White magic: Snow covers Cassandra and Tim’s rustic farm wedding

The unexpected gift of fresh snow added a touch of magic to Cassandra and Tim’s rustic farm wedding.

The couple journeyed from Melbourne to Victoria’s High Country with 80 guests for their outdoor wedding with a difference.

The bride says “without question” they had their hearts set on an outdoor ceremony – choosing the top of Mount Buffalo for their nature-filled ceremony on March 30, 2019.

“Autumn is known for its blue skies and sunshine, so it would be perfect, right? Well, perhaps we should have listened to Game of Thrones … winter is coming,” Cassandra says with a laugh.

As the snow came down, the last-minute ceremony switch was made to the stone hut at the Mount Buffalo Gorge car park.

“Family members got in there and decorated it with the arch over the fireplace, set up flowers, fairy lights and candles and put a lace cloth across the table in the middle. It was like a beautiful little cave chapel, which I would never have imagined,” Cassandra says.

When it came to the reception, the couple chose a luxurious Airbnb, The House at Smoko.

The stone house provided a more than comfortable stay for the couple and their bridal party, while the surrounding land provided the space to set up a marquee and fulfill their vision of a rustic farm wedding – all without the traditional curfew.

Cassandra describes the day as a “magical fairytale”.

“It was an electrifying adventure that no one will ever forget.”

Photos courtesy of Chris Garbacz Photography.

Cassandra opted for an off-the-shoulder wedding dress, paired with sentimental accessories. “My grandmother was unfortunately not able to make the wedding as she now has quite severe dementia. But I wanted her to be there in some way, so mum had lent me a pair of her earrings which had been a gift from my grandfather who has passed away.”

“We chose the Victorian High Country, because of our shared love for nature, mountains and hiking,” Cassandra says. “Our first hike together was in the High Country, we were engaged there and the views from Mount Buffalo are awe inspiring and we really wanted our guests to enjoy this magical place.”

“From bus rides up a mountain, an intimate romantic ceremony, snow fights and a cosy sailcloth marquee, our guests really bonded through the experience,” the bride says.

Cassandra and Tim created the ultimate DIY wedding, but admit it took a lot of effort. “There really is a huge amount of work required for a DIY wedding and people shouldn’t be fooled!” the bride says.

“When we found House at Smoko it looked absolutely perfect. Made of stone and corrugated iron, the house set on 28 acres, presents a beautiful warm, rustic and romantic setting,” Cassandra says of the reception venue.