Sarah and Will’s Summer Marquee Garden Wedding
Sarah and Will had their wedding on one of the hottest days of the year in June, which created the perfect setting for a relaxed celebration at Will’s family home. With the stunning church set just steps away from the property, the whole day took place in one beautiful setting, creating a seamless flow for the day.
The Marquees
Sarah and Will hired not one, but two marquees for their day. The first became a chill out space filled with comfy furniture, while the main marquee was set for the wedding breakfast and evening reception. Guests enjoyed both the grounds and the chill-out marquee during the drinks reception, before heading into the main marquee for the evening.
Personal and Creative Details
Much of our wedding planning process focused on design of the main marquee and creating the couple’s vision: colourful and intimate. Each napkin was uniquely handmade with linen from the family business, which also created the incredible bunting. Sarah and Will’s family spent months cutting, sewing and ironing each individual piece of material to create the stunning colourful décor. They could not have suited the garden wedding theme any more, and to have such love poured into each piece really came through in the vision.
We added white linen runners to the rustic wooden tables, and gold accents through the candle holders. Timeless flowers in bud vases added the perfect pop of summer colour, complementing the napkins and bunting beautifully. We hired lime trees to sit against each internal marquee pole, bringing the garden inside. I spent the day before the wedding at the marquees to set up all of the styling items and the full tablescapes, and it was an honour to be trusted to bring Sarah and Will’s vision to life.
Tea, Cake, and a Very Wholesome Afternoon
After the church ceremony, guests were treated to a relaxed tea and cake reception. Think homemade bakes, tea and coffee, iced tea, plenty of water, and homemade lemonade.
Next came the champagne reception, complete with canapés and a live roaming band who brought music out into the gardens and had guests singing along. Guests spread out across the lawn: sunbathing, chatting on blankets, wandering through the garden paths and enjoying garden games. It was one of those moments where everything just felt peaceful, joyful, and very “them.”
Dinner, Drinks, and a Packed Dance Floor
Everyone gathered in the main marquee for a classic three course wedding breakfast before the band opened the dance floor for the evening. From that moment on, it was a full on celebration with music drifting out into the warm night, drinks flowing, and guests dancing nonstop. The tea and coffee station in the chill-out marquee remained open and a massive hit with guests who needed a break from dancing!
And of Course… The Dogs
One of my favourite details was the family dog Yamas and the couple’s newest addition Liddy being welcomed as a part of the day, and quickly becoming the unofficial guests of honour. They soaked up every bit of attention and added so much personality to the celebration. Both even had hand made collars to match the bunting and napkins!
Outdoor Wedding Planning Package
Sarah and Will booked my Outdoor Wedding Planning Package, which gave them additional planning support throughout the process. Much of our time was spent creating the marquee design which really paid off on the day. Booking my Outdoor Wedding Planning Package gives you access to my knowledge and expertise surrounding marquee and tipi weddings, allowing the planning process to be completely smooth and no detail missed. Whether it is support with the overall design of your space, or sourcing suppliers, I am here to provide that additional skill to ensure your wedding is exactly as you had dreamed.
Planner and Styling: Rustic Lily Weddings | Photography: Olivia Johnston Photography | Marquees: Peacock and Bow | Catering: Greedy Pig Catering | Bar: Sipwell Bars | Styling Items: Stylish Weddings | Florist: Elder and Wild | Band: The Flyaways | Lounge Furniture: WedHead