When you really love somebody, you can’t wait anymore than five months to marry them! At least that’s how Alanna and Nate felt when they became engaged. So when they couldn’t find a venue they wanted inside of 12-18 months, they sought out a family property for their wedding instead.
With a budget of only $12,000 (which they only slightly went beyond!) they pulled together their dream wedding day for 100 of their closest family and friends.
Why We Got Married
“Nate is the best person I have ever met. He has so many wonderful qualities that make me love and adore him so much. We have been inseparable since we met and I couldn’t picture my life without him. He really is my best friend and I know that we will have an amazing life together!”
The Proposal
“We were on a ski trip in Japan, on top of a mountain with our friends. We were taking photos of each of the couples. It was our turn last and my friend suggested I turn around in the photo and point at the opposite mountain. I did, and when I turned back around, Nate was down on one knee and gave the most beautiful proposal speech!! I jumped on him after and we kissed in the snow.”
The Wedding Planning
“We had a five month engagement and all of the halls we tried to hire were booked up for the next 12-18 months! We actually didn’t find wedding planning hard, and had everything done in about three months. But I also have a really amazing husband who did a lot of the planning, research and booking.”
Photos by White Images
The Most Emotional Moment
“Walking down the aisle and seeing Nate at the end- he was teary and looked so handsome and I was filled with joy, excitement and expectation. And I was already so teary and overcome with emotion, it was amazing to see him after the build up of the day.
“Looking down the aisle before my Dad walked me down, and I asked him if we could run down because I couldn’t wait to marry Nate. My Dad laughed and looked so happy. When we got down to Nate, everything felt so right. I never want to forget that feeling of blissed-out love.”
The Location
“My brother in law’s grandparents have a beautiful macadamia farm in Wamuran and it was the perfect venue for us. We wanted to have our wedding on the Sunshine Coast because it is such a beautiful part of the World and so close to home for us.”
Bride to Bride Advice…
“Keep calm! You get to marry your love on the day, so don’t stress because that is the best possible outcome. All of the other parts to the day are just a lovely bonus!
“Eat a substantial breakfast on the morning of your wedding day. You probably won’t feel like eating for the rest of the day because you will be so filled with excitement.”
Wedding Secrets
Biggest splurge: We wanted a photographer who took beautiful, natural photos. We aren’t into posed photos or over-editing. Chloe at White Images was a dream to work with! She made us feel so comfortable, and we are so happy we chose one of the bigger photography packages.
Best money-saver: Buying a marquee as our wet-weather back-up, we had it set up, but didn’t have to use it for our reception. We sold it on after the wedding, so essentially we hired a marquee for a really low cost!
Bridal gown: Justin Alexander from Sugar & Spice, Chermside
Bride’s accessories: David Jones
Bride’s shoes: Alan Pinkus
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Pilgrim Clothing
Bridesmaids’ accessories: Lovisa
Bridesmaids’ shoes: Famous Footwear
Flowergirl dress: Ebay
Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Politix (jacket), Van Huesen (shirt), David Jones (pants), RUMI (tie)
Page boy attire: David Jones
DIY: Nate made a donut wall, we made the ceremony seating along with Bruce who owned the property. We set up the entire reception ourselves, with some help from our family and bridal party.
Honeymoon: Tasmania + Byron Bay
Number of guests: 100
Wedding budget: $12,000
Actual cost of wedding: $14,000
Wedding Music
Walking down the aisle – Ben Folds ‘The Luckiest’
First dance – John Mayer ‘XO’
Leaving the reception – Rusted Root ‘Send Me On My Way’
Photographer: White Images | Cinematographer: Joel Tronoff | Florist: Wallflower | Catering: FB Pizzas | Cake: Cakes by Shaani | Donuts: Krispy Kreme | Makeup: Juliana Cruz | Hair: The Mia Collective | Stationery + signage: Melissa Lee Creative | Gift registry: Peters of Kensington | Officiant: Pastor Alywyn Matt from Downpour Church | Wedding night accommodation: Cabins at The View, Mt. Mee
