Real Wedding – Giulia & Rhys, Nagambie VIC  

Giulia and Rhys’ wedding day is bliss-filled, elegant and classy, with just the right amount of wow factor. Waiting out the covid uncertainty meant that for these two stunning souls, each detail could be carefully considered, making for a day that both looks and feels simply stunning.

From the very beginning of the day, both bride and groom are illuminated by their mega-watt smiles. But all the good feelings are intensified in the best way in a vibrant ceremony by celebrant legend Marry Me Tee. As Giulia puts it, it had all the feels and put them completely at ease – the perfect start to the ultimate celebration.

Dreamy decor details combine with classic vanilla florals to enhance rather than overshadow the venue, Mitchelton Estate. Giulia looks every bit the modern queen in her gown by Elysian Bridal, with a strapless gathered bodice in contemporary lines and full dramatic skirts accented with thigh-high split – perfect to hit the dance floor, to tunes by the incredible musicians at The White Tree.

Through the artful lens of Liz Barnes Photo, this is one gorgeously glam day – scroll on for every stunning frame.

The meeting.

It all began at high school through mutual friends. Although we lost touch after we left school, Rhys rekindled the friendship years later with a random text suggesting we catch up and grab a drink, and the rest was history!

The ‘one’.

When it just felt easy. We knew we wanted the same things in life and couldn’t imagine doing it without each other.

The proposal.

Our first camping trip to Echuca, along Little Toms Beach. It was the perfect summer night; the stars were bright, and the moon was like a spotlight. And when the fairy lights came on, Rhys got down on one knee. It was simple, and it was us.

Planning process.

Planning didn’t kick off at first; Covid got in the way. But after a couple of years, we felt we were ready. We knew we both wanted something relaxed, simple and that represented us.

A casual outing to Mitchelton for Lunch at the Muse one Sunday led us to watch another wedding being set up. After we realised that we were getting married, there was a possibility it was a done deal. We didn’t look at any other venue. It was perfect, and we immediately reached out to the incredible team at Mitchelton!

After that, it was locked in. An Autumn wedding in May 2023. Key vendors were booked. And all the fun began.

Style inspiration. 

Mitchelton has so much charm it was important not to overshadow this. Our style was simple, modern and timeless. We wanted our creative elements to complement the venue that we were drawn to so much.

Instagram was like an open book to help source vendors and ideas. Pinterest also helped me create boards to narrow down the look and feel of what we wanted, and then I was able to share with our florist and others.

I found viewing Ivory Tribe blogs also helpful, particularly the song selection list by celebrants.

The ceremony.

Thanks to Teresa Twiname from Marry Me Tee, she made our ceremony personal and relaxed. She told our story better than we do!
Our music guitarist from The White Tree set the perfect mood for the arrival of guests and added the most romantic touch during our ceremony.

It was a pretty special moment when Rhys turned to look at me for the first time.

The look. 

It was multiple outings with Mum and my sisters to share the special moment of finding the right dress. I wasn’t a bride who knew exactly what she wanted, so I aimed to try every fit and every style, even if I didn’t like it.
My nights were filled with scrolling and screenshots. The timeframe was closing in, and I still hadn’t found anything that really felt like me.

I had accidentally double-booked two different bridal boutiques on the same day. I had to cancel one, so I was on my own to visit Raffaele Ciuca. And just like that, I tried the perfect dress, but I had no one to share the moment with, so I lined up a second appointment to take the girls to see it.

It was a yes. Everything I wanted – flattering, simple yet sexy with a split and had a sense of wow.

The boys had custom-made suits from The Gentry Menswear in Thornbury. The quality and craftsmanship were next level. It was a black textured tuxedo paired with a crisp ivory shirt and bow tie for the groom.
A slight touch of the colour was introduced with suspenders and socks, representing the Venice flag for Rhys’ Nonno, who passed away that year. It was special touches like this that made their outfit more personal.

The maid of honour wore a black one-shoulder Manning Cartel dress with a brass chain embellishment on the shoulder and cut-out on the decolletage. It was important to me that she felt comfortable and confident in whatever she chose.

Favourite moments.

It’s so hard to choose when all you want to do is relive the entire day all over again. But our ceremony was our favourite part of the day! It had all the feels! There is something about having your best friends there with you and a celebrant that makes you feel completely at ease – nothing tops it.

Meaning of marriage.

It’s loyalty and family. It means us.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Simply The Best by Tina Turner (cover)

Signing: Like The Stars by James Arthur

Recessional: Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root

Reception entry: Can’t Help Myself by The Four Tops

First dance: Unchained Melody by Righteous Brothers

Funny stories or near disasters.

No major disaster, but whilst organising our menus so they were in placement order for the venue, we did notice we had guests’ names that we did not recognise. It was a slight panic as we were leaving for our long weekend to the venue the next day, but we raised this with our graphic designer, and sure enough, she had our set at home. What are the chances two Giulia’s both get married in May!

Other than this, the lead-up and our day ran seamlessly.

Planning surprises.

The whole process took me by surprise. The wedding industry is another world. No one gives you a manual on what to do. I felt like I was just winging it the whole time. But that was the best bit. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, and you just need to enjoy the ride.

Words of wisdom.

We launched our invitations on an online website, and it was the best thing we did! We received 70% of our RSVPs within the first two weeks.

Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, and don’t get hung up on what people will think. Do what makes you and your partner happy and add elements to your day that you truly can’t live without.

Choosing the perfect palette for your wedding day can be tricky, at best. With so many stunning options, it’s hard to know where to even begin, let alone what will best reflect your dream day vision. So, we suggest starting here, with our guide to choosing your wedding day hues.

GIULIA & RHYS’ VENDORS

Ceremony venue: River Deck at Mitchelton Wines, Nagambie

Reception venue: Montague Room at Mitchelton Wines, Nagambie

Celebrant: Teresa Twiname – Marry Me Tee

Photography: Liz Barnes Photo

Videography: Pixel 360 Studio

Styling, decor & florist: Blu-belle Flowers

Hair: Natalie – Miss Jaye Salon

Make-up: Laura Di Francesc – LD Makeup Artistry

The dress: Elysian Bridal  at Raffaele Ciuca

Veil: Pearl veil by Mariana Hardwick

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Bridesmaid’s dress: Manning Cartel

Suits & bow ties: The Gentry Menswear, Thornbury

Catering & bar: Mitchelton Winery

Favours: Bippi Foods / Chilli oil

Cake: Splendid Servings

Stationery / Signage: M&H Events

Entertainment: The White Tree

Honeymoon: Europe