Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
We met 4 years ago through mutual friends on a valentines weekend away in the coromandel. It wasn’t easy for Jay to capture my attention, but once he did, I was hooked! I instantly knew I was going to marry this man.
Jay and I are best mates and we balance each other out perfectly. Jay is the steady support for our relationship with vision for our future. He is the grounds keeper and orchardist on our property.
Camille brings the energy and passion into our relationship with a focus of creating a home fit for a family of four, five ,six? Time will tell. She always makes sure we stay connected with our family and friends.
We jumped in the deep end from the start of our relationship, purchasing a property and establishing it as an avocado orchard, renovating the house into a home, planning a wedding all while both working full time jobs. We live our lives by Jay’s favourite saying “you don’t get ahead by sitting around” so we are always jumping from one project to the next with the occasional fishing trip or getaway with friends thrown in-between.
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…
The resonating idea for our day was inviting our friends and family into our life. Hosting everyone at our home and incorporating elements of our lives throughout the day, including collecting our dried floral arrangements and bouquets from around the neighbourhood, using our roosters feathers for the guys button holes, having our dog as ring barer and riding into the reception on our favourite bike.
I love styling and aesthetics so I had a strong vision for the wedding setting. Luckily I have talented family and friends who helped me pull my ideas together. My dried floral arrangement above the bridal table and bouquets were beautiful masterpieces arranged by my bridesmaid and family friend. My friends and I love baking and always make a special effort to bake cakes for each other for birthdays. So we picked our favourite flavours and the girls created a number of beautiful and delicious cakes for our wedding cake. The aisle was a special creation, I wanted something to frame Jay and I without getting lost into the background of our beautiful open view. Large pots with an assortment of dried palms, macadamia leaves, toi toi and fresh white florals were the perfect combination to provide grounding while establishing a tall grand archway.
Tell us about your main outfits:
Camille: I always wear black draped clothing so I was struggling with the idea of wearing a pretty wedding dress and I knew Jay wasn’t a big fan of lace dresses. So I had my work cut out for me. When I tried on this dress it felt fun and that is what i was looking for! The sequin geometric design with slim fitting shape felt as though it was made for me.
When it came to accessories, I knew from the beginning I wanted a cape veil, a traditional element incorporated in a modern way. I had already decided on the Chaos & Harmony Passion heels, I owned two pairs already so knew they would keep me dancing all night long!
Jay: Being a man of the land, I don’t often find myself in suits, soo it felt like fate when the first suit I tried on fitted like a glove. A quick call to the lads to lock in the sleek blue suit was done over the space of an hour. Only after swiping the credit card did Camille and I realise that we rode in on the motorbike. An approaching storm made things even more interesting. We secured the suit between us, hoped for the best but managed to arrive home safe and sound. On the big day, it was then only fitting that I don on my , sat my wife on the back and ride into our wedding reception.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
What is more memorable than getting married during a pandemic! This threw many curveballs at us that tested our resilience as a couple but also showed the strength of connections with those we care about the most. A number of vendors cancelled the day before and day of the wedding. As stressful as it was, these moments showed the love of our family and friends who banded together for us.
Our bridal party are some of our closest friends, so we knew before the day started it would be entertaining. They did a sensational job in removing us from the chaos of the day and had us in fits of laughter. This was key for us in forgetting the stressful lead up to the wedding and enjoying the day with those we loved the most.
Camille: My father passed away six years ago, so walking down the aisle was always going to be the hardest part of the day for me. I asked my brother if he would walk with me, this was just as emotional for him as it was me. My brother stepping into that role was so important to all of us and was such a special part of our day.
I had never seen Jay cry, so seeing him showing such raw emotion at the end of the aisle was one of the most memorable moments for me. He still claims it was hay fever.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
There is always more planning that can be done. But you need to make a call when enough is enough and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Ceremony and Reception Location: Couples own home | Photographer and Videographer: J Photo and Co | Entertainment: Josh Pow Music | Hire and Marquee: L.L Hire | Flora and Cake: Created by friends | Bride’s Robe: Dellamore | Bride’s Dress: Zavana Bridal purchased from Jessica Bridal | Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Farmers | Rings: Don Stewart Jewellers | Groom and Groomsmen Shoes: Hannahs | Bride’s Shoes: Chaos and Harmony | Makeup: Makeup By Leonie | Hair and Makeup: Nicole Bright | Fragrance: Viktor and Rolf | Bridesmaids Dresses: Farmers, Blak, Evolution Bridesmaids, Max
