So, that beautiful lover of native flora at ‘The Wild Stem’ and her man got married at Stackwood in Fremantle last Saturday. I look back on how we met, and how sweet, brilliant, kind, graceful and honest a person Ashleigh is, I mentioned to her, we must have done something right to be counted as a part of her intimate celebration of her union with this fine chap, Jayden. I’m still buzzing with thoughts, thankfulness, and most of all, tremendous happiness for them.
It is important we mention the lovely bride, Ashleigh’s business because that was how we first met at Cowle St Co-op held at ‘The Little Press’ just under 2 years ago. She was sporting luscious long hair when first met, but sporting a very chic pixie hairdo slightly reminiscent of Anne Hathaway. I could barely recognise her, but she warmly waved, and quickly confessed to ‘chopping’ off her tresses. It was also on this day she introduced us to her very special one, Jayden.
I’m so thankful! It all came together in such a magical way and we couldn’t have been happier. It was such a dream day!
Perhaps it was the hair, but really I think it was Jayden. 🙂 Her steps were lighter, her smiles wider, and we could see why when we finally chatted with him. He was as calm, confident and gentle as her family mentioned in the speeches we heard later on the wedding day. We were so honoured when they invited us to play for what was originally to be their backyward wedding. They had no real idea of the details yet but knew it was to be intimate.
To be honest, the deets didn’t matter because gosh, you should see the sweetness in their faces. These two were native to love, deeply in love – quietly, deeply, and just beautifully. When the lovebirds eventually decided to hold their intimate celebration in Stackwood, it felt so delicious that we would have a chance to revisit all those moments before their union and play for them at Stackwood again. We couldn’t wait.
We are so glad to have been able to have you at our wedding day. You were first vendors we booked after we picked our venue and didn’t have anything else planned!
When September came, we were bursting with anticipation to play for them their walk-in (bridal processional) song, ‘Bloom’ by Paper Kites. Although we didn’t have a mandolin, banjo, or guitar (!) like the Paper Kites did, we plucked and sang harmonies on the sweet tenor ukulele interweaving with thick warm sounds from Moonbeam’s acoustic bass, and spun a cosier, intimate version of this beautiful tune. ‘Can I get close to you…?’ the lyrics spoke for themselves, and as the bridesmaids walked down the aisle down to Stackwood’s cosy courtyard, all eyes were anticipating the bride’s entrance. I had to hold it down whilst holding the harmony for Moonbeam as I watched her walk down, twinkling in white, barely holding down her own tears of joy.
~ Hurrah! Photography by Ali BaileyAll of our love and biggest thank you to you both for your talent and for being so easy to work with. You guys are seriously angels.
As Celebrant Leslie shared the story of their first meeting, they shared little giggles, and I could see they couldn’t wait to be pronounced husband and wife. Ooh sweet love. For their signing we tinkled a quiet instrumental version of L.O.V.E, and for their bridal recessional, Nat King Cole’s ‘Almost Like Being in Love’. Looking around us, there wasn’t a single lukewarm sentiment. Guys and gals, tears all around, just genuine excitement, blessings and happiness for the couple’s new chapter.
Our parents adore you, you were so perfect for us to set the relaxed vibe that we wanted to create for the day.
We continued playing as the guests mingled over drinks and wood-fired pizza (yum!), and rounded up our segment with vocal scat exchanges (think dance battles but vocal) and Moonbeam ‘drummed’ solos on his acoustic bass guitar, before DJ Willy Slade took over the evening with a playlist we truly approve of. It made our tear-down and packing up quite a party! Thanks Willy!
Hello Ashleigh & Jayden! Photography by Ali BaileyThank you Ash & Jayden for trusting us with your special day, we know this is just the beginning of many new beginnings for you both. Bless your hearts, your lives together.
’til the next time when we bump, xx P+M xx
We also want to mention these wonderful legends whom we had the pleasure of working (alongside) with:
Planning/Hire of Furniture: Ferguson Valley Events – Lauren is a true gem.
Tableware Hire: Hire Society
Celebrant: Leslie Gasmier
Photography: Ali Bailey
Videography: till death – Mel, mad talent this not-so-‘dark’ lady.
DJ: Willy Slade
Caterer/Food Truck: Il Paiolo – Wood-fired pizza and finger foods, beautiful people.
Blooms: Fox & Rabbit
Transport: Belle Classic Limousines
Venue: Stackwood