With Alithea’s experience as an artist and designer and Paul’s former experience as a chef, we knew we would be working with a couple that weren’t shy about their vision. From the hanging Silver Dollar Eucalyptus along the aisle to the woven macramé arbour, Alithea’s DIY styling and floristry was magic from beginning to end. The tables were each set with an array of dried native greenery, cottons and bunny tails alongside golden flaked candles, creating an inviting space for guests to take a seated break during the cocktail reception.
Their menu included grazing boards with Australian cheeses, a selection of canapes and the debut of one of our new cuisine stations, Slowly and Lowly.
Canapes
Goat’s cheese cake, Shiraz onion reduction, ginger bread
Korean spiced chicken, yellow kohlrabi, passionfruit pearls
Heirloom tomato tapenade, manchego cheese tart
Duck, pineapple rice paper crisp, hoi sin orange sauce
SLOWLY AND LOWLY STATION
Pork shoulder, cider gravy
Franks infused chicken, buttermilk yoghurt
Milk bun brioche, polenta rolls, oat grain buns, butter
We spoke to the couple post-wedding to find out more about their day including their wedding planning tips for future couples.
Why Loyal Hope? What was it about the space that made it the perfect venue for your day?
Loyal Hope was the first venue we visited, and we fell in love instantly. It was just so lovely with a real homely feeling and the staff were so friendly and easy-going.
We loved the size of the venue. Our wedding included lots of family and close friends and we really wanted it to feel intimate like a giant house party or family BBQ. I think the key factor that sold us with both Loyal Hope and Wine & Dine’m was the relaxed and helpful attitude, both encouraging us to customise and let us make the venue and menu our own. We weren’t locked into any crazy package and Loyal Hope made us feel like we had real freedom with our decorations and styling. They weren’t just accommodating but enthusiastic.
What were your favourite dishes from the evening?
The Slowly and Lowly station’s Pork Shoulder and Cider Gravy was our absolute favourite! I still dream about the cider gravy. The individual cheese platters done up for every table looked and tasted amazing! I think we made a b-line straight for the first table and started digging in before we even had a glass of bubbly. Every guest raved about the food. They each had a favourite dish and it was the talking point of the night. Still as we catch up with guests, they mention the food!
What was most important to you when planning your wedding day at Loyal Hope?
With my experience as an artist/designer and Paul’s previous experience as a chef, we really wanted creative freedom with the food and styling. We love creating an atmosphere for our friends and family and it was really important to us that we were able to add our own personal touch and make the space feel like an extension of ourselves and our home. Loyal Hope and Wine & Dine’m really helped us create a very personal atmosphere and because of this, it really made the whole day.
What was your favourite moment of the day?
The ceremony was excellent because it was full of laughter and tears. Our celebrant Amanda Doran was fantastic and made it feel very personal and unique! All the hugs and kisses after the ceremony were lovely but being announced at the reception and walking in and seeing everyone we love looking back at us (and all the cheese platters laid out) was probably our favourite moment.
What advice do you have for future couples planning their wedding?
Don’t stress too much in the planning stages because no matter what happens it will be the perfect day and you will make treasured memories. It’s hard to decide where to spend your money wisely but from our experience we would recommend going with a good caterer and venue. They have done this before, and most importantly they know how to keep everything running smoothly so you won’t have to worry about anything on the day/night.
Vendors
Venue: Loyal Hope
Catering: Wine & Dine’m
Photography: The Fox and The Bear
Styling & Floristry: DIY by the bride
Celebrant: Amanda Doran
Make-Up: Rebekah Paton
Hair: Ana Jovcevska-Misevski (Hair by Ana)
