The Adelaide Botanic Gardens is a wonderful place for a wedding. It’s right in the heart of the city, walking distance to a number of hotels, and chock full of lush greenery that creates a calming atmosphere and makes for a lovely set of photos. However, their wet weather policy pretty much amounts to “lol, I hope you brought an umbrella”, and as things panned out, this was the wettest Saturday in years, the forecast 1-10ml of rain was closer to 25ml, and weddings right across the state were hugely impacted as anyone who’s in any Facebook wedding industry groups would have seen!
But Courtney and Gary got away with it.
Their ceremony was at 3pm when it was a moderate drizzle, rather than 4pm when it was pelting down. They were at Araucaria Avenue in the Gardens which has a few trees to hide under in case of emergency (hats off to Kate Browne for moving the ceremony 10m away under those trees, it worked beautifully.) We were able to take care of the family photos under the trees, family members were dry while I stood out in the rain under an umbrella to take the photos. According to the radar, the end was in sight, and it was spot on. Between 4pm and 5pm we all had some down time in the National Wine Centre, then once the rain stopped we managed to sneak out for some beautiful, relatively dry photos in and around the sunken gardens.
These two have some history too. Gary and Courtney have known each other for twenty years. Two whole decades of friendship before things shifted into something more about five years ago. Honestly, I bloody love that. There’s something special about two people who already know each other inside out choosing to take the next step.
A Celebration Twenty Years in the Making
Their engagement was classic and very them. They spent a night in the city last August and before heading out to see Chicago at the Festival Theatre, Gary popped the question. Simple, heartfelt, and timed perfectly. Dinner and a show hits differently when you’ve just said yes.
The vision for the day was straightforward too. A classic but relaxed celebration. Nothing over the top, nothing trying too hard. Just their families coming together and a big party to mark the moment.
If you’re planning your own wedding, Courtney put it perfectly. Don’t overthink it. Build a good team around you and trust the process. Get the photographer, the venue coordinator, the florist, all the people who know this world inside out. Once that backbone is in place, everything else clicks into gear.
All up, it was an incredible day with two people who are as genuine as they come. A big, warm celebration that rolled from ceremony to dance floor without missing a beat.
Botanic Gardens Wedding Vendors
The dream team who made the magic happen:
Photographer: Simon Bills Photography
Venue: National Wine Centre Of Australia
Celebrant: Kate Browne
Dress Designer: Jack Sullivan Bridal
Dress Boutique: Adelaide Bridal Collective
Suit Designer: Peter Shearer
Florist: Blooming Bridal
Make Up Artist: Blush Hair Makeup Beauty
Hair Stylist: Blush Hair Makeup Beauty
DJ: Entertainment Adelaide
Kilt maker: Scott Ferguson Formalwear
Venue: Adelaide Botanic Gardens
