The proposal
It was a picturesque day at Metung when Tom surprised me with the proposal of a lifetime. He asked me to join him for a leisurely walk, and as we strolled to a lookout overlooking Chinaman’s Creek, he got down on one knee and popped the question. The romantic moment was made even more special when he revealed that he had secretly stashed a hamper of champagne and treats in the nearby bushes. As I said ‘yes’, we toasted our engagement with bubbly and indulged in the delicious goodies, savouring every moment of our special celebration.
The wedding gowns
I wanted to create a truly one-of-a-kind wedding dress by incorporating a meaningful element from my mother’s own wedding gown, made from raw silk. This decision made my dress not only beautiful but also deeply sentimental. I worked closely with local dressmaker Janette Morrison to design and bring my vision to life. My mother was by my side throughout the entire process, attending fittings and witnessing the transformation of her treasured gown into a stunning wedding dress. I also repurposed the tulle from her wedding gown to create a stunning reception dress, adding another layer of emotional significance to the entire experience. The journey of re-designing my mother’s wedding gown is something I will always treasure, and I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity to connect with her on such a special level.
One piece of advice
All the hard work and meticulous planning that goes into preparing for your special day finally culminates in one unforgettable moment. When the big day arrives, take a deep breath, relax, and remember to soak it all in. Don’t worry too much about the little things – they’ll fall into place, and before you know it, the day will be over and you’ll be left with cherished memories. Trust that all the planning and preparation have set the stage for an incredible celebration, and instead of getting bogged down in details, focus on savouring every second with your loved ones.
The venue
Metung holds a special place in our hearts, as it has been a cherished destination for our family vacations since we were young. With a shared history of happy memories and countless laughter-filled moments, Metung is more than just a place – it’s a symbol of our childhood summers and the joy of sharing experiences with loved ones. For us, Metung is a reminder of the beauty of the East Gippsland region and the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with exploring its stunning natural surroundings.
The ceremony
Our wedding was a celebration of love, family, and tradition, with a strong theme of sentiment woven throughout every detail. I wore my mother’s treasured wedding dress, reimagined and reworked to make it uniquely mine. The ceremony featured a personal touch with the bride’s father and brother each lending us their cars, which we used to transport our guests to the venue. Music was also an important part of the day, with our sister-in-law serenading us with her beautiful voice. And, as a nod to our childhood memories, we chose two locations that held special meaning to both of us – the places where we had spent countless happy holidays together. It was the perfect way to merge our past and present, and to celebrate the love that has brought us together.
Favourite memories
As the sun began to set on our special day, we made a dramatic entrance at The Metung Hotel, arriving by boat alongside our closest friends and family, the bridal party. The excitement was palpable as we docked and made our way to the reception, where the energy was electric. The dancefloor was already pulsing with life, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of celebration with the people we love. It was the perfect start to our journey together as a married couple, surrounded by the beauty of Metung and the joy of our loved ones.
The vendors
Our special day was perfectly captured by the talented Hannah Gilbert Photographer and Daydreamer Videography, who expertly documented every moment of our love-filled celebration. But the festivities didn’t stop there – our friends Abbey Shaw, Miles Eddy, and Will Larsen got the party started, warming up the dance floor with their infectious energy and getting everyone in the mood to let loose and have fun. With great music, stunning scenery, and unforgettable company, our wedding was truly an unforgettable experience.
Vendors
Accessories Seahorse Boutique I Alterations Janette Morrison I Bars The Metung Hotel I Bridal Gown & Veil Designer Tiana designed both her Wedding and Reception Gowns using the material of her Mother’s raw silk 32 year old Wedding Gown I Bridesmaid Dresses Bec + Bridge I Cake / Sweets Pavlova Porn (Compliments of Mum) I Catering Albert & Co I Celebrant Gina Brakey Ceremony I Ceremony Venue Nyerimilang Heritage Park I Entertainment / Music Abbey Shaw, Miles Eddy, Will Larsen Saxaphonist I Florist Benita Tscharke Floral I Grooms Attire YSG Tailors I Hair Stylist Style & Co I Hire Services Gippsland Party Hire I Invitations / Stationery DIY I Jewellery Seahorse Boutique Phillip Island I Makeup Artist Dee Cavanagh Makeup & Beauty Artistry I Marquees / Teepees Gippsland Party Hire I Nails / Tan Dee Cavanagh Makeup & Beauty Artistry I Photographer Hannah Gilbert Photographer I Reception Venue The Metung Hotel I Robes, Sleepwear & Lingerie Peter Alexander I Transport Stingray Corvette, HJ Kingswood Station Wagon, Timber boat “Alberta” I Videographer Daydreamer Videography
Hannah Gilbert Photographer
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!