Real Wedding – Lachy and Mariah, Bellarine VIC
From their engagement, which involved Lachy surprising Mariah with a puppy along with a ring, to their wedding day, these two stunners were never going to be generic. The theme for their celebrations was “It was always you”, and we loved that their personalities shone through in all their wedding day choices.
From casual street cricket to kick off the day for the boys, to Mariah’s choice of a champagne tower over a wedding cake, these two were not one to bend to unnecessary tradition. The result was a unique, classy and fun-filled celebration.
Mariah and Lachy always envisioned a winery wedding but wanted to steer clear of the rustic vibe. Their styling choices were fresh and vibrant, with subtle touches of peach and coral to take the tone from classic to contemporary. Mariah’s Georgia Young gown fit the brief to a tee; simple lines yet detailed in design; and of course, absolutely jaw-dropping!
We think you’ll love scrolling photographer Lisa Hayman’s incredible images from the day.
The meeting.
Lachy and I went to high school together, although we didn’t speak at ALL while we were there, he was two years above me. It wasn’t until I was graduating year 12 that a friend introduced us, and 11 years on the rest is history!
The ‘one’.
Lachy and I spent some time apart about three years into our relationship, we were still so young! It was during that time apart that we both knew we couldn’t live without each other. Best thing we ever did!
The proposal.
It was a Saturday afternoon. I had plans to go out for drinks with some friends, Lach was at work and asked if I had time for an afternoon picnic. I said yes, I will make time but reminded him I had plans later that day.
He called me saying he was at the park down the road. I had my hair and makeup done ready to go out and reminded him again I couldn’t stay long. So I drove down to the park and there he was, with a picnic rug, some champagne and to my surprise… A PUPPY. He was sitting there with little Ollie.
I was in complete shock, then of course, he asked the question. It goes without saying I didn’t make those drinks with the girls!
Planning process.
The wedding planning was so much fun! I am very organized in nature, and had 18 months between booking the venue to the big day, so had plenty of time. I booked the major stuff early which gave me months to go over the smaller details with the vendors and I didn’t feel stressed at all.
Style inspiration.
I had been looking everywhere and paying attention to wedding details on Instagram, and knew the rustic look just wasn’t for me. I wanted a winery wedding but I didn’t want wine barrels and timber furniture, something about it just wasn’t for me.
I was drawn to golds and greens and pinks, and wanted pastel tones and bright signage, I wanted it to be fun and vibrant! And my stylist did an amazing job making it all come to life!
The outfit.
I looked no further then to Georgia Young, I was always drawn to her beautiful designs and fabrics. The dress was simple yet had so much detail in the design, I knew it was the dress I would marry Lachy in the moment I put it on.
Favourite moments.
There was so many! The first dance was something I will never forget. We danced to ‘Sweet Disposition’ which was very nostalgic for when we first met, it went off!
Of course, seeing Lach at the end of aisle looking as handsome as ever and popping the Veuve for our champagne tower!
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage to me is two people being there for each other, being supportive and understanding and facing life’s ups and downs together. Marriage should be fun and exciting, and when it’s not, marriage should be compassionate and patient.
When we grow older and life takes us on different paths, marriage should be growing together not apart. Marriage is a life together, no matter what.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: The Only Exception by Paramore
Recessional: Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher by Jackie Wilson
Reception entry: Voulez Vous by Abba
First dance: Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap
Funny stories or near disasters.
Before we were even close to being engaged (and on a very boozy afternoon) I told my girlfriends that I was getting married in March 2020. It was so far in advance that I thought I was being realistic, but also I was making a point that March is the best month to get married in Victoria due to weather. When we booked the date my girlfriends already had the date in their diary (as a joke) – we had totally forgotten about it and had a great laugh!
Not to mention the day before the wedding it was pouring with rain. We got lucky, the rain didn’t come on our big day, but it just shows you, no date is safe in Victoria!
Planning surprises.
Not me, but Lachy. He knew who I was before he proposed but he still got the surprise of his life when he saw the total figure. I am not one to stick to a budget… ooops!
Words of wisdom.
Remember to have fun! The planning/lead up was the most exciting time. We gave ourselves 18 months and booked the big things early (venue, photographer etc) and then we just cruised along doing things bit by bit. We were so calm and ready by the time the big day came around all that was left was to have fun and enjoy it.
Giving ourselves 18 months was also good for saving up and not adding too much financial stress! Oh, and get yourself a killer spreadsheet, it helped me so much!
Last words.
The wedding was honestly better than I could have ever imagined. All we wanted was a big party with our favourite people celebrating us. We did everything we could to make the day as personal as possible. Everything from loaded potato gems (Lachy’s favourite) to a Veuve Champagne Tower (my favourite!).
Most people at the wedding knew our history, knew how long we had been together and all the things we had been through, our theme was ‘It was always you’ and we didn’t hold back in telling our story. We had many comments on how the wedding reflected us exactly as we are. And I can’t recommend that high enough, make the day about you! Add those personal touches, it will be something you can look back on and hold close to your heart for years to come.
Love Mariah and Lachy’s styling choices? Check out another of our fave winery weddings with a similar style pallette, also pure class without the rustic vibe: Alana and Tom, Bellarine VIC.
LACHY AND MARIAH’S VENDORS
Ceremony & Reception venue: Jack Rabbit Vineyard – I cannot recommend this venue highly enough. When looking for venues we got out of the car and Lachy said ‘Well Maz, this is the place!’ and we looked no further.
Celebrant: Two Sisters Celebrants – Rhiannon and Carly are in a league of their own! They were so friendly and helpful, we built such a good relationship, I wanted them to stay and party with us all night, they are brilliant!
Photography: Lisa Hayman – Lisa was INCREDIBLE. She has this laid-back vibe which really eased my nerves. She did such a good job capturing us and who we are!
Styling: Jayde Winters -A great friend of mine. Jayde took my vision for the big day and made it come to life. We had so much fun planning this day together!
Florist: Ivy Meets Rose – Steph is a creative GENIUS! I am still amazed by how beautiful my flowers and arrangements turned out. Steph and Jayde really made my vision come to life!
Hair: Hairport1 Bridal – Mia is a long-time hairdresser/friend of mine. I cannot fault her work, she is incredible!
Make-up: Tahlia T Make Up Artistry – Tee wasn’t just my incredible and talented make-up artist, but also a bridesmaid! Tee has always had a way to make me look and feel better than ever, cannot recommend high enough!
The dress and veil: Georgia Young -Working with Georgia was a dream come true, the experience, the service and the quality. All round 10/10!!
Shoes: Tony Bianco
Rings: Mariah: Mandy Tanner Fine Jewellery, Lachy: Tattoo
Unfortunately, Mandy Tanner doesn’t have a website or Instagram. She just relies on word of mouth which speaks volumes because she is incredible. I designed a green sapphire on a gold band with a diamond crown and diamond wedding band.
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Dion Lee, Viktoria & Woods, Bec & Bridge, Cmeo
Groomsmen’s suits: Institchu
Bow ties: Asos
Cake: No cake, champagne tower!
Stationery / Signage: Paige Tuzee
Entertainment: Top Dog Entertainment
Transport: Murrell Group
Furniture hire: Harry the Hirer & Memphis Hire
Signage: Did Signs & Mitchell Group
Honeymoon: We were lucky enough to have had a small trip to Sri Lanka, due to COVID-19 we had to cut the honeymoon short and come home early, but we still had seven magical days in Sri Lanka, and we will definitely be going back when it is safe to do so. The food, the culture, the people, the beaches – absolutely incredible!!
