From Canada to the coast: Jessica and James’ rustic wedding

When Jessica Rex and James Milicevic fell in love they knew it was going to take a big move to make it work.

The couple, who now live on NSW’s mid-north coast, met in New Zealand while working at an adventure playground. “The only thing stopping us was that I was from Canada and James was from Australia!” Jessica, 21, explains.

Jessica later visited James, 24, before she returned home. “If there is anything that visit taught us, it was that no matter the cost we weren’t interested in a future without each other,” she says.

After plenty of time spent on planes, the pair decided that Jessica would make the permanent move Down Under, with James popping the question soon after.

The bride-to-be spent 13 months planning the rustic wedding of her dreams, choosing the beautiful hinterland town of Bellingen as their stunning backdrop.

“We knew we didn’t want a ‘typical’ wedding – James and I wanted our day to be relaxed, fun and, more than anything, to genuinely reflect the love we share for one another,” Jessica says.

The couple wed at Cedar Bar and Kitchen, under an arch built by the groom himself, on August 13, 2016 in front of 70 friends and family.

“Our reception was held in Gleniffer Hall, a gorgeous little hall in the heart of the Gleniffer Valley. A huge team of us came together to pull off the styling for the reception the day before the wedding,” DIY bride Jessica says.

“Our day was a true reflection of the love James and I share, and it was so special to be able to celebrate that with everyone.”

Photos courtesy of Captured with Love Photography.

“We worked so hard to make the day as amazing as it was. Every detail was chosen to reflect love that we share as a couple, and to celebrate it,” Jessica says.

 

In selecting her wedding gown, Jessica says she went with a style she had never even considered. “It was so incredibly comfortable; I never wanted to take it off,” she says.

Jessica’s gorgeous rings were sourced from Michael Hill.

A photobooth from oneTouch Events added to the fun of the day.