Timeless & neutral were in the inspiration, and LOTS of flowers and greenery.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
The best part about us now is that we are new parents to a beautiful baby girl!
Aside from being obsessed with her, we are a Sydney-based couple who met in our early twenties and are now raising our family here with our first baby, our French Bulldog Weston (who was heavily featured in our wedding).
Career-wise, Tom is a Project Manager in the property industry, and Kara is a Creative Manager for an e-commerce brand; we couldn’t be more different when it comes to professions.
We love spending time with our families, spending summers down in Mollymook (where Tom’s family is from), and hanging out with all our friends who are also starting families, as well as new friends we have made since becoming parents. Over the last two years since our wedding, so much has changed, but it really is for the better.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Our celebrant Steph said it perfectly: “It was 2011, and a 20-year-old, long, curly-haired Tom was working in the downstairs bar at PJ Gallagher’s in Drummoyne when a cute, smiley, 19-year-old girl walked in and said, “Hi, I’m Kara, and I am here for a job interview.” And the rest is history.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
We both agree that we felt something the moment we met. It was a little spark for sure; it just took us a little while to realise we both felt the same way. I think once we both seamlessly fit into each other’s families and lives it was pretty obviously we were here to stay.
Tom was also the backbone for Kara she went through losing her father, he was the love and support she needed. We were also lucky enough to spend time with him before, and Tom was able to ask Mark (Kara’s dad) for his blessing nearly an entire year before he popped the question.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
2020, peak covid lockdown. Tom’s original plan was to propose in Hawaii on the rooftop of our favourite hotel, but with the lockdown, our trip was cancelled, and Tom had to pivot his idea.
Tom ended up proposing in the backyard of Kara’s family home; although the lockdown was enforced, we snuck Tom’s family into one part of the house, and Kara watched from the other while Tom asked the very important question. Weston (our dog) came running down the side of the garden wearing a vest made by Kara’s mum with “Marry us” painted on the back and the ring tied around his neck.
We then continued the night by drinking champagne and dancing in the garden!
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding.
Initially our wedding was meant to be late October, so spring was in our mind. Timeless & neutral were in the inspiration, and LOTS of flowers and greenery. Orchid and Magnolia leaves were a must for us – we absolutely loved how our arbour turned out.
Although it was absolutely freezing on the day we continued with our original styling, the poor bridesmaids froze until it was time to put on their jackets.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
Custom Dancefloor Slippers – there is nothing worse than being barefoot on a sticky dancefloor.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
After delaying our original warmer Spring wedding in 2021 due to COVID-19, we were left with a chilly late Autumn date, which ended up being very wet. The night before the wedding, it was torrential rain, and the morning was also pretty rainy, but as soon as it was time to walk down the aisle, the rain stopped, and the most amazing beam of sunlight shone through the entire time. We always say that it must have been Kara’s dad looking down on us, and it all felt very fitting. As soon as the ceremony ended, the clouds came back over, and the rain started once again!
The morning before the wedding and the day everyone arrived on Mona Farm, we were up at the crack of dawn (5 am ish) with our very ‘city’ dog, Weston, who had broken out in hives after a call to our vet back in Sydney Tom had to race to the nearest service station to get him some Zyrtec, thankfully this worked and he was fine for the rest of the weekend.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Kara’s veil was custom embroidered with lyrics to Janet Jackson’s song ‘Together Again’ as a nod to her late father, Mark. Kara’s party/reception dress was completely handmade by her mum, Donna, and ostrich feathers were ordered from South Africa; delays due to COVID lockdowns and months of alterations, it was PERFECT, so special.
Tom’s shirt sleeve was also embroidered with his initials, and he wore a pair of his favourite cufflinks, which were gold bees.
PHOTOGRAPHER Corinna & Dylan, @corinnaanddylan VIDEOGRAPHER Bryce Gage Studio, @brycegagestudio FLORIST Family friend – Chrissy Aldridge, @chrissy.aldridge CELEBRANT Stephanie Bardsley, @stephanie_bardsley_celebrant ENTERTAINMENT The White Tree, @thewhitetree CATERING Simon Ekas Catering, @simonekascatering CAKE Stacy Brewer Cakes, @stacybrewercakes STATIONERY & SIGNAGE Sarah Elliot – State of Elliot, @stateofelliot ENGAGEMENT RING Natalie Marie Jewellery, @nataliemariejewellery JEWELLERY Serpent Cove Jewellery, @serpent_cove BRIDAL DRESS Alena Leena Bridal, @alenaleenabridal from Love Marie Bridal Boutique, @lovemariebridalboutique VEIL Custom Made – L’eto Bridal, @letobridal BRIDE’S PARTY OUTFIT Custom made by the bride’s mother, Donna BRIDE’S SHOE Gucci, @gucci ACCESSORIES Earrings – Jennifer Fisher, @jenniferfisherjewelry HAIR & MAKEUP Kristin Brett, @kristinbrettt BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Baccarat Rouge 540, @maisonfranciskurkdjian SUIT Custom Made – P.Johnson, @pjohnsontailors GROOM’S SHOE Aquila, @aquila_est1958 GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Le Labo – Thé Noir 29, @lelabofragrances BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Bec & Bridge, @becandbridge BAR SIGN Sketch & Etch, @sketchandetchcreative
