Sydney-based James and Esther headed south to The Woods Farm, Jervis Bay for their amazing, and thoughtfully planned, weekend wedding.
NSW is spoilt with so many great venues and it’s quite difficult for couples getting married to narrow down the where. And for those who are choosing where to get married, it’s probably made a bit harder by the fact that they have become so good.
The Woods Farm has lots going for it. It’s a farm, with animals and produce aplenty, and it’s got lots of Australian bush covering it. it’s a lovely escape from the city, which makes for a pleasant break if the intention is to take lots of time.
And that was Esther and James’ intention. Having their families and friends come from big distances would be special if everyone could be together for longer. Their families arrived on Thursday, and then the guests joined them on Friday for a party. The wedding was on Saturday, and a big breakfast was shared on Sunday.
Making dinner the first night meant using some of the farm herbs for a bolognese, plus grabbing fresh greens and wilting them on the side. Garden to plate in fifteen minutes is the healthy take on fast food.
The Bush Chapel, the most obvious place to hold the ceremony, is as unique a chapel as you’ll find in Australia. The closest example that I have seen over the years was at a wedding in Vietnam, in an open-sided Catholic Church.
James and Esther had their dogs in attendance. They were a big part of the bridal party, part of the photos, and most definitely part of the family.
Their celebrant was exceptionally good, with a great humour, and sense of occasion. He looked brilliant too, kept everyone engaged and made the wedding feel special.
Between the Chapel and the Wedding Shed, where the reception was held, there are beautiful winding garden paths through the bush, and we explored a few with James and Esther for some photos post-ceremony.
It was one of those weddings that left no food and drink stone unturned. On Friday night they threw a celebration with their guests, a big, shared meal together with caterers making paella. There were also amazing cocktails that added something special, especially an Espresso Martini or two, all delivered from a drinks caravan. A drinks caravan does sound like something a doctor would order, for medicinal purposes or some such. “Take two!”
And then there’s James and Esther themselves. They looked fabulous. They expressed their love for one another. And they showed their love for everyone else by including their families and friends with generosity.
So many weddings aren’t child-friendly – which is absolutely fine. There are rarely lots of them invited to a wedding. This wedding was different. There were a lot of children, deliberately invited, definitely included, and made to feel part of the day.
The dancing during the reception later had guests engaged. The children showed off their seemingly endless energy and kept on dancing long after James and Esther’s first dance.
But for many of the non-kids, there was still the pull of the espresso martinis.
James and Esther had a very big celebration with their family and friends. They made it last. It took three days. They’re holding onto the good, big things.
Esther’s gorgeous dress was by Angela Osagie.
Liv Lundelius did the hair and makeup for the women.
Beautiful stationary was by Trish from Oath and Stone Designs.
Amazing jazz music by Corner Pocket Music.
The gorgeous styling of James and Esther’s wedding was a combined effort by The Woods Farm, Wedding and Event Creators and Ivy Lane Collective.
Harvey the Travelling Caravan Bar, PB Catering, The Paella Catering Company provided the amazing food and drink across the weekend.
Dreaming of a weekend country wedding filled with family, friends, food, dancing and laughter, then we would love to hear from you.
Contact Us / info@davidhenryphotography.com.au / Phone: 0411 137 747
