Country New South Wales wedding ceremony and reception venue Garan Vale Woolshed is a beauty. It was originally a shearing shed designed and built in 1936 just outside of Braidwood. The woolshed was converted into a venue in 1988 by owners John and Moira, and it’s unique history and character adds to it’s charm. Garan Vale was the perfect choice for Natania and Josh’s wedding day. Natania’s work colleague (and Braidwood local) recommended it to her, and she also suggested the beautiful national park as the location where we photographed the bridal party portraits.
Around 8 months ago we received a very heartfelt email from Saini, on behalf of her sister and her fiance. She talked about how Natania and Josh are complete opposites to each other, and how their day would be a fun-filled wedding with lots of tears. Their morning ceremony on the lawns next to the river was followed by a buffet lunch and dancing inside the woolshed. At the end of the ceremony their mothers presented them with a Samoan ula and Indian garland, and the day was filled with Indian and Samoan cultural traditions. Natania wore a 1950’s style tea length 2 piece wedding dress, which she had custom designed for her by a family friend.
One of the things we respected most about their wedding was how it was centred around family and friends, and making the people they love feel valued and appreciated. For example, Natania and Josh chose to have their friend Sarah as their adult “flower girl” who walked down the aisle. It was a beautiful way to give a special role and pay tribute to someone who played a major part in their relationship. Another moment that really stuck with us was during Natania’s speech, when she talked about how we should all love each other despite our differences in opinions or personalities.
Thank you Natania and Josh for allowing us to celebrate your wedding day with you. We’re so grateful that you trusted us to document your wedding, and we felt like we were part of the family once we got to know the people you love most.
Hair: Sarah Sheather (Family Friend)
Makeup: Andriana MUA and Spray Tanning
Florist Bouquets, Buttonholes & Corsages: Lady Larissa
Caterer: Vanilla Catering – Vanessa Bunn
Cake: Groom’s mum
Ceremony arch: Ryan Robinette
Accommodation: Yately House, Braidwood
The invitations, order of service booklet, website and table decorations were designed by Natania’s sister Saini. All other flowers were sourced from various places. The flowers on the archway were put together by Natania’s Aunty, and table decorations arrange by Saini, family and friends.
Garan Vale Woolshed is licensed to seat 150 guests, has a fully equipped bar, in house catering by Vanilla Catering, cutlery, crockery, glasses, tables and seating.
Yately House where Natania and her family stayed on the weekend of the wedding, is a beautiful historical home in the town of Braidwood. The house was built on a very grand scale for the region with high ceilings, 8 fire places, and a wide wrap around verandah. With three huge living areas, 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a modern kitchen and a large family room, Yately is the perfect place for families to stay for weddings and get togethers.
