Alexandra and Matthew discovered that wedding planning became much easier once they stopped trying to plan a wedding at all. Instead, they created a day around the things they actually cared about. They knew they wanted their dogs there and most importantly, they wanted their friends and family to have a good time, good food and lots of drinks. Everyone could wear what made them feel comfortable and the whole thing would be over in time for dinner.

“We thought about what we wanted out of the day, and we agreed, for our fur babies to be there, for our friends and family to have a laid back day and for the two of us to have fun,” Alexandra said. “We aren’t huge party animals but that didn’t mean we weren’t going to have a hoot with our family and friends. We decided we wanted a pub reception with canapes and a bar tab and for it to all be wrapped up by 5pm!”

The couple married at the Old Courthouse in Wollongong, New South Wales, with a $10,000 budget. Alexandra works in the wedding industry herself as a celebrant, so she had seen plenty of traditional formats. They didn’t want that. Alexandra also opted out of the traditional bridal shop experience, finding her hot pink dress on Fashion Nova for $150 and adding a custom veil from Lovesick Rebel.

Their ceremony was officiated by fellow celebrant and close friend Paddy Brandtman, whom Alexandra met while training. Their dogs, Delilah and Barry, were ‘bark bearers’. Four friends became flower boys in pink flower crowns, scattering petals down the aisle. Alexandra walked down the aisle to a live version of The Best by Tina Turner, inspired by one of the couple’s favourite scenes from Schitt’s Creek. During the ceremony, Matthew surprised her with a quote from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, knowing exactly how much it meant to her.

“When I say I love you, it’s not because I want you or because I can’t have you. I love what you are, how you try. I’ve seen your kindness and strength. I’ve seen the best and the worst of you. I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are. You’re a hell of a woman.”

“I knew this would get her good,” Matthew said. “The look on her face was priceless, I don’t even think she listened to the rest of the vows.”

The reception was held at North Gong Hotel where they had canapés, cocktails and an open bar. Signature drinks were named after Delilah, Barry and Alexandra’s ‘demonic cat’. The colour palette was a mix of emerald, hot pink, baby pink and orange. Flowers were minimal but, Alexandra’s bridesmaid Ebony, owner of Betty Blooms Co., created the faux floral arrangements and the cake was decorated to match. Alexandra loved the flowers so much she even got her bouquet tattooed!

The couple also filled the room with personal touches. Guests were greeted by framed photographs from their own weddings. They had a temporary tattoo station and a wall of kitschy mugs which guests could take as favours. Matthew built a display wall to hang each mug, complete with chocolate bars and handwritten thank you notes. And in classic Australian pub fashion, the reception closed with a meat raffle. A local butcher supplied the prize tray, alongside bottles of wine and chocolate for second and third place.

With a budget of just $10,000, the couple looked to save money in as many practical ways as they could. They chose a content creator over a videographer, the bride’s dress was only $150 and most of the décor was found through Facebook resale groups. And looking back, neither of them would spend any more if they had the chance.

“We can confidently say we wouldn’t change a thing,” Alexandra concluded, “even if we had that money to splurge on one little extra thing, we loved how we did the day, and would do it that way regardless. However, while we didn’t want to spend big bucks, I think it’s important to remember that wedding vendors charge what they do, because of the work they put into your big day. A lot of couples will post on some of the wedding groups I am in about their shock at the price tags on certain wedding services and vendors, you have to remember that that is someone’s livelihood, and they cost that much because they are friggin’ amazing at what they do!”

“I also think there is a stigma around non-traditional weddings around ‘oh they’re trying to be different’ and that’s not it at all. We are just being ourselves.”