met with Tamar and she was so lovely and easy to get along with so we didn’t hesitate in booking her! We had an engagement shoot with her as well which got us more comfortable. Tamar had her husband/second photographer Matt accompany her on our day and they made us all feel so comfortable, they made a could-be-awkward experience fun.”

I just love that last picture – the smile says it all! Hugs and huge congratulations to beautiful bride Holly and her fabulously stylish hubby Brad; plus big thanks to them, and to their wonderful photographer Tamar of Bless Photography who captured the beauty of their big day so perfectly, for allowing me to share it here on Chic Vintage Brides. Do pop across to Tamars website www.blessphotography.com.au, or follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, to swoon over more of her work.

If you’re considering a woodland wedding you might want to take a peek at this colour palette inspired by the natural beauty of a forest setting, this stunning inspiration shoot (with another gorgeous floral arch!), and you won’t want to miss this charming wedding with a hint of mid-century style! Or to while away an hour or two with some more delightful weddings, simply click here.

Amy

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Credits

Photography ~ Bless Photography // Wedding Dress ~ Elizabeth de Varga from Brides of Beecroft // Bridal Hair ~ Studio 206 // Bridal Makeup ~ Ron Day Vu Makeup // Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire ~ Wolf Kanat (Jacket) & Ben Sherman (Chinos) // Floral Design ~ Willow Flowers by Design // Wedding Cake ~ Ten/6 // Ceremony & Reception Venue ~ Bilpin Resort // Celebrant ~ Reverend Greg Peisley // Photo Booth ~ Cool Sounds Hire // Wedding Stationery ~ Sail and Swan