A Backyard Wedding on the Surf Coast That Had Everything
Some weddings have a venue. This one had a home.
Talia and Ben didn’t need a function centre or a manicured estate. They had something better. A beautiful backyard on the Surf Coast, a community of people who love them, and a vision for a day that was completely, unapologetically theirs.
This is one of those weddings I’ll carry with me for a long time.
Built by Hand, Filled with Heart
From the moment I arrived, it was clear this day had been made, not hired. Talia’s dad built the arbour they were married under with his own hands. The crew had been putting the finishing touches on the drinks setup right up until the last minute, serving from a bathtub esky and a makeshift cocktail bar. Talia and Ben grew the flowers themselves, with help from friends.
No stylist ran around with a clipboard. Just people who love this couple, showing up and making something beautiful.
The Dress
Talia wore her grandmother’s wedding dress.
I don’t think I need to say much more than that. But I will, because the moment her grandmother saw her in it is one I won’t forget.
It was like the rest of the room disappeared. Her grandmother was completely swept away, taken back to her own day, her own life. And there was her granddaughter, standing in front of her, wearing the very same dress. Family and close friends looked on in tears. It was quiet and enormous all at once.
That’s the kind of moment you can’t manufacture. You can only be ready for it
The First Look and a Very Opinionated Flower Girl
During the location scout before the wedding, Talia and Ben showed me all the hidden corners of the property they loved. So when it came to choosing where to do their first look, they knew exactly the right spot.
What they didn’t anticipate, however, was that their daughter Edie had very strong feelings about being included. She was, of course, part of the first look. There was no other option.
Edie was also very much present at the ceremony. If you look closely at the kiss photo, you’ll notice her expression. She had specifically told her mum not to kiss dad. Her disgust is documented and absolutely hilarious.
Kids at weddings add something you simply can’t plan for. A kind of unfiltered, joyful chaos that cuts through any stiffness and reminds everyone what the day is actually about.
The People Who Made It Happen
One of their closest friends is a photographer. He wasn’t hired. He was a guest, because Talia and Ben wanted him to enjoy the day. They found someone else to tell the story as it was. That’s where I came in.
Their celebrant was Izzy Summers. Ceremony music was by Chris and Chloe, with Monty and friends on the decks for the reception. The cake came from Ginger and Spice. Makeup was by Jessica O’Donnell and the flowers, as mentioned, were grown by Talia and Ben with help from their people.
And the food. Armstrong BBQ brought the American BBQ goodness, with the owner there on the day serving it up himself. I’m a vegetarian so I skipped the meat, but I have to say the salads were an A plus. Genuinely outstanding.
Why Backyard Weddings Work
There’s a reason more couples are choosing to get married at home or on family properties. It’s not just about budget, although a DIY wedding done well can absolutely be more considered with how money is spent. It’s about meaning.
Every corner of Talia and Ben’s day meant something. The arbour built by her dad. The dress worn by her grandmother. The bathtub full of drinks. The daughter weaving in and out of every moment like she owned the place, because she kind of does.
When you get married somewhere that already holds your story, the photographs look different. They feel lived in. Real.
That’s what I’m here for.
Here is how I saw the rest of their day… I hope you enjoy!
Want more, here is their personalised slideshow –
Vendors
Celebrant: Izzy Summers
Makeup: Jessica O’Donnell
Flowers: Grown by the couple with help from friends
Catering: Armstrong BBQ
Cake: Ginger and Spice
Ceremony music: Chris and Chloe Reception
DJ: Monty and friends
Videographer: Friend of the couple
Photography: Me, LJM Photography