Get to the chopper: Emma and Zack’s classic rustic wedding

Emma and Zack wanted to pay tribute to the great outdoors at their classic rustic wedding, and what better way for the bride to get a bird’s eye view of the rolling countryside (while making a one-of-a-kind entrance!) than by arriving in a helicopter?

“It was absolutely amazing,” bride Emma, 28, says of her unforgettable arrival.

The chopper touched down at the historic Union Homestead at Woolsthopre, western Victoria, for the rustic-themed celebrations on January 6, 2018.

One-hundred family and friends watched on as high school sweethearts Emma and Zack, also 28, said “I do” in front of the homestead’s beautiful wisteria walk.

‘For our ceremony we didn’t need all that many decorations as we didn’t want to take anything away from the beautiful gardens and the homestead,” Emma says.

But when it came to the reception at the Mid City in the couple’s hometown of Warrnambool, they let their creativity flow.

“At our reception we had a rustic wedding theme with hessian and lace trimmed bows for our chairs. We had wood slices with cream lanterns and a jar of mixed natural native flowers and tealight candles (on the tables)

“We also designed a Polaroid photobooth using festoon lights and a wood pallet with fairy lights for photos to be pegged onto.”

Wine barrels, corrugated iron and raw wood elements were also features of the rustic-themed celebrations.

“We wanted to pay tribute to the great outdoors by incorporating natural and nature inspired elements,” Emma says.

“We couldn’t have wished for a more perfect setting.”

Photos courtesy of Glen Watson Photography.

Emma had her ivory wedding gown and her bridesmaids’ dresses custom-made for the special day.

“It was the most perfect place to marry the love of my life,” Emma says of the rustic farm wedding.

Emma and Zack met at school and moved out together when they were 18. “We have built our life together,” Emma says. After nine years, Zack popped the question during a romantic night at home.

Native greenery and proteas were a feature of the flowers on the day, including in the bride’s bouquet.

“Zack surprised me with my engagement ring at a romantic night at home with a ring he had chosen himself,” Emma says of her Michael Hill creation.

Not much can beat a helicopter, but the bridal party travelled in true retro style in these Chevy Bel Airs.