Real Wedding – Sharon & Stuart, Inverleigh VIC
Real Wedding – Sharon & Stuart, Inverleigh VIC
Real Wedding – Sharon & Stuart, Inverleigh VIC
Real Wedding – Sharon & Stuart, Inverleigh VIC

Real Wedding – Sharon & Stuart, Inverleigh VIC

 

Sharon and Stuart are suckers for warm summer nights, so naturally they chose the beautiful gardens of Inverleigh Cellar & Kitchen to celebrate their love story.

What they hadn’t anticipated was a sudden downpour right before their ceremony meaning some minor changes took place so they could exchange their heartfelt vows. Despite this, the rain cleared and what lay ahead was a moonlit party that oozed their bright and summery feels.

With a Tribe of superstars there to support them every step of the way, Sharon and Stuart had the day of their dreams and there to capture it all was Stefani Driscoll.

 

In Sharon’s words…

 

The meeting.

On the infamous Room99 dance floor in Geelong 12 years ago! I saw Stu moving across the dance floor busting out some moves. We eventually got talking and the rest is history!

 

The ‘One’.

I can’t pinpoint one particular moment but the accumulation of diverse moments, events and experiences we’ve encountered confirm he is undoubtedly ‘the one’ for me.

 

The proposal.

Stu and I got a helicopter to tour Hawaii’s Big Island, its volcano and land on top of one of the Island’s epic waterfalls. As we were approaching the waterfall to land (where Stu planned to propose), the pilot aborted the landing as he said the clouds were starting to come in thick and fast. This led to Plan B the next day in which we trekked for 20 minutes over lava rocks to a secluded beach. It was the most beautiful beach with sea turtles swimming around, bright white sand and the most aqua blue water. We were sitting on the sand relaxing in the sun and next minute Stu was on one knee asking me to marry him!

 

The process.

We had a reasonably long engagement, therefore I was able to plan everything at my own pace. I was never rushed into making decisions and had the time to thoroughly research suppliers, trends, ideas etc. It was an extremely relaxing process and I loved every minute planning our wedding!

 

Style inspiration.

As much as I love wineries and beach weddings I knew I was after something different. Summer is my absolute favourite time of year, particularly the warm summer nights. I loved the idea of being outside dancing under the moonlight and festoon lighting! My mother in law suggested Inverleigh Cellar & Kitchen (formerly Gladioli), and when I visited it I got tingles walking out into the garden, it was perfect! It was a blank canvas which enabled me to create my dream wedding. I was wanting a bright and summery feel ensuring for a fun, relaxed and laid-back intimate garden wedding.

 

The dress.

I wore a Grace Loves Lace gown and it had my name written all over it. It was two-toned ivory and white, it had a soft tulle skirt with a lace strapless bodice, and also had lace arm bands which were detached from the dress which made it a little unique compared to the more typical strapless gown.

I always said I wanted a tulle skirt but nothing “too bride looking!” So this was perfect. It was a fun and very girly dress, yet still elegant.

It was the very first dress I tried on, but I thought maybe I was caught up in the moment so I sat on the decision. Yet, 8 months later after trying on several dresses, I was still comparing and thinking of that dress. It was the one!

I also wore a blue stoned pendant tied by a ribbon around my wrist, that was my Nan’s that she wore on her wedding as did my Mum! It was my something old, borrowed and blue!

 

Favourite moments.

Soon after finishing our main meal, the most beautiful sunset was occurring. Stu and I were whisked away by our photographer and videographer to have some photos in the paddocks to capture this backdrop. It was the first time for the entire day where we had some time alone and got to reflect on the day and felt our most relaxed. It was during this time that we got some of our favourite photos for the entire day.

 

Meaning of marriage.

A commitment to care, love, support, grow and cherish the other half through good and more importantly, challenging times for the rest of our lives.

 

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Perfect by Madilyn Bailey

Signing of registry: Stuck On You by Meiko and Let’s Stay Together by Al Green

Processional: First Day Of My Life by Bright Eyes

Bridal Introductions: Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye Kygo remix

First Dance: Stand By Me by Ben.E.King

 

Funny stories (or near disasters).

We had several hurdles to overcome during the lead up to our wedding but the main disaster would have to be it raining on the day of our garden themed wedding! Rain hadn’t been forecast, oppressive heat had been! So we had not prepared for it to be wet! It rained all morning and there were no signs of it stopping. As I was waiting to enter the venue I got the dreaded call from Stu that we had to move the ceremony from the garden circle to inside the marquee! As devastated as I was at the time, the rain did add character to the ceremony and made it more fun and laid back. It also made for some beautiful photos! The rain ended up clearing up straight after the ceremony and it was the most perfect weather for the rest of the evening!

 

Planning surprises.

That everyone were willing to go above and beyond what we had expected from them. This included our suppliers, our family and our friends. Whenever we had a mini disaster, the first instinct of everyone was to try and find a way to help.

 

Words of wisdom.

Expect things to go wrong and don’t sweat the small things!

 

Last words.

Truly the best day of our lives! Wouldn’t change a thing!

 

 

 

After some Summer Lovin‘? Be sure to check out this styled shoot for all your inspiration.

 

SHARON AND STUART’S TRIBE

Ceremony venue / location: Inverleigh Cellar & Kitchen (formerly Gladioli) – Kate from Inverleigh Cellar & Kitchen was absolutely incredible. She was extremely helpful through the entire process and on the day her and the staff went above and beyond to making our day perfect. They were professional, friendly and just amazing!

Reception venue / location: Inverleigh Cellar & Kitchen

Celebrant/Officiant: Dear Henri – Kim was a fantastic celebrant! So bubbly, fun and warm. She created a ceremony for us that was everything we had hoped for and more.

Photography: Stefani Driscoll Photography – Stef is an absolute super star! We are completely in love with our photos, could not be happier with how they turned out. She is a super friendly and fun person, so easy to work with.

Videography: Moment Seeker – Haydn and Anne are one incredibly talented duo! They captured our wedding just perfectly. They hide in the background never making you feel uneasy.

Styling: Laurel and Grace 

Florist: Miabella Florist

Hair and make-up: Blondie – Kate and Jaz were amazing. They made the whole process such a fun experience and the looks they created were exactly what I was after.

The Dress (and veil): Grace Loves Lace

Shoes: bride – Novo , groom – Roger David

Rings: Cushla Whiting and Larsen Jewellery

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Country Road 

Groomsmen’s suits: Henry Bucks

Bow ties / ties: Declic

Catering and bar: Inverleigh Cellar & Kitchen

Favours: Donation to Kidney Health Australia – Living with a kidney disease myself, undergoing dialysis and going through a transplant, this charity is extremely close to our hearts!

Cake / Cake topper: Melie cakes – I am coeliac so Mel created for us a gluten free red velvet two-tiered cake. No easy task when it comes to gluten free, especially a wedding cake! But she nailed it!

Stationery / Signage: White Willow Paper

Entertainment: The White Tree Band – These guys did a great job of getting everyone up on the dance floor! They played the exact style of music we had requested.

Transport: Family friend’s mini van

Décor: Pepper Sprout Hire

Hire: Surf Coast Party Hire

Honeymoon: Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Arbour : My amazing Aunty and Uncle created and made this for us! We thought it looked spectacular!

Gelato cart: Short Batch Ice Cream Co 

 

 

 




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