James & Alice
How did you and your partner meet:
It was during 2008 whilst on our gap year. We had both travelled to watch the Wallabies play in Cardiff with our friends and found ourselves at the infamous Walkabout Bar after the game. James spotted me on the other side of the dance floor and although he was donning a questionable new haircut, his charm must have paid off. Two years later, we crossed paths again and James asked me out on a date. A lot of discussion went into both the location of the date and James’ outfit with his college mates at the time. Grub and Tucker on King St Newtown was the chosen date spot, all his friends agreed that it was the “fanciest restaurant” and very well priced. The date was a hit, and many more followed.
How did you or your partner propose?
It was a beautiful Summer Sunday afternoon in February and James had organised a picnic at Cremorne Point. When we arrived, James saw throngs of people everywhere (it wasn’t as quiet as it had been during his 7am runs when he was scoping out locations). James was quite flustered and managed to step in a massive puddle of mud. We ended up finding a spot with a beautiful view of the harbour where we enjoyed a picnic.
We arrived home after the picnic and were getting ready to go to dinner with my family, when in the living room, James got down on one knee and proposed. It was perfect! We had champagne in the backyard and then went and celebrated with my family.
Why did you choose to have your wedding at Terrara House?
When we began thinking about our wedding, we knew that we wanted a party and to make the most of all of the celebrations, including those before and after the wedding day. It was important for us to be able to have the wedding and the reception at the same venue and for our guests to be able to relax as soon as they arrived.
The day we arrived at Terrara for a site visit, we were absolutely blown away. From the tree lined driveway, to the view of the house as we got closer and to be greeted by Kim and Kevin who made us feel at home, Terrara truly took our breath away. We loved that the house was big enough to sleep both our family and our bridal party and that all of our guests were able to come back for a garden party the next day. It is an incredibly special place and we really look forward to returning to reminisce and to create new memories.
Did you have a theme for your wedding?
Not really – Modern, simple and elegant.
What was your menu on the night?
The food was definitely a highlight!
Prawn and Oyster Bar / Canapes
Shared Entrée
Herb crusted tuna with tuna mayonnaise and crispy capers
Thai pork belly salad with crispy eshallots and toasted coconut and thai caramel dressing
Jamon iberico, roasted peppers, tomato and garden rocket with white gazpacho dressing
Buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomato and basil salad with balsamic reduction
Mains
Roasted grain fed beef fillet with potato gratin and mushroom jam
Barramundi fillet on celeriac puree with zucchini, basil, pine nuts, currants and fennel butter
Sides
Baby cos, avocado, speck and parmesan salad
Sugar snap peas with lemon and mint
Dessert
Carrot Cake
Pistachio, Raspberry and Rose Cake
Selection of Petit Fours
What was your favourite part of your ceremony?
We surprised our bridal party by thanking each of them individually for being such a big part of our celebration and reinforcing why they are so special to the both of us. It was a really lovely moment, especially seeing how surprised and emotional they were. We also loved that we cut our cake right after signing the registry.
What did you love about your reception?
There are too many special memories to choose from. Definitely the moment we entered the marquee. Having your friends and family standing and spinning their linen napkins was a pretty special feeling. We felt very loved. We also all had a boogie on the dance floor as soon as we entered, which I think really set the mood for a lot of fun to come. However, I can’t go past James singing a 6 song medley, in which he changed the lyrics to songs from various parts of our relationship to tell our story. I will never forget that moment and I don’t think our guests will either.
How many people attended your wedding?
124
What was your favourite location in Terrara House & The Estate and why?
I think we would say we have two – first one being at the foot of the incredible fig tree, as that’s where we had our ceremony. It was an absolutely stunning backdrop! The other would be the view from the second-floor balcony. We took the time to walk up their on our wedding day for a photo and it was pretty special looking at all of our friends and family below celebrating us as a couple. It also gave us the perfect moment to share just the two of us. We have a beautiful photo to cherish that memory as well.
Did you plan a post wedding ‘honeymoon’ celebration and if so, what experience did you plan?
From the beginning, from hearing comments on how quickly the day flies by, we knew a post celebration was a must. It also takes the pressure off feeling like you have to the spend whole day catching up with guests. Everyone came back to Terrara for a garden party with Paella, Aperol Spritz and lawn games. It was a really relaxed afternoon which turned into some singing and dancing in the evening.
The next day, we flew to Rae’s at Byron Bay for a “mini-moon”, where we relaxed, rejuvenated and reminisced on the what had been the most incredible week. We definitely felt a mix of emotions that’s for sure. Just after Christmas (2019), we flew to Europe for 3 weeks where we went skiing in Austria and Italy. It was a bit of “buddy-moon”.
What is your advice for any future couples planning their wedding?
Go with your gut, especially on the guest list and make sure you remember that the day/weekend is about the two of you. You will come across some decisions which you may not agree on or that you find difficult to make. Often what your instinct is telling you to do is the right one, so trust it. Finally, enjoy the ride because it’s an incredibly exciting one that will be over so quickly!
the DETAILS
Photographer; Ripple Weddings / Moon & Back Co (Videographers)
Bride’s Dress; Toni Maticevski
Brides shoes; Valentino
Bride’s accessories; Enesea Jewellery (pearl earrings worn for the Ceremony) / Isabella May (dangly pearl earrings worn for the Reception)
Bridesmaid Dresses: Rebecca Vallance
Groom’s attire; P Johnson
Engagement & wedding rings; Grew & Co
Celebrant; Natalie Blyth
Hair & Makeup; Caitie Kenzie Beauty
Florist; Flowers on the Mill
Venue; Terrara House
Catering; Simon Ekas Catering
Cake; Flour and Stone
Planner; White Top Venues
Stylist; Myself
Stationary; Clarke Murphy Print
Invites; Clarke Murphy Print
Entertainment; Fifth Whiskey (Michael Kopp) and Anthony Cianci