The proposal
It was a serene Sunday afternoon, with the sun shining down on the backyard, when Jim surprised me with the most romantic gesture – a proposal just days shy of our 8 – year milestone anniversary.
The wedding gown
As a fashion designer, I had a keen eye for detail and a clear vision for my dream wedding dress. After exploring various Melbourne brands, I was captivated by Pallas Couture’s exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. I was drawn to their stunning gowns with full skirts and fitted bodices, and the intricate hand-placed embroidery on my chosen design truly stole my heart. I wanted a dress that would complement the whimsical atmosphere of my garden wedding and stand the test of time, allowing me to treasure it for years to come. And as the night drew to a close, I slipped into a custom-made mini dress that I had created myself over several months – from designing the pattern and cutting the fabric to sewing every last detail, including the intricate 3D florals. The end result was well worth the time and effort, as I felt like the best version of myself on my special day.
One piece of advice
| Enjoy every single minute of the wedding day as it goes so quickly and make sure to take some time with you newly husband or wife to take it all in away from the crowd. D not let the weather ruin our day you will be maring the love of your life in front of all your loved ones and that is all that will matter. |
The wedding venue
Jim and I had always envisioned a wedding that would be deeply personal and meaningful, so it was only natural that we chose my childhood home as the setting. We wanted an intimate celebration where we could have complete control over every detail, and a backyard wedding offered us the flexibility to create a unique and memorable experience. To keep our guests engaged throughout the afternoon, we designated three distinct areas for the ceremony, pre-reception drinks, and reception. Upon arrival, guests were treated to champagne and heel stoppers to navigate the lush lawn before being ushered to the back paddock, where they were greeted by the majestic willow trees that Dad had meticulously tended to. This picturesque spot became the reception area, where the white-on-white theme was perfectly complemented by the vibrant floral arrangements from the garden. After enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres on the front porch, guests made their way to the reception area, which was revealed with a stunning reveal as they walked through the leafy canopy. This hidden gem of our garden had never been seen by many of our family and friends, making it an unforgettable moment for all. We’re eternally grateful to my parents for transforming our home into a wedding wonderland – Dad’s hard work in the garden and Mum’s efforts in keeping the house looking immaculate were truly invaluable.
Favourite memories
The most cherished moment for us was watching our special day unfold and being able to savour every moment with our dearest loved ones. As we exchanged vows on our 10-year anniversary, we wanted to create a celebration that would honour the love we’ve shared and the memories we’ve made together. And what better way to do that than surrounded by the people who matter most? The grand finale of fireworks at the end of the night was the perfect exclamation mark on an already unforgettable evening, leaving both us and our guests in awe of the magic of the day.
Favourite vendors
We were incredibly fortunate to work with an exceptional team of vendors who truly helped make our wedding day unforgettable. Their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail elevated every aspect of the celebration.
Vendors
Bar and Catering Cookes Food Bridal Gown & Veil Designer Pallas Couture Bridesmaid Dresses Aje Cake / Sweets Blue and Ruby Cake Art Celebrant Lisaanne Celebrant Ceremony Venue Parents Private Property Entertainment & Music Three Oak Road Band Floristry Pepperberry Flora Grooms Attire The Bespoke Corner Hire Services Social Event Hire Jewellery Saphira Diamonds Makeup Artist Elirah Beauty Cosmetics Marquee Over the Top Events Nails / Tan Bronzed Bodies & Brows Photographer Haven Still and Moving Images Stationery Rebel Reflect Reception Venue Parents Private Property Shoes Jimmy Choo Videographer Have Still and Moving Images Wedding Planner & Stylist Poni Studios
Haven Still and Moving Images
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.