Six years ago, singing teacher, Michelle set off on a Contiki tour through the Greek Islands. Little did she know her life would be forever changed when she met her future husband, Avionics Engineer, Gary.
Gary grew up on the Sunshine Coast on his family farm, which was the perfect location for the couple to hold both their wedding ceremony and reception. Their intimate wedding with 40 of their nearest and dearest was a stunning showing of simple modern elements with chic details.
Michelle has shared her family farm wedding planning journey and all her best tips for having a dream private property wedding from DIY elements to her fave vendors…
Smooth Planning
We really didn’t hit any speed bumps, the planning process was fairly easy for the both of us. I think having a smaller wedding probably helped in this area too.
Planning Resources
We found a lot of suppliers through The Brides Tree website and forum, as well as lots of Googling. As we’re not local to the Sunshine Coast, it was a lot like starting from scratch as a far as planning went.
Stand-out Vendors
All of our vendors were incredible! If I had to narrow it down I would say – Bec Smith (photography and videography) she’s just a beautiful energy to have around and the final product is stunning. Fiona Duce (celebrant) made the ceremony really fun, relaxed and personal. Something For Catering – nothing was too big an ask and the staff were fantastic, not to mention the amazing food!
Images by BXCSMXTH
Relaxed Morning of the Wedding
Our whole bridal party and my parents had a house together in Alexandra Headlands, so we all had breakfast together before the boys headed off to the farm. The morning was really relaxed and it felt really natural to all be together.
The Location
We got married at Gary’s family farm and it was so special to be married somewhere so personal to us. Gary grew up there and it just feels like home. We couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else and I think it helped make our day feel more relaxed too.
Highlights of the Day
Definitely the ceremony. It was so beautiful to have everyone we loved so dearly there and to share that moment with them. We were both so excited to see each other as I walked down the aisle, you could just feel all the happy energy, it was really special. The formalities of the day become a bit of a blur the longer we get away from the wedding, but we will always remember the feeling of being incredibly happy and so loved. It was perfect.
Why I Married This Guy
We made this commitment to each other long before our wedding day, we can’t imagine life without each other! I think we bring out the best in one another and have a really strong foundation in our relationship.
Wedding Secrets
Biggest splurge: Our biggest splurge would be photography & videography, we knew these would be the memories to look back on so they were definitely worth the investment. Bec Smith (BXCSMXTH) was absolutely amazing!
Best money-saver: We made a lot of items ourselves and put money towards our priorities for the day. One big decision we made was to have our bouquets and buttonholes done professionally, then we did the table arrangements and any other florals ourselves. This is probably where we saved the most money, as well as just doing lots of research and going for the best product for price.
Bride’s dress: Grace Loves Lace
Hair vine: La Boheme Darling
Bride’s shoes: Wanted Shoes (a very much loved pair from over the years.)
Groom’s jacket: Politix
Groom’s pants: Bruno’s Suits
Groom’s accessories: Tie, pocket square and cufflinks – The Iconic. Belt – David Jones. Socks – Happy Socks.
Groom’s shoes: Julius Marlow
Bridesmaids’ dresses: The Iconic
Bridesmaids’ shoes: Betts Shoes
Bridesmaids’ accessories: Their own
DIY: All our signage, wishing well and guest book was handmade by Gary and one of my beautiful bridesmaids, Sasha. We did the table arrangements ourselves and only hired in the big items e.g tables and chairs. We also did a lot of the set up ourselves the day before.
Number of guests: 40
Honeymoon: Six Senses Laamu – The Maldives
Number of guests: 40
Wedding budget: $30,000
Actual cost of wedding: $30,000
The Music
Aisle – Northern Wind by City & Colour
Signing – How Sweet It Is & Stand By Me
Recessional – Fire and the Flood by Vance Joy
Cake Cutting – September by Earth Wind and Fire
First Dance – Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Franki Valley
Check out this playlist made up of Aisle Recession song suggestions from real couples, and a few from me…
Advice for Future Brides
Plan in advance and make the most of help anywhere you can! Take a moment with your partner to just bask in the moment, because it’s over so quickly. We stood on top of the stairs watching everyone at our reception and just took it all in. Also, if you can, get videography and an on-the-day co-ordinator! It’s definitely worth it.
Our Next Big Adventure
Well, not long after the wedding we fell pregnant, so our next big adventure will be parents to a beautiful baby girl! We’re absolutely over the moon.
Michelle & Gary from bxcsmxth on Vimeo.
Photographer + videographer: BXCSMXTH | Wedding coordinator: Something For Catering | Florist: Ginger Lily & Rose | Catering: Something For Catering | Cake: Milk & Honey Cake Creative | Transport: Boomerang Bus Hire | Hair + makeup: The Beauty Case | Decor hire: Equip4Hire + Simply Style Co. | Entertainment: The White Tree | Place cards: Wooden Letters Australia | Celebrant: Coastal Weddings – Fiona Duce | Wedding night accommodation: Airbnb
Thank you for supporting our A-list Vendors, who were part of Michelle + Gary’s dream team for their family farm wedding…
