"Love is beyond either condition: without spring, without autumn, it is always fresh." Rumi
To all our newly engaged couples. Congratulations! Be yourselves and create a wedding that truly reflects who you are together. We hope we inspire you and introduce you to the wonderful world of weddings.
28 March
Fig Tree, Byron Bay, New South Wales
Photography by Jessie Dains
It was just another day at the office for Carolina until Xavier walked through the door. “He had come in for an interview and I was lucky enough to be working at reception,” laughed Carolina. They have been inseparable ever since. After a year of dating they decided an adventure was in order and travelled for 6 months throughout South America, Europe and Asia. The trip proved to be an incredible journey for the pair.
Returning to Australia, Carolina and Xavier organised a New Years celebration in their favourite place, Byron Bay. Friends travelled from overseas and across Australia to come together for the party. Xavier managed to sneak Carolina away for a couple of hours. Set up on the beach was a marquee. “It had rose petals lined up like a red carpet and candles lighting the way. Xavier held my hand and led me in where there was a bottle of Moët and strawberries. He was so nervous! As Xavier popped the question, fireworks started and all our closet friends jumped out wishing us congratulations!”
Carolina and Xavier enjoyed every moment in the lead up to their wedding. “The minute we started planning all we wanted was for all our guests to be laughing and sharing their favourite stories.” said Carolina.
Wanting a country style wedding by the beach, Carolina and Xavier travelled once again to beautiful Byron Bay to seek a wedding venue. The very first venue they toured was Fig Tree and it ticked all the boxes. Carolina credits Xavier with finding it. “They took care of absolutely everything. We honestly can't speak highly enough about Fig Tree.”
The wedding photos were a highlight for the couple. Jessie Dains captured the day candidly and naturally. “At times we forgot they were there. If I can recommend one thing for a wedding it is that you need both an awesome photographer and videographer to capture all the moments because they just fly by!”
Carolina and her sister Camila spent numerous weekends visiting bridal gown stores all over Brisbane. “Xavier even surprised us with a trip to Melbourne to go dress shopping. Every wedding dress I tried on was beautiful in its own way but there was always a ‘but’. I had an image in my head of the perfect dress and I didn’t want to settle for something that wasn’t quite right.” After months of searching Carolina met with the team at Hilde Heim. “After the very first appointment I knew I was going to have the dress that I had imagined. Every fitting was so exciting as I watched the dress come together. I couldn’t have been happier with the final result.”
The sun was shining on the morning of their wedding and Carolina and Xavier found themselves very relaxed knowing the team at Figtree had everything under control. The groom and his groomsmen behaved themselves on the eve of the wedding, “…that is rare,” said Carolina. They groomsmen arrived full of stories about the photographs they had with Jessie Dains’ team. The boys were said to have been enjoying themselves frolicking around in the sand like professional male models. “Josh and Shannon from Jessie Dains knew how to keep the mood light and personal.”
With her hair and make-up complete, Carolina was ready to walk down the aisle but not before she set aside the time to talk with her grandparents in Brazil which made her quite emotional. Carolina composed herself and met Xavier at the end of the garden aisle, a relaxed and beautiful bride. “The day was a blur. I remember getting
my make-up done and then it was almost midnight.”
Carolina and Xavier described the bridal party as their ‘rock’. “The boys kept Xavier in line,” Carolina laughed. “They also knew when it was time to get everyone laughing.” The bridesmaids organised a wonderful Hens and made the lead up to the wedding a stress free and positive experience for Carolina.
The flowers and floral arrangements were designed to be bright and colourful in contrast to the scenic green backdrop of Fig Tree. Bower Botanical created an arbour draped with amaranth, roses and tulips among other blooms and foliage in orange, pink, cranberry and green that was then transferred to the bridal table for the reception. “Our decorations were simple and understated because the natural canvas of the surroundings was so beautiful.”
The Figtree created a signature cocktail for the couple called ‘The Hustler Martini’. “The recipe included Grey Goose Vodka, Hustler Cold Brew, Kahlua and white crème de cacao.”
Carolina and Xavier’s first dance was to an acoustic cover of 'Latch' by Sam Smith. “By this time we’d both had a few too many Champagnes so unfortunately our dance lessons went out the window! We did however bumble around in what was a somewhat coordinated slow dance. It was very loving and heartfelt.”
Having their closest friends and family stay for the weekend meant Carolina and Xavier could spend more time with everyone after the wedding. “It was so great to hear all their stories and catch up as the wedding day went by so quickly.”
gown: Hilde Heim
photography: Jessie Dains
videography: Jason Crouch, jason@mycrouch.com
ceremony & reception venue, caterer, decorations & cake: Fig Tree, figtreerestaurant.com.au
groom & groomsmen: YD, yd.com.au
bridesmaids: Zimmerman, www.zimmermannwear.com
flowers & floral styling: Bower Botanicals, 0421 167 822
celebrant: David Webber, davidwebbermarriagecelebrant.com
stationery: Senna Jean, sennajean.com.au
hair: Vanessa Di Sipio & Simone Freney, 0417722877, 0402211995
make-up: Ginelle Dale, ginelledale.com
music: David Carnovale, dubnosis@mac.com
additional suppliers: Byron Bay Weddings, byronbayweddings.com.au
