DIY delight: Paula & Thomas’ luxe rustic wedding

Paula and Thomas Christie first bonded over pancakes and Home and Away.

The pair met at church before Thomas, 22, worked up the courage to ask Paula, 24, on a date – homemade pancakes and old episodes of the Aussie soap.

“Obviously the pancakes were pretty good because we started dating pretty soon after that,” Paula jokes.

A few years later Thomas proposed in Paula’s hometown of Albury, NSW.

The couple hosted a luxe rustic wedding at Fergusson Winery in Victoria’s gorgeous Yarra Glen on May 1, 2015 – their four-year anniversary – in front of 120 family and friends.

The budget-conscious bride completed much of the planning and styling herself.

“I enjoy doing a lot of DIY and really appreciate the finer details at events,” Paula says.

“We had our reception at Zonzo winery. It is such a beautiful place with amazing views and the most delicious food. It really set the scene for a warm and romantic wedding.”

Despite their strict budget, Paula says she and Thomas were able to create the wedding of their dreams.

“We had a lot of DIY and were able to reflect our personalities and love for each other throughout the day,” she says.

Photos courtesy of Aweiding Photography.

Thomas’ parents’ pooch stepped in as page boy – complete with his own tux.

Paula says the barrel room at Fergusson Winery provided the perfect space for the ceremeony. “We were able to build stands to hang festoon lighting and I spray-painted 100 wine bottles that I topped with candles to place around the room,” she says.

Paula’s advice to future brides is to enjoy the moment. “The whole day is a rush, which everyone warns you about, but you so don’t grasp it until the end,” she says.

“I absolutely love succulents,” Paula says. “Which we used quite a lot in our bouquets, button holes, on the cake, table centres and favours.”

Video by Westein Films.