A farmland family property hidden in the hills of the Blue Mountains, with no address, and unsealed dirt roads... we always knew this wedding would be like no other, but nothing could have prepared us for what was to come...
This is my story of Janice & Richard's wedding experience. I was their full wedding planner, and met them just as they were settling on the location and the date of their wedding. Their wedding planning journey definitely was some feat, to carry on through all that COVID threw at us in 2020... to finally meet the wedding day head first on Saturday 20 March 2021. And nothing, not even the threat of being flooded out, was going to stop us!
Enjoy this heart melting read. It proves to you that love is truly all that matters at the end of the day! During these times of COVID, you may have to change plans last minute, or your day may end up a little different to what you first envisioned... Remember, as long as you are marrying your true love, that's all that matters - and your day will be magical no matter what!
This is my story of Janice & Richard's wedding experience. I was their full wedding planner, and met them just as they were settling on the location and the date of their wedding. Their wedding planning journey definitely was some feat, to carry on through all that COVID threw at us in 2020... to finally meet the wedding day head first on Saturday 20 March 2021. And nothing, not even the threat of being flooded out, was going to stop us!
Enjoy this heart melting read. It proves to you that love is truly all that matters at the end of the day! During these times of COVID, you may have to change plans last minute, or your day may end up a little different to what you first envisioned... Remember, as long as you are marrying your true love, that's all that matters - and your day will be magical no matter what!
So the love story begins in 2013 with Janice & Richard meeting at university. Although, their first meeting didn’t go so smoothly... they were quoted saying, “If I had to hear your voice for the rest of my life, I would go crazy”... Fate would bring them together again and again, until finally, while performing in a show together, Janice bumped into Richard backstage, and they realised they both had a similar wicked sense of humour and they bonded over American political memes.
As soon as they were engaged in January 2020, wedding plans were well and truly underway for their two separate weddings. The first wedding being their ultimate rustic neon wedding at Richard’s family property in the Megalong Valley, and their second wedding being a traditional cultural wedding in Malaysia to honour Janice’s culture.
Planning a wedding during COVID times still didn't stop them from booking their dream vendors to create their ultimate wedding!
They booked their wedding planner and coordinator (me!) in February 2020, and just as they locked in their wedding date of 20 March 2021, the spread of COVID-19 had reached Australia. Bummer! But we kept our chins up! COVID was always a lingering presence during their planning, especially as Janice is a general practitioner in Sydney’s CBD.
Planning a wedding during COVID times still didn’t stop them from booking their dream vendors to create their ultimate wedding! We made sure we booked in a marquee with elevated timber flooring, large enough to hold both ceremony (for wet weather back up) and the reception in. We made sure it was still located close to the property's house, and that the marquee was large enough to hold 100 guests, ensuring we still adhered to the COVID venue square metre rules we were to follow.
Planning a wedding during COVID times still didn’t stop them from booking their dream vendors to create their ultimate wedding! We made sure we booked in a marquee with elevated timber flooring, large enough to hold both ceremony (for wet weather back up) and the reception in. We made sure it was still located close to the property's house, and that the marquee was large enough to hold 100 guests, ensuring we still adhered to the COVID venue square metre rules we were to follow.
During 2020, their Australian wedding plans progressed very well. They had no choice but to put their Malaysian wedding plans on hold due to uncertainty of international flight borders closing. Just one bump in the planning road to come.
The new year of 2021 arrived, Yay! And was filled with hope that Australia was getting back on track and wedding restrictions were lifting. The year started off with a mix of emotions. We were allowed 2 square metre distancing indoors, which meant ALL our invited guests were still able to attend - and we were allowed guests back on a dance floor! Woo!
The new year of 2021 arrived, Yay! And was filled with hope that Australia was getting back on track and wedding restrictions were lifting. The year started off with a mix of emotions. We were allowed 2 square metre distancing indoors, which meant ALL our invited guests were still able to attend - and we were allowed guests back on a dance floor! Woo!
Finally we reached the week of the wedding!
We thought we'd gotten through the hardest part...
The most difficult part was having had to make the ultimate decision that Janice’s mother and father were unable to travel Australia from Malaysia, and her sister Denise was unable to travel from Singapore for the wedding, due to international borders being closed. Janice has two sisters Cherise and Maris who live in Australia who thankfully had no issues travelling to Sydney for the wedding. Phew! So it was decided that one of Janice's best friends Eleni would step in as the third bridesmaid, and both sisters would walk Janice down the aisle for her ceremony entrance, arm in arm. It was a superb plan indeed!
We’d kicked all our wedding planning goals, combatted some emotional COVID hurdles, created our dream wedding, and FINALLY we reached the week of the wedding! We thought we’d gotten through the hardest part...
Richard’s dad spoke to a local farmer about keeping the entrance gate to the property unlocked for easy access for guests and vendors, and was quickly denied use of that road. The family property doesn’t have an address, so we’d distributed the GPS coordinates and detailed directions using that road to all vendors and guests in the weeks beforehand. We then re-planned the new route and distributed the new directions to guests and vendors using a completely unsealed dirt clay road. Weddings always come with last minute surprises, so this is something we just had to adapt to.
The weather forecast in the final days was looking grim for the whole of NSW. Rain was forecasted every single day, and floods were reported along the coastline – but no floods in the Blue Mountains! With the sun making an appearance in the Megalong Valley each day, we had hopes the weather would make a change and we may still be able to have our outdoor ceremony up on the property’s hill overlooking the spectacular nearby rolling mountains.
Janice’s two sisters Cherise and Marise had arrived in Sydney, and we were hanging on to every ounce of hope everything would go ahead as planned.
The weather forecast in the final days was looking grim for the whole of NSW. Rain was forecasted every single day, and floods were reported along the coastline – but no floods in the Blue Mountains! With the sun making an appearance in the Megalong Valley each day, we had hopes the weather would make a change and we may still be able to have our outdoor ceremony up on the property’s hill overlooking the spectacular nearby rolling mountains.
Janice’s two sisters Cherise and Marise had arrived in Sydney, and we were hanging on to every ounce of hope everything would go ahead as planned.
We woke up on wedding day morning... on the TV and the radio, all of NSW was advised not to drive anywhere, and to stay home...
We woke up on wedding day morning knowing the rain was heavy overnight and lasted the entire night. There was still plenty more rain to come, a potential storm, and a threat of flooding. Even more scary was that the river beside the wedding marquee property was rising. It had risen so high at this stage that it swept away the bonfire the family built for the guests to enjoy by the river bank. On the TV and the radio, all of NSW was advised not to drive anywhere, and stay home this weekend due to potential flooding all over the state of NSW...
We had a lot of guests phone through last minute, wanting to take the guest buses to the wedding. Many guests felt the guest bus would be a safer option compared to driving their own cars themselves to and from the wedding. And completely understandable too! Rod our bus driver took on all the changes happily and easily and adapted to these last minute changes without any fuss.
We had a lot of guests phone through last minute, wanting to take the guest buses to the wedding. Many guests felt the guest bus would be a safer option compared to driving their own cars themselves to and from the wedding. And completely understandable too! Rod our bus driver took on all the changes happily and easily and adapted to these last minute changes without any fuss.
It dawned on us we weren’t going to have our outdoor wedding, that our camping guests will need rooms in the house to sleep in, and that we may have issues with the unsealed clay road to the property which was turning into a slippery mud pit, with the potential for car bogging. The most alarming part was the fact that the unsealed road is located right beside the full flowing river with a fierce current, which was on the rise, and the river had already flooded one of the entrance bridges to the property. With one entrance road still clear for guests to access, we were crossing fingers and toes and going full steam ahead with the wedding!
There were talks with the family of rescheduling the wedding... but luckily someone brought the tequila and a shot of tequila was shared by all in the property’s house! And so it was quickly decided to keep calm and CARRY ON! What troopers!!
There were talks with the family of rescheduling the wedding... but luckily someone brought the tequila and a shot of tequila was shared by all in the property’s house! And so it was quickly decided to keep calm and CARRY ON! What troopers!!
We are so incredibly thankful for all the dedicated vendors we booked !
We are so incredibly thankful for all the dedicated vendors we booked. They all arrived safe and sound to the property without getting lost using the new direction coordinates, and without having any issues using the now very muddy and slippery unsealed roads. They all arrived early, ahead of time!
Hyre Events floralled up and styled our entire clear marquee so beautifully, and quickly adapted to our wet weather backup plan with plenty of space for our ceremony too! Britt the styling director, ran the set up in true boss style and had the marquee in pristine condition in no time at all!
Hyre Events floralled up and styled our entire clear marquee so beautifully, and quickly adapted to our wet weather backup plan with plenty of space for our ceremony too! Britt the styling director, ran the set up in true boss style and had the marquee in pristine condition in no time at all!
Fiona & Bobby Photography and CloudHerd Films captured Janice and Richard's intimate prep footage and gorgeous emotion filled first look photos, making them feel at ease and keeping us all full of excitement for the loved up ceremony to come. After the first look photos, the bridal party then got together for a shoot with Janice and Richard - we loved that meant the bridal party can relax straight into festivities with guests after the ceremony.
With nerves in full swing at this stage, we could see guests arriving safely in their cars, however we were very eagerly awaiting the arrival of our 50 guests travelling on the Near or Far Bus & Coach guest mini buses. The 50 guests is half of the guest numbers, so you can understand the excitement when we saw the guest buses pull up beside our marquee with 15 minutes to go before the ceremony start time! PERFECT! There were big cheers and high fives in the property's house!! We were in so much relief all guests arrived safe and sound, and the heavy buses didn’t get bogged!!!
The buses needed to be parked in the safest spot on the property which was just in the front of the marquee, but we didn’t mind as safety comes first!
With nerves in full swing at this stage, we could see guests arriving safely in their cars, however we were very eagerly awaiting the arrival of our 50 guests travelling on the Near or Far Bus & Coach guest mini buses. The 50 guests is half of the guest numbers, so you can understand the excitement when we saw the guest buses pull up beside our marquee with 15 minutes to go before the ceremony start time! PERFECT! There were big cheers and high fives in the property's house!! We were in so much relief all guests arrived safe and sound, and the heavy buses didn’t get bogged!!!
The buses needed to be parked in the safest spot on the property which was just in the front of the marquee, but we didn’t mind as safety comes first!
Echo the family's golden retriever was quite a star for the entire wedding! She got a HUGE cheer by all the guests as she made her wedding debut running into the marquee with a huge smile and wagging tail! She just LOVED all the attention, constant pats and plenty of extra little treats under the table! What a cutie!!
The ceremony was perfect, and was created and run by Janice and Richard's close friend Joshua. Joshua put together a fun and quirky bespoke ceremony, with loads of personality and personal touches. All the guests were brimming with the biggest smiles and were totally into every minute of each story he told. We actually forgot all about the rain during the ceremony!
The ceremony was perfect, and was created and run by Janice and Richard's close friend Joshua. Joshua put together a fun and quirky bespoke ceremony, with loads of personality and personal touches. All the guests were brimming with the biggest smiles and were totally into every minute of each story he told. We actually forgot all about the rain during the ceremony!
Richard's face was priceless, full of so much love - always my favourite moment at a wedding!
Richard had his very own entrance - to live music of course! Was very cool having him as the first of the party to officially arrive, walking down the aisle to his own ceremony. The bridal party followed behind him.
Watching Janice walk down the aisle arm and arm with her sisters had everyone reaching out for the Kleenex. Richard's face was priceless, full of so much love and emotion - always my favourite moment at a wedding! I just love that even though a couple may have a first look photo session, this moment of seeing each other at the aisle still gets them right smack bang in the heart every time!
The ceremony was full of so much joy and love underneath a lush floral installation with a hanging custom 'Weiss Tan Clan' neon sign.
Watching Janice walk down the aisle arm and arm with her sisters had everyone reaching out for the Kleenex. Richard's face was priceless, full of so much love and emotion - always my favourite moment at a wedding! I just love that even though a couple may have a first look photo session, this moment of seeing each other at the aisle still gets them right smack bang in the heart every time!
The ceremony was full of so much joy and love underneath a lush floral installation with a hanging custom 'Weiss Tan Clan' neon sign.
Red Soda sang all the ceremony songs live which was so unique and special to Janice and Richard.
We just loved the processional, when guests showered Janice and Richard with eco love heart gum nut leaf confetti. It's such a fun moment and we love supporting local, and that this confetti is made locally in the Blue Mountains!
When the champagne and home made margaritas came out for guests, the rain finally stopped and the sun came out - so Janice and Richard quickly disappeared for a portrait photo session up on the nearby hills. Fiona & Bobby and CloudHerd Films captured some of the most incredible footage of the couple.
We just loved the processional, when guests showered Janice and Richard with eco love heart gum nut leaf confetti. It's such a fun moment and we love supporting local, and that this confetti is made locally in the Blue Mountains!
When the champagne and home made margaritas came out for guests, the rain finally stopped and the sun came out - so Janice and Richard quickly disappeared for a portrait photo session up on the nearby hills. Fiona & Bobby and CloudHerd Films captured some of the most incredible footage of the couple.
One guest at this stage reported their car being bogged. This definitely put me on guard for what may be to come of the floods!
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One guest at this stage reported their car being bogged, just outside the marquee, which thankfully was quickly pulled out to safety. This definitely put me on guard for what may be to come due to the floods!
Janice and Richard's reception entrance was so much fun! We loved that the entrance rolled straight onto the first dance ‘At the Beginning’ (from Anastasia) performed live by their best friends Brendan and Tracey. Such a special touch!
Janice and Richard's reception entrance was so much fun! We loved that the entrance rolled straight onto the first dance ‘At the Beginning’ (from Anastasia) performed live by their best friends Brendan and Tracey. Such a special touch!
The catering was absolutely scrumptious by The Wilderness Chef, having made some dishes specially for Janice and Richard which weren’t part of their standard menu. The canapés were devoured by guests with gusto, and the mains were sooo delicious! The herb butter beef fillets are still being talked about to this day!
The wedding cake was cut with a samurai sword! Yes you read correctly! Janice and Richard had loads of fun cutting their two tier semi naked meringue cake by the Half Baked Moose. The cake formed part of the deelish dessert station which was filled with macarons, profiteroles and cheese cake!
The wedding cake was cut with a samurai sword! Yes you read correctly! Janice and Richard had loads of fun cutting their two tier semi naked meringue cake by the Half Baked Moose. The cake formed part of the deelish dessert station which was filled with macarons, profiteroles and cheese cake!
The dance session was kicked off with a bang, starting off with a traditional yam seng toast! That's one sure way to get a party started!! And the dance floor was officially full for the rest of the evening - thanks to Kartik our DJ/MC from Red Soda!
Everyone celebrated, danced and partied hard right until 11pm, when booties couldn't shake any more! It was an unforgettable night full of celebrations and drinks a-flowing!
Everyone celebrated, danced and partied hard right until 11pm, when booties couldn't shake any more! It was an unforgettable night full of celebrations and drinks a-flowing!
Rod reported that a couple of the cross roads along the path were already beginning to flood with fast flowing water...
With the rain still pouring at the end of our reception, reports of waters rising quickly, we knew there may be a few more car issues to come, and a limited amount of time until the only road out of the property would be completely under dangerously deep water with a strong current.
A few vendors got together and car pooled or followed each other in their cars along the muddy unsealed road. Richard's father Gordon assisted guests on their journey along the mud roads in the darkness of night and ensured everyone made it to the tar road safely.
Our caterers and DJ had their vehicles bogged in the mud pit during their departure. Thankfully Rod (our official saviour of the evening!) who is the owner of Near or Far Bus & Coach - was monitoring their travels at the time and he pulled them out from being bogged to safety. Rod reported that a couple of the cross roads along the path were already beginning to flood with fast flowing water.
A few vendors got together and car pooled or followed each other in their cars along the muddy unsealed road. Richard's father Gordon assisted guests on their journey along the mud roads in the darkness of night and ensured everyone made it to the tar road safely.
Our caterers and DJ had their vehicles bogged in the mud pit during their departure. Thankfully Rod (our official saviour of the evening!) who is the owner of Near or Far Bus & Coach - was monitoring their travels at the time and he pulled them out from being bogged to safety. Rod reported that a couple of the cross roads along the path were already beginning to flood with fast flowing water.
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We were so relieved to hear our guest minibuses filled with 50 of our guests travelled safely along the muddy road and made it to their bus stops without any issues. Big phew!
By 1.30am Janice and Richard had 30 friends and family (with some who were meant to be camping!) staying in the house at the property, and all the vendors had left the property safely. Janice and Richard stayed up with their loved ones drinking, laughing and sharing stories into the wee hours of night. With everyone safe and sound, it's fair to say we all slept very well that night!
By 1.30am Janice and Richard had 30 friends and family (with some who were meant to be camping!) staying in the house at the property, and all the vendors had left the property safely. Janice and Richard stayed up with their loved ones drinking, laughing and sharing stories into the wee hours of night. With everyone safe and sound, it's fair to say we all slept very well that night!
The following morning the water had risen on the cross roads so high that there was no chance of them being able to leave...
And so the story continues onto the following morning!! But wait, there's more!
The following morning Hyre Events, our stylists, arrived to collect their décor and bump out. However on their departure the water had risen on the cross roads so high that the current was too strong and there was no chance of them being able to leave safely. They ended up staying on the property with the family over night that night and luckily were able to leave in their truck (being a powerful heavy vehicle) the following morning.
The following morning Hyre Events, our stylists, arrived to collect their décor and bump out. However on their departure the water had risen on the cross roads so high that the current was too strong and there was no chance of them being able to leave safely. They ended up staying on the property with the family over night that night and luckily were able to leave in their truck (being a powerful heavy vehicle) the following morning.
The 30 friends and family at the property's house were stranded there for the next four days as water levels weren't lowering. They contemplated contacting the SES, but thankfully it didn’t come to that. Due to COVID isolation during the year there was plenty of food stored away on the property, and they had left overs of delicious wedding cake to keep them going !
Everyone was so relieved the flooding didn’t happen on the wedding day! And Janice and Richard love that the mini buses are in view in their ceremony photos – it reminds them of Rod’s bravery and how he and his team kept our guests safe – it’s a part of their story!
Everyone was so relieved the flooding didn’t happen on the wedding day! And Janice and Richard love that the mini buses are in view in their ceremony photos – it reminds them of Rod’s bravery and how he and his team kept our guests safe – it’s a part of their story!
Check out Janice and Richard's Kickass trailer film!
They wanted something fun - boy did CloudHerd nail the fun in this clip!
Words can't describe how proud I am of Janice and Richard during this entire planning process, and how they kept strong and still went ahead with their wedding despite it being quite different to how they imagined it. They had a magical day, because in the end, they reminded themselves that they were marrying their true love and that's all that matters.
I am beyond over the moon that we chose the vendors we did. They all stood up on the day, the true pros that they all are, and went over and above their usual jobs. They all adapted to the changes and challenges, and ensured Janice and Richard had a wonderful wedding day.
This wedding has certainly gone down in history for me as a planner! Reflecting on the days following the wedding and learning what the devastating floods did to so many towns and people's livelihoods all around NSW, I'm just in awe that we survived it and were able to keep the wedding afloat.
I am beyond over the moon that we chose the vendors we did. They all stood up on the day, the true pros that they all are, and went over and above their usual jobs. They all adapted to the changes and challenges, and ensured Janice and Richard had a wonderful wedding day.
This wedding has certainly gone down in history for me as a planner! Reflecting on the days following the wedding and learning what the devastating floods did to so many towns and people's livelihoods all around NSW, I'm just in awe that we survived it and were able to keep the wedding afloat.
Janice, Richard and all of us send our love and thoughts to all those affected by the NSW floods. If you were impacted by the floods in any way, and need additional support, please don't hesitate to hop onto the Service NSW, Storms & Floods Customer Care Service website www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods or call Service NSW 24/7 on 13 77 88. The Red Cross also has a 2021 Flood Appeal which may also be of assistance, please see their website for details www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/2021-nsw-floods-appeal.
If you would like help with your weddings plans, no matter how big or how small, don't hesitate to email me at alison@alisonhughesweddings.com. I'd love to take away the stress of wedding planning from your shoulders, and assist you with all that may come your way in your journey of wedding planning!
Warmest
Ali xx
If you would like help with your weddings plans, no matter how big or how small, don't hesitate to email me at alison@alisonhughesweddings.com. I'd love to take away the stress of wedding planning from your shoulders, and assist you with all that may come your way in your journey of wedding planning!
Warmest
Ali xx
Our Real Photos
 Always time for happy snap selfie with my bride and groom! :D  The road out of the property flooded on 21 March 2021 |  The road to the property flooded on 21 March 2021  Janice & Richard reflecting, 21 March 2021 |
Travellers wanting to cross the river in their cars, being turned away, Sunday 21 March 2021
The Vendor Team
Planner & Coordinator
Alison Hughes Weddings www.alisonhughesweddings.com
Photography
Fiona & Bobby Photography www.fionaandbobby.com
Videography
CloudHerd Film Co www.cloudherdfilmco.com
Marquee & flooring
Walkers Party Hire www.walkershire.com.au
Décor Styling, Florals, Signage
Hyre Events www.hyreevents.com.au
Catering, Waiters & Bartenders
The Wilderness Chef www.thewildernesschef.com
Live Music/MC/DJ
Red Soda Band www.redsoda.com.au
Wedding Cake
The Half Baked Moose www.thehalfbakedmoose.com
Hair & Make Up
Kelly T Beauty www.instagram.com/kellytbeauty/?hl=en
Guest Transport
Near or Far Bus & Coach www.nearorfarbusandcoach.com.au
Eco Ceremony Confetti
Blue Mountains Eco Confetti www.bluemountainsecoconfetti.bigcartel.com
Luxe Porta Loos
Lavish Loos www.lavishloos.com.au
Bride Wedding Ceremony Gown
It's a Vow by Show Po www.showpo.com
Bride Wedding Reception Gown
Made by hand couture Bell Street Bridal www.bell-street.com
Groom's Suit
MJ Bale www.mjbale.com
Bridesmaid Gowns
Show Po www.showpo.com
Groom's Party Outfits
MJ Bale www2.hm.com
Electrical Equipment, Cool Room, Porta Loos Hire
Kennards Hire Penrith www.kennards.com.au
Celebrant
The couple's wonderful friend Joshua Shuvalov
Alison Hughes Weddings www.alisonhughesweddings.com
Photography
Fiona & Bobby Photography www.fionaandbobby.com
Videography
CloudHerd Film Co www.cloudherdfilmco.com
Marquee & flooring
Walkers Party Hire www.walkershire.com.au
Décor Styling, Florals, Signage
Hyre Events www.hyreevents.com.au
Catering, Waiters & Bartenders
The Wilderness Chef www.thewildernesschef.com
Live Music/MC/DJ
Red Soda Band www.redsoda.com.au
Wedding Cake
The Half Baked Moose www.thehalfbakedmoose.com
Hair & Make Up
Kelly T Beauty www.instagram.com/kellytbeauty/?hl=en
Guest Transport
Near or Far Bus & Coach www.nearorfarbusandcoach.com.au
Eco Ceremony Confetti
Blue Mountains Eco Confetti www.bluemountainsecoconfetti.bigcartel.com
Luxe Porta Loos
Lavish Loos www.lavishloos.com.au
Bride Wedding Ceremony Gown
It's a Vow by Show Po www.showpo.com
Bride Wedding Reception Gown
Made by hand couture Bell Street Bridal www.bell-street.com
Groom's Suit
MJ Bale www.mjbale.com
Bridesmaid Gowns
Show Po www.showpo.com
Groom's Party Outfits
MJ Bale www2.hm.com
Electrical Equipment, Cool Room, Porta Loos Hire
Kennards Hire Penrith www.kennards.com.au
Celebrant
The couple's wonderful friend Joshua Shuvalov
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