A private castle wedding, all love, no stress.
Ashley and Kyle had been engaged for ten years, but planning a traditional wedding was never going to be easy. For Ashley, even the thought of walking into a packed Catholic church full of nearly 400 guests was enough to trigger heart palpitations and tears. The pressure. The performance. The overwhelm. It was just too much.
Enter Side by Side Weddings Victoria. When we first spoke, it was clear this beautiful couple didn’t need a big crowd to have a big love story—they needed peace, privacy, and permission to do things their way. Kylie and I suggested a secret elopement, one that included every dreamy, meaningful detail they’d imagined, without the audience or anxiety. And that’s exactly what we created.
We suggested Avalon Castle in Cockatoo, a venue that’s equal parts romantic and relaxed, with on-site accommodation, fairytale gardens, and a team who genuinely gets it. Using our goodies as part of their package, their ceremony was styled to perfection—gorgeous draping, birdcages with fresh greenery, soft florals by The Styled Bouquet, including the brides bouquet and Kyle's beautiful buttonhole, it's all part of the service. Kylie even provided a sweet Disney ornament on the signing table from her own personal collection. But the absolute showstopper? A horse-drawn carriage that brought Ashley up from the car park to the ceremony—because even a short ride can feel like a fairytale when it’s the one you’ve dreamed of your whole life.
Ash brought treasured items from her childhood to honour loved ones who couldn’t be there, including the doll she received at her baptism. Kyle carried his parents' wedding photo and other keepsakes, quietly grounding the moment in legacy and love. Their vows were heartfelt and emotional, and while there were a few tears, they were mostly joyful ones. Just when they thought the moment couldn’t get sweeter, the team at Avalon Castle surprised them with a cake to cut and share, a thoughtful gesture that made the day feel even more complete.
With no strict timeline or guest list to worry about, we spent hours exploring the grounds and capturing the magic—whispers in the forest, laughter on castle steps, and of course, portraits with Kyle’s pride and joy: his beautiful purple Ford.
Every detail, every moment, every decision was intentional and rooted in love—not pressure.
If the thought of a big wedding fills you with dread, you’re not alone. And the good news is—you don’t need a giant budget or a giant guest list to have a breathtaking, meaningful day. At Side by Side Weddings Victoria, we specialise in creating low-stress, high-love ceremonies that honour your vision, your vibe, and your values—without the panic or the price tag.
Reach out today if you'd like to plan a private, beautiful, stress-free wedding—just like Ashley and Kyle did. We’ll take care of the details. You just show up and say “I do.”
