Real Wedding – Jess & Julian, Willaura VIC
“After nearly nine years together and two children, it’s about coming home to each other every day and our commitment to continue to share our values and love.”
We adore hearing from our real wedding couples about what marriage means to them – and this beautifully grounded sentiment underpinned all the emotion and joy of Jessica and Julian’s stunning black-tie garden party.
Making the smart move to connect early on (very early on, in fact – see their story!) with Olivia from By Plush, their vision unfolded flawlessly.
It helped that they chose the striking Mount William Station as their backdrop, leaning into the chic architectural features and raw bushland surrounds with their styling, which was kept fresh, crisp, and elevated in a monochromatic palette.
Every visually exquisite frame by Tess Follett captures the vivid emotion of the day – from the guests, the vendors and the couple themselves – these images radiate joy.
Scroll to hear how this love story began, and how their dream day unfolded.
The meeting.
We met at a local football and netball ball. Neither of us played for this club, we both went with some of our best friends who then got to be a part of our wedding.
The proposal.
Jules asked the question on Christmas morning 2022 at our farm with our son Tex (who was 1 and half at the time). It was truly the most magical time and day as then we got to celebrate with some family and close friends that day and night.
Planning process.
We were very fortunate to have lovely Olivia Plush (By Plush) wedding planner who made our day and weekend come together. It was probably a little bit longer of a timeline for planning for her. We had originally got in contact with her not long after we got engaged, and we were also pregnant with baby number two, which is why we waited til we had our baby (daughter, Primrose) and until she was a little bit older to set our date.
Style inspiration.
Our style and dress code was Black Tie Garden Party, we knew we always wanted black tie, and once we locked in our venue, we knew it had to be something about a garden. It was also a very warm day, which may not have helped the gents in black suits, but it was so nice to see so many colourful dresses.
We found our inspiration from Olivia’s (Plush) experience/contacts and Ivory Tribe real weddings, to help our ideas come to life.
The outfits.
I went to a store with some of my bridesmaids and my mum to try on all different types of styles. It was so much fun, but I always knew what I wanted and was lucky to have Claire (from Clasch Design, Ballarat) help me and bring my idea to life. My dress was a silk satin, boat neck style with a silk organza cropped top, with full volume sleeves and bow detail at the back, with chapel-length tulle veil.
Favourite moments.
Marrying each other! And being able to share that moment with our children, our son Tex gave us our rings and every time he looks at our rings, he remembers that time and the important job he had.
Tom and his team also made our night when it came to the dancefloor – they were all amazing!
Meaning of marriage.
After nearly nine years together and two children, it’s about coming home to each other every day and our commitment to continue to share our values and love.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Belong Together (slower version of Mark Ambors song sung by Georgia & Tom from Tom’s Tunes)
Signing: Can’t help falling in love with you (Elvis Presley) and Afterglow (Ed Sheeran).
Recessional: Take My Head (Picture This).
Reception entry (wedding party): Burning Love (Elvis Presley).
Reception entry (bride & groom): This Girl (Kungs & Cookin’ On 3 Burners)
Bride & groom first dance: Beautiful Things (Benson Boone).
Words of wisdom.
Lock in a wedding planner (like Liv!)
For another elegantly chic regional wedding, Chelsea and Jack’s Daylesford soiree is equal parts style and fun.
JESS & JULIAN’S VENDORS
Ceremony & reception venue: Mount William Station, Willaura. Nadia from Mt William Station was an absolute dream to work with. We knew straight after our visit and tour with Nadia that we didn’t have to look anywhere else. It ticked all our boxes on what we were looking for, a space that our guests could stay with us, and it was in our backyard, from where we both grew up (The Grampians). Nadia and the rest of the team were very accommodating, and we were looked after so well throughout our planning process and then for our 4-night stay at the homestead. We enjoyed a welcome dinner by Chef Kevin with our families and bridal party, and a beautifully cooked daily breakfast for those who were staying in the homestead with us.
Celebrant: Ann Edgar. Ann is a local Ballarat celebrant and also a very close friend’s mum. It was so special to us to have Ann be a part of our day. Ann’s grandson and our son, Tex, are very good friends, and Tex has said multiple times that his friend’s nan got to marry his mum and dad.
Photography: Tess Follett. I would think that Tess wouldn’t have many Zoom calls like our first one we had… our son came running out straight from the shower (not dressed) to say hello! We knew after that call that her patience around little ones was exactly what we needed.
Tess was one of the first vendors we had booked, and between her and Olivia, they really had both shaped our day, and we will be forever grateful for what Tess did and captured, which we will treasure our photos forever!
Videography: Carey Captured. We feel so grateful for the memories Jason captured
Styling: Olivia Plush – By Plush. I don’t know even know where to start with Liv, our day literally wouldn’t have happened without her.
Florist: Gardenia Magnifica. Ellie and her whole team are incredible, and I absolutely love going into her florist shop front, so it was a no-brainer to have Gardenia a part of our day.
Hair: Beth Hair Artist (Ginger and Blonde Studio). Beth made the whole process very relaxed and very helpful in answering any questions I had leading up to the day. She made the morning so calm while all of us were getting ready.
Make-up: Doll Face Make Up By Lucy & Glow by Molly. I had two makeup artists come to get us (seven people) ready, and both Lucy and Molly made the morning so relaxing, with even a very last-minute change the morning of. I will be forever grateful to both Lucy and Molly for helping me prepare for the day.
The dress & veil: Clasch Design. Claire was truly amazing and made my dream dress come true.
Entertainment: Toms Tunes
Connect Creation: Candid Studios.
Catering: Paula Symons Catering
Bar: Bebida Caravan Bar + Blue Pyrenees
Shoes: Alias Mae- Rhys in Ivory (Bride), RM Williams black boots (Groom)
Rings: NDV Design (Nic Valpied)
Suits & bow ties / ties: M.J. Bale
Cake: Brooke’s Baking Boutique
Stationery / Signage: Xanthe Blyth Co
Hire: Pure Vibe Events Hire & Ell Events
