Chic Australian garden wedding featuring a sparkling wedding dress

Chic Australian Garden Wedding with A Sparkling Wedding Dress – David Campbell Imagery 7

A sparkling wedding dress, a chic bridal party, an elegant garden ceremony, a relaxed bride & groom – today’s Australian wedding is truly something to admire.

First of all, Kim’s dress?! Yep, it’s the sparkling Nala gown we’ve admired many times before (see it styled in Morocco here & with art-deco NYC flair here) and now we finally get to swoon over on a real bride! Designed by Australian designers Chosen by One Day, this gown is perfect for the unique, ready-to-party cool-bride.

But just because our beautiful bride’s wedding dress is a bit avant-garde, doesn’t mean the party lacked a certain level of formal wedding class. We can understand why Merribee House was Kim & Mitchell’s first and only venue choice – with the stunning rose garden & dreamy cypress trees, the couple’s ceremony had all the elegance of an aristocratic garden party (but not without their own relaxed takes on wedding traditions!)

Our Proposal

Mitch proposed nearly five years after meeting in Bali. We had gone on a couple of trips to Bali together, and this time went with a group of friends. Mitch planned for the two of us to go trekking in Ubud. The morning started off with light rain, which I was happy about knowing that everything would be freshly green. However, it also made it muggy, slippery and muddy.

Mitch found a great trek and after an hour found a little path off the beaten track. He started to walk up this path claiming it would be a great spot for a photo. Mishearing him I stayed where I was, at the bottom with my phone out expecting him to walk back down so I could take a photo of him. After both waiting for each other at the top and bottom he yelled at me to hurry up and join him. Confused and laughing at myself I started to walk up the path and naturally slipped over, which made me laugh more.

I made it to the top and saw Mitch drop to one knee, and the laughter turned straight to shock and tears. The rest of that moment is mostly a blur in my mind. I don’t know what he actually said (and I don’t think he does either) but I heard him asked me to marry him. I said yes, and cried some more. We hugged and kissed, and then I berated him for not telling me to wear something nicer. He was sneakily filming me after I had said yes, so I’m thrilled we have this moment to remember, and not the part where I slipped over.

Chic Australian Garden Wedding with A Sparkling Wedding Dress – David Campbell Imagery 5

The Dress & Attire

Mitch wore a moss green suit with a black tie and shoes, and I wore a beaded ivory Chosen by One Day Bridal gown with sewn-in reflective detailing that gave off a shimmery effect. Our bridal party wore black which perfectly complimented us, with simple white and green bouquets and buttonholes.

Chic Australian Garden Wedding with A Sparkling Wedding Dress – David Campbell Imagery 2

The Venue & Style

Our florist recommended the beautiful Merribee House on the south coast of Sydney. It was the only venue we went to view, and by chance there was a cancellation on that same morning, which gave us the opportunity to lock it in. The venue is stunning. Full of gorgeous labyrinth gardens, roses, lavender fields, manicured lawns – we loved it immediately. Our main colour palette was whites and greens, with textured pampas for extra fairy garden vibes.

We knew wanted our wedding to be slightly different, in that we didn’t want to be too hung up on the ‘traditional’ elements of the day. Like which side to stand on at the altar, having a wedding cake, doing a first dance, etc.

The Photography & Videography

I spent most of my time googling different photographers online and really liked David’s style. David’s website was one I just kept going back to, knowing that I liked his shots and I felt they was just a little different than other photographers. His work stood out to me, the shots of couples weren’t like standard images, he makes you take notice of the surroundings, the light, all elements of the picture. That’s what I wanted.

Our videographers were so much fun on the day, we advised them at first that we are both so awkward and they made us feel completely comfortable. They captured some amazing moments of our day and I cherish that we have all our speeches on film.

Chic Australian Garden Wedding with A Sparkling Wedding Dress – David Campbell Imagery 3

Chic Australian Garden Wedding with A Sparkling Wedding Dress – David Campbell Imagery 4

The Decor

We filled the barn with fairy lights, and hung a brilliantly flowered disco ball in the center, above the long guest tables. On the back on the barn next to the bridal table, we had “The Keens” printed in large black cursive text.

Our dance floor was outside under the stars, with festoon lighting and another flowered disco ball above the dance floor.

Outside the barn on the wrap-around verandah was a 2.5m soft pink and white flower wall with mirrored rose gold cursive ‘Mitch & Kim’ writing hung on it. Our version of a photo booth for guests.

Chic Australian Garden Wedding with A Sparkling Wedding Dress – David Campbell Imagery 6

Unique Details

Probably that I put fairies everywhere. They were on the invitation (not-so-subtlety) hidden in the text, on the bathroom signs, on the placement cards, on the welcome sign. Plus, the fairy lights in the barn. I loved it.

Also – I changed out of my heels pretty much after the ceremony and popped on my silver sparkled Keds, and wore those comfortable shoes all night.

Chic Australian Garden Wedding with A Sparkling Wedding Dress – David Campbell Imagery 8

The Reception

After our ceremony in the rose gardens, roaming canapes and drinks kicked off, followed by large share platters for mains. Outside near the dance floor, espresso martinis were served from Merribee’s onsite caravan, aptly named Daisy, alongside a delicious selection of desserts.

Our energetic four-piece band kept our guests dancing, laughing and singing well into the night, until our sparkler sendoff – taking us up into our silo that overlooked the venue. Mitch and I watched the rest of the party continuing below us, waving and laughing at everyone before the final song came on to signal the end of a momentous day. Mitch couldn’t contain himself and ran back down the silo for one last dance.

Chic Australian Garden Wedding with A Sparkling Wedding Dress – David Campbell Imagery 9

Advice to Other Couples

Delegate. I got really stressed while planning our wedding. Some people are made for it, and I’m a really organized person (being an EA) but if you don’t like being in the spotlight (which I certainly don’t), the stress and anxiety can really get to you. I made a very smart decision and booked a day-of coordinator who helped me immensely. Alison totally changed my life!

We were both totally exhausted by the end of it so I recommend doing whatever you can to sleep the night before. Something Mitch and I didn’t do.

Most importantly, remember that the day is about you and your special person. When it gets overwhelming at any point in the planning, just remember that you are doing this for each other. It’s about what you both want, and don’t get swayed by too many outside opinions. Stick to what you know and love, and your day will be just as magical as you planned. Have fun.

Chic Australian Garden Wedding with A Sparkling Wedding Dress – David Campbell Imagery 10

The Honeymoon

We took a minimoon down to Bannisters by the Sea at Mollymook for a five-night getaway. We drove there the day after the wedding, ordered room service pizza for dinner with wine, and then slept for ten solid hours. It was amazing. Bannisters is stunning. Perfect for a quiet getaway, the venue is right on the ocean, the people are so friendly and the town is so charming.

A few months later we flew to Koh Samui, Thailand and stayed at Sala on Chewang beach. It was the most glorious resort I’ve ever stayed in and I would highly recommend it. We had our own private pool on a balcony overlooking palm trees into the ocean. It was magic and we highly recommend it.