Real Wedding – Amber & Tyler, Coldstream VIC

Effervescent elegance and a sense of fun have surrounded Amber and Tyler since their first meeting over a decade ago, and these qualities went on to underpin their blissfully beautiful wedding celebrations at Stones of The Yarra Valley.

With a team of long-admired vendors at the helm, the tone was set by celebrant extraordinaire Teagan Dole. Laughter and tears filled the striking chapel surrounds, while classic floral choices perfectly complemented the stunning sage green of Amber’s elegantly clad bridesmaids. The bride herself was a showstopper in a structured, strapless corseted masterpiece by Rachel Rose Bridal, matched only by the glint in Tyler’s eye as she made her way down the aisle.

Documenting the dreamy display of love, frivolity, and the sweet sentimentality of marrying your best friend were the ever-impressive La Moment Photography and Moon & Back Co. on film.

Scroll on to delight in every detail.

The meeting.

Technically we first met the The Bay Hotel in Mornington when we were 19 but Amber doesn’t remember meeting Tyler, haha. But we matched again on bumble nine years later and the rest is history.

The ‘one’.

After the second date. It was so much fun. We went for a walk around the Tan and through the Botanical Gardens before going for a drink and spending all night talking to one another.

The proposal.

On a European holiday. At the time we were in Portovenere, the north coast of Italy. We had just spent three weeks travelling around Europe by ourselves before we were about to meet up with Amber’s family for dinner and Tyler took Amber for a walk to the cliff top and proposed. He even organised a local photographer to capture it – the little Cupid.

Planning process. 

Amber: I loved it! I think the key is having a longer engagement so you can gradually plan the day with booking in your favourite vendors etc. Admittedly, I’ve had a wedding inspiration album saved on my phone ever since I can remember. Similarly, with having always followed these wedding vendors on social media, I knew exactly who I wanted. I think Tyler felt the whole experience pretty easy too. Shoutout to my mother Debbie and sister Teisha for their help too.

Style inspiration.

Classy vibe but a fun day for all.

Planning inspiration.

Combined with my long standing wedding inspo album, Instagram was my main source of help. Melbourne Brides Facebook page was also beneficial and I’d recommend any bride to join.

The ceremony.

We LOVED our celebrant Teagan. She was the perfect mix of professionalism, friendly, warm, funny, relaxed but also great attention to detail. She captured our story perfectly. We loved her and even invited her to stay for the reception. Funnily enough, Amber forgot her bouquet just as she was able to walk down the aisle so the coordinator informed Teagan and she made a funny joke both at the time and also referenced it again in her ceremony speech. The best.

The outfits.

I was decisive with everything except for the dress. So I definitely needed Mum at minimum, to come along with me. I liked many different styles but eventually decided on one style for the ceremony/canapés and then changed to another for the reception. I also fortunately enough had my hairdresser Brooke stay until the reception where she nicely changed my hair style too.

Favourite moments.

So many to pick from! I couldn’t fault the entire day. But one moment that stands out for us both is our first dance. Amber booked us dance classes from about 6+ months out. So with our incredible dance teacher Justin, we gradually choreographed a fun upbeat first dance to “Dusk till Dawn” buy Zayn Malik, and even incorporated three big lifts. It was big coming from two people with two left feet! All the guests were cheering and it was just the best. So glad we did that. We since want to start weekly date night salsa dancing because it’s so much fun.

Meaning of marriage.

Spending the rest of your lives with ‘your person’. Growing old, travelling the world and hopefully raising a family together. Bring it on.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle song: I Choose You by Ryan Darling.

Reception entrance: I Like To Move It by Will.I.Am

First dance: Dusk Till Dawn by Zayn Malik

Funny stories (or near disasters).

Forgot the bouquet but it made the ceremony funnier and cause both Tyler and I to feel more relaxed. One of the Stones staff nicely drove back to the day room where we got ready to collect my bouquet. I ended up laughing instead of crying down the aisle, thinking, “you had one job” haha.

Another fun thing is as it was my dad’s birthday, we secretly organised the band and everyone to sing happy birthday to him and I brought out a Carlton football club cake (*he’s a one eyed fan, he loved it).

Planning surprises.

Maybe the cost of weddings these days! I think the amount of vendors and planning involved in a wedding took me by surprise. All those little things you wouldn’t think of – I definitely understand why people have wedding planners.

Words of wisdom.

Have a longer engagement if you can – it takes a lot of stress out of the day. Also, we recommend doing a ‘first look’. It doesn’t ruin the moment at all – trust me, your partner will still cry as you walk down the aisle. It was so nice to having 1:1 time as a couple pre ceremony and having a bunch of photos taken. We even had our fur baby Walter come join us for some photos on our first look and it was the best. If you’re thinking about having your dog involved – do it and book Eliza from I.do.paws to look after them – she was such a natural and Walter loved her.

Last words. Yolo, have the best day and do whatever you want haha. You won’t regret having a wedding as it’s just so much fun. I wish we could do it annually!

Amber and Tyler opted for a chic champagne tower moment in lieu of a traditional wedding cake. See why we love the trend and how to make a blissfully bubbly moment your own here.

AMBER & TYLER’S VENDORS 

Ceremony and reception: Stones of the Yarra Valley

Celebrant/Officiant: Teagan Dole from Panache & Co.

Photography: La Moment Photography

Videography: Moon and Back Co

Styling: Bride, Amber, and beautiful friend and florist Alison from The Petal Project.

Florist: The Petal Project

Hair: Brooke Reffo 

Makeup: Sarah Chiara 

The Dress(es): Ceremony – Rachel Rose Bridal. Reception – Christina Rossi.

Veil / headwear – always and forever bridal

Shoes: Jeanette Maree

Rings: Engagement ring – Parker Diamonds. Wedding band, earrings, bracelet – Designs by Flick.

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Tania Olsen designs from Bridesmaids Dressing Room.

Suits: Institchu

Cake: Champagne Tower

Stationery / Signage: Ivory & Noir

Entertainment: Like This Entertainment

Honeymoon: Maldives. Incredible – we loved it. We started in Singapore for four days, then Maldives for six and then Bangkok for four, before home again. Perfect mix of relaxing and activities.

Dog sitter: I Do Paws

Fireworks: Northern Fireworks (absolutely incredible display by Matt Betty) guests still talk about it.

Dance classes: Justin from Alegria Dance Studio