C J Williams Photography is thrilled to share Ruhamah and Drew’s enchanting Australian wedding, a true masterpiece of handmade charm. The perfect inspiration for DIY brides-to-be: As you plan your special day, take a moment to reflect on Andri’s insightful post about determining whether a DIY wedding is right for you. The lovely couple’s colour palette was a vibrant blend of lush greens, soft peaches and pinks, perfectly balanced by crisp suits and playful polka dot ties for the gentlemen.
Meanwhile, the ladies were adorned with berry-filled bouquets that added a touch of whimsy to the overall aesthetic. Ruhamah looked absolutely breathtaking in her romantic lace gown, which she paired with a stunning mantilla veil for the ceremony and a bohemian floral headpiece for the reception – a true showstopper.
The couple’s special day was filled with thoughtful details, including homemade jam jar favors bearing the sweet message ‘spread the love,’ a beaded ‘something blue’ bracelet for the bride, and a charming fingerprint guest book that serves as a treasured keepsake.
From The Bride…
I recall meeting Drew at 17, at a mutual friend’s party, where he won me over with a Chuck Norris joke. As I left, he predicted we’d be inseparable in the future – and boy was he right. Our connection only grew stronger as the years went by. When it came time to plan our wedding, we decided to go all out on handmade elements; it was these personal touches that truly made the day special for us.
We were grateful to have so many loved ones who pitched in to help – every contribution felt like a collaborative effort, making the experience even more meaningful. One of the highlights was Drew’s mom, an incredibly talented beader; she offered to create a custom piece for me, and we worked together to design it using mint green Swarovski crystal beads, which she crafted into a stunning bracelet that I still treasure today.
The Favors
The plum jam was a labor of love, crafted from a bounty harvested from my parent’s backyard tree and an orchard in Bridgetown, where Drew’s family has roots. My mom took on the task of creating a massive batch, carefully bottling it into hexagonal jars sourced from Ebay – each one a testament to her meticulous nature. As we approached the wedding day, two close friends lent their hands to help us cut yards and yards of beautiful floral fabric for the jar lids.
With twine and recycled paper labels, Drew and I brought everything together, adding a personal touch that reflected our dedication to detail and passion for sustainability. And let’s not forget the jam itself – a true showstopper, with its rich flavor and the stories behind every spoonful.
The Wedding Cake
A cherished family connection played a significant role in our special day by crafting our wedding cake. The cake’s crowning glory was two charming little birds, one donning a top hat and bow tie, while the other wore a delicate veil. To add an extra touch of whimsy, I acquired these custom-made bird figurines from a talented Etsy seller who hand-knitted each piece with care.
This vendor went above and beyond to ensure our cake toppers arrived on time, reflecting the overall generosity and willingness to assist we experienced throughout our wedding planning process.
The Entertainment
When planning pre-dinner drinks for our special day, we wanted to surprise our guests with something unique and memorable. That’s when we stumbled upon Aaron Smyth, a master balloon artist who crafts intricately detailed and laugh-out-loud hilarious balloon creations. His presence was the perfect icebreaker, getting our guests chatting and having a blast. To take it to the next level, Aaron even went above and beyond by creating matching Mr. & Mrs.
balloon sculptures for each of us as we entered the reception – a thoughtful touch that left a lasting impression.
Special Moments
As we exchanged our vows, one moment stood out to me as particularly special – walking down the aisle with my parents by my side. It was a surreal experience, and I couldn’t help but wear a perpetual smile on my face, despite being surrounded by happy tears (a typical wedding attendee, after all). The joy radiating from Drew’s expression only added to my elation, as we shared that pivotal moment.
We chose ‘Hoppipolla’ by Sigur Ros for our first look, and its haunting beauty perfectly captured the overwhelming emotions of our special day. For Drew, it was a different story altogether. Seeing me walk down the aisle after all the anticipation and excitement had built up to that moment was truly breathtaking. I have to admit, I caught him gazing at me with tears welling up in his eyes – a testament to the power of love on our wedding day.
We’re grateful to share our story with you and extend our thanks to C J Williams Photography for capturing its essence. To UK readers, mark your calendars. Carly will be stateside next summer, but she’s keen to shoot more stunning British weddings before her schedule fills up – so don’t hesitate to get in touch.