Real Wedding – Callista & Mark, Yarra Glen VIC
Callista and Mark were engaged and married within six months. They hit the ground running with their planning and armed with a terrific team of suppliers, didn’t look back.
Their relaxed and romantic celebration had a definite air of boho-deluxe about it – and there is no doubt they nailed their mission of hosting a super celebration focused on good food, good company, good music and of course, good memories.
From a special start to the day with Callista and her leading ladies, to their first look photos with photographer Tess Follett, and their dance floor antics into the evening – we love this celebration, and know you will too.
In their words…
The meeting.
Mark and I officially met in my first year of university, Mark was an anatomy tutor within my Education course at Monash University. Sometime down the track we ran into each other out at the Beautiful Girls concert, a close friend of mine had had a few too many drinks so I was being my responsible self and trying to help her sober her up before her dad arrived to pick her up, we ran into Mark at the bar. Mark was out for his best mates’ birthday.
The ‘one’.
Callista – There was no single moment when I knew Mark was the one, I just knew I liked doing life with him and still do now.
Mark – When I found out that Callista could cook and that I would never go hungry again.
The proposal.
Mark proposed at the top of Avalanche Peak in Arthurs Pass on the South Island in New Zealand. We decided to hike to the peak (very underprepared, equipment-wise). We were nearing the top and my camera decided to stop working right as I was about to take a picture of Mark and a Kea. I got very annoyed that we had hiked all that way and we were not going to have any pictures of the view – Mark took off up the hill and didn’t seem to care at all. I finally caught up to him and he was down on one knee in the snow with Juke Ross – Colour Me playing and the most amazing ring in his hand. Not long later two tourists joined us at the top, took photos of us and we all shared lunch together before calling friends and family from the top of the mountain.
The process.
Mark – “What planning?”.
Callista – We had a very quick turnaround between proposal and wedding (six months in total, six of those weeks I was overseas). We hit the ground running after getting back from New Zealand and decided that we wanted to get married as soon as we could. We booked the venue without seeing it in the hope that we would love it (and we did). After booking the venue all other vendors fell easily into place and we ended up the absolute dream team making our dream a reality.
Style inspiration.
We wanted good food, good wine, good company, good music and good memories. This led to our decision to create a relaxed boho vibe party for us to enjoy our night with our loved ones.
The dress.
Rue de Seine has always been a favourite designer for me after coming across them on Instagram some years ago, the relaxed elegant style of their dresses really appealed to me. I first saw my dress online and knew that it was the one that I wanted to wear on my wedding day. I thought I had best do some further research and visited a few other boutiques before easily being drawn back to The Bridal Atelier where I fell in love with the Adelia Lune Gown. With such a tight time frame I had to make my decision quickly and I could not be happier with the decision that I made – the dress was incredibly comfortable to be in all day and it is something I hope to pass down to my own daughter one day.
Favourite moments.
We decided on first look photos, it was a special moment for Mark and I to see each other for the first time without the pressure of 100+ pairs of eyes being on us. We felt that this set us up for a relaxed ceremony where we could be fully present and enjoy sharing our vows with one another.
Traditions.
There weren’t too many traditions that we stuck to for our wedding, we did decide to throw the bouquet and two days later my lovely bridesmaid Carly was engaged to her other half (go Cam!!).
Meaning of marriage.
The official start to a lifelong journey together.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Crazy Love by Van Morrison
Signing: I’m with you by Vance Joy
First dance (with everyone): Hands I can hold by Ziggy Alberts
Farewell song: This year’s love by David Gray
Funny stories (or near disasters).
There were a few…
Mum almost failing a breath test on the drive to the wedding after too many celebratory breakfast champagnes (she will kill me if she reads this!)
Mark rostering one of his employees on to bring our dog Duke to the ceremony (thanks Jordy!)
Maxie, our page boy, trying to ride Duke down the aisle, followed by Duke nearly pulling Maxie over.
Ordering new bridesmaid dresses online 10 days out from the wedding and hoping that they would all fit and complement each other (phew… they did).
Planning surprises.
Mark – how easy it all was!
Callista – as above.
Words of wisdom.
Create a day that suits you not what is expected of you, make it your own and do what you want. We wanted a big party and that’s what we went with.
Take a moment to enjoy the day, slow down and be present and remember why you are there together.
The glorious Yarra Valley – a dream destination for those looking to tie the knot. For our top venues in the region, click here.
CALLISTA & MARK’S TRIBE
Ceremony: Zonzo Estate, Yarra Glen – The Capella was breathtaking, the high ceilings and large windows created a dream location to say “I do”.
Reception: Zonzo Estate – Zonzo created the exact experience we had hoped for; great food and great wine in an amazing venue.
Celebrant/Officiant: Megan Watson – Megan created a funny, relaxed and personalised ceremony – so much so our guests thought we were long time friends.
Photography: Tess Follett – Where can we even begin with Tess, the photos really speak for themselves, her work is out of this world amazing! Her chilled vibe throughout the whole day made first looks and photos so much more fun than we expected and provided us with a collection of memories to cherish forever.
Videography: Ryan Lee Adams – Ryan is the definition of chilled ninja, we didn’t even know he was filming us (we really hope he was). Together with Tess making the dream team to capture the day as it unfolded – we cannot wait to see his work!
Styling: Callista styled her own wedding – Together Journal, Ivory Tribe and Hello May became regulars in the house in the lead up to the wedding. Pinterest also managed to increase my screen time exponentially.
Florist: Sassafras Wedding – Seeing my flowers for the first time had me very close to tears, the passion and love that Jess has for her work was evident from our first communication (taking my call on her holiday). My vision came to life with Jess exceeding the design brief (even dying my orchids by hand!!). Jess stayed behind after the ceremony to reposition the flowers for our reception and went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect.
Sugarbee Flowers (Flower bombs only) – Youki and her team worked closely with Jess to create flowerbombs that integrated seamlessly with the remainder of Jess’ flowers.
Hair and make-up: The altar bridal – Georgia and Rachael were so easy to work with, super accommodating and happy to have a laugh with us and get to know us all in the process.
The Dress: Rue De Sine – Adelia Lune Gown from The Bridal Atelier
Jewellery/Accessories: Earrings from Lovisa
Shoes: Joanne Mercer
Rings: Hoskings
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Hello Molly and The Iconic
Menswear: Industrie Clothing
Groom’s Shoes: Windsor Smith
Bow ties / ties: Luwrine and Etsy
Catering: Zonzo Estate
Favors: Callista made cookies for the guests to take home with them.
Cake / Cake topper: Miss Ladybird Cakes – Not only does Gina’s work look amazing the taste leaves you wanting more!! Lucky for us Zonzo saved some extra cake and we are still enjoying it today.
Stationery / Signage: Place settings and table menus by bride. Welcome sign and seating chart – Design to Print Solutions.
Entertainment: Jack and Jordan – WOW! We loved having Jack and Jordan perform at our ceremony and reception, their charismatic personalities had them hitting the dance floor with us, encouraging Mark and his friends more than questionable dance moves. We knew after seeing the boys on IG that they were right for us and it was further validated when we went to see the boys perform for the first time and we learnt that Jordan was a hugger.
Honeymoon: Italy
Other: Neon Sign from Little Pineapple – Zona created the perfect custom sign for us. We themed the wedding with the same font throughout and she was more than happy to accommodate our request of fonts. We knew we couldn’t mount the sign so Zona and the design team created the sign so that it would be free standing.
