JAMES X BETHANY

bridgewater mill south australia real wedding images by the ivory story

wedding date 10 april 2021

80 wedding guests

Together for four years before the most beautiful, romantic surprise proposal. James + Bethany met through Bethany's sister and James' best friend (maid of honour and best man at their wedding) "I really didn't see it coming. We were driving home from Melbourne and we stopped at the beautiful Valley Lake in Mount Gambier. I was sitting on this little bridge thinking about how beautiful the place was then next minute James turns to me with a massive smile on his face and says "I have to ask you something" then he got down on one knee and I just started crying like a nutcase.

bethany + james | to the aisle australia

venue.

The Mill had an old English feel that I loved. Surrounded by all this beautiful greenery, the creek and the multi level dining I really loved how unique it was. Plus James loved it too so that was a bonus.

wedding theme.

I'm obsessed with the Medieval and Victorian eras so I wanted the wedding to have that type of feel to it. As the planning went on I ended up leaning more toward the Victorian era so I didn't have two themes clashing but managed to sneak in a few Medieval touches (the sleeves of my dress being one of them)

favourite moment.

James: Right after the ceremony when Beth and I snuck away

Beth: Impossible to pick just one moment. I did really enjoy our photoshoot in the woods with our photographer Neasan and Ben our videographer. It was probably one of the most chilled out moments of the day and so much fun.

favourite detail.

Loved our cake from Sugar and Spice and our personalized chocolates from chocablock chocolates.

suit + gown shopping.

I think I tried on close to 100 dresses - yes, I'm that girl. It was so much fun playing dress up and having my Nan, Mum, Sister and Cousin along for the whole ride. I finally found THE ONE at Brides and Bloom Mawson Lakes. Danielle helped me try on dresses on four separate occasions and each and every time I went in there she was so welcoming and never rushed me. Definitely recommend Brides and Bloom for any future Adelaide Brides.

what marriage means to you.

James: It means I get to spend every day with the person I love.

Beth: A lifetime of love & fun.

story time.

When James and I thought we were having a quiet moment alone in the hallway. We were saying a bunch of romantic borderline cringe things to one another when our friend Locky appeared from the toilet and said "guys that was the most emotional wee I've ever had. I heard the whole conversation"

advice.

Enjoy it

Take lots of photos of the planning process

Spoil yourselves

wedding songs.

I had the beautiful Emma Horwood playing her Harp as guests arrived and as the Bridesmaids walked down the aisle.

My aisle song - How long will I love you by Ellie Goulding

Father Daughter Dance - I loved her first by Heartland

First Dance - Good to you by Marianas Trench

stand out vendors.

All of my vendors were amazing! Nicole from Events by Nicole deserves a special shout out though because she set up my floral arrangements in the rain. The weather reports said the sun would be out in time for the ceremony so she made sure she got it all looking beautiful for me by the time I got there. She stayed to watch the ceremony and was soaking wet the whole time. Not to mention she had just had a baby a few weeks before!