Creating New Traditions


Jimmy and Nicole are the kind of couple who create their own traditions. With a love of fantasy worlds, DIY projects, and heartfelt personal touches, they wanted their wedding day to be a true reflection of their lives together. What they created was an eclectic, joyful celebration filled with meaning, laughter, and a whole lot of denim and lace.

Several white and black garments hanging on a wall-mounted clothing rod against plain white walls.
Wedding shoes in white and silver with delicate lace details arranged on a wooden surface with soft lighting.
Four candid shots show friends enjoying coffee and conversation while sitting together on a couch.
A series of soft focus, dreamy bridal preparation shots featuring white lace and delicate details.
A progression of images shows someone laughing and reacting with humor while wearing a white and dark colored outfit.
A bridal preparation scene in a room decorated with art on the walls showing candid getting ready moments.
Illuminated white branch decorations line the aisle of a church with floral arrangements and wooden pews.
Floor-level view of colorful flower arrangements lining a church aisle with soft bokeh lighting in the background.
Decorative purple flowers and rustic table settings arranged on a wooden surface create an elegant dining atmosphere.
A rustic denim and lace braided bracelet with dainty white daisies lying on a wooden surface.
Ornate archways and columns line the hallway of a grand historic cathedral with decorative architectural details and flowers.
A white horse-drawn carriage is parked on gravel with people gathered around it on a sunny day.
Couple in rustic garden setting wearing matching blue denim outfits poses by brick wall with lush green foliage.
A series of four photographs showing carriage horses and riders walking along a historic stone path on castle grounds.
A person wearing a denim dress and white lace collar holds bright yellow and white flowers while laughing joyfully.
Three women in white lace and denim outfits share a joyful moment while placing a crown during an outdoor celebration.
A group gathers on a garden path surrounded by lush green trees and foliage on a sunny day.
Group of people sitting on stone steps in a garden setting during a casual outdoor gathering.
Three people in period costumes lean over stone bridge railing looking down at something below.


The preparations were a family affair, with Nicole’s mother enhancing her daughter’s sparkling eyes and beautiful smile and I styling her beautiful curls for the occasion. The big surprise came when Jimmy arrived in a Cobb & Co open carriage, making their first look at Montsalvat’s gates a storybook moment before he headed to the chapel to wait for his bride.


Montsalvat in Eltham, with its historic bluestone chapel and artistic heritage, was the perfect venue for their day. The space was beautifully decorated with Nicole and Jimmy’s favourite flowers—bright yellow sunflowers, purple roses, handmade bouquets, denim-and-lace candles, and a rainbow unity candle honouring their LGBTQIA+ union.

A couple in western wedding attire stands at an old wooden door entrance to a stone church.
People gather inside a historic church interior with stained glass windows, wooden pews, and a rustic chandelier.
Guests rise from wooden church pews during an indoor wedding ceremony at a rustic venue with stone walls.
Person in a straw hat and floral dress explores stone archways of historic building exterior with a camera.
Several frames show people in white wedding attire inside a church with ornate gothic windows and glowing floral decorations.
A wedding ceremony takes place inside a chapel with ornate gothic architecture and decorative lighted branches.
A series of similar church interior photos showing groups of people gathered in wooden pews during a ceremony.
Panoramic view of guests socializing in a rustic interior room with high windows and stone walls.
A multi-frame sequence showing a wedding ceremony in a historic church with gothic architectural details and lit branches.
Wedding couple standing at altar in ornate church with illuminated branch decorations.
Two figures in formal wedding attire stand in front of an elegant stone archway during their church ceremony.
A group of wedding guests socializing and mingling in a rustic venue during a celebration.
A heartfelt emotional moment captured in a sequence showing two people embracing in a warm hug indoors.
People stand in an ornate room with Gothic style arched windows and architectural details during a guided tour.
Couple lighting candles at a decorated altar with yellow flowers and rainbow pride candles in an ornate church setting.
A group dances in white dresses around a wedding sparkler during an indoor celebration.
Rainbow pride candles and yellow flowers arranged on a wooden church altar with gothic architectural details.
Intimate candlelight ceremony with couple embracing in front of decorative church woodwork.
A candid moment captured at a wedding reception venue with couples in formal attire mingling by ornate stone archways.
Person in white top sitting by window creates multiple image reflection effect in historic architectural setting.

Their ceremony, led by Kylie from Side by Side Ceremonies, included lighting the unity candle, a handfasting ritual with their denim-and-lace cord, and heartfelt vows. Their closest family and friends filled the chapel with warmth, laughter, and happy tears. And of course, our bubble guns made sure their exit was unforgettable!


Having Rebecca Flenley Photography alongside me was such a gift—together we captured every angle of the chapel, portraits among the historic gardens, and plenty of playful moments with their friends (including a few hilarious photobombs).

A series of side-by-side church interior shots with stained glass windows, wooden pews and decorative floral arrangements.
A couple shares a romantic moment while sitting in an arched church window with stained glass, surrounded by soft light.
A couple shares their first dance together at a daytime garden wedding celebration surrounded by applauding guests.
Wedding couple shares a romantic kiss in old rustic doorway of historic stone building with sunlight streaming through window.
Four sequential photos show a figure in a blue dress dancing and twirling in front of a stone church entrance.
A couple shares a romantic dance with illuminated branches and flowers decorating an indoor church or chapel setting.
A sequence of stone archway frames showing a couple at a castle or historic building sharing a romantic moment together.
A series of archway photos shows a romantic wedding couple's portraits taken in an old stone alcove frame.
People gather and socialize outside a historic stone church building during what appears to be a summer celebration.
Several couples dance together in front of a brick wall wearing casual formal attire at a social gathering.
Guests relax on the lawn during an outdoor gathering near stone church walls in summer sunlight.
A romantic outdoor engagement photoshoot with a couple sitting together on rustic grounds near stone architecture.
A couples photoshoot in a forest with two pairs standing against trees and embracing in casual wedding attire.
A white horse-drawn carriage with driver stands outside a historic stone church building on a sunny day.
A romantic couple in western and wedding attire sharing a kiss in a wooded outdoor setting with pine trees.
Couple sharing an intimate moment on their rustic wedding day, with sunflowers in the bride's bouquet.
A couple in formal attire sits together on a wooden bench in a rustic attic space.
A dramatic architectural shot of a Gothic cathedral's wooden beam attic with arched window and stone walls.
Group standing and waving from stone archways of a historic building.
A group makes heart shapes with their hands while posing in a stone archway with blue and white attire.

After the ceremony, the celebration continued with a relaxed and elegant afternoon tea in Montsalvat’s historic gallery. Surrounded by local artworks, guests enjoyed a gorgeous gifted handmade cake gifted by a close friend, along with laughter, games, and heartfelt conversation. It was the perfect way for Jimmy and Nicole to celebrate: warm, welcoming, and filled with love.


If you’re dreaming of a wedding that reflects your personality and love story, let Side by Side Weddings help you bring it to life. From unique ceremonies to heartfelt photography, we’ll make sure your day is as unforgettable as you are. Reach out today to start planning your own meaningful celebration.

A romantic couple in wedding attire stands on a stone terrace overlooking a pond with cypress trees and arched walls.