Real Wedding - Jacalyn & Jesse, Forrest VIC

June 13, 2018 In Real Weddings By Natalie Drum

Real Wedding – Jacalyn & Jesse, Forrest VIC

Looking back on their darling day, Jacalyn and Jesse are so grateful for every single moment – including the sudden downpour that occured right before their ceremony. Taking cover, they didn’t let it dampen their spirits and it lead way to an incredible celebration.

Accenting their day with rustic and boho touches, they incorporated raw timbers, natives and a grass floor marquee with beautiful foliage installations. They also added their own DIY touches giving their perfect party a personal feel, capturing their personalities and their love.

There to capture this special day was Sweeter Than Honey Photography.

In Jacalyn’s words…

The meeting.

Jesse and I are your cliche high school sweethearts – we started dating in year 10. We officially met in high school, but later realised we actually attended the same kinder and first year of primary school together!

‘The one’.

I think when you find somebody who not only shares the same values and ambitions that you do, but who can make you so happy, it is easy to see a future together.

The proposal.

Jesse had planned a romantic proposal, overlooking our block of land where we would later build our home together. However it was a freezing cold night, I was tired after a long day at work and pretty hungry so, completely oblivious to Jesse’s grand plans, off we went to the supermarket. Jesse uncomfortably carried the ring around in his pocket while we decided on dinner and did the weekly shop. Once we were home he had decided that there was no time like the present, so as I was preparing dinner in the kitchen he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

The process.

With 18 months between the engagement and the wedding, we had plenty of time to plan the big day. At first, I spent time ‘gathering inspiration’ from Instagram and magazines. I was also lucky to have a sister who is a very talented florist – Steph had seen/been a part of many weddings and could recommend some good local vendors. We tried to do what we could ourselves – Mum and I made candles for the favours, I created a rather ‘organic’ macramé piece for the ceremony backdrop and Jesse and his Dad made the timber boards for the banquet style dinner – to name a few. During the wedding week, we were also lucky to have such helpful family around us.

Style inspiration.

We like the ‘rustic’ and ‘boho’ styles that were trending at the time so decided to draw inspiration from them. Lots of timber, foliage, natives, lawn games and a grass floor marquee.

The dress.

I spent many weekends with my Mum, sister and best friend, searching the country side for the dress. I had a picture in my head of what I wanted. We waded through plenty of tulle and meringue shaped dresses before we finally found ‘the one’. I loved the shape of the dress, the sleeves and the unique lace.

Favourite moments.

Looking back on the day, we are so grateful for every single moment – to us it was just perfect. But of course, nothing can beat that feeling when all the formalities are complete and you can finally relax and have a boogie on the dancefloor with all of your loved ones.

Meaning of marriage.

For us, marriage is a commitment to one another, of love, support, friendship and compromise.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

Reception Entry: Celebration by Kool & The Gang

First dance: Stand By Me – Ben E King (Band cover)

Funny stories (or near disasters).

What is a wedding without some sort of near disaster?! The first problem was a flat tyre on the bridal car which we had to pump up with a bike pump. Once on the way to the ceremony, despite being on a very isolated dirt road, we came across a road block which we had to carefully navigate through the drain to get around. But of course, the most memorable moment would have to be the unbelievable weather. Just as we approached the outdoor ceremony location with the Bentley roof down, there was an absolute down-pour of rain. While our guests, Jesse and his groomsmen took shelter in their cars and on the bus, we had to huddle under a picnic hut roof and wait it out. At the time, emotions were running high but looking back now, we can have a laugh – something we will never forget when we look at our wet hair in the wedding photos!

Planning surprises.

Just as many people remind you in the lead up to the big day, you really cannot predict the weather – Those white umbrellas were possibly the most valuable item on the day.

Words of wisdom.

Just enjoy it. Don’t worry about the weather or the hiccups or any of the little details because when you are finally standing there tying the knot with your love, nothing else matters.