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Ashleigh and Adrian – A Country Mansion Wedding

Real bride Ashleigh at country mansion wedding, wearing the Elodie gown and Oval Trains by Karen Willis Holmes; both from the Wild Hearts Collection.

Ashleigh and Adrian met through mutual friends at a Pub on Anzac Day in 2015. “Adrian is the most grounded, kind-hearted person I know.” Four years after meeting, in November of 2019 – the couple said I do in Bowral, New South Wales.

Elodie wedding dress by Karen Willis Holmes hanging up morning of wedding with elated bride

On the proposal

Adrian proposed to Ashleigh in October 2018 during a hike in the Royal National Park. Ashleigh was sitting by the water and ready to go home, and Adrian took a photo of his partner from behind. When he asked Ashleigh to then turn around, Adrian was down on one knee with the most beautiful ring.

KWH bride Ashleigh and Adrian sharing a kiss at their country wedding; Ashleigh wears the dramatic Oval Trains with her Elodie gown by Karen Willis Holmes for ceremony look.
KWH bride Ashleigh and Adrian sharing a kiss at their country wedding; Ashleigh wears the dramatic Oval Trains with her Elodie gown by Karen Willis Holmes for ceremony look.
KWH bride Ashleigh and Adrian sharing a kiss at their country wedding; Ashleigh wears the dramatic Oval Trains with her Elodie gown by Karen Willis Holmes for ceremony look.

On the venue

Ashleigh and Adrian got married at Milton Park Country House and Spa in Bowral, NSW.

 

“It’s a stunning country retreat with an old mansion on site amongst the most amazing gardens. We stayed there for a weekend quite early on in our relationship as one of our first getaways, so we always knew it was a contender. We viewed two other venues first, but the moment we drove down the tree-lined driveway towards Milton Park, we knew that was the place for us.”

 

 

Couple portrait with bride looking behind shoulder in Karen Willis Holmes Elodie dress in garden
KWH bride Ashleigh and Adrian at their gorgeous country mansion for their wedding, bride wears the lace Elodie wedding dress.

All the styling details

The couple had a cocktail reception wedding as most of Adrian’s family is from South Australia. Adrian and Ashleigh wanted to give everyone the opportunity to mingle and catch up, in a relaxed setting.

 

“We didn’t have a stylist. We felt that the venue offered enough natural beauty in the stunning gardens and historic mansion, we didn’t want to detract from that, so we kept it simple with a neutral palette of flowers and foliage throughout our ceremony and reception. We hired some customised signs from Ashdown and Bee, and also a photo booth (which was a huge hit for everyone).”

 

KWH bride Ashleigh's cream wedding cake, featuring a rose floral detail.
KWH bride Ashleigh's cream wedding cake, featuring a rose floral detail.
KWH bride Ashleigh's cream wedding cake, featuring a rose floral detail.
Bride in Elodie lace wedding dress by Karen Willis Holmes holding timeless bridal flowers

The Dress

Ashleigh wore our Elodie gown from our Wild Hearts collection and paired it with the Oval trains. Ashleigh found her gown in our Alexandria, Sydney Boutique.

 

“I had followed KAREN WILLIS HOLME S on Instagram for quite a while before I even got engaged. I had no idea what I wanted for a future wedding gown and KAREN WILLIS HOLMES seemed to have the variety so I was confident I would find something there (I also loved literally ALL of the gowns).

 

I love the detail in the lace, and the tulle at the bottom coming through the split. I especially loved wearing the Oval train, I was initially undecided as to whether I wanted to wear a slim fitting gown or a fuller skirt, I felt like adding the Oval train gave me the best of both worlds. I also added an organza modesty panel to the bust for additional coverage. I removed the train after our photos after the ceremony. The dress overall was extremely comfortable, easy to move in (and breathe) and it wasn’t heavy to wear. The train made it feel extra feminine and romantic.”

 

 

KWH bride Ashleigh with her two flower girls, holding her pink and white florals wearing the Elodie gown, a lattice lace wedding dress with spaghetti straps.
KWH bride Ashleigh with her two flower girls, holding her pink and white florals wearing the Elodie gown, a lattice lace wedding dress with spaghetti straps.
KWH bride Ashleigh with her two flower girls, holding her pink and white florals wearing the Elodie gown, a lattice lace wedding dress with spaghetti straps.

Highlight of the Day

“Some of my most favourite moments were standing with my dad right before walking down the aisle, I was so incredibly nervous but the moment he linked my arm to walk I instantly felt calm and ready. Also seeing Adrian at the end of the aisle watching me walk towards him in my dress for the first time.
These are the moments will stay with me for life.”

Real bride Ashleigh walking down the aisle with her Dad, wearing the Elodie gown, a modern lace wedding dress by Karen Willis Holmes.

Gown hunting tips

“Go in with an open mind, I had no idea what I wanted so it was a process of elimination with what suited my body and what didn’t. In saying that, don’t overwhelm yourself and try on too many either.

 

The Elodie was the 5th and final gown I tried in my very first fitting, I went to one more store after that but nothing else compared, I had my heart set on it. Three weeks later I was back at KWH and purchased the Elodie. Also, go with what makes you feel good, the Elodie not only suited my style but I have never felt so good in a dress as I did this one.”

 

 

Bride in Elodie lace wedding dress by Karen Willis Holmes holding timeless bridal flowers

What does love mean to you?

“Everything! To be able to share life’s most precious moments with my best friend, there really is no better feeling.”

 

 

Suppliers:

Location – Milton Park / Photographer – Zoe Morley Photography / Celebrant – Sue Jackman celebrant / Florist – Clementine Posy /  Hair – Jaimi Irving Hair / Makeup – Nourish Me Beautiful / Music – Tillee Music and XYDJ / Stationary – Paperlust and Signs by Ashdown and Bee / Wedding Bands – Midas / Wedding Shoes – Ninewest / Bridesmaids dresses – Zimmerman / Bridal Earrings – Amelie George / First Dance – Latch by Sam Smith


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