The special connection between Gemma and Shelby was first sparked in August 2014. They met in a classic fashion; introduced by mutual friends at a party. But they didn’t know at the time that they’d taken the first steps on an 8-year journey towards their beautiful wedding, and the rest of their lives together.
What would turn into love was kindled on their first date, when Gemma picked-up Shelby for burgers. After dinner, the pair decided they weren’t ready to say goodbye, and sat side-by-side at the beach, talking for hours. After six years of togetherness, the couple were ready for their next big step, but unfortunately Covid had other ideas. Gemma and Shelby happily tied the knot in early 2022, after their first wedding date was rescheduled.
Their countryside boho wedding took place on a picturesque summer’s day in the Hunter Valley. The couple were sure they wanted to marry in wine country, and had searched for the perfect venue for some time before falling in love with Bimbadgen Palmers Lane. The stone building, welcoming wooden barn doors, exposed ceiling beams, and surrounding vineyards were their perfect setting for the pair to say “I do”. The venue made planning easy with open communication, and fulfilled the brides’ wishes for the ceremony and reception to take place at the same location. Though the couple didn’t start out with a clear vision in mind, as vendors were booked and their plans solidified, an aesthetic began to take shape. Gemma and Shelby happily stumbled into a bohemian wedding theme, accented with shades of sage green, dusty rose, and orange.
Against their rural backdrop, Shelby wore a gorgeous off-the-shoulder lace gown from Newcastle Bridal House, and a matching floor length veil. Gemma donned a custom bespoke suit made by Rundle Tailoring. The made-to-measure suit was a pale grey windowpane fabric, lined with navy silk printed with white flamingos. She finished her chic outfit with a black hat, a boutonniere coordinated with Shelby’s bouquet, a Gucci belt and matching Gucci shoes.
While reflecting on their special day, Shelby’s favourite part of the celebration was simply marrying her best friend, and seeing the happiness on their guests’ faces. She remembers that “no matter who we looked at throughout the day and the night, someone was always smiling, laughing or just having a great time, and that was just such a special feeling.” Gemma recollects that her highlight was simply seeing Shelby walk down the aisle; “she looked stunning and I have never felt happier.”
At the reception Shelby and Gemma shared their first dance as a married couple to “Everything We Need” by A Day To Remember, as the song reminds the pair of each other whenever they hear it. Their 75 guests joyfully celebrated the lovely couple and their special day well into the evening. We are so filled with love seeing Gemma and Shelby’s gorgeous wedding photos, which you can peruse below.
After organising such a stunning wedding, the couple offer this advice to other engaged fiancés in their planning stages; “take every day leading up to it as it comes. Definitely do not stress and remember that things may happen, and they will more than likely not go to the exact plan. It’s all about the process and the most important thing is to enjoy every second.”
Of their experience with Rundle Tailoring, Gemma recounted that “from the first time I walked in I instantly felt welcomed. The whole team went above and beyond to make the suit I had imagined. Keeping me in the loop from start to finish and being all round amazing throughout the whole process. Got me to triple check everything when picking up my suit and of course it was perfect. For all your tailoring needs (men or women), I couldn’t recommend this place more.”
Thankyou for trusting Rundle Tailoring with your wedding Gemma and Shelby, we are honoured to be involved in this gorgeous celebration of love.
Gemma and Shelby’s wedding vendors:
Photo: Lauren Anne Photography
Makeup: Makeup Artist Ebony Smith
Hair: Ivory State Hair and Makeup
Dress: Newcastle Bridal House
Florals: The Flower Alley
Venue: Bimbadgen Palmers Lane
Cake: Sweet Azz Cakes
Celebrant: Celebrate With Claire
Guitar & DJ: Jerome O’Connor
Lawn games & props: Crab Apple Hire
Suit: Rundle Tailoring
