Real Wedding – Kim & Albert, Coldstream VIC
Sometimes, the most meaningful celebrations emerge from the choice of simplicity.
For Kim and Albert, whose love story began with an Instagram DM about jungle curry, their wedding day was an exercise in understated elegance.
Set against the effortlessly elegant and stunningly striking Coombe Yarra Valley backdrop, their celebration embodied everything they valued – clean lines, timeless style, and moments of pure, unfiltered joy.
Kim chose a Jane Hill Bridal gown that embodied sophisticated simplicity – clean lines and perfectly draped fabric creating an effortlessly modern silhouette, adding an elegant overskirt for the ceremony, for that touch of understated drama.
Sugar Bee Flowers embodied layers of romance through their florals, with ethereal white blooms framing the centuries-old oak, perfectly transitioning between the lush grounds of Coombe and the chic interiors.
Through Fern & Stone Photography’s artful lens, every detail was captured with the same refined approach. We adore the images of candid laughter shared between Kim and Albert, perfectly encapsulating their desire for a day that was, above all else, a true reflection of their connection.
The meeting.
Almost seven years ago, through Instagram, a photo of a jungle curry from Jinda Thai restaurant in Abbotsford posted by Kim popped up on Albert’s ‘for you’ page. He slid into Kim’s DM’s and set up a date two weeks later at Sonny’s Fried Chicken in Carlton (Kim didn’t think it was a first date; she was just there for the food), and the rest is history.
The one.
Probably after the first date, we had so much in common and related to so many things (growing up experience, culture, interests), and we kept saying the same things at the same time.
The proposal.
It took place in our bedroom after grocery shopping. Kim had changed into her loungewear to start cooking dinner. We had gone on a nice dinner date the night before when Kim had dressed up for, but Albert decided the next day was the perfect time to pop the question as he loved spending the day just doing normal mundane tasks and just loved Kim for her, in her natural state.
Planning process.
Bloody stressful. Moreso having to deal with outside noise and family trying to overstep boundaries trying to input their own ideas of what a wedding should be. They also wanted to invite family members we had never met/seen our whole lives and didn’t understand why we wanted our wedding to be about celebrating us as a couple and only having close friends and family there. It was also really anxiety-inducing when our wedding budget kept increasing, and everything was getting so expensive.
Style inspiration.
Classic, clean, sophisticated, elegant, and natural. We wanted something that would be timeless through the years.
For inspiration, we looked at real weddings, styled shoots and photos from the Instagram profiles of suppliers.
The ceremony.
It was really intimate, personal and just everything we wanted and more. All our close friends and family were there – the most important people. They’ve all seen our relationship blossom from the beginning. Our celebrant, Megan Watson (Marry Me Megan), was so amazing and helpful in curating a ceremony that showcased us as a couple and individually.
The outfit.
We just wanted something clean, classic and timeless. Albert was adamant about not wanting boutonnieres for himself and his groomsmen, as he really wanted a clean silhouette. Kim had an idea of what her bridal gown would look like as she wanted something to match her everyday style, just elevated. She visited six bridal gown stores but was already sick of trying on dresses after the 3rd store.
However, this was because she had found the perfect dress at the 3rd store!
Kim also wanted to be able to wear her bridal gown the whole night instead of changing into a 2nd party dress completely, so the overskirt provided by Jane Hill Bridal was perfect.
Favourite moments.
Seeing each other down the aisle and committing to each other in front of everyone with our vows. Then, of course, being able to let loose once all the formalities concluded!
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage to us is teamwork, partnership, compromise, growth, and having each other’s back. It’s learning to understand, learn and respect the other person’s perspective, supporting one another and working together to create an amazing life together.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Can’t Help Falling In Love by Kina Grannis.
Reception entry: Smooth by Santana (feat. Rob Thomas).
First dance: How Deep Is Your Love by Bee Gees.
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Surprisingly, nothing!
Planning suprises.
I feel like nothing surprised me because the majority of our friends are married and had already warned us about what to expect e.g. If you have a budget in mind, it usually ends up being double the amount (this is so true!), people will pull out last minute or not show up, and you will realise who your real friends and family are at the end of the whole wedding process. I think because I was warned about all this, I wasn’t really phased when it happened (which still doesn’t make it okay or acceptable!).
Words of wisdom.
Try to shut out the noise and opinions of what other people say about how your wedding should be. Agree on what you both want in a wedding as a couple and stick with it! At the end of the day, this is YOUR day, and your love and commitment are the most important things that should be celebrated in the way YOU want. The whole wedding day goes by so fast, so please enjoy it as much as you can.
Also, try to find suppliers who are experienced and familiar with your venue! Do not skimp on photography and videography!
The wedding day itself was such a blur, but we were so lucky we had amazing vendors who knew our venue space, and they also knew each other already. They all worked together seamlessly and comfortably as they knew each other’s roles and how they worked professionally.
ALBERT & KIM’S VENDORS
Ceremony & reception venue: Coombe Yarra Valley in Coldstream.
Celebrant: Megan Watson – Marry Me Megan.
Photography: Jess Mitchell – Fern & Stone Photography.
Videography: Anthony & Gracie – AJR Films.
Florist: Youki – Sugar Bee Flowers.
Content Creator: Anastasia Dimopoulos – On The Day Content.
Hair: Kristina Letsas – Blow Waves By Kristina.
Make-up: Stephanie Piazza.
The dress & veil: Huntleigh by Jane Hill Bridal.
Dress tailor: Tania Stokes.
Rings: JANAI Jewellery (hers), KT Jewellery (his).
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Bec + Bridge.
Suits & bow ties / ties: Ferrari Formalwear.
Champagne Tower: The Cocktail Queen.
Stationery / Signage: Created by the groom himself.
Entertainment: DJ Slender – Premium Event DJs.
Transport: Yarra Valley Transfers/Enrik Limousines.
Photobooth: Matt Jefferies Entertainment.
Honeymoon: Conrad Bali, Nusa Dua.
