A Celebration of Love at Bendooley Estate
After a romantic proposal on top of Rockefeller Centre in New York City, Sarah and Josh tied the knot at the prime wedding destination of Southern Highland’s; Bendooley Estate. These two high school sweethearts stole our very own hearts from the get-go with their witty personality and love for mojitos, you could say we got along like a house on fire!
Sarah and Josh chose our Full Styling Wedding Package. With having already decided on their venue: the recently built Stables at Bendooley Estate, their amazing photographer Samantha Heather and videographer Joel Tronoff, fabulous celebrant Peter Bray and entertainment masters We Play Records, Sarah and Josh had one last element top of mind … styling!
Their love for glowing lights, organic textures, gentle tones and tactile elements brought together a magical celebration in the summery February of 2020 – which already feels like a lifetime ago! So, with all of this down time we caught up with the lovely couple to commemorate what a special day it was.
Here’s what they wanted to share …
The Venue
"We had actually found Bendooley for my sister (who isn't involved with anyone, but I like to plan ha-ha) as the venue has The Book Barn that is just gorgeous. Then, they announced that they were building The Stables and as soon as I saw the sketched-up plan I was sold! We made an appointment to go and when we arrived I could just picture everything (even though the building was half constructed). From walking down the aisle to our first meal as husband and wife, it all just felt right, and I knew it was the one!"
Favourite Details
"There are so many to choose from! Styling wise, Joshua’s absolute favourite detail was our linen menus (he literally took it home with us). And for me it was the ambiance that was created in the space! From the tablecloth choice, to the hanging tea lights, it all just looked incredible and made the venue feel warm and intimate."
Favourite Moment
"This was definitely, eating dinner. Not only because the food was amazing but because we could just see everyone who we love in the one room eating, drinking and having an amazing time which was pretty magical, especially to think that we created such an inviting space for them."
The Dress
"I wanted a dress that I hadn't seen on Instagram a million times, so I went to Personalised Wedding Couture where I met Virginia and Christine and feel in love with them immediately. My father and I talked to them about a design and it took off from there, we ended up turning the dress into a top and skirt (fathers' suggestion) and eventually after many toils and appointments later, my dress was formed! I loved the personalised process so much as I had the opportunity to have a say in every detail, from fabric choice to length and fit, they even spent a lot of time with me on accessorising my outfit which made so much difference as well!"
We are happy we…
"Chose the table share menu option at Bendooley Estate as it forced everyone to interact and try the different food options we picked, definitely loosened everyone up and got the party started."
Funny Memory
“I (Sarah) danced so hard that I fell on my bottom in front of everyone! Due to the bottomless Passionfruit Mojitos we were serving. Although thankfully I wasn't the only one, so I was straight back up laughing, and within 2 seconds someone had handed me another Mojito (winning!)."
Word of advice - 2 things!
One of the best things we did was hiring people that we felt comfortable, entrusted and genuinely got along with such as Honey Lane as once the wedding came, I had absolutely zero stress because I knew that it was all taken care of! Not having to worry about setting up, packing down, the organisation around the day was such a game changer so we could just enjoy the moment.
Hire a Videographer! The wedding day goes by so fast and it’s a lot to take in, having Joel there meant that he was able to capture the little things that just might slip you by on the day. To watch it all back is such a blessing and something that one day we would love to share with our kids."
If you are looking to create your perfect wedding, Honey Lane can help bring it to life with careful advice, direction and experience. We are your wedding planners and stylists located in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
