SAM + STACEY

Photo By: Jennifer Burch Photography

LOCATION: STABLES OF SOMERSBY

THE DATE: Sam & Stacey brought their ceremony forward from 02/5/20 to 27/2/20, to be able to wed in an intimate ceremony of just 5 people before Covid locked down the entire wedding industry. They married at Blue Bay, which they pulled off with just 4 days notice. In this time, they had bought the dress, button hole and a hired a celebrant. Both Sam & Stacey’s Mums were the two witnesses and Stacey’s Dad walked her down aisle, then hung way back photographing the ceremony. They had live streaming so that their siblings (who were meant to be their bridal party) could be a part of the ceremony.

HOW DID YOU MEET? Swiping Right! On Tinder. 

THE PROPOSAL: Sam & Stacey were a couple of days into a big 6 week trip. They were in the Canadian Rockies and staying one night only at the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise. They were still jetlagged and couldn’t sleep, so at midnight they opened the curtains to an amazing clear night sky. They grasped the opportunity by getting rugged up and headed down to the lake where they had a ball, taking timed selfies with their moose mascot, Marty. Stacey was setting up the camera for what felt like the millionth time, when she turned around to see Sam on one knee asking for her hand. She searched her surroundings to get clarity that this was happening in real life, as the moment felt so surreal. She cried for a short time, then of course accepted Sam’s proposal. They then found the only place in the town that was open (at 1am), bought some champagne and celebrated in their robes, drinking calling their family. Little did Stacey know, her family already knew the plans, as Sam had asked her Dad for permission prior to them leaving the country.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: Sam & Stacey feel their elopement itself was the highlight. Despite everything that Covid threw at them, they were on the same page to go ahead with eloping with just their parents and surprising their family & friends who weren’t able to attend, nor had any idea of the changed plans. Love always wins!

The highlight of the reception day, aka Wedstival Of Stam 2.0, was them doing an eternity ring ceremony for all their guests who had stuck with them throughout the wedding planning journey. Just being together to celebrate love and to have the dream team of local wedding vendors whom they had been planning with since 2019!

THE PLANNING: Stacey found an amazing online community via Facebook, where she was able to ask questions and get advice.

THE STYLE: Sam & Stacey’s wedding 2.0 theme was ‘Wedstival’. The style was rustic with an edgy element of fun. The Stables was the perfect venue, with a laid back festival vibe. They had food tents, no assigned seating and finished the night with hot chips for the bus ride home. For the Wedstival Of Stam 2.0 they had an autumnal colour palette of burnt oranges and browns. The colours were the perfect compliment to the venue and vibe. Sam and his groomsmen wore one of a kind wooden bow ties, that were made from the same piece of wood. The bridesmaids wore forest green velvet dresses. Their bouquets were a unique, long and dramatic trail of babys breath (by Pandanus Design). Sam & Stacey were extremely happy with their locally selected vendors.

DIY ELEMENTS: Sam & Stacey made a DIY photo booth with signs and props. Her sister’s boyfriend also made them a customised neon - ‘Wedstival of Stam’ which was placed at the entry of the barn. They also made names for the food tents, added in some lights and paper lanterns, as well as a social media wall for guests to upload photos via their hashtag.

The entire Wedstival of Stam was live streamed to all Sam’s English family who were not able to travel to Australia for their big day.

CEREMONY SONG: Return To Innocence by Enigma

THE FIRST DANCE: Sky Full Of Stars - Coldplay

THE BLOOPERS: Stacey laughs. ‘Haha yes’. They did a champagne sab after the ceremony which saw Sam shatter the glass bottle and spray champagne everywhere. The photos were epic! (by Jennifer Burch Photography)

HOT TIPS: In all honesty, Stacey’s advice to couples is to think about you and how you want it, don’t worry about tradition, make it as personal to you as you can. Don’t let people drama impact you. At the end of the day it’s really about the both of you and your love for each other. Everything and everyone else’s opinion is irrelevant.

THE VENDORS: It’s all in the details! Vendor appreciation shout out to the Wedstival of Stam dream team.

Notes from Sam & Stacey:

Venue: @thestablesofsomersby - such a stunning venue! Louise and Andrew are so prepared and accommodating and Jemma helps pull it all together with cool and calm.

Celebrant/MC: Gorgeous inside and out, Haley from @lovenotes_ceremonies - there is not enough space to define how amazing she is! She is warming, easy going and will make your day and night so meaningful to you and your loved ones. Haley’s hubby @chrisrutherfordmusic will get your dancefloor pumping.

Hair & Make Up: Stunning Taylor from @taylorbeckmua - exactly who you want getting you ready for your big day - thank you for mine and my bridal teams natural looks.

Bar: @thewanderingwaterhole - So many great hydration station options, friendliest bunch and Christine & Dusty Dan look amazing at The Stables.

Food: Chef Daniel and the team from @fork_n_knife - these guys are amazing, bringing our Wedstival, food tent dream alive, along with the best grazing table and sending us off with hot chips.

Music: We had the #bestnightever with the dynamic duo Lachie & Steve from @sohoduo - legends that get the party started and fulfil you every last song request, even if it’s x3.

Flowers: By the beautiful Sarah from @pandanusdesign - we had the privilege of having Sarah prepare our Covid wedding bouquet also. What a talent. Memory makers .

Photographer: None other then the beautiful soul Jennifer - @jenniferburchphotography - a true gem. She makes you feel comfortable and natural in order to create beautiful unforced memories for you to love.

Videographer: The talented @jxsnfilmsweddings @jxsn_films - his work is bewildering and stunning and we look forward to viewing his creation of our 2.0 celebration!

Props and lighting: Behind the Scenes Event hire @bts.eventhire - adorable husband & wife team - supplied lounge suite and festoons.  

Cake: @pennyscheeseshop

Toilets: @luxuryportabletrailersnsw - amazing, all the inclusions!