OLIVIA X JAMES

geelong weddings images by archer and smith photography

Together for seven years since meeting in high school where they started chatting and never stopped, Olivia and James became engaged on a morning walk in Noosa. "We were on holidays and James + I stopped at a look out point on one of the Coastal tracks where James got down on one knee. He took me by total surprise!" Olivia shares.

the venue.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard was our first and only site visit for wedding venues. We were blown away by the incredible views and their amazing expertise with all things wedding - we felt like we were in perfect hands with them.

favourite moments.

The ceremony was so magical - from my Dad walking me down the aisle, the first look at the ceremony and sharing our vows - it was incredible! It was a strange feeling knowing so many people were watching us however at the same time it felt like it was just the two of us there! Chloe, our celebrant was incredible and made the ceremony run so smoothly – many of our guests commented on how incredible she was.

Photos with our bridal party after the ceremony was so much fun. It was a good opportunity to share what had just happened and to reflect upon the day so far.

Sunset photos – it was so nice for us both to get away for a little while just the two of us and reflect on how incredible the day was. Ali our photographer made us feel so comfortable which is evident in the amazing photos we received from her.

suit & gown shopping.

I took my Mum dress shopping with me which was pretty special. I was nervous that I wasn’t going to find ‘the’ dress as I didn’t really know what I wanted. However, at the second store, Always and Forever Bridal we visited I found my dress - a Rachel Rose gown. I knew as soon as I put it on that it was the one.

Suit shopping experience was great from start to finish. The guys from YSG tailors made the selection and customisation of suits an easy experience.

what does marriage mean to you?

Married to us is a forever thing. It means unconditional love and commitment and giving it your all every day for the rest of your lives together. Its being there for one another in the good times and in the challenging times. Its knowing that no matter what you are there for each other. Most of all, its making the most of everyday we get to spend together as we know life is short.

advice.

Once you have chosen and booked your venue – focus on finding and booking a celebrant and photographer who you connect with and aligns with how you picture your day turning out. They can also be an incredible help in recommending and helping you find other vendors who they believe may align best with your vision. Don’t forget to breathe, the two weeks leading up to the wedding can be extremely stressful piecing all the little things together. Just know that your day is going to be incredible no matter what!

wedding songs.

Aisle: This could be by Joel Ansett

Signing: With you by Vance Joy

Recessional: You’ve got the love by Florence + the machine

First dance: I’ll Be by Edwin McCain

standout vendors.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard – they know how to do weddings. It was so comforting to know that we were in great hands! They were so helpful and made everything run so seamlessly in the lead up and on the day. So many guests commented on how beautiful the location was and how delicious the food and wine were.

Smith and Archer – Ali is amazing at what she does! From that first phone consultation to the day itself, Ali went above and beyond. She helped us with timelines for the day, recommended vendors and made us feel so comfortable whilst getting our photos taken. Cannot recommend Ali highly enough.

Chloe Celebrant – Chloe was brilliant! From the first time we met with Chloe we knew we had to have her. Nothing was ever to much to ask and again provided us with recommendations for vendors. Chloe played a huge role in making our ceremony so special which was one of our most favourite parts to the day.

Baker Boys – AMAZING! They know exactly how to get everyone up and about. Ash from the Baker Boys was also our MC for the night and did an incredible job. Cannot recommend them highly enough.