Jordan & Elijah


INTIMATE FOREST WEDDING THAT WAS DEEPLY PERSONAL


I love how country weddings have a way of unfolding slowly under golden light. There’s something so intentional and grounded about them—often brought to life with the help of the people closest to you.

Jordan and Elijah’s celebration in Stanley was exactly that. Tucked beneath the tall trees of the Stanley Magic Forest, they exchanged vows surrounded by nature’s quiet strength. From the forest to the pub, the day flowed effortlessly into a relaxed reception at the Stanley Pub, where guests gathered by open fires, under soft fairy lights, with live music setting the tone for a warm and intimate evening..

 

Tell us a little about yourselves!

We had been friends for nearly ten years before we got together. And our circles were so connected that when I moved back to the area, we were together nearly instantly. It couldn’t have worked out better if we had planned it.   


Why did you choose to get married where you did?

We had been on a few adventures in the Magic Forest and when we got engaged, it was the only location we suggested. It is so beautiful and there is no place we would rather than in God’s creation.


How many guests did you have?

we had 60 guests, including the bridal party.

A pair of elegant white slingback heels placed on a brown and beige checkered chess board pattern surface.
A small gathering in a sunlit redwood forest with people standing near decorative displays on a dirt path.
A white fabric banner and wicker basket with flowers sit in dappled sunlight on a forest floor covered in pine needles.
Tell us about your outfits.

Elijah’s suit was from Tarocash Albury and his boots were from Aquila.

My sister created my dress from scratch, our inspiration was from mediaeval movies and period dramas. In particular, The Princess Bride, which was a childhood favourite of my sister and I’s.


What was the most important aspect of planning your wedding?

The most important aspect was celebrating our commitment to each other and having our families there to witness that.


Were there any meaningful elements you wanted to include?

Including our nieces and nephews, and having our parents pray for us in the ceremony.



Elegant white wedding dress with dramatic bell sleeves and fitted bodice on display in vintage-styled interior setting.
Elegant white satin dress with billowing bishop sleeves and delicate neckline shown in soft romantic lighting.
Groomsmen share a candid moment in black suits with floral boutonnieres against a forest backdrop.
Black and white wedding photo showing dress details and floral bouquet with flowing white fabric and ribbons.
Close-up view of flowing white dress hem and brown leather shoes on forest ground covered in pine needles.
A dreamy forest wedding scene with white dresses glowing in sunlight filtering through tall evergreen trees.
Any tips for couples currently planning their wedding?

Stop worrying about everyone else’s opinions. Whether that’s family, friends or social media. Bring the focus back to the commitment you are making to the love of your life. Try and remover why you’re getting married when the planning feels overwhelming.


Are there any vendors you’d love to give a shoutout to?

Mainly my sister for creating my outfit, she spent so much time and energy into crafting it and it was better than the inspiration.


VENDORS/FAMILY MEMBERS BELOW.


Music for ceremony: Rhys Duursma, @rhysduursma
Wedding Dress: bridey duursma, @brideyjade
Ceremony benches: kai duursma @quarryroadtimber
Flowers: @seedandbloom
Cake: @foodiegee
Reception: @stanleypub_vic
A small child wearing a lacy white dress reaches upward with an outstretched hand in warm lighting.
A sweet moment at a wedding with white flowers as a small child in a bright yellow floral dress stands with a bride.
Close up artistic photo of lips and lipstick application in warm lighting with soft bokeh effect.
Close-up of brown leather cowboy boots being adjusted in a car, with hands visible against a dark interior.
A romantic wedding moment captured on a forest path with sunlight filtering through tall pine trees.
A couple in wedding attire stands together on a sunlit hillside in an artistic black and white photograph.
Romantic golden hour portrait of a couple in white clothing sharing an intimate moment against sunlit background.
A romantic wedding couple shares an intimate moment on a sunlit forest path in formal attire.
A vintage car kicks up dust while driving down a dirt road through a scenic forest at sunset.
A crescent moon visible in a pale blue sky above a dark roofline with trees peeking into frame.
Server carrying fresh caprese salads with mozzarella, tomatoes and arugula on white plates.
A display of fresh bread rolls and salads including a meat dish with eggs and fresh vegetables arranged on a rustic table.
A two-tiered white cake topped with red roses sits on a wooden board against a bamboo screen backdrop with greenery.
Burning campfire with glowing string lights and trees blurred in background creating cozy outdoor ambiance.
Acoustic guitarist performs outdoors on stage with a wooden guitar against a natural green backdrop.
People gather at an outdoor evening party with string lights overhead and tables set up on a grassy lawn.
People gather at an outdoor dining table under glowing string lights strung between trees at dusk.
Black and white photo of a figure in heart-shaped sunglasses and fur coat being embraced from behind at night.