Caitlin loves Jesse | Yandina Tipi Wedding

March 19, 2018

Jesse proposed to Caitlin while on holiday in Queenstown, New Zealand. As they took a romantic moment in a gondola heading for the skyline. Caitlin says it was an easy choice to say an emphatic yes, as she says her now husband is the most generous and giving person, who somehow manages to put up with her!

Aw..! We’re sure the feeling is mutual, Caitlin!

This beautiful bride has kindly shared some words about her Yandina tipi wedding with us today.

The venue

“It was really important for me that my grandparents were able to attend my wedding. And once you see the Hidden Valley Farm, it’s very to see why we instantly fell I love with it.”

The food

“We are both massive foodies; so quality Asian tapas, a grazing table, craft beer and espresso martinis were at the top of our list. The food was amazing, people are still raving about how amazing it was.

“Jesse and I had a private picnic in the macadamia orchard right after the bridal party photos. We got to spend half an hour with just the two of us, it was such a special moment where got to get away from the craziness of the day.”

The wedding music

Walking down the aisle – Acoustic cover of Sky Full of Stars

First Dance – we had the whole wedding joined us on the dance floor for our first dance (because of Jesse’s injury) and we all danced to Jesse’s Girl – Bruce Springsteen

The biggest challenge

“My partner was involved in a boating accident 2 months before our wedding. He was in a wheelchair for the first month and crutches after that. He only took his first steps without crutches on the day of our wedding. Because we had a fair bit of DIY involved in our wedding, he was unfortunately unable to help. I think this was harder on him than it was on me.”

Advice for future brides

“Be organised. Not only do you save money, you also don’t have any of that pre-wedding stress in the lead up to your big day.

“Also, invest in a good photographer. Looking back on photos, it’s the little moments that you forget, that the photographer thought to capture that really mean a lot to you.”

Images by Brian Geritz

“Holding hands and looking at Jesse for the first time at the alter. A wave of happiness just came over me.”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Tipi Luxe was our splurge. We looked at other cheaper marquee options, but we just had to have them.

Best money-saving decision: The Vintage Bondwood Bar caravan. We love craft beers and espresso martinis. So having Ashlea and the crew at our wedding meant that we were able to serve craft beers and spirits, as well as have a cocktail hour of espresso martinis at only a fraction of the price a venue wedding would have cost.

Bride’s dress: “Aster” by Karen Willis Holmes

Bride’s accessories: Earrings – The Silver Shop & Hairpiece – The Posy Co.

Bride’s Shoes: Betts Shoes

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Shona Joy

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Collette Hayman

Bridesmaids’ shoes: Betts Shoes

Flowergirl’s dress: Etsy

Groom’s attire: Politix

Groomsmens’ attire: Roger David

DIY: The furniture was dry hired through Sacred Wilde. So the bridesmaids and I styled the venue, this included going out to the venue at 5am on the morning of the wedding. The small decorations I bought from Kmart or made with the help of friends.

I run a hobby cake business, Cakes by Cait, so I made my own wedding cake. And with the help of other local cake makers, Cakes by Nola and Cakes by Zoe, we put together the serve yourself platter table.

Honeymoon: My partner had a boating accident 2 months before our wedding, so the original honeymoon was cancelled and we ended up having three honeymoons; Byron Bay, New York and Hawaii and then Bali. So I was one very lucky bride in the end.

Number of guests: 110

Wedding budget: Low $20,000’s

Actual wedding cost: Just under $30,000