All the feels for a 1985 vintage lace wedding dress, a trademark hat and friends and fam contributions in this beauty of a South West wedding.

Real weddings: Jenieka + Henry's Donnelly River forest wedding

We love a friends-that-turned-into-lovers story! Down South locals, Jenieka and Henry, met at work – 14 years ago! – and chose to tie the knot amongst emus and kangaroos beneath the epic Karri trees at South West wedding venue, Donnelly River Village.

We’ve got all the feels for Jenieka’s vintage lace wedding dress, (from her Mum’s 1985 wedding, no less), Henry’s trademark hat and the special, personal elements contributed by friends and fam in this beauty of a South West wedding.

Photographed by the legendary Victoria Baker Photographer.

The proposal

After a failed attempt the day prior, the couple ended up sitting on cushions on the floor of their lounge room with a cup of tea and a piece of cake. Henry presented Jenieka with a ring and very casually asked, pretty much, “How about it?”

Beneath the trees

“We reside down south and Jenieka grew up surrounded by Karri trees. Donnelly River Village is such a quintessential representation of the area’s history and such a beautiful location - hard to go past!”

“We wanted somewhere relaxed where we could meet our own expectations, and somewhere all of our guests could make a whole weekend of it with us, and each other.”

The vibe

Minimal, tasteful, country.

“We wanted something as close to our everyday lives as we could get. We both wore Ariat boots which are an everyday staple in our lives and Henry wore his favourite hat (which is not often off his head).”

The couple say their friends and family were welcome to pop in and out of the house as Jenieka was getting ready, and it created a wonderful atmosphere of community.

“Although the day was centered around us, it was so important to us for it to be relaxed and no one be off-limits. It was great! “

Special treasures

Jenieka and Henry incorporated some super-sentimental wedding mementos from their family and handmade baking from friends.

“Jenieka’s dress, hat and veil was her mother’s from her own 1985 wedding and the boutonniere Jenieka’s father wore was the boutonniere he wore on his own wedding day! It was incredibly special to have these items in such good condition and fit them into our day so well.”

The chocolate beetroot cake was baked and styled by a dear friend, as were the wedding favours (beef jerky and Italian almond biscuits).

“Having friends and family involved in the wedding was so special for inclusion and our own take on things.”

Best memories

“Everyone being together over the weekend, family and friends calling into each house, ‘visiting’ and enjoying each other’s company and the relaxed atmosphere.”

“Henry, the cheeky bugger, asked for my vows so he could send them to the celebrant. Little did I know he hadn’t written any yet and he decided that copying mine and changing the ending would suffice!" laughs Jenieka.

When the vows were being exchanged, Jenieka panicked because she thought Henry was reading hers by mistake! It took a few sentences for her to realise his sneaky ways and made for very humorous vows and a great representation of their relationship.

Stand out vendors

“Soul Cocina, the Mexican fiesta food truck, served up the most delightful canape style menu that had all the wedding guests full and complimenting it for weeks to come.”

“Victoria Baker Photography – So helpful with suggestions and ideas on how the day could flow. We never felt any pressure. The service provided was above and beyond value and Victoria’s creativity and final product are a real credit to her.”

High praise, and we agree!