Tell us a little about yourselves!
We met 8 years ago on a wine tour. In life, the person you marry is the only relationship where you really get to choose one another, and we just clicked.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
We originally planned to elope in Morocco, which changed to a local elopement in Victoria, Australia. As the plans progressed, we received feedback that our families were keen to be involved and Ebony’s beautiful family home in Clare, South Australia was suggested. Given the tradition of daughters of the property being married there, it was an obvious choice to continue this.
How many guests did you have?
17 guests – we wanted to have a small wedding with our two families and family friends.
What was your budget?
We didn’t define a budget as it was such a small wedding, we probably spent around $30,000.
Tell us about your outfits.
Ebony – For a long time, I envisioned being married in a little white dress which I thought would be Prada but when I started looking, I found a short Dolce&Gabbana brocade white dress which was love at first sight. I ordered it online and thankfully it fit. I paired it with a delicate gold bracelet which had a blue sapphire as my ‘something blue’ from my big sister, an antique Rolex cocktail watch gifted from my Mum and Dad and a Dolce&Gabbana clutch
Chris – I often wear Anthony Squires for work and loved the unique colour of this wool suit when I first saw it. We found some Gucci loafers on a trip to Melbourne and the guys at Henry Bucks helped to complete the outfit.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
We focused on planning a wedding which was true to us, which felt calm and relaxed, but had high quality food and drinks and utilised the property. Planning it in just under 2 months, we didn’t want to feel stressed during this process and really wanted to enjoy the experience, we kept it small and manageable.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
It was important for us to welcome and acknowledge the significance of each guest, so we provided a sentence or two about each of them to be read out during the ceremony. It surprised everyone and was incredibly special. We also incorporated our miniature dachshund Peach who was our ring bearer, she was perfect.
Any tips for couples getting married?
Be true to yourselves and be present, do what you want to do, and Brides, kick off those uncomfortable heels straight after the ceremony, just as I did and run around pain free!
Trust the professionals and be open to their suggestions. For example, after providing some initial guidance we left the menu up to our incredible Chef and every dish was a wonderful seasonal surprise.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
We had such a fun time with our photographers, In the Mood for Love Photography, who became a special part of our wedding day. Our day wouldn’t have been the same without them. A huge thanks to them for capturing our day.
Photographer: In the Mood for Love Photography @inthemoodforlove.jaz | Flora: M and B Flowers
@mandbflowers | Ceremony & Reception Location: At Ebony’s family home | Celebrant: Ebony Strong | Makeup/ Hair: Ebony did her own | Catering + Beverages: Watervale Hotel @watervalehotel | Cake: Sugar and Spice Cakes @sugarandspicecakes | Dress: Dolce&Gabbana @dolcegabbana | Suit: Anthony Squires @anthonysquires_au| Engagement & Wedding Rings: Offe Jewellers @offejewellers | Shoes: Gucci @gucci (Chris) & Kurt Geiger (Ebony) @kurtgeiger | Ebony's Watch: Antique Rolex @rolex | Clutch: Dolce&Gabbana @dolcegabbana | Chris' Watch: Longines Legend Diver