There’s just something about autumnal country weddings that is impossibly charming. Set in the tiny village of Berambing tucked in the Blue Mountains, Lauren and Olly celebrated with their nearest and dearest at the gorgeous Chapel Hill Retreat. We spent the late afternoon exploring the awe-inspiring rolling hills framing the property before stumbling on a glorious carpet of red and golden autumnal leaves. It was late May in Sydney which was a divinely beautiful time to just be still and take it all in before Winter slowly took over: crisp, fresh mountain air, gentle slivers of sunlight dancing across the falling leaves, honestly it was pure Mother Nature magic.
In the past year I had known them, it was hard not to notice what an exceptional young woman Lauren was. Not only was she extremely wise in her outlook in life particularly for someone in their early 20s: she carried herself with this wonderful quiet confidence. There was an ever-present humility and great love she had for her family and friends and this was so clear on the wedding day as she spent most it ensuring that everybody was warm and well looked after. Her calm nature meant everybody simply assumed the usually jovial and cheerful Olly would be the emotional one at the ceremony.
What nobody would anticipate was how everything unfolded as Lauren walked through the doors. Perhaps it was sheaths of golden light streaming through the 200 year old church windows, the faces of her loved ones smiling back at her or a combination of Olly beaming joyfully and the overall enormity of the day that dawned on her. In that moment, Olly was positively glowing with the biggest, happiest grin while the normally composed Lauren was holding back a few tears along with the rest of the room. It is moments like these that make us fall completely back in love with what we do. Decorations and aesthetics bring the styling aspect to life but ultimately, they are literally things: it is the undercurrent of genuine emotion and unguarded sentiment that are honestly what you will recall in your old age and tell your grandchildren in the years to come.
Ceremony held at St John’s Anglican, Wilberforce
Reception at the beautiful Chapel Hill Retreat, Berambing
Hair and make up by the wonderful Rose Mossman from My Addiction Make up
Bridal Gown by Elizabeth De Varga
Rings by James Allen and Kavalri, with earrings by Samantha Wills
Bridesmaid dresses by For Her and for Him
Florals by Lovely Bridal Blooms
Wedding Cake by Meredith Long
Shoes by Windsor Smith and Spurr
Stationary by Olly Hills
