Real Wedding – Maddie & Alex, Coldstream VIC
Like the opening scene of a classic rom-com, when Maddie and Alex first met on New Year’s Eve 2018, she pretended to be his girlfriend to save him from an awkward encounter.
Seven years later, she became his wife.
It was only fitting that the celebration of a love story so screen-worthy took place among the unmatched elegance of Coombe Yarra Valley.
The pair opted to say their legal vows at a courthouse ceremony the day before the main event so their bespoke long-form wedding service could be delivered by a friend.
The decision gave rise to a deeply personal affair set within the venue’s supremely manicured Italian gardens, where Maddie wore a gown that encapsulated the kind of enduring beauty she hopes could be passed on to the next generation.
From the refined styling details to the romantic sensibility, the ever-brilliant Kelly from My Scandi Style was there to capture it all.
The meeting.
We met at a New Year’s Eve party in 2018. During the night I rescued Alex from an uncomfortable situation in a spa and pretended to be his girlfriend. We started chatting and although Alex was only in Melbourne for a quick trip, we gave long distance a go and the rest is history.
‘The one’.
We spent 10 months apart during the COVID pandemic due to border restrictions. While I was working as a nurse, Alex was enjoying travelling for work. Once borders finally opened, I returned to Western Australia, terrified we may have grown apart but we spent eight weeks together and quickly realised we didn’t want to be apart again so we started planning my move.
The proposal.
We’d spent a couple months apart due to work commitments, but we were able to rendezvous in Launceston, Tasmania. Swiftly after arriving Alex suggested a hike and we found ourselves at a stunning lookout where Alex popped the question. It was a perfect moment, and Maddie couldn’t believe Alex had the ring designed and made at her favourite jeweler without any help or advice.
Style inspiration.
We wanted an elegant, timeless and classy wedding. We were married in the Italian gardens at Coombe Yarra Valley which had big, beautiful umbrellas and ample seating for family. We had a formal dress code and chose white and green florals which were repurposed from the ceremony to the reception. Instead of a head table, we had three long tables: one for each family and the middle table was Alex and I and our friends. We didn’t want our bridesmaids/groomsmen to be away from their partners and opted to spend more time with our friends. We chose elegant tea light and pillar candles which were spread along each table as well as bud vases of roses.
Planning process.
We booked our wedding venue a month after getting engaged and were married within the year. I tackled most of the wedding planning and Alex provided encouragement.
The outfits.
I wanted an elegant and timeless dress – one I could one day pass on. She went for something fitted, but she added an overskirt for the ceremony, so she felt like she had two dresses, but in fact, it was just one.
Alex knew what style he wanted, so after a quick browse, he purchased his suit two months out from the wedding.
Favourite moment.
There were so many, but I absolutely cherish our wedding dance (even though we were hopeless!). Another big one was having all formalities wrapped up by 8:30pm, so Alex and I were able to hit the dancefloor and enjoy our evening.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage is two people coming together to celebrate their love and commitment in front of all their friends and family. It’s an agreement that you’ll keep fighting for each other, remain present within the relationship, and hopefully pass on all your ‘good bits’ to future children.
Wedding soundtrack.
Bridesmaids: Girls Like You – Violin version by Paul Lorenz
Aisle: Until I Found You – Violin version by Nikolaus
Ceremony exit: Signed, Sealed, Delivered – I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder
First Dance: Stand By Me – Florence & The Machine
Words of wisdom.
Get married in the courthouse! We had an intimate legal ceremony at the courthouse and then wed in front of our friends and family at Coombe. This significantly reduced costs as we had a friend deliver a non-legal wedding ceremony, signed a Canva marriage certificate, and took the pressure off as we were legally married the day before.
We’d also suggest having an upfront discussion about the budget before booking anything and sticking to it. We used a free wedding website, which provided further information, and guests could RSVP through a QR code. Guests could add any song requests and dietary requirements through the QR code which made the DJ requests and dietary list quick and easy. We also ensured guests added their email so we could send a wedding reminder and forward images from the night.
Book your big-ticket vendors – like a photographer – after your venue. Doing this early on takes the pressure off and gives you breathing space before organising smaller details like songs, seating charts etc. Also try and find a venue that includes a wedding planner. Our planner communicated with our vendors ensuring everyone ran on the same schedule. This reduced our stress in the lead up and ensured we were able to relax on the day knowing someone else was making sure the day ran smoothly.
ALEX & MADDIE’S SUPPLIERS:
When picking our team of suppliers we used recommendations from Coombe, friends and Instagram. We found vendors who matched our style; relaxed, easy to talk to and able to multitask. We knew if we planned everything in advance, and booked an amazing team, we wouldn’t be stressed on the day. Whilst there’s always a couple of last-minute things to organise, once we arrived at Coombe, the team took over! Angela, our Coombe wedding planner tailored the schedule to meet our needs. We organised to join guests during canapes and take pictures with them instead of just family members. This meant we were able to mingle with our guests and welcome them into the reception area. We didn’t have a formal ‘entry’ instead opting to thank our guests for coming early on, which took the pressure off during the reception.
Ceremony & Reception venue: Coombe Yarra Valley. We couldn’t fault the Coombe team! The ceremony and reception set-up was exactly as we’d planned. They even provided additional sun protection for our grandparents. Our guests were so impressed with the quality of the food, and nobody left hungry. All food intolerances were adhered to, and substitutions were provided with no issues. Our wedding planner, Angela, provided calming and encouraging words before Maddie walked down the aisle and touched base when needed. She accommodated our requests, and her attention to detail ensured the day ran perfectly and was completely stress-free!
Photography: My Scandi Style. Kelly, our wedding photographer, was an absolute gem! She kept Maddie calm when the bottom of her dress got dirty before the ceremony, managed an issue with the groom/groomsman’s lapel flowers, and ensured we felt comfortable in front of the camera. Her support, attention to detail and prompt responses to our emails seeking advice or vendor recommendations were fantastic.
Videography: Mim Media. Em & Eddie, our wedding videographers, absolutely smashed it! Their attention to detail, guidance and relaxed attitude ensured the day ran smoothly and was stress-free. They both helped me laugh through a couple of awkward moments and ensured we felt comfortable in front of the camera. Mim Media captured the joy, happiness and love of the day, and we couldn’t recommend them highly enough!!!
Florist: Flowers by Megan. Megan was great! She made our ideas come to life and ensured our arrangements were able to be repurposed at the reception. She was easy to communicate with, provided suggestions, managed last-minute changes and ensured the venue looked incredible. She even dropped our flowers, vases and candles off at our accommodation after the wedding.
Make-up: Makeup by Giuliana. Giuliana was a super relaxed presence on our wedding day. She made the girls look incredible and our make-up lasted all day/evening. Maddie loved that she could schedule a trial in advance to confirm the look she wanted and Guiliana was more than happy to accommodate this.
Hair: Hair in the Garden
The dress & Veil: Made With Love Bridal
Shoes: Bared Footwear
Rings: Marion Marshall Jewellery
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Bec and Bridge
Favours: Personalised cards to each guest
Stationery / Signage: Canva
Photobooth: Boothalicious
Entertainment: The Chandeliers
Transport: Yarra Valley Cars and McKenzie’s Tourist Service (bus to transport guests to the city)
Hire: Betta Event Hire
