Real Wedding – Bri & Cam, Dromana VIC
A super fun, low-key luxe celebration filled with loved-up party vibes and all-round effortless elegance is Bri and Cam’s winery wed fest.
Kicking off the celebrations with a laid-back, emotion-filled ceremony by our celebrant friend Sam Lavery set the tone for what was to come. Moody skies and the distant threat of rain only added electric excitement to the energy as these two stunners made their promises.
A naturally neutral colour palette backdropped the occasion to perfection, with the groomsmen in soft, muted sand and florals in a stunningly uniform crisp vanilla. Bridesmaid gowns of on-point slinky sage provide the perfect accent to the impact. And, of course, Bri looked a radiant goddess at the centre of it all, glowing in her beautifully beaded Anna Campbell gown. We especially love the detailed shoulder embellishments, added to add a sweet ceremony effect.
Bri and Cam made the spontaneous decision to have a first-look photography session to circumvent the inclement weather, in the hands of photographic artist Courtney Laura and videographer High-up Films. The decision was truly inspired, providing shots as gorgeous as they are emotionally impactful.
Scroll on to see the party unfold.
The meeting.
Cam and I have known each other since I was in grade six and he was in grade eight; I went to school with Cam’s sister. We really started to get to know each other at the end of 2019, start of 2020.
The ‘one’.
Very early into 2020, I knew he was the one. We really got to know each other as we were in the middle of very strict Covid lockdowns. We got on so well, and time together was really easy.
The proposal.
Cam took me on a weekend away to Dromana, and we spent some time at the Peninsula Hot Springs; we went into one of the bathhouse rooms, and there were lots of photos of us around the bath. He asked me there. It was perfect!
Planning process.
Planning came in waves; it was a hustle to get our vendors booked in as everyone seemed to be getting booked up quite quickly (we presume that was due to Covid). Once that was sorted, there was a lull in planning for quite a while, and then it really picked up again.
Style inspiration.
Can and I are quite chill people, pretty laid-back, so we did not want anything too formal. We really wanted our day to feel like a big party filled with all our closest family and friends.
For inspiration, we looked at a lot of Pinterest and also reflected on what we liked at previous weddings.
The ceremony.
We were desperate to have the ceremony outside, but classic Melbourne turned on the rain. Despite this, we still had the ceremony outside; it was really special! We loved having all our closest friends and family there. We tried to include our grandparents in the ceremony, Cam’s Nanna and Papa held the rings, and my Nan and his Grandma signed our certificate. It is something we will always remember.
The outfit.
Anna Campbell sorted me out; I knew when I tried my dress on that it was my dress. I loved everything about it!
Cam swayed with the colour of suit he wanted, which made it challenging to pick the bridesmaid dresses! He settled on beige, which looked incredible with the backdrop and the girls’ sage dresses.
Favourite moments.
We ended up doing a first look which wasn’t planned; due to the weather, we were worried we wouldn’t get enough time for photos outside following the ceremony. It was the best decision for us; it was such a special moment just the two of us to have and one I think we always cherish. We also loved the ceremony, there was no pressure, a little bit of rain to keep us on our toes, and it was just a really fun moment.
Also, the dancefloor and reception were an absolute ball – essentially the whole day!!
Meaning of marriage.
For us, it is making a lifelong commitment to one another and celebrating the love and respect we share for each other. It is promising to be there for the good and the bad, having those tough conversations, supporting one another to achieve their goals and making lifelong decisions together.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: You’re My Best Friend by Queen
Signing: Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
Recessional: Sign, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder
Reception entry (wedding party): Don’t Stop the Party by Pitbull and TJR
Reception entry (bride and groom): You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall and Oates
First dance: Always Forever by Betty Who
Father daughter/mother son dance: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli
Exit song: Two Strong Hearts by John Farnham
Funny stories or near disasters.
Nothing that we know of; our family and bridal party have done a good job if something did as we haven’t heard about it!
Planning surprises.
We knew it was going to be a lot of work, but we had no idea just how much. There were so many elements that we didn’t even think of when we initially began planning. Hang in there; it is worth it in the end!
Words of wisdom.
Hang in there, don’t sweat the small stuff, take time on your day for you and your partner and soak it all in. Try to enjoy the process and divide the tasks between you as much as possible.
I think so many of us almost expect a wedding budget to blow out – but there is definitely an alternate option! For those of you who want to control the cash flow in the lead up to your dream day, we’ve put together twenty tips to help manage your budget (and keep those stress levels low!).
BRI & CAM’S VENDORS
We found our vendors through a combination of online stalking, word of mouth, Mornington Wedding Expo and Yarra Valley Wedding Expo.
Ceremony & reception venue: Stillwater at Crittenden
Celebrant: Sam Lavery. Sam was so easy to work with, really on top of things, gave us lots of time to get things done and sorted all the forms and legalities. We couldn’t recommend him more!
Photography: Courtney Laura. Courtney was amazing; we would have been lost without her. She guided us throughout the day (with some tricky weather coming through!) but enabled us to make our own decisions. She got some beautiful shots but was able to get them so seamlessly. We adore her and her work and couldn’t recommend her higher!
Videography: Pia – High Up Films.
Florist: Erin – Full Bloom Co.
Hair: Lisa Simcocks
Make-up: Stephanie Jade. Steph has done my makeup on many, many occasions; she was fantastic and got through me, four bridesmaids and the two mums. She was such a great vibe to have around for the day, and my makeup did not budge!
The dress & veil: Anna Campbell. Anna Campbell were fantastic to work with! They did all the alterations and made sure my dress was perfect; nothing was a hassle, a really great experience!
Shoes: Harlo Shoes
Rings: The Diamond Guys. My engagement ring and wedding band are from Diamond Guys. They were really easy to work with and had great suggestions!
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Bec + Bridge
Suits & bow ties / ties: Politix
Catering & bar: Stillwater at Crittenden
Favours: Donation to Dementia Australia and Cancer Council
Cake: Peninsula Cake Art
Entertainment: Matt Jefferies Entertainment for reception, Ally from Hey Jack.
Honeymoon: Sinead Phillips – Travel Managers
Spray tan: Tan & Beauty Lounge, Kew
Accommodation: Atlas Retreat. Alysha was fantastic and really accommodating; nothing was an issue, the property was beyond beautiful, and we have some fantastic shots here. Would highly recommend this accommodation!
