‘Out of a fairytale’: Jewellery founder ties knot in glam Byron chateau wedding
Step inside the fairytale wedding of a Brisbane jewellery brand founder and her partner of eight years held at a stunning chateau in the Byron Bay hinterland.
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It was a sliding-doors moment that led Alex Chipman and Hugh Donovan to cross paths. And Chipman, the co-owner and founder of Brisbane-based jewellery brand Natasha Schweitzer, says a matter of seconds could have sent them on different paths. But it was meant to be for the Balmoral couple, who married on April 22 this year before 100 guests after eight years together.
After their original venue cancelled six weeks out from their big day, the pair say it was a blessing in disguise with their replacement venue, Chateau Du Soleil in the Byron Bay hinterland offering up the enchanting wedding of their dreams.
How did you meet? Alex: At Splendour in the Grass 2014. We were both camping with friends and ended up pitching our tents next to each other. I always think that if one car had merged in front of me on the highway, or if I was 10 seconds later getting into the car that morning we would never have been next to each other, and never would have met. It was meant to be.
The proposal? Hugh proposed to me on his parents’ avocado farm in their spectacular garden in Maleny. Much to my surprise the whole family was hiding in the bushes and jumped out after I said yes. This was then followed with a beautiful lunch surrounded by our closest family.
How did you choose your wedding venue? Our venue was actually chosen a stressful six weeks out from our wedding date, after our initial venue cancelled on us. We were extremely lucky to have found and were able to get married at Chateau Du Soleil which translates to Mansion of the Sun. Discreetly nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland, this grand residence is an ode to elegant French charm. Limestone exterior, stained glass windows, Juliet balconies and pristine private gardens created a warm and homely vibe that was even more perfect than our original venue.
How did you go about choosing your wedding dress? To be honest I didn’t try on many wedding dresses, I knew my body and the style that I was after. One of my beautiful friends Sarah owns a bridal boutique Sphere Bridal Gallery, where I purchased my custom made dress, designed and made by Los Angeles designer Katherine Tash. The dress is a full- length strapless silk gown with an integrated corset, finishing with a flowing 3m train. The second dress I had was Alex Perry.
What thoughts did you have while waiting for Alex at the altar? Hugh: I was slightly nervous but more than anything I was excited. It was a surreal feeling being surrounded by our closest friends and family, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of having everyone in the same spot to celebrate the day with us. I was thinking how amazing the whole day had already been, how spectacular the venue was and how incredibly lucky I was to be in this situation, having my best man Max next to me, about to marry my best friend. I was also trying very hard to compose myself as I know my emotions can very easily get the most of me … and did. Once the music started it all become very real, though I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I knew Alex was going to look incredible, because she always does, but that didn’t stop a few tears from being shed. I wouldn’t change anything, it was all absolutely perfect.
What was the most stressful part of wedding planning? The most stressful part was when our initial venue cancelled. We ended up laughing our way through this stressful time, but couldn’t have done it without the help from our wedding planner Christie (Haus
of Hera) she was absolutely amazing through it all.
What was the standout moment of the day? Honestly it was being surrounded by the
most important people in our lives. The whole day was full of love and laugher …
but also the dance floor, Hugh and I love to boogie so we loved dancing the night away with everyone.
Any unique details about your wedding? There were a few special moments during the day. Despite the morning rain that prompted the wet weather plan, the day remained enchanting, with the appearance of a rainbow during the exchanging of vows that created an unforgettable moment. Another surprising detail was the reception area, we had a vision of what this was going to look like, but it was nothing compared to seeing it in real life. The flowers, moss and candles that lined the long tables and dripping chandeliers were almost out of a fairytale.
Top wedding hack? Hiring a wedding planner was the best thing we did, especially if you are hosting a wedding that’s not at a wedding venue. It saved us a lot of time and stress
that we could then spend into our work and home life.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding? To serve hot cinnamon doughnuts and toasted Vegemite and cheese toasties at the end of the night on the dance floor.
The Bride
Alexandra Chipman, 29
Profession Co-owner and founder of Natasha Schweitzer
Parents Simon and Marion Chipman
Bridesmaid Natasha Chipman
Dress Custom Katherine Tash
Hair Level 10 The Studio
Make-up Alex Ouston Beauty
Flowers Fontana Floral
Engagement ring Natasha Schweitzer
Wedding planner/stylist Haus of Hera
Videographer Danny Camara
Celebrant Michelle Shannon
Caterer Joe Chef
The Groom
Hugh Donovan, 29
Profession Clinical operations manager for Queensland X-Ray
Parents Neil and Jocelyn Donovan
Groomsman Maxim Hurley
Suit Oscar Hunt
Entertainment DJ and saxophone player (Honey and Stone entertainment)
Cake By Marina Machado, white chocolate mudcake with honey buttercream, butterscotch sauce, caramelised pecan and crushed malt biscuit, chocolate ganache
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