The love story
Seven years ago, while visiting from New Zealand, Sarah met Kurt at a gig where Kurt, the new drummer in a band with her dad were playing at the Espy. Kurt caught her attention with his good looks and musical talent from behind his drum-kit. After Sarah officially moved back home to Melbourne, Kurt wasted no time in asking her out, taking her to a charming Mexican Restaurant and for a stroll around a park. On the way to the park, Kurt made a bold choice to drive around a huge roundabout three times. To this day, he claims he did it because he wasn’t sure which exit to take, but Sarah has always known it was just for a laugh.
The engagement
While sitting around a campfire with friends, the topic of engagements and weddings came up. We joked about how Kurt would need to buy me not one but two rings – one for the engagement and one for the wedding. To my surprise, Kurt sneakily pulled out a box, took a knee, and casually proclaimed, “What, like these?”
One piece of advice
Try not to sweat the small stuff and remember what’s important to you as a couple on your big day. For us, it was getting married to each other and celebrating our love story with our closest friends and family. And definitely get a DJ!
The wedding outfits
Ceremony Dress: Sarah chose an A-line dress that complemented her shorter stature. It was so beautifully simple, featuring a gorgeous leg split and the perfect pockets, which made Sarah feel both elegant and sexy.
Reception Dress: For the reception, Sarah wanted something she could dance the night away in. The material was super light, and the off-the-shoulder style felt stunning.
Kurt’s Suit: Kurt wanted to get married in a VB green (yes, the beer) suit, and the one from Politix was the closest match he could find.
The venue
As Gippsland locals, we wanted to get married in Gippsland. The beautiful scenery atop rolling hills and the large property allowed us to host both the ceremony and reception in one stunning location.
The ceremony
Our 18-month-old son Owen walked down the aisle with his god sisters, Thalia and Calliope. He froze halfway and then ran into my mum’s arms as she and my dad walked me down the aisle. To honour Sarah’s Greek heritage, her cousin and bridesmaid, Stephanie, performed a traditional Greek wedding ritual called Stefana. The Stefana are two crowns joined by a ribbon, symbolising the unity of two people as they become a single couple.
Favourite memory
After all the formalities were over, Donna, our amazing photographer, tapped us on the shoulder toward the end of dinner and led us outside for a few sunset photos in the olive grove. We danced, laughed, and kissed. I am so grateful we had such a romantic, private moment together on our wedding day.
Favourite vendors
Donna from Donna Lee Photography did an amazing job as our photographer. We felt so comfortable with her capturing our day and our love, and I will treasure the photos she took forever. Mariano from Fancy Disco DJ truly brought the party to life. I didn’t leave the dance floor once it opened, which is exactly how I wanted to celebrate!
Vendors
Accommodation Space on the Hill I Alterations Happy Ever After Alterations I Bridal Gown & Veil Designer Sau Lee x Revolve & Selfie Leslie I Bridesmaid Dresses Model Chic I Cake / Sweets The Grove Gippsland I Catering The Grove Gippsland I Celebrant Safe Hands Celebrancy I Ceremony Venue The Grove Gippsland I Entertainment / Music Fancy Disco DJ I Favours Boozies Australia I Florist Victoria Hall I Grooms Attire Politix Menswear & Peggy and Finn I Hair Stylist Jasmines Hair Styles I Invitations / Stationery Say I do I Jewellery Prouds the Jewellers I Makeup Artist Beauty by Becki I Nails / Tan Immerse within Skin & Beauty I Photographer Donna Lee Photography I Reception Venue The Grove Gippsland I Videographer Petals of Pierre
Donna Lee Photography
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!