Alana + Nathan
Mandalay House And Garden
Wow what a day. We knew leading up to this wedding that it was going to be something special and a little bit ‘next level’ in the styling department. On meeting Nathan and Alana these guys immediately came across as fun loving and a little bit sassy, we were always in for a good time. The theme was “Classy but a little bit cheeky… candles, balloon garlands and disco balls”. They’d employed the very incredible talent from Hygge Studio and boy did they deliver.
Now, I’m going to try and hit as much of the highlights and finer details as possible without turning this blog into a novel, you’ll have to just go see the photographs to get the full experience.
On arrival in the morning we hit up Mandalay House and Garden in the Adelaide Hills. We’re talking an expansive, manicured private property complete with two tennis courts, endless garden paths and pine tree avenues complete with draped festoons. We were immediately greeted by Alana, decked out in a gold sequin robe and white heart shaped sunglasses… style. on. point.
Fast forward to the ceremony and we are talking a crazy amazing garden setting, custom built stage, black modern ottomans and a black, white and green floral theme. The one and only Laura Brook Celebrant delivered one heck of a ceremony, even including an unexpected Eminem lyric sneakily woven into their beautiful personalised back story, much to the delight of both Nathan, Alana and the captive audience. The Eminem theme would also feature heavily during the day, so stay tuned…. A tiny error in the printed vows saw Nathan in stitches when he took Alana to be his ‘lawfully wedded…erm husband’ and Rock Paper Scissors was the deciding factor on who was to deliver theirs first (always a fun addition to any ceremony).
Ok moving on. These guys wed and it was all cheers and happiness. The guests were treated to a beautifully custom designed gold mirrored modern bar set up on tennis court 1 and cocktails and bevvies flowed. It was quite the soiree.
Meanwhile, the main event was being masterfully created over on Tennis Court 2 in the marquee. Leaving the cocktail hour, through the giant hedge, you’re lead to a gravel path, draped with fairy lights and a wooden arbour that goes on for what seems to be forever. A giant Marquee awaits you. On entry the styling is almost overwhelming in its scale and nuanced details progressively become apparent. Just like watching a movie over and over again, new details emerge as the night went on. Entering via the dance floor which is backed by a custom silver foiled wall with featured neon angel wings. Move your gaze down a little to the black dance-floor and you’ll find a giant custom yellow decal splotch with Eminem lyrics to “Lose Yourself”. Definitely a first for me. A 7 foot arched, up lit seating chart guides each guest to their place via a giant silver arched balloon garland joining the bar and long tables.
A hanging floral installation of blue and white orchids leads into a clear ceiling laden with what seems like dozens of mirror balls and giant clear bulbs. Purple and yellow florals adorn three epically long tables. Clear seats add to the modern disco feel as the tables extend the rest of the way along the black draped walls. Bright yellow menus and place cards with bold black text await each guest. The room is complete with yet another neon; “Til Death” wrapped in a heart, throwing its moody crimson light across the room as the sun went down.
After a handful of kick-ass speeches, the cohort hit the dance floor piloted by 5 piece band “The Escapades” and tore it up to some sweet tunes! A ‘Lose Yourself’ rap battle broke out and Alana nailed every word. Whisky sours topped off the late night cocktail service and fuelled the dancing well into the night.
I really should take some time to mention that these two were, for realises, two of the most chilled, legends. They joked, laughed, and soaked up every minute of their loved one’s company. It’s so awesome when two people are just there to be completely obsessed with each other and to genuinely enjoy the day. It really was a party and a marriage worth remembering!
Videography - The Film Room | Venue - Mandalay House and Garden | Celebrant - Love From Laura (Laura Brook) Stylist/Florals - Hygge Studio | Hair & Makeup - Make up By Lili K & Hair by Cat | Band & DJ - The Escapades | Dress - Toni Maticevski | Hire Items - Festival Hire, Found Collective
