The Groom joined the band for a surprise sax solo
There’s something wonderfully inviting about Sophie and Yuri’s Cleveland Estate wedding. Set between the vines and surrounded by the colours of autumn, their ceremony felt relaxed and authentic, with the estate’s beautiful grounds providing the perfect backdrop for a day centred around the people they love most.
Their style was classic and cosy, with a handmade touch woven through the details. Sophie found a gown that made her want to dance, while Yuri looked dapper in a sharp black suit, with the bridesmaids in soft silvery blue.
That sense of personality continued throughout the day, from handmade faux stained-glass table numbers featuring meaningful trees and flowers, to a packed dance floor thanks to Baker Boys Band and a surprise saxophone solo from Yuri.
And then there was the Kombi. The couple’s beloved 1974 van broke down just a week before the wedding, eventually making its grand entrance at Cleveland Estate on the back of a tow truck. It might not have been quite the arrival they had planned, but somehow it feels perfectly fitting for a day that was never too concerned with taking itself too seriously.
Beautifully captured by Kyra Boyer.
Style vibe.
Classic, cosy, a little bit of a handmade vibe? And throughout the day, just a real focus on having fun with friends and family.
Planning process.
Found the process to be mostly enjoyable, but definitely surprised by the sheer number of decisions required.
The ceremony.
We had our ceremony between the vines, and got so lucky with both the weather and the autumn leaves. We loved that it felt relaxed and authentic.
The outfits.
Bride: a Provonias dress from Raffaele Ciuca, with wings also from Raffaele Ciuca. It was the second dress I tried on, and it was the only dress that made me want to dance.
Groom: a midnight blue tux from Adriano Carbone.
Favourite styling detail.
We made our own table numbers, in faux stained glass and timber frames, with each table having a design of a tree or flower that’s meaningful to us.
Favourite moment.
Groom: Soph’s vows, that felt like they were delivered just to me, speeches from friends and family, and the dance floor.
Bride: Yuri’s face when we did a first look, and when he joined the band for a surprise saxophone solo.
Favourite song.
It’s hard to pick just one, the band had back-to-back excellent song choices. Maybe September.
Funny story (or near disaster).
We have a 1974 Kombi van that we’d planned to have as part of the wedding, and then drive off in it to start our honeymoon. It broke down the week before the wedding, but we still got it to the venue – it just arrived on the back of a tow truck.
Also, one of the groomsmen had a surprise gift from a bird in the middle of the ceremony.
Regrets.
We forgot to eat our own cake!
Words of wisdom.
Ask your vendors to recommend other vendors – our celebrant recommended our photographer, who in turn recommended our florist. It made the process so much easier, and we ended up with great people.
Sophie and Yuri’s Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Cleveland Estate
Celebrant: Megan Jordan
Photography: Kyra Boyer
Videography: David Pacheco, ReliVR
Florist: Raven and the Rose
Hair and makeup: Aimmey Pham
The dress and wings: Raffaele Ciuca
Rings: Wedding bands from Uccello Jewellers, engagement ring made by the groom.
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Azazie
Suits: Groom’s from Adriano Carbone, groomsmen from MJ Bale
Catering and bar: Cleveland Estate
Favours: DIY
Cake / Cake topper: Cake: Mignone Cakes. Topper: Flowers by Raven and the Rose, tiny kombi van by us
Stationery / Signage: Bride and groom
Entertainment: Baker Boys
