A wedding full of surprises from day one......
I met Alan and Simone on their first visit to Radcliffe's. They were a very spirited and fun couple. Simone had her heart set on an ice-cream cake wedding cake - an obstacle we had never come across before but were more than happy to help her out. Over the course of time and many accommodating people including Tracey's Cakes, I think Simone realised that her dream of ice-cream wedding cake was become more of a challenge than first appeared. This example was the basis of a wonderful imaginative couple who wanted a fun wedding of their dreams.
Simone also had a love for butterflies so the conservatory garden setting fitted perfectly with this request and still accommodated guests in any unforeseen weather. The conservatory garden feels like you are sitting out under the stars, beneath an amazing ornamental grape vine which offers natural chandeliers, however you still have the indoor comfort or heating or cooling depending on the outside weather. The guests also never fear if rain looks like it is approaching as the conservatory garden is fully enclosed.
Butterflies were spread strategically throughout the reception on the corner of every chair, on place cards, on place card holders, large chocolate butterflies and cd covers which were also bombenaries for the guests. The mixture of lilac and purple wrapped around the chairs complemented the arrangements. A set up that was lovingly created and set-up by Alan and Simone's friends and family.
The amazing thing that appeared with this wedding over time was the strength of Simone and Alans family and friends. They all were so supportive with every aspect. They were obviously a very loved couple as friends and family rallied together and separately to arrange small surprises for the couple on the wedding reception night. Things that I will not go into at the moment due to technology, I would hate to ruin any surprises. Anne Peace, from Peace by the river, and also a family friend, was also in on the secrets and had a garage full of secrets which I am sure she will feel releaved she no longer has to be secretive. The bridal group also stayed in Anne's beautiful Peace by the River cottages which is a fantastic setting for those pictures of the bride getting ready - http://www.peacebytheriver.com.au/
The Couple were married on the historic Echuca Paddlesteamers. Whilst still cruising, the guests enjoyed canapes supplied by Radcliffe's. The cruise was perfect as most of their guests were from out of town and Echuca's paddlesteamers are a beautiful way of showing your guests a lovely picturesque scenery from along the Murray. Then off to the reception at Radcliffe's with an exquisite menu selected by Alan and Simone of Prawn Tails and Creamy Risotto for Entree and then Tuscan Chicken and Char-grilled Lamb Rump for Mains. Simone opted to serve the children on one table with a large banquet of all those yummy things kids enjoy. Then followed by delicious wedding cake (made by the Fabulous Tracey's Cakes http://www.tracyscakes.com.au/ photos by Tracey) and fruit and cheese platters.
Then to dance the night away .................and some other little surprises on the way wink wink.
I hope your wedding was the day you dreamed of, Simone and Alan.
