Fun loving Gold Coast pair Stacey Clark and Chris Raward wanted their wedding to be about more than just walking down the aisle – they wanted a party their guests would remember forever.
The bride says their fun festival wedding was a celebration of their love with a laid-back, festival vibe. “We tried to make it one big party,” Stacey, 30, says. “We didn’t want our day to be traditional, we wanted it to be a celebration of our love and relaxed.”
She and Chris, 33, wed and held their reception at Kirra Hill Community Centre on April 11, 2015 in front of 120 guests. The heritage-listed site was once a school, attended by Chris father and grandfather, and its unique buildings and sprawling lawn area made it the perfect choice.
“We wanted it to feel like a festival where the guests always had something fun to be doing,” Stacey says.
With that in mind, there were lawn games such as bocce and giant Jenga and a photo booth. The food also had a festival feel with wood-fired pizzas and salads, a vintage caravan serving as the bar and an drool-worthy array of handmade desserts.
“Once the sun went down we moved inside for the speeches and first dance. Then we had a DJ where we all danced for hours,” Stacey says.
“The night ended with Chris and I on people’s shoulders dancing and singing. It was the party of the year!”
Photos courtesy of Ben Whitmore Photography.
When it came to choosing the wedding car it was an easy choice for Stacey. “It was my brother’s car, he does weddings and formals,” the bride explains.
Stacey and Chris went to school together and later met up again at a Broadbeach bar. “We have been inseparable since that night,” Stacey says. “We had been together for six years when Chris proposed.”
“I always wanted a love and a marriage like my parents, I feel so lucky to have found that with Chris,” Stacey says.
In choosing the wedding food, Stacey and Chris went with low-key options that suited the festival vibe.
Video by Ben Whitmore Photography.
Bomboniere: Stubbys n Stuff / Brides Accessories: Samantha Wills / Brides Gown: Rue De Seine / Brides Shoes: Tony Bianco / Bridesmaid Shoes: Tony Bianco / Bridesmaids Accessories: Samantha Wills / Bridesmaids Dresses: Zimmerman / Cake: Courtney Morgan / Caterer: Crusta Wood Fired Pizza, My Vintage Lane / Celebrant: Judy Mannion / Ceremony Music: Ali Hughes / Entertainment: DJ Jared Bell / Flowergirl Dress: David Jones / Flowers: Michelle Johnston / Grooms Attire: Uberstone / Grooms Shoes: ASOS / Groomsmen Attire: Uberstone / Groomsmen Shoes: ASOS / Hair: Dimensions by Arlie / Honeymoon: Fiji / Invitations: Katherine Carmody, Etsy - RubyFlowCreative / Lolly Buffet: DIY, Montmarte French Patisserie / Makeup: Naomi McFadden Makeup Artist / Photobooth: Smith & Bowen / Photographer: Ben Whitmore Photography / Rings: David Collins Jeweller / Transport: Haydn Clark / Venue: Kirra Hill Community Centre / Venue Decor: Table Toppers, Autumn Grove Events / Videographer: Ben Whitmore Photography / Wedding Night Accommodation: Kirra Surf Apartments
