Rupert & Brya by Chasewild

Brya: Rupert and I are weird in the same wonderful ways. We both always felt a little like misfits, but by the time we were set up by our friend Hannah, we’d learned to embrace it.

Rupert’s a social work student who loves hospitality and bringing people together around food, red wine and a healthy amount of board game rivalry. He loves cooking quality fried chicken and will happily talk for hours about the perfect spice blend. I’m a graphic designer who loves a strong pair of boots, people, sriracha and eating Rupert’s fried chicken. I also love a good dance session, making questionable jokes and all things art and design.

We’re passionate about creating spaces where people can just be who they are, no compromises, and that passion for community and hospitality inspired our wedding. We wanted it to feel like a Sunday lunch: warm, cosy and comforting, with mulled wine and slow-roasted meat. A candle-lit feast. The styling was like that of a medieval castle, mixed with a little 1920s.

Rupert bought his dark green tweed suit two weeks after we got engaged, which helped to lock in the colour theme. When I saw my dress, I yelled, “tassles!” That was my version of the ‘magical moment’ of wedding gown shopping. I paired my dress with a sassy ostrich-feather jacket that Rupert’s mum bought for me and have never felt so dramatic in my life. I loved every minute in that outfit.

Dancing with my dad on the way to the ceremony was such an unforgettable moment. We rolled up to the wedding in a Porsche he’d borrowed, playing “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar as loud as we could.

We’ve found that love is something you work for, and that you both need to commit to being willing to adapt, as life changes you both. Getting married is the biggest decision you’ll make, so treat it like an investment. It’s for life, so take courses, talk to people and get advice. No one’s perfect, but if you both want to make it work, then that’s a good start.

For us, marriage is about making a commitment to honestly, vulnerably and courageously learn to love. It’s about coming together and becoming something you couldn’t be on your own. It’s about the people around you backing you and believing in you, giving to others as a unit, creating spaces together and loving community together. It’s so much bigger than just the two of us. Family and love is what unites us and we want our family to be open to everyone. The ‘Taylors’ is a weird and wonderful place to be and our goal is to invest time into that.

Photography: Cameron Thorp of Chasewild | Bride’s dress: Rue De Seine | Bride’s jacket: Mode & Affaire | Groom’s suit: Noose & Monkey | Celebrant: Fran Francis | Videography: Simon Gilchrist | Venue: Central Vineyard Community Hall | Bride’s earrings: Adornmonde | Shoes: Mi Piaci | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Blak | Fragrance: Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio | Flora: My Father’s Florist | Makeup: Olivia Pilbrow | Styling: The bride | Hire: Arkade Hire | Catering & beverages: Lower & Slower | Cake: Cakes By Jan | Cheeseboard: Amanda Pilbrow | Entertainment: Fransen Brothers