Real Wedding – Brittany & Tim, Red Hill VIC
Lovers Brittany and Tim take every challenge in their stride.
Navigating a new relationship at the beginning of a pandemic could have ceased a lesser bond but, for these two, it only served to make their foundation stronger.
And while wedding planning can (rightfully) overwhelm some, they instead used it as a welcome excuse for a bottle of champagne on a Tuesday night.
It’s safe to say their glass-half-full approach to both life and preparations for their big day infused the occasion with an air of wonderment and joy that was unmistakably ‘them’.
With a view to the vines, under the shade of ancient gums, the lush green grounds of Polperro were on dazzling display when the pair exchanged ‘I dos’.
The refined, romantic sensibility of the ceremony was made even more majestic by taking place at the same place Tim had proposed a year earlier.
Scroll on to see more of their sun-drenched spring soiree, as shot by the ever-brilliant Alex of Motta Weddings.
The meeting.
Tim and Britt’s love story began in February 2019, in the digital realm of online dating. To Britt’s relief, Tim suggested to “skip the small talk, and grab a drink”. And so they did – at a bar in Collingwood. They shared a few dates together, but the year ahead had other plans in store… until a chance meeting while both at their respective work Christmas parties in December 2019. The connection that was simmering since earlier in the year was reignited.
The ‘one’.
Three months into their new relationship, the world underwent drastic changes with the onset of a pandemic. What could have been disastrous for a new couple became a blessing in disguise. Within state restrictions, they found joy in extravagant home-cooked meals, evenings of red wine and board games, and leisurely walks through the gardens and streets of Melbourne’s inner north with mulled wine in hand.
The proposal.
Fast forward to October 2023, and after four years filled with personal growth, career changes, and purchasing a house together, their love continued to flourish and strengthen each day. It was during a belated birthday getaway for Britt at Polperro Winery that Tim proposed. Sitting down by the cosy fire with a platter and wine in hand, Tim pulled out a letter for Britt to read (Britt thinking it was a birthday card), which expressed his feelings about the life they were going to create, and when she looked up, he was down on one knee.
Planning process.
It was stress-free!! And no one seems to say that. The planning process was a lot of fun, any excuse to pop a bottle of champagne on a Tuesday. We really enjoyed all the little moments that led up to our special day. Once we booked in the venue (where Tim proposed) it was easy. The venue was the most important decision for us – we really wanted it to feel like us, and Polperro had such a sentimental feeling for both of us. After standing between the beautiful natural gum trees, we couldn’t picture saying ‘I do’ anywhere else.
Style inspiration.
We wanted to celebrate the day with our closest family and friends. We wanted an intimate dinner party vibe with a raw, natural and fun feel.
The ceremony.
It was just so special standing together and making the commitment in front of all of our favourite people who mean so much to us.
The outfits.
Tim got his suit made through a friend, and I found my perfect dress when I was out shopping with my mum and sister.
Favourite moments.
The speeches – wow, were they good! The moments we had together during the photos were also so much fun, and it was nice to step away and connect. And, of course, the dancing!
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage is about sharing life with your best friend and being each other’s biggest supporter. It means to live a life of positivity and curiosity – and to challenge one another to be the best versions of ourselves individually.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle song: Two Strong Hearts – John Farnham / Ainslie Wills cover.
Reception entry: Get It On – T.Rex
First dance: Sunday Kind of Love – Etta James
Near disasters.
Surprisingly, everything went very smoothly! One small hiccup was that right when we were about to go up for the bride and groom speech, Tim realised he had left his speech behind, but it was fine, thankfully, he had some of the dot points in his phone.
Planning surprises.
How much fun it was, and how amazing all of our vendors were. They truly all exceeded our expectations and made it all so easy. We really did just soak it up and made the planning process a regular date night.
Words of wisdom.
Soak up the little moments, enjoy the journey and justify any reason to pop a bottle of champagne. You only get this time once, so make it special. It can feel overwhelming at first, but if you split up the tasks between you and your partner, you can just tick one task off at a time, and it’s organised before you even know it.
For more winery-themed real wedding inspiration, browse our extensive back catalogue here.
BRITTANY & TIM’S SUPPLIERS:
Our suppliers were absolutely incredible! We first thought about what was really important to us and locked those suppliers in first, and then we trusted our locked-in suppliers with recommendations on who they liked working with and who would be suited to the style of wedding we wanted. It was important to us that we have an A team who had already worked with each other in the past, so that on the day, it felt super comfortable and there was fun and lots of laughs.
Ceremony & reception venue: Polperro
Celebrant/Officiant: Kate Adkins
Photography: Motta Weddings
Videography: Annette and Dani
Music: Tobi Tobi
Florist: Bele Harper Flowers
Hair: Sarah from St Beauty
Make-up: Jaimie Lee Make-up
The dress: Ella Moda from Bluebell Bridal
Shoes: Wittner
Rings: Michael Wilson, Eltham Midway Jeweller
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Leo Lin
Suits: Groom: by Brawl, Groomsmen by Men’s Suit Warehouse
Cake: Peninsula Cake Art
Stationery / Signage: Dwayne Cox, OpenLid Creative
Entertainment: Beth Grace, A Day Made Wedding DJ
Honeymoon: Bali
