CHARISMA + DAN

Photos and Blog by: Bryce Noone Photography

LOCATION: FERNBANK FARM

Charisma & Dan's Fernbank Farm wedding on the Central Coast was stunning. What started as a rainy morning cleared just in time for the wedding ceremony. Fernbank is a gorgeous spot with onsite accommodation, gardens of all styles, unique architecture & endless photo opportunities. It was great to be back again at Fernbank Farm, this time for the wedding of CJ & Dan.

Read their story, as told in their words…

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION? WHY?

Being locals, we knew we wanted to get married on the coast. Fernbank was only the second Venue we saw. I never really thought I would get married in an outdoor venue, but as soon as I saw their gorgeous arbour, I knew in my soul that this is where we were supposed to say I do. It was just so beautiful, and we both had an excellent feeling about it.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR GOWN. WHAT ABOUT THE GROOM AND THE BRIDAL PARTY FASHION CHOICES? 

I initially was having my dress made, and the designer ended up being terrible, hard to get in contact with and causing me a lot of problems. I consider myself an understanding person, but even I have my limits. Luckily the girls at Final Touch Bridal were incredible. I had months between when I first tried my dress and when I bought it. I kept dreaming about that dress, and still do! I felt like a princess. Daniel wanted him and his groomsmen to be in navy blue, so we got them burnt orange ties and rustic coloured flowers on their buttonholes. The girls were in beautiful wine red and custom earrings from a local small business to complement the autumn theme of our wedding.

WHAT STYLE / STYLING DID YOU CHOOSE FOR YOUR WEDDING? 

Our wedding was in autumn, so that was the "theme" and I'm so glad we chose it. The natural colours of the Venue complimented our styling and wedding colours so beautifully. We were lucky that the Venue had such a fantastic array of decorations and props to choose from, and our florist hit it out of the park.

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR DAY? 

For me, it was walking down the aisle. You think the moment won't be that great when it comes because you've built it up so much in your head, but it was truly one of the best feelings of my life. Also, jumping on the drum kit and playing a song in my wedding dress was pretty awesome. For Daniel, it was the entire ceremony. He said it was just the right amount of love, emotion and humour.

TELL US ABOUT ANY FUNNY, CHALLENGING OR EMOTIONAL MOMENTS? 

It was all emotional! Haha. We wrote our vows ourselves, so definitely being so vulnerable in front of all our family and friends, reading something you wrote from the bottom of your heart and worked so hard on wasn't the easiest thing to do, but I'm so glad we did it. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES OR GROOMS?

Listen to people when they say it goes so fast. You will only get to take away photos and videos from this day so prioritise photography and videography in your budget; you won't regret it. Hire a day of coordinator! If you get a bad vibe from a vendor, don't go with them; trust your instinct. Your vendors should be professionals but feel like someone you can talk to and who will be your friend on the day. You'll see their face so much that you want to be looking at someone you're comfortable with. Don't invite people you don't want to. Remember to have fun, relax and don't let other people influence you into changing your wedding for them.

ANY OTHER INFO YOU WOULD LIKE TO MENTION? 

Bryce is a fantastic photographer, and if you're lucky enough to snatch him up and book him for your wedding day, count your lucky stars that you know your photos are in good hands, are going to turn out amazing and are one less thing you have to worry about. 

THE VENDORS: Ceremony & Reception Venue - Fernbank Farm Photographer - Bryce Noone Video - Hunter Valley Video Celebrant - Gary Reilly You May Kiss Catering - Eden Catering Dessert - Mr Goaty Gelato Florist - The Bloom Folk Hair - MFlair Artistry Makeup - Kellsie Bain Makeup Gown - Final Touch Bridal Bridesmaids - Noodz Boutique Dress Entertainment - Howard Shearman Trio Accommodation - Fernbank Farm Additional Suppliers - Veil custom made by Sarah Joseph Couture and shoes were by Forever Soles