Calèche real bride Rose and partner Daniel’s Port Elliot garden wedding was an absolute celebration. Taking place at the beautiful provinical Waverley Estate, the couple danced till they dropped, soaking up every second of the night. Keep reading for more details and all the action shots.
Let’s start at the beginning, when and how did you and your partner meet?
A week spent at the Rostrevor boarding house, volunteering and working with kids from tough backgrounds and home lives. We arrived at the boarding house before the kids, and I immediately knew I wanted to get to know him more. After a week in each other’s pockets, we exchanged numbers, and the rest is history. The most unexpected outcome, but so special.
Tell us about the proposal…
It was November 30th, 2019, my husband Ozzie’s birthday. He had booked a beautiful big lunch at Serafino winery. After we finished our lunch, he asked if I wanted to get some photos in the vines. I was shocked at the fact that HE actually suggested photos, as usually he is dead against it! Haha. As we were walking over to the vines, we started getting swooped by magpies… and for those who know me well enough would know I have a huge FEAR for birds. I said we had to leave.
He was adamant we needed to keep walking. I demanded we leave and so we did… In the car he said “let’s go and find some other vines for photos.” Driving in McLaren Vale, we pulled up at a private property. He told me to go in between the vines and pose and he would take photos. Little did I know, he had it on video the whole time, and as he was filming me, he dropped down to his knee and popped the question. After we had our moment, he walked me back to the tray of the ute, and pulled out 2 chilled glasses and a bottle of champagne. As it was his birthday that day, he had already planned a big event that night, so we got to celebrate with our nearest and dearest friends and family.
The Dress! Tell us about your experience finding the dress. How did you decide on the one?
Calèche exceed all expectations I ever had about wedding dress shopping. A beautiful friend of mine had the most amazing experience at Calèche, and I just had a feeling I was going to have the same experience. From the minute I stepped foot into the store, I was in awe at the incredible dresses in front of me. I knew I had an image in mind of what I wanted, but I didn’t know how it would all come together. From the minute I voiced my thoughts, I was sold. The ladies were so accommodating and helpful, it was just a beautiful experience.
I was able to swap and change out dresses, hold things up in place, put a different mesh over the top to see if it would look ok, and just try everything and anything. Once I decided on exactly what I wanted, it was the smoothest experience ever. I was able to go in for all of my fittings with a relaxed attitude, and I knew I would be greeted with professionalism and kindness. When I wanted to alter something or make a minor change, there was no issue in doing that at all. When I asked if there was any spare mesh for my wedding shoes, I was provided with it in the next fitting. Having confidence in my dress maker changed my whole experience, and I would not have changed a thing. The final product was all I have ever dreamed of, elegant, unique and one of a kind – all thanks to Calèche.
Rose wore a custom gown based on the skirt of our Mona gown and a variation of our Cara beaded tulle top.
Can you give us some details on your wedding location?
We had our wedding at the beautiful Waverley Estate in Port Elliot. A private estate that we had full creative control over. Built in 1856, the French provincial estate accommodated and slept 22 guests, made up of our bridal party and families, and 150 of our most loved and adored friends and family members. Waverley featured an incredible traditional lawn tennis court, pristine lawns, a beautiful central courtyard space with fire pit that we used for our garden party, and a beautiful heated swimming pool. Inside the house was stunning and the perfect location to get ready for the big day.
What was your favourite moment of the day?
My favourite moment of the day was dancing with all of my favourite people. Music is a big part of our lives, and all we ever wanted in a wedding was a PARTY… and that is exactly what we got. From the minute the speeches were done, and even before they had begun, we had the dancefloor started! When the party “officially” began, my husband and I dragged the benches over, stood up and danced till we couldn’t dance anymore! We soaked in every second of the night and had the most insane night ever. I wish we could do it all over again!!
Hens Day! If you had one, please tell us about it!
My hens day was the most incredible event! My beautiful bridesmaids organised an insane festival themed day for me, ROCHELLA! The day began in the front yard, with a glitter artist, a QR code festival video, cocktails, and a beautiful sunny vibe. Then, after everyone was glammed up, we headed to the back yard for the festival to begin. Light shows, confetti machines, bubble machines, drag queen, topless waiter, games, drinks, food and fun! The day was all I ever dreamed for, and the girls absolutely nailed it all!
Lastly, is there any advice or words of wisdom you have for future brides?
Take in the day, cherish every moment and enjoy yourself. Party like you’ve never partied before, get a chance to greet all of your beautiful friends and family members, and spend some special moments with your new husband, those are the moments you will remember forever.
Details
Photographer: Christabel Ballard Photography; Location: Waverley Estate, Port Elliot; Groom: ASOS; Groomsman: ASOS; Bridesmaids: Shona Joy; Videographer: Little House Films; Flowers: F.Ever Bloom Co; Make Up: Millie Herd; Hair: Hayley Davis – Blow Dry Bar; Jewellery: Class A Jewellers; Celebrant: Gaby Kinsman + Rachel Jane Marriage Celebrant; Catering: Adelaide Woodfired Pizza + Adelaide Hills Ice-cream Van; On the Day Coordinator: Sonia Madeline Coordinator; Furniture Hire: A1 Hire, Hygge Studio, Fleurieu Event Hire; DJ: On the Decs.