Once every so often, there are days that take your breath away… and Stuart & Leanne’s magical, handmade wedding was one of those days. The occasion had so much heart and soul – the speeches were heartfelt, the food was delicious, drinks flowed freely and the music got everyone kicking off their shoes and heading onto the dance floor without any prompting whatsoever.

The day was a product of couple’s family and friends helping out, and the pair’s great flair for casual elegance. The happy, easy vibe that they created was contagious to all throughout the day and into the night.

The wedding was held at Cockatoo Island, which is a quick ferry ride off the main Sydney Harbour. The island used to house convict workshops, an industrial school, a reformatory and was also a shipyard. The Island has recently been added to the World Heritage List and it’s big, rusty remnants have so much charm and character against the backdrop of a sparkling Sydney Harbour.

As we stepped off the ferry, there was a short walk up a picturesque path. Adorable chalkboard signs were scattered along the path to guide wedding guests to the ceremony. At the top of the walk my hyperventilating commenced (and not just because of the stairs) …  the ceremony had a spectacular view of Sydney harbour and the decorating was a picture of understated elegance.

The bride was radiant and the groom so dapper. The ceremony was short yet heartfelt and while the rest of Sydney sweltered in a heat wave, this little spot seemed to be in fresh, breezy bliss. We sipped some champagne and soaked in the view before meandering down towards an large industrial warehouse for the reception.

The exterior of the reception location hinted at how unique the reception was to be, but nothing really prepared the guests for the magically decorated interior. Everything was just beautiful. Everything.

Here are our favourite picks from this beautiful event:

• mismatched fairy lights formed the most gorgeous canopy
• fresh flowers in casual handpicked posies added pops of colour in clusters of mismatched glass jars
• industrial accents similar to those we used in the Chatswood and Newtown balcony transformations
• vintage wooden crates (used as here as coffee and side tables) like the ones we found at the weekend markets,
• weathered wood pieces and rusted accents features from the warehouse’s industrial past
• bunting (which the bride had sewn herself) softened the space perfectly
• doilies like the ones we repurposed in our table settings and to redecorate glass jars for Evie’s room were scattered through the space,
• paper pompoms similar to the ones we made for the vintage 21^st we styled (and also in our gift wrapping special)
• French provincial pieces like the wooden ‘truffle’ box used for wedding favours.
• The Candles – Oh and the candles! Many perfectly placed candles created a sense of cosiness throughout the large, industrial warehouse space.

I could go on… but here are the snaps so take a look for yourself:

It certainly takes a very creative eye and a keen attention to detail to turn a large industrial space into such a warm and inviting wedding reception.

It was so lovely to be a part of this lovely couple’s special day and we wish them a lifetime of magic together.

– The Cloud9 Project