Rachelle Phelan and Jimmy Law

STORY: GEORGIA ROSSITER // PHOTOGRAPHY: NICOLE PETERS PHOTOGRAPHY

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 // MOAMA

AFTER MORE THAN A DOZEN YEARS TOGETHER, RACHELLE AND JIMMY’S ROMANCE IS ONE FOR THE AGES.

Engaged in December 2019 in a scene reminiscent of a modern-day rom-com, Rachelle looks back on Jimmy’s proposal fondly. “I was just working on my computer when he wandered in and proposed,” she said.

He was so casual, Rachelle “laughed at him” thinking he was joking.

But Jimmy was serious, and Rachelle said yes.

And in March the couple said ‘I do’ at Billabong Ranch in Echuca, with their wedding day exactly as they had imagined it.

From the perfect weather during their outdoor ceremony to the casual country atmosphere and wooden décor of the ranch, the day oozed rustic chic, pulled together by the classic navy of Rachelle’s bridesmaids’ dresses.

After changing their original venue in Moama to Billabong Ranch a few weeks out from the big day, Rachelle said she “took a bit of a chill pill” and hoped for the best. “As soon as we got engaged, I tried to plan everything straight away and it became really stressful,” she said. “It got to the point where I just kept wanting more and more, and it was just getting out of control. “Then we had to move it for COVID, and we were like ‘what’s going to be is going to be’.”

The reception continued with the same laid-back spirit of the ceremony and included a fun-filled first dance along with lots of laughter.

Once Rachelle had taken that step back, she was able to enjoy her day.

Rachelle’s daughter walked down the aisle before her own “nerve-wracking” entrance, which is now one of the most memorable moments for the couple and their family. “My daughter’s fairly shy and reserved, and she definitely put her big girl shoes on,” Rachelle said.

Her one piece of advice for future brides is: enjoy the planning. “I think you just have to relax and take your time.”