“As a completely clueless bride-to-be, I’m excited to be getting married but don’t get all the hype/drama/must haves etc. that many brides can find themselves caught up in.

Rohan and I are looking for a celebrant that is relaxed and that can help us create a ceremony that does not overly formalise the proceedings, to be a part of our day. We want it to be a fun, relaxed celebration of our love for each other that our friends and family will also enjoy.

Our planning is still a work in progress, we have a venue, our dearest friends have accepted the role of standing beside us on the day (as they have for most of our lives) and currently that is about it, yep those finer details such as a dress, flowers, photographer etc. will get worked out at some time soon :) We do know the focus is on a relaxed, minimal fuss day with good food and wine and doing what we want, not what tradition or family dictates.”

When I get enquiries like Kate’s I get a little giddy: a couple who knows what really matters, these are my people!

And once I sat down with Rohan and Kate to discuss their wedding ceremony, it was very clear that they were determined (some may even say stubborn..) about adhering to their original idea; that their wedding day was going to be uniquely them.

The ‘cookie cutter’ approach did not interest them in the slightest.

And I love how, even though they were treated to gail force winds and torrential rain which left Kate’s hair a bit frizzy and her dress less than pristine from the mud, their attitude remained unchanged and they just made the most of it. I guess knowing each other for 18 years before getting married meant that their sense of perspective was pretty grounded.

There were so many little touches and ideas that they used to make sure that the big day screamed ‘we know who we are and we want to celebrate it with you.’

Some of my favs included:

the personalised, secret wedding vows that they wrote for each other
the lab glassware vases (a nod to Kate’s years in medical research and science teaching) and cute, retro reading material scattered around the lounge area
the flowers were designed around inclusion of 3 flowers of significance (Mr Lincoln roses, freesias and stocks) to Kate. They were in her family garden growing up, freely picked and in the house and the scent always reminds Kate of home and her childhood
the Lego name plates that guests were asked to assemble prior to the reception that acted as escort cards to their tables

Mark Dohring’s exceptional umbrella holding skills on display

Kate and Rohan chose to have first look photos with Luke Simon Photography prior to their ceremony which ended up being a saviour when the skies opened up and the opportunity to take photos after their ceremony was a little limited.

They chose to have a second shooter on the day and lucked out when the very talented Mark Dohring from Bentinmarcs was available and keen; Mark shot the guys prep while Luke shot the girls prep.

Luke and Mark are good mates on and off the wedding field and Luke wanted to also mention that Mark is an excellent umbrella holding assistant, for anyone in need of one..

Here’s a small selection of the stunning photos.

Happy 1st anniversary Kate and Rohan! xx