Dean and Laura in the Behati Gown
Dean and Laura’s rustic wedding embraced the serene beauty of Wallalong House located in Hunter Valley, NSW.
A Coastal Connection
Dean and Laura lived in neighbouring coastal towns along the NSW North Coast during their high school years, however despite sharing mutual friends, their paths never crossed. It wasn’t until the summer of January 2018 that their love story started, when they met up at the beach during the holidays. As they spent time together, their bond deepened, leading to Dean asking Laura to be his girlfriend during their inaugural holiday together in Bali in July of the same year.
Laura fondly describes Dean as her soulmate and closest friend, noting his uncanny ability to understand her thoughts, sometimes even better than she does herself. Adding to his charm, Laura shares, “He also cooks really good pork ribs - so I think I'll keep him forever!”
Love by the Lake
On a frosty winter morning, Dean’s persistent enthusiasm for an early morning fishing trip didn’t thrill Laura, however, despite her initial reluctance, they ventured out before dawn, their small boat slicing through the chilly waters of the lake. As the sun began to peak over the horizon, casting a beautiful glow across the water, Dean dropped down on both knees (to prevent them from capsizing) and proposed, setting in motion a cascade of joyful tears and an emphatic “yes” from Laura.
They lingered in the moment for about an hour before beginning their journey home, only to encounter an unexpected twist when their engine failed, leaving them stranded. Fortunately, their neighbour came to their rescue, towing them back to safety and marking the end of their unforgettable adventure.
A Rustic Wedding at Wallalong House, Hunter Valley, NSW
Dean and Laura’s rustic-inspired wedding was held on the grounds of the beautiful Wallalong House, nestled just outside of the Hunter Valley, NSW. Despite a sombre Saturday morning marked by overcast skies and intermittent showers, the day soon transformed into an unforgettable day, crowned by the most beautiful sunset. Drawn to the convenience of hosting both the ceremony and reception in one location, Laura and Dean knew that Wallalong House was the perfect setting for their special day, especially with its accommodation capacity for up to 19 guests.
The impeccably kept grounds of Wallalong House provided an idyllic backdrop with a harmonious blend of neutral, rust, and orange tones. The ceremony itself was a highlight for the couple, Laura’s anticipation palpable as she walked down the aisle with her father, eagerly awaiting the union with her future husband. Guiding the proceedings was their brilliant celebrant, Lauren, whose charismatic delivery evoked a range of emotions for their guests, seamlessly blending heartfelt tears with joyous laughter.
A Two-Piece Bridal Style
From the moment Laura laid eyes on the Behati, she knew it was the gown for her, “I regularly wear two-piece sets and I knew that style had to be the same for my big day,” the bride shares. Behati’s relaxed and flowy silk silhouette resonated with Laura’s desire for comfort, making it an ideal choice for her wedding.
Trying on Behati at the Sydney showroom was a wonderful experience for the bride, with the bridal stylists patiently guiding them through the dress-buying process with clarity and ease. “The girls were helpful and made myself and my mum feel welcome with a glass of bubbly,” Laura shares.
The bride opted for simple accessories to compliment the gown as she believed Behati spoke for itself. She chose delicate gold drop earrings with pearl accents, paired with white mule heels adorned with DIY pearl embellishments, and a tennis bracelet which was a gift from her husband.
