Tahlia and Paul’s Australian micro-wedding is not just filled with scenic sand dune views (just check out the photo above!), but handmade details, too. While the couple’s initial wedding plans were affected by COVID border closers (the duo was supposed to marry in Queensland) they decided to not let the pandemic ruin their special day. Instead, they pivoted plans and got hitched with just close friends and family in attendance at the remote Worimi Conservation Lands. “As a couple who loves adventure and all things unique, we thought this would be something that not many people get to experience,” says Tahlia. Adding, “and being only 3 hours north of Sydney, it was the perfect location for a micro wedding.”
As for the design for the special day, the bride says they really leaned into their one-of-a-kind setting and let nature be the star of the show. “Sometimes less is more,” says Tahlia. “There was no altar or fancy decor, and in true blue Aussie style, we used camping chairs and an esky (cooler box) as our signing table!” However, for the details that they did include, such as their unique invitations, welcome bags, bouquet and killer bridal jacket, Tahlia says she created many of her micro-wedding details herself. “I love a good DIY,” says Tahlia. Adding, “I hate how much waste that weddings can cause, so I opted for sustainable choices where possible.” Her personalized details were all made from scratch and offered an extra special touch to their micro-wedding. “We felt the small touches reflected our unique style and because we did not need too much styling, it let the adventurous and wild landscape be the star,” says Tahlia. Check out their wedding below captured by Aimee Catt photography, which also ended with a sparkler send off and relaxed dinner at a local pizza restaurant.
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My favorite memory of the day is just hearing everyone say how they have never experienced anything quite like this - from catching a 4WD bus out to the location, to feeling the height and vastness of the dunes surrounding you. That is why we chose this location, to share these unique moments with those we love.
Along with the bride’s diy details, Tahlia says she also received a lot of help from her guests, which made her wedding day extra special. “We were really lucky that most of our guests also helped to contribute to our day. My auntie made our cakes, my cousin’s wife made the cookie favors, one was the pastry chef who made the dessert boxes, and Paul’s friend is a videographer. Without all of them, and the creative eye of our photographer to capture their talents, our day would not have been half as amazing,” says Tahlia.
The Dress: Tahlia swooned in a stunning Ida Torez off-the-shoulder A-line gown that featured modern swirl patterns. We especially love how the modern lace design pairs well with Tahlia’s scenic sand dune setting.
Tahlia also got lucky finding her dream gown. She says originally she had another dress picked out, but came across the Ida Torez gown two weeks before her wedding and was able to buy the garment right off the rack. You know, sometimes fate has a plan, and I believe that Paul’s sister (in heaven) made sure that I found that dress – it even happened to be my exact measurements,” says Tahlia.
Our advice for any future brides & grooms, is if you wish you eloped or cut that extra long guest list, DO IT! Quality time over quantity is 100% worth it and will be something you remember forever. With the pandemic disrupting many wedding plans, even if it means your day will be different to what you initially imagined, it will still be perfect.
Congrats to the happy couple! For more micro-wedding inspiration check out our real weddings page #onGWS!
photography: Aimee Catt Photography // venue name: Stockton Sand Dunes & Valhalla Restaurant Bar, Anna Bay & Bob's Farm, NSW, Australia // event design: Bride // florals: Aliexpress // wedding dress: Ida Torez 'Adina' // wedding dress boutique: Hope x Page // bride's shoes: Shein // bride's ring: La Kaiser // getting ready robes: Shein // hair stylist: Gloss Girl Bridal Story // makeup artist: Gloss Girl Bridal Story // groom attire: Politix // groom's shoes: Politix // groom's ring: Nesian Creations // videography: Lens Flare Creative Studio // paper goods: Bride // handmade details: Bride // catering: Valhalla Restaurant & Bar // cake: Absolutely Cakey // desserts: The Humble Home Baker // specialty rentals: 4WD Tag Along Tours // officiant: Cloud Nine Ceremonies
