Real wedding – Anna and Xavier, Bellarine VIC
Real wedding – Anna and Xavier, Bellarine VIC
Real wedding – Anna and Xavier, Bellarine VIC
Real wedding – Anna and Xavier, Bellarine VIC

Real wedding – Anna and Xavier, Bellarine VIC

The stunning Bellarine property, Terindah Estate, played host to Anna and Xavier’s perfect wedding day.

Starting their day with a traditional and meaningful Catholic ceremony, Anna and Xavier kept a family focus when planning their celebration. Feasting on fine food and then dancing the night away to their favourite tunes kept their guests delighted with seeing two of their favourite people commit to one another. They invited photographer Ali Bailey to share in their day and we think you’ll agree her images are stunning.

IN ANNA’S WORDS…

The meeting.

We met at a bar six years ago, it was my first night out in Geelong and I was excited and nervous to say the least. I remember seeing Xavier across the bar, dressed as a cowboy. We started talking and he managed to track my number down from a friend the next day. I was about to start year 12 and Xavier was about to turn 23.

The ‘one’.

I do remember going to the movies to see a ‘chick flick’ with Xavier and noticing that he was crying more than me. At this moment, I thought, ‘at last I’ve found my life-long partner who enjoys the movies and a good chick flick!’.

The proposal.

Xavier told me we were going to the football, but really he took me on a horse and cart through the gardens in Melbourne. I had no idea he was about to propose – but looking back on the night, he was extremely nervous! It was a cheesy environment and the start of a very happy life together.

The planning.

Magazines and more magazines! I loved looking for ideas through different bridal magazines. Xavier and I wanted a wedding where all our family and friends could dance to a fun band and eat yummy food. Xavier was extremely laid back during the planning process and I think that made it easier for me (most of the time!). We both have large families and it was very important to have both families part of our big day.

Style inspiration.

We were very lucky to have our wedding at my aunty and uncle’s winery, Terindah Estate. The fresh room with amazing water views really created the perfect venue. Our wedding was a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a winery reception. Beautiful pink and white peonies were the inspiration for our wedding. Moss Industry captured my vision perfectly by creating the perfect bouquets and centre pieces. Our stationery and table settings reflected the vibrant pink flowers. I love candles and darker lighting, so the festoon lights were the perfect balance at Terindah.

The dress.

I had an open mind in terms of the style of dress. I spent the day with my mum and sister and bought the third dress that I tried on. After deciding that it was the one, I realised the design of the dress was called ‘Anna’. We certainly knew it was the one!

Favourite moments.

Walking outside together and looking up to the balcony, where our guests were dancing under the fairy lights. It was crazy to think all our friends and family were there to celebrate us! I think at that point we realised how lucky we are to have such big families and so many friends, particularly who love to dance!

Traditions.

The ceremony was held at Sacred Heart Chapel, which is like a second home to me as all my family went to Sacred Heart. Our wedding was based on a traditional Catholic ceremony and followed with lots and lots of dancing.

Meaning of marriage. 

We have both been lucky enough to have parents demonstrate marriages full of love and laughter and I think that is a great start to a marriage. Our wedding celebrated our love for one another, our amazing friendship and our ability to always make each other laugh.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: I had Instrumental guitar – Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers.

Reception entry: ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours’ by Stevie Wonder.

First dance: ‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson.

Like This Corporate are honestly the best band I have heard. When people talk about our wedding, the band are always the highlight.

Funny stories (or near disasters).

Xavier was extremely laid back in the lead up to our wedding and didn’t think it was necessary to try on his suit again after picking it up a week before the wedding. Two nights before the wedding, Xavier realised his suit jacket was too small, resulting in a quick trip to the tailor the next day! Despite the stress that it caused, we both laughed at how ridiculous it was.

Words of wisdom.

If having loved ones at your wedding is important, choose guests over a more expensive venue. The smiles and dancing will be well worth it and it’s always great to bring family together.

 

 

ANNA AND XAVIER’S TRIBE…

 

Ceremony: Sacred Heart College Chapel

Reception: Terindah Estate

Officiant: Fr. Kevin Dillon

Photography: Ali Bailey

Styling: Festoon lighting by Event Power Solutions

Florist: Moss industry

Hair and Make-up: Cassandra De BruinTracey Clarkand Salon Jenaire

The Dress: Raffael Ciuca

Shoes: Kate Spade

Rings: Michael Hill

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Claire Home

Menswear: Roger David

Catering: Terindah Estate

Favours: ‘Forget-me-not’ seeds in small packages labelled, ‘Let love grow’, thanks to my bridesmaid Laura for creating the beautiful packaging.

Cake: Leonie Hickey-Monaghan

Stationery / Signage: The Print Fairy

Entertainment: Sacred Heart Choir, Marcus Schwaiger and Like This Corporate band.

Transport: Geelong Wedding Cars and Ballarat Jags

Honeymoon: Hawaii

 




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