In December 2017, Less Stuff – More Meaning saw it’s very first wedding! Ariana and Gus got married in a true ‘less-stuff’ kind of way. Having only found us a month before their wedding date, our vendors were more than happy to help. And oh, what a glorious day it was!
“We felt really strongly that the wedding was simple and sustainable, with as little waste as possible. This was a challenge because I struggled to find an ‘eco-directory’ (until I came across Less Stuff a month before the wedding!)”
Ariana and Gus always knew they wanted to plan their wedding in an eco-friendly way. Having struggled through 17 months of wedding planning with little luck finding sustainable vendors, we greeted the two love birds with open arms.
Their wedding was always planned as a backyard house party, and that’s exactly what they got! Ariana and Gus married at Elkington Park, Balmain, and partied the night away at Gus’ family home, regardless of the pouring rain. Lucy Suze married the couple, and their images were captured beautifully by Jack Chauvel.
“When it came to the catering, I was adamant that we go with Dan the Man, as they appeared to be the only vendor with an ethical food philosophy and free-range meat and sustainable seafood supplier, which was really important to me.”- Ariana.
Our Sydney vendor, Dan the Man, cooked up a feast for Ariana, Gus, and their guests. The grazing platers sat on trestle tables built by Gus himself, and allowed the guests to mix and mingle in an informal style. Gus, being in construction, built as much of the furniture and décor as possible. From menu boards, signs, and tables, Gus constructed the reception venue, which sat amongst his parent’s beautiful flower beads.
The wedding florals were ethically and locally sourced and arranged by the wonderful Dianna of Dragonfly and Magnolia, who Ariana and Gus also found through our directory. The wild and full bouquets looked incredible against Ariana’s dress; ethically made by Lost in Paris. Lost in Paris are a Sydney vendor, another member of the Less Stuff – More Meaning family. They created a unique dress for Ariana out of antique materials unearthed in Parisian markets.
Ariana’s hair and makeup also kept in line with her focus of a sustainable and eco-friendly wedding. Liv Lundelius came to the rescue with only natural products at the ready and highlighted Ariana’s natural glow. She looked like a glorious boho-princess!
“As Lucy (celebrant) described in our ceremony, marriage to us is bearing witness to each other’s lives, growing up together and having fun.”- Gus.
Straying slightly from the usual, Ariana and Gus did things differently at their ceremony. Ariana had a ‘mate-of-honour’, and Gus’ twin brother was the best man. Ariana’s family walked down the aisle before her and her dad, and their siblings stood by the couple during the formalities. Gus smashed a glass in respect for Ariana’s Jewish heritage, and their dog, Gigi, bought them their rings at the perfect moment. When it came to witnesses, the guests were treated with names pulled out of the hat and a whole lot of excitement!
“Gus’s mum bought photo frames from Vinnies throughout the year and then over one weekend leading up to the wedding, we printed out our favourite photos of every single one of our guests, framed them and hung them near the dance floor as a feature. The idea was that people could take them home with them at the end of the night if they wanted to.”
From wedding favors to furniture, Ariana and Gus took DIY to the next level. The women in their family stole the show when it came to speeches, and Ariana couldn’t stop the tears when Gus’ sister lead guests in a personalized rendition of ‘Can you feel the love tonight’.
“Living consciously to us means questioning where your food comes from and the products you buy. Not being wasteful, using everything up and sharing with others. Being curious and always learning. Spending time in nature every day. Being grateful – and holding each other to account for that.”
Ariana and Gus are the perfect example of a wedding with marriage at the core, not a day to blow money and expect instant happiness you don’t have to work for. “Those moments when we just ‘get each other’ and know what we need at that particular time… a hug, advice, or for the other person to just start cooking dinner and do the washing up without a complaint!” They express and understand, marriage is a series of all the little things. It’s the growing together, and consciousness, that makes it all worth it.
We were honoured to be a part of their special day, and wish Ariana and Gus all the happiness in the world.
