Bush bash: Rachel and Ben create rustic farm wedding

Creating a rustic farm wedding on Victoria’s beautiful Mornington Peninsula was a labour of love for Rachel and Ben.

“We wanted to make a weekend of it and find a place that everyone could stay for one big old party all weekend long,” Rachel, 32, says of their choice of venue – Iluka Retreat in Red Hill South.

“Iluka Retreat was perfect but it meant we had to supply every single last detail. Fifteen months of planning, searching, making and I think we pulled it off.”

Rachel and Ben, 35, wed in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by bushland on May 16, 2019.

“It was definitely a labour of love to achieve our dreamy, relaxed vibe and we threw traditions out the window. No dress code, no seating plan, the cake was made of cheese and the bar was a bathtub!” the bride says.

Food trucks went down a treat with guests and cheese platters were dotted around the venue.

“Picnic tables and tipis out on the grass cemented our chilled-out vibe and when the sun went down and the lights turned on the venue was literally glowing,” Rachel says.

“Being told by so many people that it was the best wedding they’d ever been to made it all worthwhile, and we have to agree with them, it was nothing short of magical.”

Photos courtesy of Perla Photography.

Ben and his groomsmen kept it smart casual in their chinos and bow-ties.

Celebrant Matt Finch performed the love-filled ceremony.

Rachel’s beautiful strapless gown was created by d’Italia. The flowers were by Desflora.

Ben popped the question when the couple was visiting the Grand Canyon. “I had no idea it was happening and was so shocked when he got out the ring that I actually grabbed it off him to see if it was really what I thought it was before he’d even asked the question!” Rachel recalls.

Fifteen months of planning helped Rachel and Ben to create their dream wedding.