Inspiration

We have been well and truly put under a floral spell whilst putting together this colourful outdoor ranch wedding. Filled with thousands of blooms grown by the groom's mother, grandmother and family friend, including an amazing flower arch framing the nuptials and hanging installations above the sweetheart table. Also leaving us speechless is the bride's racerback wedding dress and giant frou-frou skirt which she not only found at a charity boutique supporting women but she also donated back to them after she'd got married in it. Such a wonderful gesture and fabulously eco-conscious too.

What Made Our Day Unique

All the flowers and foliage were grown by Dylan’s mother (Simply Tamara Nicole Floral Design) and there were A LOT. This took months of effort from his mother especially, but also his grandmother and a close family friend, plus uncles and aunts who helped cut and prep. They really made the wedding incredible, representing so much care our loved ones put in for us. Dylan’s uncle Dave officiated with a beautiful and personal homily while we were surrounded by majestic yaks, representing my Chinese heritage and being born in the year of the ox. We really felt this wedding captured who we are. I am also very happy to have found my dress at a charity boutique that takes donated dresses and donates all profit to charities supporting women. I even donated my dress back at the end of our wedding! The giant frou-frou skirt I had custom ordered really added dramatic flair during the ceremony and it was a lot of fun stepping out of it in front of everyone to perform our first dance.

Cecilia & Dylan

Flower Arch

Dylan's maternal side of the family has a history of horticulture and season permitting, his house is always filled with fresh bouquets from his mother's garden. As soon as Cecilia and Dylan got engaged, his mother, Kelly started planning and researching all the florals and foliage she could grow. With the help and additional gardens of grandmother Sue and good family friend Marilu, they grew over 1000 plants! Enough to fill the backs of 3 SUVs and a 9 foot Uhaul. Together they forged the amazing flower arch, bouquets, buttonholes, centrepieces and installations that make this wedding a fower lovers dream.

Inspiration & Styling

We wanted the feel of a lush enchanted forest filled with foliage and flowers that felt wild and magical. We both love the outdoors and wanted to preserve a more natural feel that also captured our sense of whimsy and adventure. The most emotional moment for me was the first time I saw the flower arch as I rounded the corner to walk down the aisle. It was so unexpectedly breathtaking. When I saw Dylan standing there surrounded by all our family and friends, the sight was so powerful I couldn't help but start to cry. One of the most fun moments though was performing our first dance and surprising everyone with that song and dance moves, for which we had been taking dance lessons secretly a couple of months before.

Cecilia & Dylan

Advice

I think it helps to prioritise a small number of key things that’ll really matter the most to you. This could be dinner service, the decor, your dress, whatever. It’s very likely you’ll have to adapt to unexpected circumstances and make some sacrifices somewhere, and instead of being disappointed by little things that go wrong, you can stay happy that those 3-4 major things went perfectly.

Cecilia & Dylan
Every wedding is different and every couple will have different priorities on how they spend their budget, but if you need a little guidance we've put together a budget breakdown to help you on your way. Plus, if you're worried about things going wrong, listen to our Plan B podcast to help you plan for those eventualities. You're welcome. rock my wedding forum
Lorna Shaw

Written by Lorna Shaw

Wedding Venue: Mystique Ranch | Catering: Duos Catering | Pies: Tom Douglas Catering | Florist: Simply by Tamara Nicole (Dylan’s mom) | Photo Booth: Glam Snaps | Planner / Stylist: Simply by Tamara Nicole - Elle | Temporary Tattoos : Sticker You | Linens & Chairs: Grant Events Rentals | Dining & Silverware: Cort Party Rental | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Bridal Skirt: Reathua | Bridal Shoes: Everlane | Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus | Grooms Suit: Suit Supply | Grooms Tie: Daziusa | Hair & Makeup: Tiana He | Bridal Boutique: Brides For A Cause

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