Real Wedding – Chloe & Toby, Melbourne VIC
Chloe and Toby can barely remember a life without each other.
They spent their childhood orbiting around each other in the classic country town way and, before they knew it, their forever friendship had caught fire.
When the time came to say ‘I do’, they chose to celebrate their union in the same understated yet deeply meaningful way it had unfolded – just between them.
Intimate and overflowing with emotion, the pair exchanged vows at Melbourne’s registry office in the presence of their parents and four closest friends.
Chloe wore an elegant custom D’Italia gown featuring a classic high neckline, long sleeves and button detail down that back that epitomised the simple yet timeless aesthetic of the occasion.
After toasting their new chapter at a cocktail hour for two, they were joined by 28 of their nearest and dearest for a relaxed private dinner.
Even amid the most chic of monochromatic settings, love was the undeniable centrepiece.
Scroll on to delight in the darling origin story, planning journey and wedding day gallery (courtesy of the ever-brilliant photographer My Scandi Style) of The Pinks.
The meeting.
We don’t have a standard “meeting” story. We’ve known each other since we were kids, for as long as we can remember. We grew up in the same area, in a small country town in regional South Australia, which meant we were around each other a lot from an early age. We were family friends for years before anything romantic started. It just evolved naturally, and before we knew it, we were a couple.
‘The one’.
Toby had a crush on me for as long as I can remember. He used to ask me to be his girlfriend all the time when we were kids. At the time, I just saw him as my friend. But when he moved away, I realised how much he meant to me and that my feelings had changed. Our friendship became the foundation for everything, and we began our relationship in 2017.
The proposal.
We were on a weekend getaway staying at Lancemore, Milawa, in October 2024. As the sun was setting on our balcony, Toby turned to me and said, “Do you know what would make this weekend even better?” Then he followed it up with, “If you were my fiancé” and that’s about when I completely blacked out from the shock.
He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was so special, intimate, private and perfectly us. I honestly wish we could bottle up the feeling of calling our friends and family afterwards to share the news. He hadn’t told anyone he was proposing, except for my dad.
Planning process.
Our priority was just to be married. We kept the wedding a secret from everyone except the handful who were invited. Our goal was something intimate, meaningful and as stress free as possible. Even small weddings attract plenty of opinions, so we knew a 100-plus guest list would only add pressure. In the end, it was just us, our parents, and four close friends at the ceremony; later we were joined by our siblings and a few more best friends for a relaxed long table dinner.
Because we had an intimate wedding, we chose to forgo traditional favours or bonbonnières. Instead, we spent weeks writing each guest a personalised letter, sharing what they meant to us, the impact they’ve had on our lives and why we chose them to be part of such a special day. It was deeply personal and meaningful. It created such a beautiful, shared moment that we’ll never forget.
Style inspiration.
Our focus was on simplicity, elegance and timelessness, with the love shared in the room the most important part of the day.
I found real weddings to be the most useful source of inspiration. Seeing how other couples brought their vision to life helped me imagine what felt right for us.
The ceremony.
Our ceremony was small and intimate, with just our parents and four of our closest friends. The room was filled with so much love and emotion that everyone was in tears. It was a euphoric feeling.
The outfits.
I knew exactly what I wanted for my dress, so I had it custom made with D’Italia. I visited their showroom, shared my vision and they matched me with one of their dressmakers who brought it to life. I wanted something simple, elegant and timeless – high neck, long sleeves and classy. It was a style I’d always dreamed of.
Favourite moments.
The best part of our wedding was definitely exchanging our vows. The moment was raw and emotional; everyone was in tears.
Meaning of marriage.
To us, marriage is about partnership. Supporting each other through life’s ups and downs, growing together, and building a future based on trust, love, and mutual respect. It’s knowing you have someone by your side no matter what.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: The Vow by Ruth Anne
Signing: Unconditional (Acoustic) by Sinead Harnett
Reception entry: (They Long To be) Close To You by Hailey Gardiner
First dance: Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk
Funny stories.
We originally booked our wedding for March 1, 2025, and had everything locked in, but then we found out Toby’s work had an interstate practice game on the same day, so we had to reschedule everything.
Planning surprises.
How much everything costs!
Words of wisdom.
Keep the details to yourselves and avoid asking for too many opinions – it’s your day, and everyone will have something to say. The most important thing is to make choices that reflect what you and your partner truly want. The day is about the two of you. Also, don’t feel pressured to have a huge guest list. If we could give one piece of advice, it would be to consider an intimate wedding – it was the best decision we made.
CHLOE & TOBY’S SUPPLIERS:
First look location: Victorian Treasury Gardens
Ceremony venue: Victorian Marriage Registry
Newlyweds cocktail hour: Maison Batard
Reception venue: Bossley
Officiant: Victorian Mariage Registry allocated one on the day and couldn’t have asked to get a better one. We had Emily Dean, she was beautiful and perfect for us.
Photography: We had a few photographers, Little Bai Photography & My Scandi Style
Videography: Aaron Knight Photography and Film
Content Creator: Your day by Ruby
Styling: Bride’s own
Florist: Amalfi Floral Design
Hair: Demi Rose Hairdressing (sister-in-law)
Make-up: Nicola Burgess Makeup
The dress: D’Italia Couture
Veil: Meshki
Shoes: Tony Bianco
Rings: Top Image Jewellery
Bridesmaids’ dresses: One dress was from Sass & Bide and the other from Meshki
Hire: Wishing well from Events by Dem & Candles from Carla Collectives
Honeymoon: We haven’t planned our honeymoon just yet, we’re waiting for the AFL off-season.
