An open-air black tie wedding with shared pasta plates and cigar bar
If you want a wedding that truly blows you away, Meg and Michael’s is it.
Set against the iconic Woolbrook Homestead, this was an entirely alfresco celebration where every detail felt intentional, yet effortlessly relaxed.
The ceremony unfolded on the garden steps – full of love, laughter, and the kind of energy that sets the tone for the entire day. Meg looked incredible in her chic gown, Michael sharp in his suit, as guests arrived in black tie and settled into what was to come.
Cocktail hour delivered oysters to start, followed by shared pasta plates that had everyone talking, before the night shifted into a cigar bar and limoncello shots, officially turning things up.
With the homestead and gardens doing most of the talking, the styling of fresh greens and whites simply elevated what was already a breathtaking setting.
A celebration that felt as good as it looked – and one we’re still thinking about, captured to perfection by Ashleigh Haase.
The meeting.
We met at the end of 2020. Meg worked with Michael’s sister and she set us up. When she first sent Meg a photo of Michael, Meg thought to herself ‘I think I might marry him’. After a few weeks of messaging, we went on our first date, and that was it.
The one.
Michael – when I realised we can just be at home doing nothing, spending time together and it feels so comfortable and easy.
Meg – there wasn’t one moment, he was my slow burn. But when I introduced him to my family and friends, he fit in perfectly, and it was like he’d always been apart of our family.
The proposal.
On holiday on Magnetic Island, we hired a Moke car and spent the day driving round the island, swimming in the different bays and walking the forts. In the evening we drove to the other side of the island to watch the sunset where Michael proposed. After that we went to a wine bar and had dinner and called our families.
Style inspiration.
We wanted the day to feel glamorous and like our guests had been transported somewhere else. But we also wanted it to also be relaxed with a family feel. Michael is half Italian, so our inspiration also had an Italian lens to it.
There were a few elements that felt fun to include:
- Oyster bar during cocktail hour, served on large ice trays
- Pasta as mains served on large, shared plates instead of an alternate drop – our favourite food and a nod to the Italian theme
- Open-air alfresco reception – we felt like the luckiest people, with Melbourne weather allowing a balmy night under the stars
- Cigar bar and limoncello shots to really get the party started!
The ceremony.
We were married in front of the homestead, on the stairs leading up to the garden. It was true to us – emotional and full of love, but light and funny at the same time. We honoured our family and friends, those who have played an important role in our story. We were also honoured to have our very good friend Weddings by Panache as our celebrant, which made it extra special.
The outfits.
Meg – I purchased my dress from Bluebell Bridal, designed by Moira Hughes Couture. I found it on the first day of wedding dress shopping; it wasn’t one I had planned to try or what I thought I wanted, but I saw it and tried it on as a “wild card.” It immediately felt different, and more “me” than anything else.
A few months later, I decided I wanted to add an overskirt, so I contacted the team at Bluebell Bridal and worked with them to design a custom skirt. It felt like it really completed the outfit and gave me two looks for the day.
Michael – I went to YSG Tailors for a custom tuxedo (and did the same for my groomsmen). They were amazing throughout the process recommending different styles, materials and fit. I knew I wanted a cream jacket for a classic look but something different as our dress code was black-tie. They made the process so seamless.
Favourite moment.
Meg – Too many to pick just one. Getting ready with my girls was so calm during the day. Saying my vows was extremely special to me; they meant the world to share with Michael in front of everyone. Listening to the speeches – everyone spoke impeccably, but each was so unique to them, and then the dance floor. Our entertainment, Emmanuela and Trent, were amazing, and we had limoncello shots and a cigar bar to really get the party going!
Michael – Spending time with my groomsmen during the day before everything kicked off, then watching Meg walk down the aisle. Shout out to Ash for making the portrait session efficient so we could enjoy the cocktail hour. And then hearing the speeches – and the party!
Meaning of marriage.
It feels important for us to be husband and wife; there’s something about it that feels complete.
We are true celebrators of life – we believe you should celebrate life’s special moments, and having a wedding and then being married is about celebrating our love surrounded by all the people who matter most to us.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle Song – Iris byGrace Davies
Recessional – Come and get your love by Redbone
Reception Entrance – Saving up by Dom Dolla
First Dance Floor Song – Freed from desire by Gala, Molella, Phil Jay
Last Song – We are the champions by Queen
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Michael’s main job for the wedding was to organise gelato for dessert, with his favourite flavour being pistachio. He contacted our favourite gelato store well in advance, but when it came time to place the order, they advised there was an Australia-wide pistachio shortage and that it was extremely hard to get pistachio ice cream. They managed to track it down for us, but it was nearly triple the price of any other flavour – ending up being the most expensive gelato we’d ever had, but well worth it!
Words of wisdom.
Use vendors that have good reputations and that you can trust. Our day was only seamless because we had an absolute A-team who had done this a million times before.
A wedding coordinator, ours was Weddings by E, are worth their weight in gold.
Be decisive. Make a decision based on your gut and go with it, I think things get trickier when you become indecisive.
Meg and Michael’s Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Woolbrook Homestead
Celebrant: Panache & Co
Photography: Ashleigh Haase
Videography: Iconic Picture Melbourne
Styling/ On the Day Coordinator: Weddings by E
Florist: Stelo Studio
Hair: RL Hair Studio
Make-up: Nicole Aquilina
The dress: Moira Hughes Couture, from Bluebell Bridal
Shoes: Gucci
Rings: Meg’s – Natasha Schwietzer (as well as earrings), Michael – Sarah and Sebastian
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Tojha
Suits and accessories: YSG Tailors
Catering: Heirloom Catering Co
Bar: The Cocktail Cart
Stationery / Signage: DIY
Seating Chart: Grove St.
Entertainment: Emmanuela Costaras and Trent on Guitar
Décor: Cloth and Confetti, Table Art
Hire: Elderberry Events
Honeymoon: Raes, Byron Bay
