DALE + CARMELINA

Looking through Sherise Flemings photos of Dale and Carmelina's wedding day, you'd be envious of the who bride grew up with this scenery in her backyard.

Struggling to find a venue that fitted their crowd of guests with flexiblity for catering, Carmelina and Dale were inspired to use the spud shed at their family farm.

Transforming the space was no easy task for the couple, but seeing the end result leaves us thinking they'd do it all again. It's pretty epic what can be achieved when you do something our of love with the help of some talented Gippsland vendors.

The Proposal

Dale planned a trip for us to Tasmania. When we arrived in Freycinet National Park we took a short walk to Honeymoon Bay where Dale got down on one knee (in the water) and pulled the ring from his pocket. He felt the need to whisper "do you want to marry me?" as he felt people may be watching. I might add that there was no one around as we basically had the beach to ourselves. He was rather nervous and the entire engagement was a complete surprise. He picked the ring himself without any guidance from myself or anyone.

THE DRESS

Once we decided on having the wedding at the farm, I felt the need to make a quick decision on the dress as time was running short. I booked in several appointments in bridal stores around Melbourne and went with mum and my bridesmaids to try on dresses. I tried on a lot of dresses over two days and after some deliberation, decided on the Baccini and Hill dress that I wore on the day. It was made to measure so the original one on the rack actually did not fit and I did change some details myself so I was a little nervous as to whether or not the dress would even suit me. The experience was 'ok'. I didn't enjoy the 2 hour drive for my dress fittings and overall was very happy to finally take it home and not have to go back. I had to just trust that it would work out and not worry too much about it being 'perfect' because I knew that it probably wouldn't be and to be honest it was not 'perfect'. It was good enough thou and I did love it.

Why did you pick the farm location for your ceremony and reception?

We were completely un inspired by all the 'same old same old' wedding venues we researched and looked at. The venues in Melbourne seemed so dull in that they had weddings booked out all weekend, every weekend and we were just another number. Everywhere we went felt wrong and we were underwhelmed with options. We had 150 guests invited (130 attended) and it was not easy to find venues that easily catered for this. The rules and restrictions at venues also took the fun out of the wedding and the price seemed to increase very quickly, also another uninspiring factor. At one point we thought we would just elope as all other options seemed dull... So, we had the crazy idea to do something totally different and unique. Having a home wedding in our family spud shed was so inspiring and once we decided we would do it, we got planning right away.

Any surprises on the big day?

Our MC's were my brother and our dear high school friend (Carmelina's brother and high school friend) who is also engaged to my cousin who was a bridesmaid. The MC's and my cousin got up and surprised up by singing and playing piano accordion to "Thats Amore" however they changed the lyrics to be about us. It was a really fun surprise and was very funny.

What was the most special part of the day for you?

We loved our first dance. This surprises me because we actually did not want to do a first dance but both ended up really enjoying the atmosphere of it. We had streamers and sparklers and it was really beautiful. My cousin also sang for our first dance so it was just lovely.

What piece of advice would you give to another couple planning a wedding?

Be inspired and you will love the end result. Don't take it too seriously, it's supposed to be fun. Also, be organised!!

Carmelina & Dale Short Social Video from Native Weddings on Vimeo.

Stand out Vendor

We absolutely loved our photographer and videographers. We found them all to be so relaxed and everything was candid which really suited us. We were able to reflect after the wedding on just how well suited out vendors were for us and what we wanted on the day. It all felt so easy and stress free. Brook from Cafe Aura also went above and beyond to work with us and create an amazing feat for our guests. Him and his team were amazing.

THE TEAM

Photographer: Sherise Fleming

Cinematographer: Native Weddings

Event planner / Stylist: Pollen and Patina

Florist: Pollen and Patina

Catering: Cafe Aura

Cake (and what kind): Chocolate mud cake with vanilla frosting by Connie Knight (family- Auntie)

Other desserts (slices, tarts, cookies etc): 'Dessert Market' all homemade by Connie Knight (family-Auntie). Cookies, chocolate dipped strawberries, peach cakes, orange cakes, apple cakes, rose cupcakes, italian cakes, cannoli, mini cheesecakes, chocolate fudge.

Entertainment: Music/band- The White Tree

Celebrant: Glenise Parkin (Glenise grew up on my farm as a child and then moved across the road where she has been a neigbour all my life)