Twilight Summer Celebration

Exchanging vows inside the elegant grandeur of a traditional chapel, Caitlin and Garrett’s ceremony began beneath soaring ceilings, magnificent in drama yet intimate in mood. Caitlin, a timeless silhouette in an alluring Vera Wang silk gown, contrasted by Bridesmaids swathed in high neck silk dresses, and a daring draped low back, simplistic in symmetry.

Forever drawn to unexpected reception spaces, the family’s garden hidden on a private estate in Perth was transformed as guests were ushered down a candlelit path. Spilling with rose petals, a surprise twilight dinner beneath a canopy of sparkling light and fragrant rose installations awaited. Atmospheric compositions of pristine white palettes infused with cascading blooms lined tablescapes, accompanied by hundreds of glittering candles set beneath a moody night sky..

Their story beautifully chronicled by LANE handpicked photographer, Courtney Illfield

Our Story

Names / Caitlin & Garrett

Wedding Date / January 2, 2016

Guest Numbers / 100

How we met…

A long, long time ago.

Our Engagement Story…

It’s too special to share!

Marriage to us means…

Family.

The Details

Location

Perth, Australia

We were married at Guildford Grammar Chapel. We loved its grandeur, the formality and the organ. It created a big impact, a sense of occasion and tradition. Our reception was nearby at the family’s polo estate. It is a beautiful country property and holds many special memories.

Style

Classic and understated…with a thousand candles!

Photography

Courtney Illfield captured the magic beautifully. Her photos are moody, artistic, natural and unique. She also brought a sense of calm to the day and makes you feel at ease.

Bridesmaids & Wedding Guests

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Fashion Notes

Bride’s Dress

I wore Vera Wang and altered it slightly to suit my style. The fabric felt like a dream to wear and it moved beautifully.

Bride’s Shoes

Sophia Webster rose gold booties…I wanted something a little edgy.

Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Camilla & Marc did the bridesmaids’ dresses. They were a beautiful winter white in a stunning soft silk. I loved the simplicity and elegance of the high neck, contrasted with the daring, draped low back. A little bit conservative with a touch of sexiness for the dance floor.

Wedding Rings

Cushion cut diamond eternity ring.

Accessories

Classic diamond earrings.

Groomsmen’s Attire

The groom wore Zegna with black velvet smoking slippers. The groomsmen wore custom P. Johnson Tailors tuxedos. All the boys wore Le Noeud Papillon black silk bow ties.

Hair

I often wear my hair in a low knot so I wanted a glammed-up version of my signature chignon.

Makeup

I’m all about fabulous skin so I wanted a dewy finish, a little contouring and glam lashes.

Style Notes

Stationery

The invitations were done in letterpress…I love the texture. We used really thick card and dyed it black to expose the white lettering. The envelopes were white linen with a black lining.

Favors

Personalised bottles of wine from the family winery.

Flowers & Bouquet

A fresh, green and white floral palette. There were oversized statement arrangements and cascading foliage throughout the church and reception. I had my heart set on carrying Grandiflora Green Goddess roses…they are simply divine. The bridesmaids also carried Grandiflora roses and lisianthus for a point of difference.

Reception Notes

Ceremony & Reception Décor

It was all about candlelight. We had almost a thousand candles flicking away, in all different glass vases to add interest and depth. It took my breath away when we first walked in. Now I have a whole room full of candles I don’t know what to do with! The reception was staged across two different areas of the property, creating an element of surprise. Guests enjoyed canapés near the homestead overlooking the grounds and once the sun had set they were ushered down to the secret reception area. Guests walked down a long, winding path covered in rose petals and lined with hundreds of candles. It created a spectacular entrance to the candlelit long table dinner.

Essentially we built a restaurant and bar in the middle of a green paddock. Our team spent months designing and executing the lighting plan. We lit up all the surrounding trees; Manchurian pears, eucalyptus and rows of plane trees. We dined under a canopy of festoon lights. It was such a beautiful, balmy night with not a breath of wind.

Cake

We are not the biggest fans of wedding cake and decided to go all out with three different desserts.

Wedding Song

Our first dance was to the Rolling Stones. Everyone was gathered around us singing…when fireworks went off. It was magic.

Food & Beverage

Our menu was prepared by Chef Russell Blaikie and was designed to share. We spent a lot of time getting the menu perfect and really focused on local produce. Waiters carried nine-litre Salmanazar bottles of Perrier-Jouët. It looked fabulous! We also had an open bar with mixologists creating guests’ cocktail of choice.

Entertainment

Beautiful soprano sisters Amy and Chloe Manford sang at the ceremony…they brought tears to our eyes. DJ Harrison Kennedy kept everyone on the dancefloor until 4:00am!