Raquel & Corey’s Beautiful Garden Wedding at Orange Botanical Gardens

Wedding & Reception Location

Orange Botanical Gardens

Wedding Photographer

Sugarloaf Studio

Raquel Walters and Corey Eather tied the knot at the stunning Orange Botanical Gardens in NSW, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the love of their closest family and friends. Their day was filled with laughter, special moments, and a few unexpected surprises that made their celebration all the more memorable.

A Classy Look with a Pop of Colour

Raquel and Corey embraced a classic yet elegant theme for their big day. Navy blue took center stage in the colour scheme, accented by soft purples, whites, and an abundance of beautiful flowers. Raquel looked radiant in her gown from The Wedding Shoppe, and Corey complemented her perfectly in his navy blue suit, paired with a dark purple tie and brown dress shoes, which he was particularly fond of. “He loved the colour, so it was a win-win!” Raquel shared with a laugh.

The wedding party was kept small and intimate with just a maid of honour and a best man. Both embraced the navy colour scheme, with the best man matching Corey’s stylish suit, while Raquel’s maid of honour chose a navy dress that fit perfectly with the overall look of the day.

The Special Ceremony

The couple’s ceremony was especially meaningful, held under the lush greenery of the Orange Botanical Gardens. One of the most touching moments was when their children walked down the aisle as the flower girl and ring bearer, creating a heartwarming family moment. Raquel’s father proudly walked her down the aisle, adding another layer of sentiment to the occasion.

Despite a few hiccups, like a sudden rainstorm that forced the ceremony to relocate and Corey’s in-laws being delayed with transport, Raquel said their celebrant and MC, Tanya, handled everything with grace and calmness. “Tanya was a lifesaver,” Raquel recalled. “She took care of everything behind the scenes and made sure I didn’t stress. I was able to relax at home until it was time to head to the venue.”

Reception Fun and Unforgettable Moments

The reception was a true celebration of love and fun, with some playful and lighthearted moments. One of the highlights was the “shoe game,” which had everyone laughing. “I’m so glad we did that!” Raquel said. The couple also shared a beautiful first dance, and Raquel tossed her bouquet to excited guests, adding to the joyful atmosphere.

But for Raquel, one of the most cherished moments was waiting at the aisle and seeing Corey tear up as she made her way toward him. “Seeing him get emotional almost had me in tears too!” she said. It was a moment that will stay with both of them forever.

Words of Wisdom for Future Brides

Raquel’s advice to future brides is simple: “Don’t stress the little things. Everything works out the way it’s meant to. And if you find the dress, don’t hesitate, buy it!” She admitted that her budget for her wedding dress was around $1,000, but she fell in love with a gown that was $2,700. “We bought it because it was MY dress, and I’ve never looked back!”

A Few Hiccups Along the Way

Of course, like every wedding, there were a few unexpected bumps in the road. The rain caused them to relocate the ceremony, but Raquel didn’t let that dampen her spirits. Additionally, Corey’s in-laws had taxi troubles and were delayed, pushing the ceremony back by over 30 minutes. But with Tanya’s calm guidance, everything was handled smoothly. “Tanya kept everyone, especially my in-laws, in check and organised. I don’t know how she did it!”

The Wedding Team

Raquel and Corey had a talented team of vendors who helped make their day perfect:

• Celebrant & MC: Tanya McDonald
• Photographer: Sugarloaf Studio
• Hair & Makeup: Tangled Hair and Beauty
• Cake: Sweet As Cakes
• Catering: Delish Catering
• Wedding Outfits: Raquel’s Dress from The Wedding Shoppe & Corey’s Suit from Connor
• Wedding Party Outfits: JJs House

From the laughter of the shoe game to the tears of joy at the altar, Raquel and Corey’s wedding day was a celebration filled with love, emotion, and unforgettable memories. “I will miss having you around, Tanya!” Raquel said, reflecting on how smooth the day went thanks to her wonderful celebrant and emcee. It was truly a day to remember, rain and all!

Final Thoughts

If there’s one takeaway from Raquel and Corey’s wedding, it’s this: don’t sweat the small stuff. Embrace the day, enjoy every moment, and remember that love is the most important part of it all.

Follow this link if you would like to read more: Real Wedding Stories from Real Couples.