LOVE STORIES SHARED WITH
HONESTY, BEAUTY & HEART
HONESTY, BEAUTY & HEART
Posted by Robyn Bull in Wedding on July 30th, 2024
Welcome to the love story of Jessie & Matt. Their love story is one of serendipity and timing. They first crossed paths in their university days, but it wasn’t until ten years later that their paths converged again. A chance encounter at a bar in Collingwood set the stage for a romance that would blossom, and ultimately lead them to where they are today – together, forever.
It was a day at the beach that will forever be etched in my memory. I was captivated by the sight of someone reeling in a big catch, but my attention was quickly diverted when Matt’s voice rang out, “Look what I found!” As I turned around, my heart skipped a beat as I took in the breathtaking scene before me. And that’s when I saw it – Matt, down on one knee, his eyes shining with love and adoration, asking me to be his forevermore.
I still remember the stunning simplicity and timeless elegance of my wedding dress, which added a touch of whimsy with its delicate bow. It was the perfect blend of sophistication and playfulness, setting the tone for a joyous celebration with loved ones.
A convenient and charming choice! Our venue offered the perfect combination of aesthetics and accessibility – a lovely setting, everything under one roof, and conveniently located just a stone’s throw from our home, making it an ideal spot for our special day.
The thought of having all our favourite people in one place is simply exhilarating! It’s a dream come true to imagine the laughter, tears, and memories that will be made on our special day. We can hardly contain our excitement as we count down the days until we’re surrounded by loved ones, celebrating our love and commitment to each other. And when the big day finally arrives, we’ll soak up every moment, from the anticipation and buildup to the joy and revelry. And even after the last dance has been danced and the last slice of cake has been devoured, we know we’ll be reliving those special moments for months to come, cherishing every detail and memory.
Our personalized vows were a true reflection of our love and commitment to each other. Our celebrant masterfully wove our story together, honoring our bridal party and infusing the ceremony with joy, warmth, and a sense of celebration. The result was a truly unforgettable and heartfelt experience that left us both feeling grateful and loved.
Our first look was a highlight of the day! Matt had been eager to do it, and after some gentle persuasion, I finally agreed. And oh, I’m so glad I did! It was an intimate and romantic moment that we’ll treasure forever. And as an added bonus, it stretched out the day, allowing us to squeeze in some fantastic photos with our beloved bridal party. We cherished the opportunity to spend quality time with our closest friends before the ceremony and reception, making the day feel even more special and memorable.
It’s impossible to choose favorites, as each member of our wedding party was exceptional in their own way! They were truly the dream team, and we felt so lucky to have them by our side on our special day. Every single one of them brought their own unique energy and joy to the celebration, making it a day we’ll always treasure.
Accommodation Chapter Barn Studio I Alterations Bluebelle Bridal I Bars Kombi Keg Peninsula to the Prom I Bridal Gown & Veil Designer Bluebelle Bridal I Bridesmaid Dresses Sheike, Shona Joy, Third Form & Montique I Cake / Sweets Family Friend I Catering Trulli I Celebrant Tessa Fox Celebrant I Ceremony Venue Chapter Barn I Entertainment / Music AlgoRhythm I Favours / Gifts Scratchies I Florist Debs Floriography I Grooms Attire Politix I Hair Stylist Jeminy Hair & Beauty I Hire Services Urban Vintage Events I Honeymoon Hamilton Island & Sunshine Coast I Invitations / Stationery Greenvelope I Makeup Artist Batari Beauty I Photographer Courtney Dwyer Photography IReception Venue Chapter Barn I Videographer White Horse Films
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
I’m COURTNEY AND I JUST BLOODY LOVE A WEDDING. The vibes, the resounding yell from the rooftop celebration of love, the people, but most of all? I love being able to capture the most special day of your life the best way I know how – with laughs, some serious moves on the dance floor, my third arm (my camera), and immersing myself completely into your day. I love love. Watching two humans promise forever to each other gives me the warm fuzzies, and getting to immortalise that for you? Well, that takes the cake as the best job ever and I’m so bloody glad I get to do it. I’m warm and energetic, fun and love a laugh and I promise that you’ll get the very best of me, amazing dance moves included.
Posted by Robyn Bull in Wedding on July 30th, 2024
We love the love story of Emily & Aaron. Aaron, who never drinks coffee, one day started buying coffee where he would add loads of sugar to it – at a local café where Emily once worked. Each morning, Aaron frequented the café, subtly stealing glances at Emily while waiting for his order. Despite his shy nature, it took him some time to muster the courage to strike up conversations with her. Then, fate intervened one Easter Break evening at the Espy Pub where Aaron and his friends indulged in a few beers. Emily happened to be present at the same event.
The night had some very unusual components however there was a sneaky kiss and an exchange of phone numbers which marked the beginning of their relationship. Their first date involved enjoying take-out Chinese cuisine from a local restaurant followed by a cozy movie night at home.
While on a family trip to Bright with our firstborn son Alby, we immersed ourselves in bike rides and hikes, making the most of our time away. On one of our hikes, Aaron urged us to keep ascending the mountain for a better view. Despite feeling exhausted, I persevered, encouraged by Aaron’s assurance that the view would be worth it. We reached a picturesque spot overlooking the town of Bright, where Aaron began taking photos of me and Alby admiring the scenery. As I turned around, Aaron was on one knee, ready to propose. Naturally, I said yes, and after taking a moment to soak it all in, we made the long journey back down together.
It’s essential to sit down together and collaborate on planning. Take the time to discuss your individual preferences and dislikes regarding weddings, then devise a schedule that reflects both of your desires. Sharing the responsibility of planning and decision-making not only reduces stress but also ensures that both partners are actively involved in the process.
Before going dress shopping, I had loved an A-line gown and had a general idea of what I liked. However, I remained open to exploring various styles. Ultimately, I chose my dress for its comfort, its fitted bodice, easy-to-walk-in skirt, and the option to wear a second skirt later in the night, as they could be separated.
Initially, we considered hosting the event on private property or our own, but ultimately opted for a venue for convenience. Shimmer Marquees stood out to us due to its picturesque surroundings and ample space, perfectly suited to our requirements. The owner’s approachability and willingness to address any queries made the decision even easier.
My mum accompanied me down the aisle, as my dad has passed away (Aaron had also lost his dad). It was touching to see my nan rise from her seat and offer me a handkerchief when I needed a tissue. The entire ceremony proceeded seamlessly.
It was incredibly special to have our friends and family gathered to celebrate with us! The drinks were flowing, the band was fantastic, and the atmosphere was simply electric. Dancing together as husband and wife was a highlight of the evening. Towards the end of the night, Aaron took me aside to reflect on the day, and despite feeling a bit affected by the alcohol at that point, it remains a cherished memory.
Our amazing photographer Kate was beyond organised and beautifully captured every moment of the day and night. Michael from Shimmer Marquees went above and beyond; his dedication ensured that our marquee and lighting were flawless, and his property served as the perfect backdrop. Additionally, our Celebrant Sean, whom we already knew, made the ceremony process smoother and provided valuable guidance during our vow writing.
Alterations Amante Bridal I Bridal Gown & Veil Designer Twelve South Bridal & Amante Bridal I Bridesmaid Dresses Mix of Different Brands I Catering Brent Sinclair Catering I Celebrant Sean Linehan Celebrant I Ceremony Venue Shimmer Marquees I Entertainment / Music The Times Duo I Favours / Gifts Portraits by Kourtney I Florist Pepperberry Flora I Grooms Attire Yd. I Hair Stylist Emma Jean Bridal Hair I Hire Services Shimmer Marquees I Jewellery Pettits Jewellers I Makeup Artist Batari Beauty I Marquees / Teepees Shimmer Marques I Photographer Kate Lafferty Photography I Reception Venue Shimmer I Marquees Robes, Sleepwear & Lingerie Shan’s Lingerie & Leisure I Shoes – Bride – Harlo Bridal Shoes / Groom – RM Williams
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
I’m in the business of creatively capturing the beauty of life so that you can relive the beauty of that special day, every day. I have fallen in love with the art of photography. In its ability to capture a fleeting moment – a tear of joy, a hug between friends, a glance of love. Those moments can show more than words can explain. I aim to capture every detail of your big day, preserving real moments to be cherished enabling love ones to reminisce for years to come. My biggest hope is to bond with my clients quickly to ensure that their day is as relaxed and free-flowing as possible capturing emotions and loving details in the most natural and reflective way.
Posted by Robyn Bull in Wedding on July 30th, 2024
Welcome to the love story of Emily & Ryan. We meet the people we’re supposed to when the time is just right. The love story of Emily and Ryan started as most modern couples do: they met online and connected instantly. Their first date lasted nine whole hours, but it flew by and felt like no time had passed at all. They would spend hours on the phone talking about anything and everything, and from the get-go, Emily knew Ryan was the one for her. She shared “It took Ryan a little while longer to realise it and I won’t let him forget that!”
Before getting engaged, they spent four beautiful years together; they travelled, bought their first home, changed jobs and supported each other wholeheartedly. Their days are always filled with love and laughter. Fast forward to 2020 and they had a weekend away to Philip Island, their favourite place in Victoria. Little did Emily know that it would be the most unforgettable weekend when Ryan would get down on one knee and ask her to spend the rest of her life with him. Of course, she said yes, and the many years of wedding planning she’d already done (hello Pinterest) would come in handy. They aimed to have their wedding on their 5th anniversary back in Philip Island but weren’t sure how this would go due to Covid.
Fast forward 12 months and they ended up having to elope with their immediate family and a handful of their best friends. It was a beautiful day that they will never forget. But it wasn’t the full party we had planned, so they trudged on with planning what they dubbed ‘Witty Wedding 2.0’. Beautiful Emily mentioned that “we’re still getting family and friends asking us when Witty Wedding 3.0 is taking place, as they all want to relive the night.”
“‘Witty Wedding 2.0’ was the most perfect day. Not perfect in the sense that everything went according to plan and looked immaculate, but perfect in that it truly represented us, our style, our humour, and our love for each other. Our life motto as a couple is ‘Bite off more than you can chew and chew like fuck.’ Forgive the language, but it’s honestly how we approach life and two weddings really do fit the mould with us. We wouldn’t have it any other way!” says Emily.
Break the rules! Emily is fortunate enough to have the beauty of hindsight, having eloped with a traditional wedding theme in 2021 before their big celebration and wedding that you are witnessing here. This allowed them both to throw out all the rules that didn’t fit them and do what they wanted. One of my absolute favourite features of their wedding was their shot bar. Not something they had ever seen done before but knew they wanted to have. They had 80-year-old guests downing tequila shots like they were in their 20s and it was the most fun. They wanted their day filled with fun and humour and they allowed themselves to be free of the traditional rules to give them exactly that. Emily said “Not only is our wedding day one that people are still raving about, but we can honestly say it was one of the happiest and most fun days of our lives. Even better than our elopement when we were legally married!”
Celebrant Catherine Styles Civil Celebrant Equipment Hire Over the Top Events Hire BOHO Wildflowers Makeup Rose Lane Makeup Artistry Marquee Over the Top Events Photographer Jana Woodhouse Photography
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
Jana has been photographing professionally since 2014, passionately documenting human connection. She captures precious moments – and the moments-in-between – in images that genuinely and truthfully tell your love story. She lives and works on Bunurong land.
Posted by Robyn Bull in Wedding on July 30th, 2024
Megan & Jacob – we share their gorgeous love story. For this super-chilled couple, marriage means everything. Megan loved walking towards Jacob and shared that “absolutely nothing compares to walking down the aisle to the person you love most in this world. Seeing your partner for the first time was like falling in love all over again, butterflies and all.”
Both Megan and Jacob wrote their vows. Their vows were kept a beautiful surprise until their wedding day and they loved hearing each other’s words that they had spent time writing for each other. It was ironic and just meant to be Megan said, “in the end, we had matched our stories so well you would swear we wrote them together!”
Megan and Jacob opted for a small private ceremony with their immediate family (parents, siblings and grandparents) sharing their love, hopes and dreams for the future. Everyone was involved in the whole process of getting these two hitched and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Be unique to you. Remember that this day is about the two of you and your love for one another. This is your special day; wear cowboy boots if you want to and a thrift store wedding dress if it aligns with your values. In the process of creating your wedding day, don’t lose sight of what makes you special as an individual and as a couple.
Accommodation, Ceremony & Reception Venue Duart Homestead I Photographer Lisa Hayman Photo and Film
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
Hi! I’m Lisa. I live in Central Gippsland with my husband Derek, our two sweet girls, and our fur baby Elliot the cat. I have an unhealthy addiction to “The Block”, buy far too many indoor plants, and I have a secret obsession with the “Guilty Pleasures” playlist on Spotify. It is important that you find someone whose work you love, but I believe it is just as important to find someone who will bring out the best of who you are in your photos. The truth is, your wedding is a once in a lifetime occasion – the two of you are about to start the most challenging, rewarding, and exciting experience of your lives together – and choosing someone to capture that day through photography is a big decision. My approach to wedding photography is to tell your story – as it happens. On the day, I’ll be your cheerleader, your seamstress (if ever required, ha!), your level-headed support person and your dance floor comrade. Your day is about celebrating your love story and I’ll joyfully be coming along for the ride. From run sheets to location scouting, I do a whole heap of prep in the lead up to ensure the day runs as smoothly as possible and we can get the very best out of your wedding day photography coverage.
I am so thrilled you are considering me to document your special day!
Posted by Robyn Bull in Wedding on July 30th, 2024
Amelia & Chloe met in late 2016 during their first year working as doctors. Amelia was working her surgical rotation as an intern with Chloe’s housemate Shane, and at the time she was going through the process of coming out. Shane became one of her best friends, and Amelia spent a lot of time at his house, which is how she met Chloe! Amelia always thought Chloe was absolutely beautiful, however she was in a relationship at the time. When her relationship ended, they actually matched on tinder and their second date lasted three days, and they have basically been inseparable since.
There was no real proposal as such, both Amelia and Chloe had to put in their annual leave requests to have time off together from work, and they were like ‘how about we plan for a wedding in December,’ they just mutually agreed they wanted to get married! Chloe was supposed to give Amelia her ring on a trip to Byron Bay later in the year, however she chickened out (shy little gem that she is), until Amelia basically had to say ‘Where’s the ring Chloe?’ haha!!
Amelia and Chloe’s Advice – ‘We’d advise couples getting married not to overthink things and go with your gut and try and find special ways to make the day yours. Also, if you’re a little hopeless on the organisational side like Chloe and I, outsource if you can! We were so glad we hired an event planner to pull everything together for us.
They married on the 14th December 2019 at Amelia’s parent’s farm in South Gippsland. Three generations of her family have lived there, and the rolling hills and her childhood home were the perfect setting for such a special day. Chloe got ready at the nearby Airbnb with her bridal party and family. The day itself was overcast and it rained on and off, but the sun came out just in time for the ceremony. They were both so nervous, and once through the ceremony together they relaxed into the day and had so much fun. Everyone who attended just absolutely committed to the love and the party and it was just such a joyous occasion.
During the reception, the pride flag was passed around during the song played ‘I will survive’. And something so meaningful, Chloe being Jewish, they had a massive party dancing the horas and everyone gave it their absolute all! It was perfect.
Dancing the horas, the heart-felt speeches, the AMAZING flowers, getting pummelled with petals after the ceremony, planting a Japanese maple to commemorate the day, dancing the night away with friends and family to the amazing Baker Boys Band.
It means societal acknowledgement of our love and our legitimacy as a couple. It was so beautiful to be so warmly welcomed into one another’s families.
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
Bridal Gowns Amelia’s Dress Livrie Couture, Chloe’s Jumpsuit Phase Eight I Cake UmYum Treats by Steph I Cake Topper Etsy, MarigurumiShop I Other Desserts Mamacita’s Coffee Van I Catering Paella Pan I Ceremony Venue Parent’s Farm, Arawata I Celebrant Wendy Rutjens Celebrant I Entertainment Baker Boys Band I Favours Home Made by Amelia’s Friends I Flowers Vasette I Hair Buzz Hair Studio I Hire Services Elie Events I Invitations & Stationery Vivian Brewer I Jacket Glitter is A Neutral I Jewellery Amelia’s Earrings Gucci I Makeup Makeup Laura Du Ve I Photographer Haven Still and Moving Images I Photo Booth Elie Events I Reception Venue Arawata Hall I Styling & Planning Elie Events I Tie & Bow Tie Bridal Party Peggy and Finn Wedding I Wedding Rings The Line of Sun Wedding I Shoes Amelia – Gucci, Chloe – Isabella Anselmi
Hi, I’m Emma – a Gippsland-based wedding photographer and filmmaker, and I want to make sure you get to experience the best day of your life – on repeat. My philosophy is ‘personality over perfection’, ‘people over props’ and truly capturing the celebration of your wedding day so you can have that joy on tap.
Posted by Robyn Bull in Wedding on July 30th, 2024
Welcome to the love story of Cassandra & Jarrod. Nothing about this beautiful couple is conventional. Since Cassandra and Jarrod first met, they were all in. They moved in together after 3 months and within a year and a half together, they found out they were going to be parents to their gorgeous daughter Macey.
Cassandra was determined to have her dad walk her down the aisle on her special day. You see, Larry was given some very sad news and Cassandra planned the whole wedding within three months so her dad could be with her on her wedding day. Both Cassandra and Jarrod loved the thought of an outdoor wedding with a festival vibe, trees and a fabulous party with their closest friends and family. Cassandra mentioned that the original venue happened to double-book them, so they had to come up with another plan and that’s where the very creative Cassandra had a vision come to life!
Jarrod has been part of the Phillip Island & District Cricket Club since he was in primary school and Cassandra has been on the social committee. They both have a strong affiliation and sense of community with the club. After some creative planning and some fabulous vendors, this picturesque and tranquil space (a beautiful hidden gem) was turned into a wedding reception.
Cassandra shared something so ironic with them both: Jarrod would jokingly say, “One day we’ll get married at the cricket club” and we would laugh about it like it were impossible! The wedding and celebration of Cassandra and Jarrod didn’t become a Plan B. In the end, with all the twists and turns, it became their stunning dream wedding. The symbolism of where it was, who was involved and how it came about holds so much meaning to us that we will forever cherish and be grateful for.
Your wedding day is yours, don’t be afraid to express yourself, tailor the experience to reflect you as a couple and step outside the norms of society. Remember, the most important part of the day is your marriage, and not everything about your wedding will go to plan, but it will all be okay. Just enjoy yourself and trust the process!
Hire & Marquee Over the Top Events I Photographer Emily Rose Photography
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
Reliving your day through emotive imagery. Emily-Rose has spent the last year photographing in the US and really immersing herself in the huge US wedding industry. Now returning to her roots in South Gippsland she is able to bring a different eye and professionalism to your day. Emily will capture your special day with candid and emotive imagery. Using grain and cozy tones while staying true to nature. Focusing on small details, ART and love of your day. Emily takes on a non traditional approach to her work and likes to photograph using document / candid images as well as prompts. Emily Rose Photography offers a LA carte service, helping you to create your dream package.
Posted by Robyn Bull in Wedding on July 30th, 2024
You will love the love story of Chloe & Daniel. The amazing Daniel shared “I always thought that it was a bit of a cliche when people mentioned that their wedding day was the happiest day of their life. But after our own incredible day we had together, I have to say that I get it. I realise now that your wedding is probably the only time in your life when you get all your favourite people from each part of your life together at once. And the realisation of that as I looked around, waiting for Chloe to arrive, was pretty overwhelming. I rarely tear up, but seeing Chloe walk down the aisle was one of the most amazing moments of my life. Days don’t get better than that; they just get different.”
“I always knew Daniel was the one. I met him on my first night out in my first week of Uni. I called my mum the next day and told her I’d found the one; she laughed and told me that I can’t buy the first dress I tried on (metaphorically speaking) and that I needed to try on more dresses! I reassured Mum, “When you know, you know.” the beautiful Chloe shared.
Don’t sweat the small stuff! Some of the things you think will matter on the day you don’t even notice; just make sure you get a couple of things that are important to you perfect and the rest will all come together (but also maybe investigate some indoor options for the day just in case!) Also, really try and spend as much time on the night together as possible; it’s easy to get pulled in opposite directions.
Makeup GMC Makeup Artistry Hair The Head Boutique Photographer Hannah Gilbert Photographer
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
Photography for the adventurous, the sunset chasers and those who want something that is authentic and timeless. I’m an easy going, soft-spoken, lover of light and a photographer of people, places and moments that you’ll cherish. Nothing soothes my soul more than that golden light from a sunset and a wildly rugged and romantic mountain top view. On your wedding day, I’m all about blending in with your guests and capturing your wedding story in the most natural and unscripted way possible, so you can feel calm and relaxed. If you feel a connection to my work, then please be in touch, so we can start planning something amazing together!
Posted by Robyn Bull in Engagement on July 30th, 2024
It was meant to be! Benn and I first crossed paths on Facebook, where he sent me a message that sparked a conversation that would change everything. We chatted for a while, and I was excited to finally meet him in person. But fate had other plans – our first meeting got cancelled, and I thought maybe it wasn’t meant to be. But Benn didn’t give up. He rescheduled, and when we met again, something magical happened. Despite the initial setbacks, our connection was instantaneous, and I knew in that moment that our chance encounter was truly special.
Our proposal story is one I’ll treasure forever. Benn took me to my favourite beach, a place where I feel carefree and at peace. As we strolled along the shoreline, hand in hand, I had no idea what was coming next. But Benn had a plan. He led me to a spot where the sun was setting over the water, casting a golden glow over everything. And then, on one knee, he asked me the question that changed everything: ‘Will you marry me?’ It was a moment of pure magic, one that I’ll always remember as a reminder of the love we share.
After 6.5 incredible years together, Benn and I had built a foundation of love and trust that only deepened with time. While our relationship hadn’t changed, our connection had continued to grow stronger with each passing day. We’d weathered life’s ups and downs together, laughing and crying, growing and evolving as individuals and as a couple. So, when Benn proposed, it wasn’t a surprise that our love had reached this moment. Instead, it was a celebration of the bond we’d nurtured and the future we were building together.
Falling in love is about finding that special someone who becomes your safe haven, your rock, and your partner in every sense of the word. It’s about sharing the joys and sorrows, the highs and lows, and being there for each other through it all. For Benn and me, that someone is each other.
Makeup Artist The MakeUp Hub I Photographer Strattan Photography
Annmaree Strattan is a Gippsland wedding photographer renowned for her unique ability to capture the authentic emotions and intricate details of a couple’s most cherished day. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Annmaree has developed a distinctive style that blends photojournalism with fine art photography, resulting in images that are both timeless and evocative.
Posted by Robyn Bull in Engagement on July 30th, 2024
This photoshoot / slash proposal of Ness & Lachie is so beautiful…it was a cold, wet, winter night in May 2022, so literally winter was just happening. My gorgeous kids went to bed, my hubby and I were binge watching the last season of Peaky Blinders. So, me being me, multi-tasking (tv, eating chocolate, browsing Instagram and Pinterest) and as you do I suddenly decided I was going to do a styled shoot for my ideal elopement.
I told hubby the plans mid episode and went crazy working on my mood board.
70’s-flowers in the hair- bright bursts of colour- ‘non-traditional’ were all screaming out to me and from there my “70’s inspired elopement with a modern twist” became my goal.
With the 70’s goal in mind, I instantly thought of a friend of mine, Vanessa. Ness is a free spirited, gorgeous and unique sense of style that she completely owns (she really was born in the wrong era!) I immediately pitched the idea to her, and she was KEEN! knowing her boyfriend Lachie had a glorious mop of hair on him, he too looked like he had just stepped out of the 70’s so they were PERFECT!
Unable to hear what was being said, it was an obvious YES from Ness and these two love birds were ENGAGED! And what a gorgeous moment in time for me to capture the ‘Love Story’ of Ness and Lachie.
A few weeks after pitching the idea…Lachie sent me a sneaky DM which read something (or exactly like this)
‘Omg I’ve been meaning to msg you about doing a shoot for Ness and I, and I would propose and then she said you wanted to do a couple shoot of us!!!!! this is perfect.’
My photoshoot was now going to be a proposal…and I was all for it!!
On the day, Ness came over early whilst my hubby raced down to pick up the gorgeous florals from April at The Fig & Willow Flower Bar. Beautiful Lachie was frantically rushing around Melbourne picking up the engagement ring and getting himself sorted for a long anxious day ahead of him.
Our gorgeous venue allowed enough sun and shade to create the intensity of the photographs. Once inside, we were welcomed with the most industrial and rustic setting. It was raw and glorious and it was so beautiful to explore and capture the stunning and intricate aspects of this beautiful space.
By 4pm we were on our way to Kitty Miller Bay, Phillip Island and walked up a windy track and up to the stunning cliff tops just in time for the most breathtaking golden hour.
From there, Lachie’s nerves kicked in and while I tried my best to keep Ness’s eyes forward, all she kept thinking was ‘omg is Lachie drunk, what is he doing?!’ while he nervously paced behind her. It was both hilarious and painful to watch at the same time, now knowing what was going on in each of their heads!
And I had the most beautiful moment in my photography career to capture the most gorgeous moment between two people I love and adore and the photographs are pure elegance, beauty and LOVE.
Florist The Fig & Willow Flower Bar I Gown Wild Ruby I Makeup Makeup Art by Kate I Models / Couple in Love Ness & Lachie I Photography Donna Lee Photography I Venue The Silo House, Inverloch
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
Plus check out Ness & Lachie’s Real Wedding.
Congratulations on your engagement! I’m Donna and I would love nothing more than to join you and capture your big day. I strive to capture those deep, emotive moments between you and your significant other with minimal posing and more authentic, candid imagery. I want you to reflect on your images and feel the love oozing out of them. My work is described as bold and romantic with a modern twist, but I ensure my images remain timeless and relevant. As your photographer, I love to hear what you envision for your big day and to help with pre-wedding plans to ensure your day runs smoothly. With some slight prompting and plenty of laughs, I promise our time together will be relaxed and full of fun!
Posted by Robyn Bull in Engagement on July 30th, 2024
Say hello to Gabby & Marcus. As we navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcus and I found ourselves stuck together 24/7. It was a unique experience, to say the least. But despite the isolation, our bond grew stronger. I realized that Marcus had a way of making me feel like I was the only person in the world. His presence was my safe haven, my constant source of comfort and reassurance. Every moment with him left me feeling giddy and carefree, like a kid who’d discovered a lifelong treasure. When we were apart, I felt lost and incomplete. It was as if my world was incomplete without him in it. That’s when I knew, deep down, that I was head over heels in love with Marcus. The thought of being without him was unbearable, and that’s when I knew he was the one for me.
Our first international getaway to Dubai was a memorable one. He had meticulously planned every detail, from the stunning dinner reservations in front of the majestic Burj Khalifa to the breathtaking water fountain show. He even arranged for someone to capture the moment on camera and take photos to cherish forever. As we awaited the spectacle, he excused himself to use the restroom, leaving me lost in the mesmerizing display of lights and music. Little did I know, he was actually setting the stage for a proposal that would leave me speechless. When he returned, he got down on one knee behind me, his eyes locked on mine, and asked me to be his forever. The sound of the water and music faded into the background as I said yes, our love shining brighter than any fireworks display.
As the sweltering Dubai heat seemed to melt away, I couldn’t quite discern whether Marcus’s tears were tears of joy or sweat-inducing humidity. But in that moment, it didn’t matter – all that mattered was the love and vulnerability shining through his eyes. We were transported to our own little bubble, oblivious to the world around us, as he got down on one knee. My heart was racing with nervous excitement, yet simultaneously overflowing with affection and euphoria. It was as if a kaleidoscope of emotions had taken over – a beautiful mess of feelings that left me breathless and elated. In that instant, nothing else existed except for the two of us, lost in the whirlwind of our own little world.
That unforgettable day marked the beginning of our new chapter together, and what a journey it has been! Since then, we’ve built a life filled with milestones and adventures. We’ve taken the next step by purchasing our first home, where we’re now working together to renovate and make it our own. We celebrated our engagement with our loved ones, surrounded by laughter and joy. As we look back, we’ve also made a conscious effort to prioritize each other, promising to take more time off from work to appreciate the little things and cherish our time together. Whether it’s simply taking our beloved golden girl, Honey, for a stroll or discussing our future goals and aspirations, we’re committed to nurturing our relationship and building a life filled with love, laughter, and happiness.”
As I look back, I can still feel the thoughtful planning that went into Marcus’s proposal. He wanted to create a moment we could treasure forever, and he succeeded in making it a reality. Before our romantic dinner, he arranged for our hotel room to be transformed into a fairytale setting, complete with rose petals and a decadent cake waiting for us when we returned. And then, the pièce de résistance: his heartfelt words, spoken from his heart as he got down on one knee. I’ll always treasure the memory of those moments, reliving the emotions that swirled inside me like a whirlwind of happiness and love. And as I reflect on that special night, I feel grateful to be the lucky recipient of such a thoughtful and romantic gesture.
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Photography for the adventurous, the sunset chasers and those who want something that is authentic and timeless. I’m an easy going, soft-spoken, lover of light and a photographer of people, places and moments that you’ll cherish. Nothing soothes my soul more than that golden light from a sunset and a wildly rugged and romantic mountain top view. On your wedding day, I’m all about blending in with your guests and capturing your wedding story in the most natural and unscripted way possible, so you can feel calm and relaxed. If you feel a connection to my work, then please be in touch, so we can start planning something amazing together!