Real wedding – Imogen & John, Daylesford VIC
From the moment they stepped inside, Imogen and John fell in love with The Convent Gallery in the gorgeous town of Daylesford. They just knew the special space would make the perfect backdrop for their wedding.
Inspired by the romance of their day and adding sweet, vintage touches, the couple gathered their loved ones for a relaxed and happy celebration. Stealing some precious moments alone after their ceremony, they say they will never forget the joy they felt at becoming husband and wife.
Captured beautifully by Stephlee Photography, Imogen and John will leave you touched with the magic of their sweet celebration.
IN IMOGEN’S WORDS…
The meeting.
Good Friday, 2008. We met through mutual friends while out on the town, and while it wasn’t exactly love at first sight, there was definitely a connection
‘The one’.
We became inseparable soon after we met, even though it took John five years to pop the question, I think we both knew quite early one that we shared something really special. We did things a little backwards – holidays, a house, bought a puppy… but I wouldn’t change a thing
The proposal.
We were holidaying in Vietnam on the coast of Mui Ne. We had just finished dinner and one of the many cocktails we were drinking when John insisted we go for a walk along the beach. I was against the idea as I’d eaten far too many spring rolls, but he just wouldn’t let it go. John was so nervous about the proposal that he began to drip with sweat, so much so that when I took his hand to hold I actually asked if he was feeling ok! Next minute he was down on one knee asking me to marry him. I couldn’t contain my laughter. The laughter soon turned into happy tears when I realized what he was ‘doing’ down on one knee – of course the answer was yes!
The planning.
I was never the kind of girl who had big dreams about my wedding. To be honest, I found it all completely overwhelming! Once we found our venue and set a date we planned everything within eight months. It was a crazy, stressful and exciting process. As we are both extremely indecisive, it was definitely a learning curve
Style inspiration.
We really loved the whole vintage-romantic feel. Unstructured bouquets, miss-matched vases, French lace and heartfelt thank you’s printed on the tables. With such a gorgeous venue, it was really easy to pull it all together. I created a Pinterest wedding inspiration board and it all kind of fell into place.
The dress.
I looked high and low… I tried on so many dresses but nothing felt right. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for and with only four months to go until the big day I really had to make a decision. I have always loved French lace and fell in love with the Grace Loves Lace range, the trouble was, I would have to order it online and unless I flew to QLD for fittings.. I really had to wing it – and wing it I did! I was measured up by a local dress-maker and emailed off my measurements. Three months later my dress arrived – and it was perfect. My huge risk paid off.
Favourite moments.
After our ceremony we went straight downstairs for a group photo. It was go, go, go and having every single loved one/friend and photographer with phones and cameras out was pretty overwhelming. Before we went off for photos with the bridal party I briefly pulled John aside. We went upstairs to our Penthouse and took five minutes to just ‘take it all in’. It was our first five minutes alone as husband and wife and it was really special, so we shared a sneaky glass of French bubbles!
Traditions.
We wanted our day to be fun, relaxed and ‘us’. My dad walked me down the aisle and we cut the cake but nothing really too traditional.
Meaning of marriage.
Loved, safe and oh-so-special. Completely and forever. When you think about that special someone first thing in the morning and they are the last thing on your mind before you go to sleep.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle – 1 + 1 by Beyonce
Reception entry – Marry You by Bruno Mars
First Dance – Even When I’m Sleeping by Leonardo’s Bride
Funny stories (or near disasters).
I bought John a pair of really special diamond cuff-links as a wedding gift. I left them along with a note in his room at the B&B to open the morning of the wedding. Turns out his shirt didn’t have button holes for the cuff links so he couldn’t wear them.
Planning surprises.
At the start of the whole planning process it was really hard to try and decide on a budget. Until we started getting quotes and prices from different suppliers and services, we had no idea what it would cost. It definitely pays to do your research and homework and then try and set a realistic budget.
Words of wisdom.
Just relax, have fun and enjoy every moment. Everyone told me that I would blink and the day would be over, unfortunately they were right
IMOGEN & JOHN’S TRIBE…
Ceremony location: The St Lawrence Atrium at The Convent Gallery.
Reception venue: The St Michael’s Room at The Convent Gallery, Daylesford
Celebrant: The wonderful Jo Betz. Our ceremony was exactly want we wanted. It was a true reflection of us.
Photography: Steph-Lee Photography. Steph has an amazing eye for detail. We wanted really natural photos and she nailed it – can’t recommend her enough.
Styling: 3&6 Design. Sarah was brilliant and she just ‘got me’. I wouldn’t have pulled it all of without her.
Florist: The Posy Co. Rachel is an absolute gem! I was really cruisey and gave her minimal direction, but with the help of a few good ol’ Pintrest pins she blew me away with our blooms on the day!
Hair and makeup: Hair by Hannah and Makeup by Catherine Louise
The Dress: Grace Loves Lace – super comfy and light to wear!
Headwear: Flower crown by Posy Co
Accessories: I wore my Great Grandmother’s pearls and diamond earings.
Shoes: Jo Mercer
Rings: Gems and Jewels
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Forever New
Groom’s suit: Politix
Groom’s shoes: Julius Marlow
Catering: The Convent Gallery, Daylesford
Cake / cake topper: Flower cake topper by Posy Co and cake/cupcakes by The Little Cupcake.
Stationery: 3&6 Design – I am still in love with our invites and hand painted flowers!
Entertainment: Acoustic duo, Matt & Nicole and a DJ to get the party started
Honeymoon: Vietnam & Singapore.
