Sustainability the key in happy couple’s special wedding day
A “green” wedding in the Hunter Valley was the order of the day for “eco-friendly” couple Kimberley and Kevin.
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AN “eco-friendly” wedding was the order of the day for former St Margaret’s schoolgirl Kimberly Crawford and Kevin Camrass.
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With sustainability a key issue for the couple, they wanted to make sure their special day was in keeping with all things green.
They chose to tie the knot at Peterson House, in the NSW Hunter Valley — the perfect spot given it is powered by a large solar system and also bans single-use plastics.
Guests from all over the world (including Norway, United Kingdom, Denmark and New York) enjoyed a reception with locally produced food and beverages, cutting down on food miles and supporting farmers.
The couple lives in NSW but plan to return to Brisbane next year.
How did Kevin propose?
We travelled to Greenland to hike the Arctic Trail — a remote, 10-day walk with no contact with the outside world and no modern comforts.
On day three of the hike, Kevin proposed overlooking a beautiful lake with Greenland’s towering mountains in the background.
We then had to carry the ring carefully for the rest of the hike, including through a number of precarious river crossings.
First dance?
An acoustic version of Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, accompanied by a choreographed dance routine.
What made this uniquely your wedding?
The groom’s speech included a surprise song and guitar solo for Kimberly, set to an acoustic version of “500 miles” (The Proclaimers), one of her favourite songs.
Kevin also surprised the guests with a number of impromptu saxophone solos that brought the house down.
The day had lots of personal touches, including the order of service and menus designed by the groom, and reception styling by the bride.
Special memories?
Our celebrant, Monty King, asked all the guests to take a vow of support and encouragement for us at the start of the ceremony.
Also, Kimberly’s mother collected rose petals for months prior to the wedding, which the guests used as confetti as we exited to the sounds of chapel bells ringing.
As the sun was setting we made sure to have a moment to ourselves with a drink at the gorgeous Van Dan Vintage Caravan bar.
Best Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Decide what’s important to you and allocate budget to that — for us this was the band. Choose local where possible, not only is this generally less expensive, it’s also more environmentally sustainable.
THE BRIDE
Kimberly Crawford, 35
Profession: Sustainability project manager
Parents: Mary-Anne and Bernie O’Neill
Bridesmaids: Kerensa Stoll, Katie Strong, Melissa Crawford
Dress: Eladia by Pronovias from White Lily Couture, Red Hill
Hair & makeup: Chic Artistry, NSW
Flowers: Hunter Valley Bouquets
Engagement ring: Cushion set white gold ring with a diamond halo.
THE GROOM
Kevin Camrass, 33
Profession: High schoolteacher and musician
Parents: Julia and Ray Camrass
Groomsmen: David Camrass, Steve Bian, Tony Hackett
Suit: Rembrandt Suits
Transport: Austin vintage car (Princess Classic Cars) for the bride and bridesmaids. Grace Coaches for guests.
Entertainment: Baker Boys Band
Cake: Lemon, coconut and white chocolate (Little Bakehouse, Newcastle)
Photography: Tom Roberts Media
Contact: hannah.davies@news.com.au