Music and friendship brought Stu and I together. We first met as teenagers at a festival, and then again, many years later, while out listening to live music with mutual friends. Our shared love of art, music and general silliness led to two years of feeling-like-teenagers-again, and in 2010 we followed a dream and set off on a romantic road trip across California.
Our first morning on Venice Beach, coffee in hand, feet in the sand, watching dolphins playing in the sea, set the perfect scene for Stu’s proposed. It was a magical start to the most romantic road trip, and our love affair with California was set firmly in our hearts.
Nine months later, our beautiful son Loki Rose was born and our wedding plans begun. We wanted to celebrate our day by capturing the essence of our trip. We knew we had to get married outdoors, so a Humanist ceremony fit us perfectly; we just needed to find the perfect setting. Close friends owned a field, which was dotted with oak trees — the very spot where, once, while dancing to music, Stu told me he would marry me. We had found our perfect location!
We knew our day would be completely handmade and would involve our family and friends. We asked our close friends Anna and Stu from Cooper Photography to shoot the photos and asked our mums to make homemade, rustic food. My dad built the table plans and beautiful chalkboards, which I decorated with dried flowers. I illustrated the invitations and designed the table settings, painting chalk-board hearts onto rustic trestle tables, and found unusual bottles, jars and vases from charity shops, filling them with hand-painted twigs from the forest and beautiful pheasant feathers. I also made the bridesmaids’ flowers and my own, including a flower and feather headdress made from yellow roses, babies’ breath, olive leaves and pheasant feathers.
When I started looking for my dress, Etsy was the first place I turned. Finding Grace Loves Lace set my heart racing: delicate, bohemian dresses, made by hand. I fell totally in love with the first dress I saw. With my heart in my mouth, I made a leap of faith and waited for my dress to come all the way from Australia. I can’t tell you how happy and excited I was when it arrived.
Our ceremony was held under oak trees adorned with fairy lights, designed and rigged up by Stu and his best man, Karl, and set to a playlist of our favorite music. We were married against a backdrop of flowing fabric strips made by my mum, at the end of an aisle made from bales of straw. It was so emotional to have our son Loki and our little Italian greyhound beside us as our ring bearers as we listened to the heartfelt readings from our dearest friends and family. The weather held off just long enough for us to read our own personal vows and to perform hand-fasting ceremonies, including planting an olive tree and releasing balloons and well-wishes into the sky.
Our party continued with the tastiest homemade food and the most delicious wedding cake, a classic Victoria sponge cake layered with strawberries and cream, piled high with even more strawberries. I’ve never seen a cake disappear so quickly. Live music from a local ceilidh band brought the folk element alive and got everyone up and dancing.
Our day was true to our hearts — a perfectly free-spirited adventure. A handmade and heartfelt affair, set barefoot, amongst nature and the family and friends we love.
All photographs by Cooper Photography.
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Sign in to add your ownAristocrafts from Aristocrafts says:
One word just pops into my mind while reading and seeing your beautiful wedding photos: happiness! Everything is so colorful, so personal, so whimsical and so full of love that it just beams out happiness :). I love the balloons, it's a fantastic idea! Congratulations to you both, thank you for sharing your magical day, and all the very best to you and your adorable son!
11 years ago
Elvira from omydesigns says:
What beautiful photographs - everyone loo! I love the ceremony, so very pretty, and the chalkboard. Your son is SO adorable! Congrats :)
11 years ago
Elvira from omydesigns says:
Wow, what beautiful photographs...everyone looks incredibly happy (sigh). I love, absolutely love, the ceremony (very pretty!) and the chalkboards (awesome)! Your son is SO adorable by the way :)
11 years ago
emberair from EmberandAir says:
I love the colors for the wedding, also LOVE the groom's jacket! So unique and very happy!
11 years ago
OliverINK Publishing from Oliverink says:
Good for the groom wearing such a great jacket!
11 years ago
Debbie Roberson-Brown from TheBrassHussy says:
What a beautiful wedding! Everything down to the smallest detail is gorgeous. Congratulations!
11 years ago
rosebudshome from rosebudshome says:
looks like your wedding had fun, laughter, romance, fun! May your life together have all that and more!
11 years ago
JD Kohler from ParisCabinet says:
Wonderful wedding! Family and friends coming together to do everything in such a memorable way is heartwarming. You did capture the essence of your trip to California. Venice Beach is a very different introduction to California! I hope you will some day bring Loki to visit our unique state.
11 years ago
vivi diy from vividiy says:
Congratulations!
11 years ago
Ainur KOKSAL from Ainurcrochet says:
What a beautiful wedding! Congratulations !<3 <3 Happiness to you !
11 years ago
Ainur KOKSAL from Ainurcrochet says:
What a beautiful wedding! Congratulations !<3 <3 Happiness to you!
11 years ago
Ainur KOKSAL from Ainurcrochet says:
What a beautiful wedding! Congratulations !<3<3<3 Happiness to you !
11 years ago
claudette from ZNextDesigns says:
Absolutely beautiful! So romantic and looks like so much fun.
11 years ago
Kim Crumrine from WaterStreetDesign says:
What a stunning celebration! The pictures are simply beautiful . You both look so happy. Congratulations!
11 years ago
Gina Signore from dahliahousestudios says:
A beautiful wedding. Lovely photography. This gave me many ideas for my daughters backyard garden wedding this summer. Wonderful!
11 years ago
Lea says:
The simplicity of the wedding is truly magical. All the parts flow seamlessly together (at least as they are documented), and a lovely day is the result. Congratulations.
11 years ago
Becky from wanderandroar says:
smiles all around....so beautiful!
11 years ago
curioscity from curioscity says:
Wonderful...have a beautiful life together
11 years ago
LivingVintage from LivingVintage says:
What a wonderful wedding. Congrats! Love your taste.
11 years ago
messinabella from BandBEstate says:
Beautiful wedding - congratulations!
11 years ago
Terry from Parachute425 says:
Perfect! Thanks for sharing your day with us and best wishes to your family.
11 years ago
CL Gifts from CLGifts says:
So obviously filled with love. We wish them much, much happiness and we are inspired by the idea of planting an oak tree as part of their wedding.
11 years ago
Susan Pauley from SPAULEY says:
Lovely photos. When my husband and I got married, 38 years ago, our German Shepherd Collie wore his bow tie and "spoke" with one short bark after we both said, "I do." Not planned, but very funny.
11 years ago
Aurelia Z. from AtelierZephire says:
This is such a beautiful and soulful wedding. Your love glows through the images. Wishing you a magical and happy life ahead! --Great start!!
11 years ago
Patrick from EdelweissPost says:
Wonder-filled Wild-things Woodland Wedding~
11 years ago
Natallia from econica says:
this is just beautiful! congrats!
11 years ago
Dana Osborne-Biggs from UrbanHeirlooms says:
Precious!
11 years ago
Kimberlee from GracefullyGirly says:
What a personal and sweet celebration. The balloons were such a nice touch and also what fun to release them.
11 years ago
Daniele from willowfairedecor says:
This is so very lovely. Thank you for sharing your day with us!
11 years ago
Ann Cosgrove from acbcDesign says:
Gorgeous photos! Love all the personal touches. Stu's jacket is fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
11 years ago
Molly says:
Super lovely wedding!!! If I were to take the leap again, this is how I'd want to do it. Thanks so much for sharing your story and photos. Best wishes to you!
11 years ago
Tricia Reinhardt from preinhardt says:
Beautiful wedding. It should be noted that stray balloons endanger (kill) wildlife...very sad to see this in a wedding blog.
11 years ago
Jo Rose from roseintheforest says:
Thank you everyone, for all your kind and lovely comments. A real pleasure to share our photos and memories with you.
11 years ago
Becky from BirdiesCozyNest says:
So much love and peaceful joy here, thank you for sharing with all of us.
11 years ago
Gerry and Victoria from XekebCustomSilver says:
I love every etsy wedding story I have read, I always end a little teary and smiling. Each one is so personal, so touching; the details are what make a wedding. Thanks for letting us peek in, congratulations to you both!
11 years ago
Jennifer and Carol Raynor from Turquoiserayn says:
So very beautiful! And inspiring !! Thanks for sharing your special day!
11 years ago
Monika from BlueHousePattern says:
Just Beautiful!
11 years ago
MarvelousMissM from TulleCabaret says:
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful day with us :-) Your personality just shines through!
11 years ago
Shira Gropper from Sheeebz says:
Wow! Looks like a beautiful and fun wedding! I enjoyed looking at the pictures, totally can feel the love and happiness :) congrats!
11 years ago
Pine from GoodOldVintageOnline says:
Beautiful!
11 years ago
Pine from GoodOldVintageOnline says:
A lovely story and a lovely couple! Congrats!
11 years ago
Elizabeth Anne Hin says:
All blessings and beauty to your marriage and precious family.
11 years ago
Caroline Barbosa from OldSoulVintageLtd says:
Couldn't help but to shed a tear imagining your little boy and the family pup walking down the aisle. Oh so beautiful wedding! Love that everything was done with friends and small businesses in mind. Exactly how it should always be.
11 years ago
Katie from KateeMarie says:
beautiful!
11 years ago
Tammy Sprinkle from Design4u says:
What a beautiful wedding. It looks like everyone enjoyed the day. Your son is so precious. Best wishes to you and your husband!
11 years ago
amaranthas says:
Could someone please share with me who made the absolutely stunning tux for the groom? My sweetie would totally adore wearing something like that! I've never seen a patterned one....he looks amazing and it allows both the groom and the bride's personality to shine through, doesn't take away from the wedding dress at all...and plain black is so boring!
11 years ago
Peggy Stanger from Peggysvintage says:
Such a wonderful way to start your life together as man, wife, & son. It's so rare to see two people that share such a common compassion for each others feelings, and love. I love the fact every thing was handmade, and many family members were part of it. How blessed, and lucky all of you are.
11 years ago
Nerrissa W from RecycledWares says:
Lovely!
11 years ago
Whitney from PinwheelStudio says:
What a wonderfully joyful affair! I adore all the details you and your family and friends made into such a lovely celebration! And how neat to include your Italian greyhound too -- I have two iggys and they are dear to my heart! Yours made quite the elegant wedding party member :).
11 years ago
Eve from CreativeJuiceCafe says:
Beautiful Event!
11 years ago
beebracelet from thebeeteam says:
The oak tree awakens greater strength to all pursuits, so what better place to exchange vows of marriage? And, nothing says "fun" like balloons.
11 years ago
Dawn from p1xie says:
Thanks for sharing this beautiful event. The setting was stunning. Loved all your choices. Congrats and wishing you many happy years together!
11 years ago
Sukran Kirtis from SukranKirtisJewelry says:
Unique, beautiful couple, everything looks amazing. Congratulations!!!
11 years ago
brindlebaby from brindlebaby says:
Congratulations, gorgeous wedding, I truly enjoyed your story! I love that you had your little blue dog there. xo
11 years ago
Stacie Dale Designs from staciedale says:
Just lovely and sincere!
11 years ago
SilverFoxDesigns6 from SilverFoxDesigns6 says:
It sounds like it was a wonderful wedding. All the best for a lifetime of happiness.
11 years ago
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne says:
Absolutely beautiful ! Love is in the air ~*~ Happy journeys
11 years ago
Emily Hill from TheTrendyTrinket says:
So lovely. Thank you for sharing your wonderful adventure! I'm about to get married myself so I loved reading and seeing all of your creative choices! Congrats!
11 years ago
Martha Layton Smith from opendoorstudio says:
really lovely, congratulations!
11 years ago
thedelhistore from theDelhiStore says:
Awww! Such a lovely, romantic wedding. Congratulations to both of you!
11 years ago
Sarah Laguna from BemusingBaubles says:
Everything looks really lovely, but I have to say--his jacket stole the show. It's awesome!
11 years ago
kristin from blackmoonsky says:
i've never seen such a beautiful bride. you two truly look happy :)
11 years ago
Melinda from FlowerMoundEscape says:
Beautifully unique. What an amazing way to take the next step on your adventure together. Congrats to your family!
11 years ago
Lisa from NirvanaRoad says:
What a beautiful wedding!
11 years ago
Keelhauled from Keelhauled says:
A lovely wedding, indeed. However, as a biologist, let me make a quick point about releasing balloons...though a beautiful idea, what goes up, must come down, and these objects eventually end up in the ocean. Every single dead sea turtle we find and necropsy, every one, has plastic in it's gut. Often balloons. In fact, we in the field just call balloons "turtle killers". These seemingly harmless objects look like jellyfish when deflated, are consumed, and become lodged in the intestines and stomach, eventually killing the creature. Sorry to be a downer, and I'm sure most folks don't realize the damage balloons cause to sea life, but people really need to quit doing this...
11 years ago
Karolynn says:
Your wedding was so beautiful, heart warming and amazing. Wishing you a life time of wonderful memories and days filled with love & joy wrapped in hugs & smiles!
11 years ago
Erika Iozsa from JasminBlancBoutique says:
What a breathtaking wedding! All these photos, your love-story, everything is just perfect!
11 years ago
cressamarie says:
Fabulous!!!! and lovely wedding of two souls meant to be.
11 years ago
Carrie Schindler Schwab from CopperAndTin says:
The joy clearly seen in all of your photos just makes me smile. Thanks for sharing your wonderful day with us, it is so inspiring!
11 years ago
Gillian Best from BramblesandOaks says:
Beautifully personal. Congrats to all three of you.
11 years ago
Christina Cassidy from tinaswaycrochet says:
What a beautiful love story full of happiness.
11 years ago
jean from jmayoriginals says:
such a beautiful story! thank you for sharing. best wishes and blessings!
11 years ago
Katie Fenn says:
Beautiful family and gorgeous wedding!! <3 Congrats to you
11 years ago
anamcleod from DevineEssence says:
Everyone is so festive and happy! beautiful pictures! congratulation!
11 years ago
Colleen Quisenberry from LavenderRoseAcc says:
Such a lovely wedding! Congrats to all three of you! Your dress is so beautiful!
11 years ago
Jill Calabrese from JillsTreasures says:
Beautiful. Love and happiness to you all.
11 years ago
Jennifer Branch from Guineverecollection says:
Beautiful pictures. Very talented!
11 years ago
brigjun7rose from HistoricalJewels says:
Congratulations, a beautiful wedding!
11 years ago
Sadi SweetShop from SadiSweetShop says:
Congratulations, truly a beautiful wedding! Wishing each of your a life time filled with Sweet Delights!
11 years ago
Candace from OneFunDay says:
Just lovely! What an awesome reflection of your personalities and spirit. I feel like I know you! Many blessing to you both!
11 years ago
Sarah White from FoxgloveFlowers says:
Beautiful wedding! Looked like everyone had so much fun and enjoyed being part it. I love how much thought was put into every detail, even painting the twigs which look Fab! And The cake....looks lush!
11 years ago
Julie Goolsby from LittleBlackCatandMe says:
Beautiful!
11 years ago
Jess Masters from RefinedRock says:
So beautiful!
11 years ago
Lynsey from lmouer says:
Beautiful wedding! Love your dress! Congrats!
11 years ago
Sarah from perebags says:
Wonderful!
11 years ago
emberair from EmberandAir says:
The cake looked delicious!
11 years ago
Paula Burns from ExoticsoapsNcandles says:
What a beautiful wedding! Great pictures, great decor, everything looks perfect!
11 years ago
Nina McCaskey from WeddedKiss says:
really awesome details. Love the feathers. Looked like a beautiful day!
11 years ago
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger says:
What a great story...Love the wedding that speaks about who you are as a couple and family! Best wishes...
11 years ago
greta myers from ionanthe says:
You look very happy--congratulations!
11 years ago
Faro from OhFaro says:
It is so refreshing to see this wonderfully unique couple share their celebration wit us. What a lovely day!
11 years ago
Amber from BambuEarth says:
What an interesting wedding! And how I love greyhounds. ♥♥♥
11 years ago
Pamela Kay from BlushRomance says:
What a beautiful wedding! I love how everyone helped with making your special day an amazing one. I can see why you fell in love with the dress- it's amazing and totally matched your theme. I wish you a happily ever after :).
11 years ago
Janine from MomsantiquesNthings says:
Love your story, the wedding looked not only beautiful, but fun! Loved all the natural elements in the decorations. What a beautiful family, your son is completely adorable! Congratulations, wishing you many years of happiness to come!
11 years ago
Zita Christian from MoonRiverRituals says:
What a beautiful wedding. I particularly appreciated seeing pictures of your handfasting ceremony. A handfasting is personal favorite of mine. I love its echo to simpler times.
11 years ago
Taylor Wiesner from RusticPetal says:
Wow, I love this. This wedding is absolutely beautiful and I love the attention to details while also keeping it simple and elegant. I love the fact that the dog was included, and also the bouquets were beautiful. :) Gorgeous! Great work guys!
11 years ago
BindingTies from BindingTies says:
Beautiful, thank you for sharing :-) And its lovely to see a handfasting in such a relaxed bohemiam style wedding - I'll be sharing your post and hoping to inspire lots of people to think about handfasting cords for their special day :-)
11 years ago
Sarah Savage from DriftlessJewelry says:
What a beautiful wedding! So many lovely details, from the chalkboard hearts on the tables to the pheasant feathers in the bouquets. Congratulations!
11 years ago
Shari Young says:
Lovely wedding...nice ideas!! Like the balloons...
11 years ago
Lynn Brown says:
The one thing that really stood out to me was your Wedding Cake Oh my what a wonderful idea..I really liked that it was not the normal Perfect,Pretty Cake...Looks dalish...lol an pretty also..Usually there is alot of cake left over wasted,in your case I wld say there was nothing left...
11 years ago
Allen from MyLoveCamp says:
A lovely wedding ceremony, and all happy photos..... wish you every happiness
11 years ago
James Ness from JamesNess says:
Beautifully captured wedding! I adore the last photo. A family very much in love.
11 years ago
ya mo from 2013color says:
Congratulations!
11 years ago
Hannah M. from artXchic says:
Gorgeous wedding with delicate details, I love it! Thanks for posting :)
11 years ago
Laurie from flowersbyljp says:
What a sweet love story and a truly wondrous wedding day! I adore your dress and your bouquets especially.
11 years ago
Lisa Karner says:
Amazing photos, and a lovely story. Congrats to you both and many wishes!
11 years ago
Alexis Carroll from annasteticxcandy says:
What a beautiful story! And that tux jacket! I'm in love!
11 years ago
Joanna Alley from GlassGoddessNgraving says:
Gorgeous! I couldn't help smiling as I read your beautiful story.
11 years ago
Ellen Petitjean from HumboldtHeadDreads says:
Wonderful! What a lovely story and a lovely wedding. All the best to both of you!
11 years ago
asu from THEFAIRYTHINGS says:
Lovely... Congratulations...
11 years ago
Nicola and Jessica Belton from CelticKnittingCo says:
Stunning wedding, congratulations!
11 years ago
Cecilia Escobar from HandmadebyCecilia says:
Inspiring pictures. Everything looks so Happy, awesome!
11 years ago
Mirela Lace Wedding from Laremi says:
I love the colors and flowers and happiness!
11 years ago
Ann Bochnowski says:
This is lovely, and I think someone has already taken note of this, but it bears repeating. Don't release balloons. They are very harmful to birds and wildlife. Our happiness should never come at a cost to the natural world.
11 years ago
Jo Rose from roseintheforest says:
Our first Wedding anniversary today and reading all your lovely comments again! Thank you everyone! It's been a wonderful first year. X
11 years ago
Anne Parker from WeddingsEtcetera says:
So creatively beautiful. I luv : )
10 years ago
julesjewellery from JulesJewellery says:
Wonderful photography. Really rustic and creative, so charming having your dog involved
10 years ago
Cherry zheng from DressyProm says:
What a beautiful wedding and what a happy family! Congratulations!
10 years ago
kay dai from mysmilewood says:
How romantic wedding it is! There are many aniversary jewelry or promise ring in my shop, if you happen to need one.
10 years ago
Not Made In China Finds from NotMadeInChinaFinds says:
Lovely couple unpretensious! Gorgeous colours and ambience just love the outdoor setting! The clothing is simply beauitul and refreshing not the over the top predictible wedding garb popular today. Way to go guys, beautiful family.
9 years ago