Love is an extraordinary feeling, and couples are falling more and more in love throughout the world. Find out more about the story of this beautiful couple.
Meet the couple
What started out as a pure and young friendship, somewhere along the way became a blossoming committed partnership. Grace and Jake met at a music gig in Sydney around ten years ago, and after much life lived together, Jake popped the question in Paris.
As they came home and started planning their big day, COVID hit and put their plans into disarray, with so much unknown. Their day ended up being a dream long lunch wedding with 15 of their closest family and friends at the Palm House in the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney.
Grace and Jake on their special day
What wedding vibe were you looking for?
We really wanted to create a beautifully intimate (as we could be!) fun and relaxed long lunch-style wedding with our nearest and dearest.
Why did you decide on this venue?
Truth be told, we decided on this venue very last minute because of a cancellation of our first two original plans due to COVID and other related hiccups. Incredibly lucky for us, the Palm House was available for our date – we instantly fell in love with the historical elements of the greenhouse and marvelled at the high glass ceilings and natural light which let through the speckled sun so magically. The blank canvas style of the space meant we could personalise with all our original touches as well as providing adequate space for our guests to dine and enjoy. The fact that it was also set in amongst the iconic Gardens was the cherry on top!
The Gardens staff were so accommodating, supportive and lovely to work with amongst all the uncertainty, which meant a much more memorable and smooth time for us and our guests.
What were your favourite details about the wedding?
We loved the contrast of the past and the present of the venue; the Palm House and its old worldly charm in amongst the incredible greenery of the gardens set against the modern city skyline – and as the sun was setting it was just so unique and magical. We have spent a large portion of our relationship in Sydney, so to have the city peeking through the tree tops, but feeling like you were a world away from anywhere and anyone else, was amazing.
Our menu was Italian-inspired, as we spent our time road tripping through Italy just after we got engaged in 2019 and wanted to bring home our favourite aspects that we had so lovingly devoured. We designed the menu with my talented sister and brother in law, who worked on bringing our menu dreams truly to life – including a knock-out tiramisu!
We also loved our stunning flowers which lit up the venue with colour, vibrancy and fun. We were also surprised with a video call speech (organised by Jake’s Groomsmen) from Jake’s best man who lives in Germany, who, due to the circumstances was unfortunately unable to attend – a testament to the time we are living in.
The Palm House at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Vendor information:
Things to consider
Here are a few things to remember if your big day is planned while wedding restrictions apply due to COVID-19 but don't forget to keep up to date by visiting nsw.gov.au.
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As the date gets closer communicating with your guests is key. Remind everyone that it's important not to attend if they are feeling unwell and encourage them to get tested if they have symptoms.
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Use a video broadcast or live stream to involve loved ones who can't attend your wedding due to restrictions or feeling unwell.
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Explore outdoor wedding venues to ensure there is enough space to allow social distancing.
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Some couples have opted to have photography taken before the ceremony to limit the time in-between photographs.
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Look at ways to minimise hygiene risks such as sharing food or tagging glassware, so guests remember which is theirs.
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Ask the celebrant or MC to remind guests of what is okay and what's not so that everyone can remain socially distant and hygienic.
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Have fun, make memories and enjoy your special day.
Learn more about wedding venues at the Garden here.