Courtney & James's Wedding

Vineyards on two continents set the scene for this couple’s romantic journey from engagement to marriage, with the finale in their home region, the Barossa.

As Courtney explains, the proposal was in, “September 2023, at an incredible vista called Point de vue de Hautvillers near Epernay, Champagne. James proposed after a day touring Champagne with his parents.”

So, it seemed only fitting for the couple’s nuptials that there were vineyard views – albeit much closer to home.

“We wanted views of vineyards and the countryside to represent where we live and where we got engaged,” Courtney said of the inspiration behind the wedding location.

Courtney, the daughter of Adrian and Patsy Nourse of Saddleworth and James, the son of Martin and Jacqui Ryan of Sydney, chose Artisans of Barossa for both their ceremony and reception, with more than 90 guests joining them for their special day.

The bride wore a sophisticated and elegant ARA Experience original gown with draped Mikado fabric which was expertly altered with a fit and flare skirt plus train locally by Dressmaking Boutique by Kasia Litwinienko, while the groom donned a M.J. Bale navy suit.

The bridesmaids were Georgia and Imogen Nourse while the groom was attended by Tom Hankey and Dan Ryan (an old school friend).

With a theme of simple elegance featuring pink flowers with a touch of orange, white and green, Courtney says there was more than one favourite moment on the day.

“Besides the ceremony and our then 10-month-old son Fletcher being involved as the ring bearer, the sunset photos – as it allowed us time together, to take a moment and to reflect on the day to that point.”

As the couple has been invited to Finland for a wedding in August, Courtney says they’ve decided to make the trip their official honeymoon, also incorporating visits to Sweden and Germany into the itinerary.