Real Wedding – Chloe & Joel, Curlewis VIC

Chloe and Joel used the beautiful backdrop of the Bellarine Peninsula to seal the deal when they wed at Baie Wines.

This perfect pair loved planning their special day as they created some magic in a marquee celebration, keeping their style fresh, bright and classic yet modern. Everything they planned had a personal touch and meaning, and they ensured their guests were looked after with fabulous fare and wonderful wine.

Dressed in Jane Hill, Chloe wowed her groom Joel as she made her way down the aisle, before they exchanged heartfelt vows in front of their nearest and dearest.

Jason Vandermeer was behind the lens, along with Lightbox Media and we are sure you will love the beauty of this day as much as we do.

In Chloe’s words…

The meeting.

I actually proposed to Joel the very first time we met…..luckily that didn’t scare him off!

We had been working at the same company for over a year but in different departments so we had never met. When a colleague introduced me to Joel my response was ‘oh wow we should get married and you can take my surname’ – Joel looked absolutely terrified but at least I made a memorable first impression! I quickly explained that my surname was Joel so if he took my surname he would be ‘Joel Joel’.

The ‘one’.

I knew Joel was the one after about 12 months of dating. Joel had just returned from an overseas trip where he had hurt his leg quite badly and had to have it operated on. While waiting for him to come out of surgery I realised how much he meant to me and how much I wanted him in my life forever.

The proposal.

Joel and I were in the second week of a five-week European holiday. We were in Berlin, Germany at the time and as it was such a beautiful day we decided to hire bikes and ride around the city.

Riding through Tiergarten we decided to take a short break at this incredibly beautiful bridge. Just as I was about to suggest we get back on our bikes Joel starting saying all these beautiful things about our future, then he got down on one knee and proposed. I was completely shocked, I had not even suspected he was going to propose on this trip! It was the perfect moment and somehow in a city of over 3.5 million people were completely alone in the moment.

Joel then presented me his late mother’s ring – which was so special and sentimental.

The process.

I couldn’t wait to start planning our dream wedding! We got married 18 months after our engagement so I had plenty of time but I made sure I booked in all our suppliers very early on. I knew if I had all the best suppliers for our wedding everything else would be easy!

Even though I was very organised it was still quite stressful for the two days leading up to the wedding. As we had our reception in a marquee we had to bump in everything, including bathrooms, flooring, electricity, cool rooms etc My phone didn’t stop ringing for two days with questions from all our different suppliers!

I now understand why people have wedding planners but I still wouldn’t change a thing as I knew exactly how I wanted our wedding day to look!

An important part of the planning process was trying to find ways to incorporate our mothers into the day, who were both unable to be there. We wanted to find a way to honour them but without making it a sombre occasion.

On the back of everyone’s place cards we wrote a poem about remembrance and we placed a piece of rosemary on everyone’s place setting.  Joel also made a beautiful toast to our mothers as part of his speech.

Style inspiration.

Joel and I both have a very similar style so it was very easy to reflect both of us in the wedding. We both wanted everything to look very fresh, bright and classic yet modern.

Joel works in design so he was very much involved in creating all the little details for our wedding.

The dress.

I thought finding the dress would be the easiest parts but it was trickier than I expected – to make things more stressful I actually fainted in the first dress I tried on! (good tip for future brides – don’t drink champagne on a empty stomach while trying on wedding dresses on a 40+ degree day!)

After months of searching I found two dresses I loved, my final decision was based on what I thought Joel would love to see me in!

Favourite moments.

Joel and I snuck off after main course to go for a walk together. Walking through the winery in my wedding dress, while holding my husband’s hand is a moment I will never forget.

Meaning of marriage.

Marriage is the commitment to each other that we will love, care and support each other for the rest of our lives.  We want what both our parents had – commitment and love till the end.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Magic by Coldplay

Registry: Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles and You’re My Best Friend by Queen

Recessional: Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder

First dance: You are the Sunshine of my Life by Stevie Wonder

Departure: Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay

Funny stories (or near disasters).

I had been checking the long-range weather forecast for the 12 months leading up to the wedding – as we were in a marquee we were really exposed to all the elements! Luckily our wedding day was 31 degrees and sunny, but unfortunately we did have really strong winds!

The strong winds meant we had to change the flower arrangement for the marquee and quite a few of the taller vases fell and broke before everyone arrived at the reception.

The good news is no one knows what it was ‘meant to look like’ so really I’m the only person who even noticed!

Planning surprises.

The whole planning process was a lot more fun than I thought it would be!

It really is all about booking the best suppliers, you need to make sure you meet with them all before you book them as it’s important you enjoy working together.

Words of wisdom.

On the day remember to relax and enjoy yourself, and make sure you put some time in the run sheet to spend some time alone with your partner. The night goes by so fast so if you don’t schedule the time the night will just fly by!

Also at the very start of the planning process agree with your partner what the priorities in the budget are. For us it was the food and wine which meant making a few other sacrifices along the way.

On the hunt for a dreamy destination for your big day? Look no further than the beautiful Bellarine. Head here to check out all our favourite places to eat, stay, wed and play!

CHLOE & JOEL’S TRIBE

Ceremony and reception location: Baie Wines – Lauren, Anne and Peter were all so incredibly helpful in the lead up to the wedding, especially the days prior to our wedding!

Celebrant/Officiant: Jo Betz – Jo was the first thing I booked and she brought the most incredible energy and warmth to our ceremony

Photography: Jason Vandermeer

Videography: Lightbox Media

Florist: Judy Chirnside

Hair and make-up: Blondie – the best in the business!

The Dress(es): Custom gown from Jane Hill bridal 

Shoes: Witchery

Rings: Custom made by my family’s jeweller

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Pasduchas

Groomsmen’s suits: MJ Bale

Catering and bar: Truffleduck – our guests couldn’t stop raving about the food!! The service was also incredible

Cake / Cake topper: Lamannas – we had so many of our guests asking us where the cake was from – so delicious!

Stationery / Signage: Sudio XIV 

Entertainment: The White Tree – Sally, our singer, was phenomenal!!

Transport: We booked buses for all our guests to get to and from Geelong  and we booked Victorian Prestige Transport to transfer our families. The bride arrived in a family friend’s restored vintage car

Hire: Marquee and all the indoor furniture was from Harry the Hirer, who were just so amazing to work with

Honeymoon: After the wedding we went to Hong Kong for mini-moon and then we are off to Europe for a month over the Australian winter

Other: Porta-loos from Geelong Coastal Hire