Real Wedding - Hannah & Matty, Stanley

February 14, 2018 In Real Weddings By Jessica Brawn

Real Wedding – Hannah & Matty, Stanley

If Hannah and Matty’s wedding day is anything to go by, these guys are an absolute hoot! This fun loving couple threw one hell of a party to celebrate their wedding day, held in Stanley, country Victoria. A talented tribe helped Hannah and Matty bring together a day that was laid-back and uniquely them.

Highlights of this epic celebration included a tipi tent complete with a rainbow pride flag, a custom leather jacket, a green room, pizza and their beloved Triple J Van. Alice of Mavis Jean Photography was there to capture all the fun that was had by this perfect pair and their favourite party people.

IN HANNAH’S WORDS…

The meeting.

Matty and I met at the only nightclub in Cobram after a particularly big day at the local race. Classy! I had just moved to Cobram as a graduate, secondary school P.E teacher. I was currently teaching Matty’s younger brother, Skipper, in Year 12. Being a VERY small town, it’s not uncommon to bump into your students on a Saturday night out (however, we’re strongly encouraged not to socialise/converse – students are well aware of this). Skipper, as cheeky as ever, bought Matty over to the bar, popped a drink in each of our hands, and said, “Routy, meet my big brother Matt. I reckon you’ll like him”. The rest, as they say, is history.

The one.

When he took his shoes off at the front door, when he shook my father’s hand, when he sat through Harry Potter on our first date (RIP Dobby). I think I knew from day dot.

The proposal.

Matty popped the question in my parent’s chestnut orchard. It’s where I’d always wanted to get married.

The planning.

I was relatively relaxed.I tried really hard to just go with the flow and not get too overwhelmed. Easier said than done sometimes, though planning for 170 people brings challenges.

Style inspiration.

The two of us; relaxed, generous, party vibe (Matty), Boho/alternative styling with an environmentally sustainable focus (Hannah).

The dress.

My dress was a gorgeous number from Spell and the Gypsy in Byron Bay. I desperately wanted something lovely and Boho, but simply couldn’t justify spending more than $1000 on a wedding dress (bulk mojitos to be purchased on our Mexican honeymoon!) I ordered it online, had some tailoring done by a local lady – good to go! (**Did have a minor freak-out a week before the day and ordered another back-up style from Spell. Turns out the first one was perfect. Spell happily received and refunded the second one. Their customer service is AMAZING!)

Favourite moment/s.

So many moments… Our first dance was both parts lovely and epic. Our DJ mixed our favourite Macklemore tune into the end of Real love, by Regina Spektor. Our mates went beserk and threw us both on shoulders. The dance floor continued on from there! Our two MC’s were bloody hilarious. They made a green room out of my vintage green velvet lounge and all the speech-makers had to sit in it and sweat bullets while they did live ‘cross backs’ to see who was most nervous.

Our pride flag on top of the marquee (the marriage equality vote was announced a few days before and we were stoked). Bourke Hire went above and beyond getting that flag flying high, but it was such a nice touch.

The bridesmaid’s dresses!! All the girls wore something they loved and could wear again, and they looked AMAZING together.

And finally, some star gazing with Matty. We snuck away for a moment after all the formalities had finished and lay on the cricket pitch to check out the stars. It was a really lovely chilled moment on such a massive day.

The meaning of marriage.

A commitment to work at a relationship, even when things are hard. Compromising, listening and enjoying those small moments only the two of you understand. And on a lighter note, sharing said marriage with all the abandoned animals I will undoubtedly bring home over the years (we both mentioned my love of adopted animals in our vows… Coincidence? I think not).

Name your wedding soundtrack (aisle, reception entry, first dance songs):

Aisle: We Bought A Zoo by Jonsi

Signing registry: Chateau by Angus and Julia Stone

Back down aisle: Praise You by Fatboy Slim

Bridal party introduction: Thunderstruck by AC/DC

First dance: Real Love by Regina Spektor) / Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Funny stories and/or near disasters.

Unbeknown to me, Matty split his suit pants 40 minutes before the ceremony. He found an old sewing kit in his washbag from travelling overseas and managed to sew it up himself. I was very impressed!

Planning surprises.

Writing my vows. I thought it’d be really easy, but got in a state a week beforehand when I didn’t know what to write or how to write it!

Words of wisdom.

Make it about the two of you. Don’t compromise because something is different or not deemed ‘wedding-like’. Have fun and make it your day.

Last words.

Alice, our photographer, was a dead-set legend. She and her husband, Greg, were an absolute delight to work with. All our vendors were seriously fantastic – look them up!