Real Wedding // Natalie & Stewart’s Victoria’s Wedding

Natalie & Stewart’s Victoria’s wedding embraced old school romance to a whole new level. Their souls were warmed throughout the entire day with an abundance of smiles, laughter and good juju. Despite some unlucky weather on the horizon, the day ran seamlessly. Guests were left in awe of their beautiful ceremony exposing panoramic views and an intimate reception, adorned in fairy lights. Allow Stories by Ash to take you back to their special day and read their love story below.

Tell us your story, how did you both meet?
Natalie: Stewart and I met on Tinder, much to the dismay of my mother! I swiped right because he had such kind, happy eyes. After a week of chatting online, we finally met up in person to play pool at a local pool hall.  He hadn’t mentioned he was a pool shark in our prior conversations but the conversation flowed well which quickly led to another date at a table tennis place where I kicked his butt!

How did the proposal happen?
We were down in Sydney for a week visiting family and friends.  Stewart organised a lovely night out, including dinner at Sepia, one of Sydney’s top restaurants.  Despite a couple of friends and family suggesting that tonight was the night Stewart would propose, I was caught totally by surprise. At the dinner table, he got down on one knee and proposed.  It was the best night ever.

What were the reasons for choosing Victoria’s as the venue for your special day?
Stewart: Nat’s family live interstate and we wanted our wedding to be more than just one big day but rather a special family weekend. Victoria’s was perfect for this. It had communal spaces, like the kitchen, pool, BBQ area, but also enough bedrooms to cater for both of our families. The view was spectacular and the venue is stunning to look at. It ticked every single box.

What style were you striving for with your table settings, florals and reception? Was there a certain look or vibe that you wanted to create?
Victoria’s is so beautiful that it doesn’t need much. The table and chairs are a gorgeous wood, I couldn’t imagine covering them! I just wanted simple flowers in small crystal vases as they remind me of my grandmother. They also wouldn’t get in the way of conversations across the table, or take up valuable food platter space!

Were there any vendors that you particularly loved working with and why?
I loved everyone! Ash from Stories by Ash was the most incredible photographer! Such a beautiful person! Stewart and I are both rather camera shy, but Ash made us feel so comfortable whilst taking our photos. The food by Fig Tree Catering was also exceptional. Our guests still talk about the food! Stewart still remarks about the truffle mushroom risotto!

Our wedding also took place the weekend that cyclone Debbie flooded the highway to Byron. Not knowing whether our families and guests were going to arrive in time was really stressful. The planners from Byron Bay Weddings were fantastic. From the moment I arrived (a day late, after a 9 hour drive from Brisbane to Byron Bay via Glen Innes!), they totally calmed me and took my worries away. They took care of everything and stayed in contact with all of the vendors to rearrange the timing of everything on the day. In the end, everything went according to plan, just a few hours later than intended which was an incredible effort given the circumstances!

  Overall, what was your most favourite part of your wedding day and why?
Our favourite part of the day was seeing all of our friends and family arrive for the wedding. Most had travelled 9 hours to be there (taking the inland route via Glen Innes) after failed attempts the day prior. Others had waited in traffic for flood waters to recede and the highway to be reopened. We still can’t believe they went through all of that for us. It makes you realise how lucky we are to have them in our lives.  

Natalie & Stewart

Suppliers
Venue: Victoria’s // Hair: Heartfire Collective // Celebrant: Married by Kath // Photographer: Stories by Ash // Florist: Floral & Mineral // Catering: Fig Tree Catering// Lighting & Audio:  Byron Audio  // Furniture & Styling: The Wedding Shed // Planning & Coordination: Byron Bay Weddings