Real wedding – Rob & Aimee, Yarra Valley VIC
The beautiful Yarra Valley was the perfect backdrop for Rob and Aimee’s winery wedding and they felt it was important to create a laid back vibe so their guests could feel relaxed as they celebrated.
The pair have a shared love for food trucks so they were excited to incorporate this fun foodie theme into their wedding day with burgers and pizzas aplenty.
When they saw each other at their ceremony, it was a moment they will never forget and there to capture every memorable moment was Elk & Willow.
In Aimee’s words…
The meeting.
Rob and I met at school, Mooroolbark College, and we first started talking when we sat next to each other on a school ski trip to Mt Buller. I was 15 and Rob was in the year above me.
The one.
Even though we were so young, I think we’ve always known we were meant for each other from that very first bus ride. He’s my best friend and we bring out the best in each other. We never stop laughing when we’re together and I can’t imagine what life would be like without that happiness in my life.
The proposal.
Rob picked up the ring he’d had made on Monday, 28 November 2016 and he wasn’t sure how or when he was going to propose. After work I suggested we drive down to the beach with our dog, Frankie. We grabbed some burgers and walked along the beach which was a pretty typical night for us and I obviously didn’t’ suspect a thing but Rob was acting a little strange. Just as a thunderstorm started to roll in and we were walking back along the beach to head home, he got down on one knee and proposed! It was such an amazing surprise and it was such a perfect moment, doing something that we love.
Planning process.
We started planning not long after we were engaged as we couldn’t wait to tie the knot! We were looking at dates in Oct/Nov and as we quickly learned that venues book up quickly, we thought the Monday before the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday was a good idea. I was pretty organized and enjoyed the planning process so much. You only do it once so I wanted to make the most of every aspect of our wedding and I loved it!
Style inspiration.
We wanted our wedding day to be a true representation of the two of us. We wanted it to be a laid back day filled with lots of love, fun and laughs. We knew that Acacia Ridge was the perfect spot for us as soon as we arrived. The venue owners were so easy going and such a pleasure to work with and had the exact vibe we envisioned. We knew food trucks were a must because it’s something we do regularly. There were lots of DIY projects leading up to the day because we wanted lots of games and activities to encourage our guests to get involved and have fun.
The dress.
My friends and my mum and I went shopping shortly after we booked the venue over one weekend. I didn’t have any particular styles I had in mind and was open to anything really. We went to a few stores on the Saturday and we found some nice dresses but nothing felt like it was ‘the one’. On the Sunday we booked a last minute appointment at Raffaele Ciuca and as soon as we walked in, we all felt like the dress for me was there. After trying on a couple of dresses, I tried on the dress that was meant for me. I tried on a couple more after to be sure but we all knew I’d found ‘the one’. The worst part was waiting for my dress to arrive which took months. All I wanted to do was look at it!
Favourite moment.
It sounds so cliché but it was definitely seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. I’ve never felt so full of love and happiness! It was also the little moments we got together when it was just the two of us and we got to watch all our friends and family having such a great time together.
Traditions.
There is a tradition on Rob’s Dad’s side of the family that has been passed down through many generations. It’s a kewpie doll in a wedding dress that gets placed on the bride’s wrist at the end of the ceremony. Rob’s Nana gave it to me and I was so honoured that it was passed down to me on our wedding day. The doll is so lovely and it’s such a special tradition in the family.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage is a huge deal. It’s a commitment to each other that you will be there for them always, for the rest of your days. We both hope it won’t be long until everyone can make this commitment to their one and only.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Just a Boy by Angus and Julia Stone
Walking back up the aisle: Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Reception Entry: Let’s Get Married by Jagged Edge
First Dance Song: I Could Die For You by Red Hot Chili Peppers followed by We Found Love by Rihanna and Calvin Harris which got everybody on the dancefloor and was so fun!
Reception Exit song: Touch the Sky by Kanye West feat. Lupe Fiasco
Funny stories (or near disasters).
One of my bridesmaids, Lauren, called me the day before the wedding in tears because she was worried the wedding cake was a disaster – it wasn’t rising like it usually did. I told her not to worry because it would be fine and it didn’t matter and, of course, it was perfect!
We decided to write our own vows and keep them secret from each other until the ceremony. We’re both animal lovers but I am always bringing home new foster animal. We both made reference to this in our vows but was really bizarre was we both used the words “animal hoarding tendencies”! Our guests assumed we must have written our vows together and couldn’t believe it when they found out we hadn’t.
Words of wisdom.
Make the most of all aspects of the wedding including the planning. Everything will fall into place and you’ll only do it once so you want to look back on the time with great memories, not ones of stress. Make sure you take the time together to take in your wedding day because it goes way too fast!
Final words.
The day wouldn’t have been possible without all the help and support from our wonderful family and friends. All the DIY projects, the setting up of the venue the day before, the cooking and baking and all the general planning and discussions! We are so thankful to be surrounded by such incredible people.
Aimee and Rob’s Tribe.
Ceremony and reception location: Acacia Ridge, Yarra Glen
Celebrant/Officiant: it was a joint effort between Allyson Nicholls of Life Long Celebrancy and our long-time friend, Ally. It was so special having our close friend standing by our side and telling our story during the ceremony. She has been there every step of the way through our relationship so she knew our story pretty well!
Photography: Elk & Willow – Jess is an absolute legend and it just felt like we had a close friend there snapping away. She made the photos that were just of us two so easy and relaxed.
Styling: Aimee (bride)
Florist: Piccolo Posy (the bride)
Hair and Make Up: Hair – Rachael Evans Makeup – Chelsea Darnell Makeup Artistry – these ladies are both so talented and was so much fun having them there on the day of the wedding
The Dress: Maggie Soterro from Raffaele Ciuca in Brunswick
Jewellery/Accessories: Holdsworth Bros Jewellers and Colette
Shoes: Bride and bridesmaids – Betts
Rings: Custom made by Ralf Fisch
Bridesmaids dresses: Rodeo Show
Grooms and groomsmen suits and ties: Briggins
Grooms Shoes: William’s Shoes
Catering: Much to our guests’ delight, Mr Burger and Pizza Wagon took care of dinner while our wonderful family and friends all chipped in to make an incredible selection of nibbles for after the ceremony as well as an amazing array of desserts. We also ordered a range of delicious Dossants from Goldeluck’s bakeshop.
Cake / Cake topper: The cake, a baked cheesecake, was made by my best friend and bridesmaid, Lauren and the cake topper was made Banana Graphics (Father of the bride).
Stationery / Signage: Stationery by the bride and signage by Banana Graphics
Entertainment: Acoustic guitarist and singer – Nick Hermanus who helped to set the tone before and after the ceremony and played until dinner. He was incredible and our guests were blown away by his talent and still won’t stop commenting on how good he was!
Honeymoon: Vietnam
