Oaklands wedding | Lauren + Justin

Lauren and Justin couldn’t have picked a better day for their Oaklands wedding in Pambula. I’m not talking about the weather either (although it was a magical day!). No, it was April Fool’s Day… let the games begin. 

Oaklands Event Centre is pretty amazing, in case you haven’t been. It’s tucked just on the edge of Pambula – a little town on the Sapphire Coast of NSW. In some ways, it reminds me of my hometown of Gerringong – lots of rolling farmland and gorgeous beaches in abundance. Book yourself an Oaklands wedding, and you’ll get access to a stunning Homestead and a character filled reception hall –  all on a lovely rural property. And it’s only a 10-minute drive to the beach, for even more great South Coast wedding photo locations!

Getting ready

Justin and the boys picked a great spot to hang out in Merimbula. Spirits, socks, cigars and general tom-foolery were the themes as they overlooked the river into Merimbula Lake. They’d spent the morning Adventure tree climbing, then freshened up at the local barber. They scrubbed up pretty sharply, each adding their own touch with stylish socks and personalised cuff links.

Then the first surprise of the day rocked up. Justin knew a car would arrive to take them to the ceremony, he just didn’t know what! Lauren had organised a sweet old VW Kombi as the wedding car – they boys were well chuffed.

Meanwhile, Lauren and the girls had a leisurely morning at the Oaklands Homestead. This building… wow! So much character, amazing high ceilings, and surrounded by a tree-filled garden. Hair and makeup were happening in the sun room, along with brunch and bubbles. Spirits were high and there were plenty of laughs, and no dramas to speak of – Lauren is obviously a planner .

Lauren’s gown was one of the most elegant I’ve ever seen… and the other details in her shoes and jewellery made her the picture perfect bride. There were more than a few touching moments, especially when Lauren’s dad came in to collect her. 

Ceremony

I still can’t get over how good Oaklands is for a wedding venue – any South Coast wedding photographer would jump at the chance to work here!!

The ceremony was right outside the Homestead in a nice shady location. Nel Reeve, the local celebrant, worked with Lauren and Justin’s desire for a fun day perfectly – such a light-hearted service, I don’t think I’ve laughed quite as much during a wedding ceremony before!! Troy (Justin’s best man) played his part… pretending to throw Lauren’s ring in the air, then bopping the mike on Justin’s head kept the laughs coming.

Portraits

With the (relatively) serious part of the day over, the fun was about to ramp up to the next level! What I loved most about Lauren and Justin’s wedding was that they just wanted to have fun with those closest to them… and not in a showy, ‘look at how cool we can be’ kind of way. A classic example of this – once the ceremony and family portraits were done, all the guests moved onto the bar and lawn games. Then Lauren, Justin and the bridal party had a Nerf fight. Yep, just them, just because. I even joined in, although I think I needed a bigger gun…

We eventually got organised and took a few more shots around the Homestead… the secret garden out the back was a great find!! Then into the Kombi and down to the Pambula Rivermouth for a change of scenery.

Ever seen a bride cracking a whip? Well now you have! And an honourable mention goes to Steph the bridesmaid – going at it double-handed!! Skills, girl!

We all continued the tom-foolery in front of the cute little boatshed, then bundled back into the Kombi to hit up the reception.

Reception

The reception hall at Oaklands is super cool… heaps of timber, corrugated iron and all kinds of agricultural and industrial bits and bobs floating around.

After the speeches and some tasty food, surprise number 2 arrived – the Photobooth which Justin had organised on the sly! Photoboths are always popular, and it was pretty much a requirement for this fun-filled wedding. After a bit of dancing, Lauren got up to deliver surprise number 3… a live rendition of ‘Greed for your love’ by Missy Higgins. Just… wow!!! It never came up in our earlier chats, but Lauren is an AMAZING talent… I got goosebumps.

As always, I like to steal the couple from the reception for some night shots. The lovely clear night obliged us with a starry sky, and a quiet moment for the newlyweds to just enjoy each other.

Vendors

Thanks to everyone who chipped in to make this Pambula wedding such a cracker of a day!! If you’re planning your own Oaklands wedding, make sure to look these guys up!

Venue

Oaklands Event Centre | www.oaklandsevents.com.au

Celebrant

Nel Reeve | www.nelreevecivilcelebrant.com.au

Hair

Jenna’s Hair Boutique | www.facebook.com/JennasHairBoutique/

Makeup

Hair Rock Scissors | www.facebook.com/Hairrockscissors/

Florist

Exquisite Blooms of Bega | www.flowerdeliverytobega.com.au

Gown & bridesmaids dresses

Bridal on Pulteney
For Her & For Him | www.forherandforhim.com

Suits

Connor | www.connor.com.au

Jeweler

Class A Jewellers | www.classa.com.au

Band

Andy O’Donnell, Garry Carson Jones & Ken Vatcher | www.pbgbers.blogspot.com.au/