Real Wedding – Jacob & Cianna, Spring Hill VIC
In the depth of Victorian winter, Cianna and Jake drew their nearest and dearest close in an exquisitely intimate celebration filled with love and laughter. After changing up their plans due to covid lockdowns, The Little Church in Spring Hill provided a stylish haven in which to say their long-awaited I Do’s, while the stunning surrounds gave photographic talent Elsa Campbell a picture-perfect background against which to capture the newlyweds.
The style was effortless elegance; chic white-on-white detailing, accented with simple fairy lights, all to coalesce in harmony with the crisp white interiors of the chapel.
And the couple looked every bit the part, radiant as they exchanged their vows, glowing with smiles that never left their faces. Cianna wowed in a beaded sheath gown from Rebecca Gilbert before changing up into a feathered accented suit by Peppermyo; party perfect. We love Jake’s sleek grey overcoat, a stylish nod to the season and a sharp way to elevate his look.
For a masterclass on how to create intimate ambience without sacrificing style or fun, dive in to Cianna and Jacob’s dreamy day.
The meeting.
We met at a mutual friend’s going away party at a pub in Cronulla in 2017.
The ‘one’.
After about two weeks of dating, Jacob was texting his mum beside me, and I asked what he wrote; it was a beautiful message telling his mum how much he loved and appreciated her. I knew in that moment he was a special person, and that’s the type of man I wanted to marry, one with such a caring heart and strong family values.
The proposal.
We were on holiday in Croatia, on the rooftop of a hotel by the sea.
Planning process.
We were meant to get married in 2020 in Western Australia, but covid had other ideas. We decided to book a small, intimate wedding only 12 weeks out (for fear of having another cancelled wedding). As soon as we looked at the Little Church in Spring Hill, I knew that was the place for us. Then, everything else fell into place within our short timeframe. Having a winter wedding, we were lucky as a lot of suppliers and vendors were available, which made our planning very easy.
Style inspiration.
It was very important to us that our day was all about the love. As a very small wedding of our favourite special people, we wanted to create an ambience of intimacy. I love white, and I always knew I wanted a fresh white feeling to match the white church. Simple elegance with pops of greenery from the flowers, fairy lights and lots of soul was the look I envisioned, and my team absolutely delivered.
I find inspiration visually, through seeing things. I am very decisive. I know straight away if I love something and can make quick decisions. I would save inspirational photos from Instagram or Pinterest and make a folder on my phone of ideas I loved. I am also quite good at visualising a space, so when I saw the Little Church, I could just picture how I wanted my tables to look in the space.
The ceremony.
For us, this was the most important part of the day and what we most looked forward to. Our ceremony was hands down my favourite part of the day. I wrote my vows back in 2019 when we got engaged, so I had waited a long time to finally say them and to become Jake’s wife. There was so much emotion from how long we had waited that we both could not stop crying happy tears. My legs were shaking the whole time, and I could barely get my words out through my tears.
The outfit.
I purchased my ceremony dress from Rachel Gilbert in 2019! Fast forward to 2023, and I still loved it.
Favourite moments.
Our ceremony!! It was so perfect, real, full of love and emotion. I get emotional even just thinking back to it.
Meaning of marriage.
Feeling like home is within your husband or wife, not a place. It is feeling unconditional love and safety from each other, supporting each other’s dreams, goals and beliefs, working together to make each other the best versions of themselves, and loving each other in every phase and journey of your lives together.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Feels Like Home by Matt Johnson
First dance: Angel of Mine (acoustic cover) by our musician, Mataya
Recessional: You Make My Dreams Come True by Daryl Hall and John Oats
Reception entry: Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton
Funny stories or near disasters.
My first time getting Botox six weeks before the wedding, and my eyebrows drooped into my eyes! It looked like I had been stung by a bee. It lasted for about two weeks before going back to normal, thankfully!
Words of wisdom.
Don’t worry about anyone else’s opinions but yours and your husband’s. It’s your day.
One dress or two? Our take on the big ‘fit decision, what to consider and how to narrow down the options, here on the blog.
JACOB & CIANNA’S VENDORS
Ceremony & reception venue: Little Church Spring Hill
Celebrant: Felicity Fritsch
Photography: Elsa Campbell
Styling, decor & hire: 99 Luft Events
Florist: Flowers in a Vase
Hair & make-up: Megan Harrison
The dresses: Ceremony, Rachel Gilbert Bridal. Reception: Peppermayo party suit and Manning Cartel bralette.
Veil / headwear: Ceremony, Raffaele Ciuca. Reception, Etsy.
Shoes: Midas
Rings: Micheal Hill and Mazzucchellis
Suit: Peter Jackson
Catering & bar: Emma James Catering
Cake / Cake topper: homemade cake from a family member, cake topper from Etsy.
Stationery / Signage: self-designed.
Entertainment: Mataya Young
Honeymoon: Khao Lak, Thailand
Pre-wedding nutrition: Health with Bec
Pre-wedding body contouring/ fitness: Sculpt Lab Armadale, Melbourne.