Finding elegance in tasteful simplicity, Glen and Tracey held their wedding down in the romantic Ironbark Hill Vineyard in Hunter Valley, just two hours north of Sydney, Australia.
During the solemnisation in the quaint, light-flooded on-site chapel, the pews were decorated with baby’s breath, while the brick-and-timber reception hall carried a navy-and-white theme with tables named after iconic cities. Tracey shares all about the charming soiree below…
How they met:
Glen and I met on 29 September, 2013, down in the Rocks Area of Sydney. We hit it off straight away, chatting and laughing for hours on end. From there, we dated for 10 months before moving in together in June 2014. In late August that year, we headed off to Europe on holiday – it was on this trip that Glen proposed, on 27 August, 2014. It was a very romantic proposal on our last night in Paris. We were standing on the beautiful Alexandre III Bridge overlooking the River Seine and facing the Eiffel Tower. It was an unforgettable evening.
The bride’s outfit:
I wanted a simple yet elegant gown. I knew I didn’t want a big dress with lots going on. It was quite figure-hugging, with a beautiful train and sweetheart neckline. I also knew I wanted a white ivory as opposed to a cream ivory, to suit my complexion.
Hair and make-up:
I wanted a soft curl to give my hair body and bounce, as it’s quite fine. My make-up was probably a little heavier than I would’ve liked, but hey – a wedding is a day to get all glammed up!
The groom’s outfit:
We had light grey in mind for the groom’s and groomsmen’s suits. Glen wore a cream tie.
The wedding party’s style:
We had a navy and white theme for the wedding, so the groomsmen wore grey suits with navy ties to match. The bridesmaids wore navy blue floor-length gowns. The flower girls wore white beaded dresses purchased online, and the boys had matching suits with navy ties.
The venue:
The venue at Ironbark Hill was exactly how we pictured it on the day. Peonies, who did all the flowers and room decorations, were fabulous. The look we went for was romantic candlelight and simple baby’s breath flowers, and the large chandelier in the middle of the room set it all off perfectly. Simple yet elegant.
The decor:
There wasn’t a theme as such, but we kept the navy blue and white colour scheme throughout – from the bridesmaids dresses to the stationery, to the table decorations.
The ceremony:
At the ceremony, we had one of Glen’s good friends read a bible verse, and one of my friends read a love poem. Both were very touching and meaningful.
The food:
The guests were served canapes on the balcony of the Reception Hall during sunset, while we were off having photos taken. Once inside, the main course was a chicken or beef option served alternatively. Café Enzo did a brilliant job catering for our guests’ special dietary needs as well.
First dance:
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
Wedding favours:
We gave our guests little chocolate jars as wedding favours. We found some cute little spice jars in Ikea and, keeping with the navy blue theme, we selected blue chocolate Lindt balls to fill them with. We had Peonies create some personalised thank-you cards, which were tied to the jars.
The photography:
Chris from Photography on Hermitage really knows the local area well, and he had a few special, scenic spots picked out. He made us feel very relaxed and captured some very special pictures. He took us down to Mistletoe Lane, which was only a five-minute drive away. The backdrop was the stunning Brokenback Mountain Range.
Memorable moments:
Our sisters and their families were staying together in a large house on the Ironbark Hill property. On the Sunday morning after the wedding, we hosted a self-catered BBQ breakfast at the house, where guests could drop in for an egg and bacon roll and we could spend more quality time catching up with everyone. It was fantastic!
Tracey’s wedding advice for brides-to-be:
When sourcing suppliers, just look at two or three, and then select one. You will waste time and effort, and go around in circles, if you look at too many options. Lastly, remember to take your new husband away from the crowd for five minutes during the reception. Head outside, just the two of you – soak it all in, look into each other’s eyes and enjoy a few special moments together. It’s an incredibly special time that you’ll both remember forever.
Vendors
Number of guests: 90
Wedding venue: Ironbark Hill Vineyard, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
Bridal gown: Fara Sposa
Jewellery: Bridal Originals
Shoes: Panache Bridal
Veil & hair accessories: Peter Trends
Groom’s suit: Julius Marlow
Groom’s accessories: Rembrandt
Bridesmaids’ outfits: Sheike
Groomsmen’s outfits: Rembrandt
Wedding planner: Peonies Floral Designer
Flowers & decor: Peonies Floral Designer
Cake maker: Bec’s Cakes
Food and drinks: Café Enzo, Pokolbin and Ironbark Hill Vineyard
Stationery: Peonies Floral Designer
Entertainment: D’Amore Ensembles in the chapel and Funky Do Da’s at the reception
Transport: Princess Classic Cars
Photographer: Chris Elfes from Photography on Hermitage