Real Wedding – Fiona & Aaron, Dromana VIC
From a hilarious meet-cute (no spoilers here, you’ll have to read on!) to the effervescent vibes of the wedding day, Aaron and Fiona’s sweetly stunning celebration is the culmination of everything you want in a milestone moment – vibrant, unbridled emotion, boldly beautiful styling and the best wedding party leader – their golden retriever.
Choosing the artfully unique Tanglewood Estate is a masterstroke for a couple who claim they’re not big on details. Working with stand-alone aesthetics set against sprawling bushland, florist North St Botanical works magic to seemingly effortlessly enhance and elevate the venue. A palette of clear burnished copper, soft tangerine and pops of neon red coalesce to perfection, while Fiona looks breathtaking in her striking ivory gown by Aleena Leena at Twelve South Bridal. A combination of styles, we especially love the contemporary styling in the bodice and statement flowing sleeves.
The party started with the infectious smiles on Fiona and Aaron’s faces as they first caught sight of one another and escalated further in the masterful hands of Hey Jack entertainment. While the guests revelled in the epic party, the newlyweds stole a few moments in the twilight, guided by lens legend extraordinaire, Georgia Verrells. The result is truly breathtaking – scroll on to see it all.
The meeting.
We met in the hospital! I was a lowly medical student; he was a urology doctor. He taught me how to put a catheter in, so essentially, we met over an old man’s penis.
The ‘one’.
I realised about three weeks in when he asked me to be exclusive, and that didn’t freak me out.
The proposal.
Aaron had planned a beautiful day at Qualia on Hamilton Island, involving a boat trip and picnic on a private island. But on the day, it was too windy, so he popped the question on the balcony of the villa – wearing his crab swimming shorts and everything.
Planning process.
It was pretty chill, actually. I think everyone was more stressed we had forgotten things than we were – we weren’t mad on details.
Style inspiration.
Relaxed, fun and down to earth.
We found real weddings good for inspiration. Especially when vendors are tagged, it can make it a great place to start.
The ceremony.
It was short, simple, and really funny. Our celebrant was great. She just got us and made it light but warm and genuine.
The outfits.
My dress was probably the hardest part. I had roughly in mind what I wanted and didn’t know how hard it would be to adapt existing dresses to make what I imagined! Finally the girls at Twelve South Bridal made it all happen.
Aaron and the boys struggled a little to decide, but he went for a classic navy fitted suit, and he looked so handsome.
Favourite moments.
That is a hard one, The carnage of the Scottish ceilidh with laughter everywhere being interrupted by the world’s most amazing sunset was pretty magical.
Meaning of marriage.
Just formalising our little team.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: All Your Love by Dustin Tebbutt, acoustically mastered by Reverly at Hey Jack.
And then we entered the reception to Sandstorm by Darude. The party went off!
Funny stories or near disasters.
It rained in the morning, and so we moved to the chapel. One of my bridesmaids drove us from the on site farmhouse we got ready in, to the chapel; in the pouring rain, the seatbelt alarm was screaming at us all, we were all poking each other’s eyes out with umbrellas, but everyone was just laughing. They were the perfect bridal party.
Planning surprises.
How little direction you need to give vendors – just give them the wheel! They are amazing at what they do and it’s much more fun that way.
Words of wisdom.
I know everyone says it, but most things really don’t matter. As long as everyone is fed, watered and dancing, everything will be great. Don’t get caught up in details!
It was honestly the most fun day ever. I would do it again in a heartbeat, rain and all.
Looking for a multi-faceted venue full of captivating character? We recommend giving the gorgeous Chatsworth House a scroll, perfect for destination weddings, or any dream day celebration wanting a blend of stunning style and timeless energy.
FIONA & AARON’S VENDORS
Ceremony & reception venue: Tanglewood Estate. Donna and Ash were just amazing, I can’t thank them enough. They made everything so fun and easy. I apologise for forcing them to participate in the ceilidh!
Celebrant: Alice Waterson. She was exactly what we wanted. Smart, funny and easy going. Do yourself a favour and book her, drink with her, laugh with her and encourage her to quit her day job and do this full-time!
Photography: Georgia Verrells. Georgia made the day, to be honest. She became a 6th bridesmaid and is just really good at what she does. She was everywhere and nowhere and made sure we got the most out of our day. She was full of fun and laughter, and we ended up sharing a daiquiri under an umbrella in the rain.
Videography: Georgia Verrells – Super 8 Film
Florist: North Street Botanical. Emily <3! Given Emily and Georgia are besties, there is no wonder I absolutely adored her from the second she arrived! Her vision was more than I could have dreamed, and the flowers have remained the thing that takes my breath away in all the photos.
Hair: Sarah Jobson, Making Pretty.
Make-up: Killer Queen – Danee.
The dress: Aleena Leena custom gown from Twelve South Bridal, with alterations at Bluebell Bridal. The girls at Twelve South Bridal just made everything so easy
Shoes: Spurr Stefanie heels from The Iconic
Rings: Bride – Louise Jean. Groom – Cushla Whiting.
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Billy J – Rust.
Suits: Peter Jackson
Bow ties / ties: Model Chic
Catering: Finesse Catering. We are big foodies, so good food was important to us, and oh my gosh did they deliver. Everyone talked about the food for weeks; it was absolutely amazing.
Bar: Tanglewood Estate – Nick. Makes a mean daiquiri.
Favours: Little thank you cake boxes with wedding cake in them to take home
Cake / Cake topper: Mother Mary Bakes – Hannah.
Stationery / Signage: Menus and placards made on canvas and printed at office works. Invitations through Joy.
Entertainment: Hey Jack, Revelry. They were amazing, they learned my aisle song in no time and it was so beautifully done.
Transport: EV Tours buses for guests.
Honeymoon: Koh Tao – Thailand
Bridesmaid gifts: Le Rose Pyjamas, white runners to change into to dance better, face masks, Kate and Kole gold earrings with pearls, Hangover kits (prescription anti-nausea meds)!
