Kat and Shane knew a DIY wedding was going to be more work, but keeping it casual was worth it. Montville Village Hall really calls for a sweet DIY country hall wedding feel, and that’s exactly what this couple created.
Their original vision for their wedding was an outdoor wedding festival, or “westival” as those in the biz have termed it. Something told them to tweak the plan a little to be sure to have the option of a wet weather option, so they looked around for a venue that could give them the outdoors, yet have a structure available just in case. That was a well-advised plan, because it did indeed pour rain that very morning.
Although the day was wet, there were some special moments dancing in the rain that made it all worth it. Plus the bride and bridesmaids wore the cutest ever gum boots – very country hall wedding-esque!
Images by Emma Nayler Photographer.
“After purchasing the ring Shane was worried I would find out so the next morning dressed our daughter in a nice dress, with a note and the ring and sent her in to wake me up. After getting down on one knee I said yes. Even though I knew this day would happen it totally took me by surprise when he did it.”
“Waking up to darkness and pouring rain on your wedding day wasn’t ideal but with Alanis Morrissett “ironic “playing we started getting ready. “
“I had attached to my bouquet a pendant that was my late father’s wedding ring he’d had remolded. This was so he was still walking me down the aisle.”
“We wanted to create a relaxed, boho, party vibe which captured our personalities and everyone could just enjoy the day without too much structure.”
“For us personally (marriage) meant reaffirming out feelings and beliefs for our lives together and to join us all officially as our own family with our daughter.”
“We initially wanted a completely outdoors festival style wedding but realized it was a lot of work and also wanted the reassurance of shelter if it rained the hall had a beautiful rustic feel to it, with enough space, outdoor areas and amenities.”
Oh those country hall wedding vibes… 
“After trying a few bridal stores I hadn’t found anything I loved. With recommendation of a friend I took the risk and ordered one online. It took about six weeks to be made to order and sent. With some simple alterations it was perfect. It was comfortable, suited my style and being a bit cheaper, I wasn’t afraid to dance in the rain and have fun.”
“I did most of the organising but Shane insisted in choosing the first dance and kept it a secret. The band performed a beautiful version of Paul Kelly’s “you’re 39, beautiful and mine” with an age change to 29 to suit us. Paul Kelly has a strong memory of when we first got together and the band did an amazing version. During the first dance Shane’s family has a tradition were they bind the couple in streamers which was lots of fun to break out of and enjoy the moment together while the kids all played in the streamers.”
Photographer: Emma Nayler Photographer | Venue: Montville Village Hall | Catering: Jimmy’s Catering + Fire n’ Dough | Decorations + decor : Pretty Little Lane | Barrel eskies + hay bales: Barrels of Fun | Transport: The Range Wedding Cars | Hair: Miss Nessi | Makeup: Primp Hair and Makeup | Festoon lighting: Perry’s Hire | Celebrant: Jan Wooley
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Learn more about… Emma Nayler Photographer + Pretty Little Lane
