terrenz & andy

GLEDSWOOD HOMESTEAD + WINERY, CATHERINE FIELD, NSW

photos captured by: Jimmy Raper | styling by: Tutu Styling

“Andy’s proposal to Terrenz took place on a lazy Saturday afternoon in Sydney. “Of course it involved our fur baby Chester!” Terrenz said. “We went for a hike and stopped to take a rest in a clearing. Andy got down on one knee and we were all so excited, including Chester who jumped up thinking the ring was a doggy treat!”

HOLIDAY, HOUSE & WEDDING PLANS | Not only were Terrenz and Andy planning a wedding they were also building a house. “We had a lot on our plate and wanted to pace ourselves. We loved being engaged and celebrated with a trip to Vanuatu followed by a summer backyard engagement party with our friends and family, and of course Chester!”

The wedding was well timed with the weather. “Neither of us wanted to get married in the sweltering Australian summer heat, so March was just right.” Once they had set a date, the wedding venue was the first thing they booked. “Everything else followed organically from there. We didn’t enlist a wedding planner because with more than 12 months to go we felt we could handle everything ourselves. With so much time we were able to carefully think through all of the details of our day.”

THE SETTING | Gledswood Homestead + Winery had the perfect balance of casual country feel and vintage character Andy and Terrenz had been searching for. “We loved that the venue was laced with history and character. The homestead dates back to 1810 and there is a winery, wine cellar and old convict lockup on site. The homestead is touted to be haunted at night with ghost tours running on weekends. We certainly felt the eeriness walking through the homestead looking for photo opportunities!”

TEA FOR MORE THAN TWO | Terrenz and Andy were surrounded by 250 guests when they tied the knot at Gledswood Homestead + Winery. The day started with traditional Chinese tea ceremonies at both family homes. “Tea ceremonies are steeped in tradition in our culture and it is a way for us to pay respect and honour to our ancestors and elders."

Despite Terrenz’s father being late to his own daughter’s wedding, it ended up being a blessing in disguise! “The light sprinkling of rain stopped when he arrived. It was just perfect.”

DAPPER DOGGIES | “Our dogs were our ring bearers. They definitely surprised our guests. They were dressed in white collars, blue and white spotted bow ties and matching white cuffs.”

Another highlight of the ceremony was a comical moment when the celebrant Lillian asked Andy’s best man, ‘Do you have the rings?’ Instead of simply answering, ‘Yes’, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of white gloves. In silence he put the gloves on and then bent down to present the rings to the couple. “It had everyone in stitches.”

WHY CHOOSE JUST ONE? | For the wedding ceremony, Terrenz wore a plunge neck gown with simple silhouette, sheer bodice and flowing train by Australian designers Made With Love. “The first thing I thought when I saw the gown’s pockets was, ‘I could hide treats for our dogs!’” Terrenz personalised the dress by changing the hem to corded lace and adding a thin satin waistband. For the reception and first dance Terrenz changed into an ivory sequin Rachel Gilbert Gown with high neck and deep V back.

STYLE ME | The bridal table was a glorious centrepiece of the reception, with suspended Edison bulbs and wild, draping florals against a black backdrop. There were also 2 white peacock chairs for the bride and groom. Log circles, tea light candles, rose gold vases filled with flowers and wooden table numbers adorned the guests’ tables. A floral chandelier was suspended above the dance floor and the look was complete with large ‘A&T’ light-up letters.

PARTING GIFT | We partied until midnight. Unbeknownst to us, at the end of the night we were led outside by our bridal party to where our guests had all gathered in a large circle. We stood in the centre of the circle as everyone lit lanterns and let them float up into the night sky. This was a sweet surprise farewell that was organised by Andy’s best man.”

SWEET DELIGHT | Terrenz and Andy’s good friend created their 3-tier wedding cake. “We trusted her art and she came up with an incredible masterpiece that suited our colour palette. It was decorated with purple flowers, berries and dripping chocolate. The layers were chocolate, green tea and hazelnut mousse. Our favourite dessert flavours.”