LOCAL LOVE
Words: Cherie Donnellan
Photos: Lauren Alyce (www.laurenalyce.com.au)
Bride: Laura McGrath
Groom: James Gannon
ALMOST four years after Laura and James spent their first date at Wye River, the Pennyroyal-based couple returned for a romantic evening.
James, a joker, had always played tricks on Laura about popping the question. But this time he presented her with a ring.
Within three months they held an intimate winter ceremony at James’ family church, surrounded by family and closest friends.
THE CEREMONY
Just 20 guests were invited to the ceremony at St Andrews Catholic Church in Birregurra.
Guests were curled up with hot water bottles and blankets to keep warm on the wintery day and watched Laura and James exchange traditional vows.
The intimate setting allowed the couple and guests to indulge in a celebratory glass of port at the church.
THE RECEPTION
Laura and James ditched the traditional wedding cake and bridal waltz at a packed reception for an intimate lunch with their 20 guests at award-winning Inverleigh restaurant Gladioli. They feasted on an eight-course degustation menu with wine.
“I loved the idea of a degustation and we wanted to spoil our guests,” Laura says.
“I initially wasn’t sure about the whole concept and how it would work at Gladioli but [staff member] Rebecca was very reassuring and it was great.”
THE WILD RIDE
Laura and James thought hiring a double-decker bus to take them to the ceremony then to the reception would be a novel twist.
But the bus ride was more eventful than they expected.
“The bus driver came to pick us up at our home and got badly bogged in the driveway,” Laura recalls.
“James’ parents have a farm across from us, so they got a tractor to pull the bus out.”
The driver also managed to get lost driving between the ceremony and reception but Laura jokes it just allowed guests time for another celebratory drink on the bus before lunch.
More in the latest GC Magazine.
