Real Wedding – Laura & Craig, Woodend VIC
For a sumptuous celebration equal parts elegance, elation and emotion, take a peek at Laura and Craig’s Wooden wedding festivities.
These two love to catch up over delicious wines and cheese, so celebrating their I Do’s at a winery was an authentically inspired choice. From there, the styling selections flowed with ease as Laura and Craig artfully enhanced the natural, relaxed vibes with hues of beige, buff and terracotta.
From a light-hearted, laughter-filled ceremony by tribe super-celebrant Megan Thompson, to sunset kisses captured by legendary photographer Smith and Archer, the day unfolded with bliss and beauty.
Music masters Melbourne Entertainment Co were the final piece in the puzzle, keeping the dance floor heaving well into the night.
The meeting.
We met at work back in 2014, Craig had just moved over from the UK to start his new job, and I became one of his first Aussie friends. We had an instant connection; however, I was in a long-term relationship at the time. My previous relationship ended, and we started hanging out outside of work and eventually got together a year later.
The ‘one’.
About three months into our relationship we started planning a trip back to the UK and Europe for me to meet his family. From then on, I knew he was ‘the one’.
The proposal.
Our first weekend away together was to Tasmania. A few years later he had planned a birthday surprise for us to go back there, where we travelled from Hobart to Launceston, stopping at all the beautiful places along the way.
We planned a day trip to Cradle Mountain, and on a drizzly/gloomy day we did the walk around Dove Lake. When we had gotten about halfway around, he got down on one knee (into a puddle) and asked me to marry him; of course, I said yes!!!
It turns out that the day he proposed was exactly fear years to the day we first met. Tasmania will always have a very special place in our hearts.
Planning process.
We had always planned to have a rather small wedding at a winery, as this is one of our favourite places to go on a date to drink wine and eat cheese.
I grew up in a small country town, Castlemaine, and we wanted to keep the venue close to my family as well as our Melbourne friends. We picked Mount Macedon Winery as it was halfway between the two places. It had a lovely garden setting for the ceremony, a beautiful vineyard and amazing views over Mount Macedon for our guests to enjoy.
It was the first venue we visited, and we knew it was the one for us!
Style inspiration.
The winery setting played a huge part in the styling of our wedding. We wanted a relaxed, bohemian vibe with earthy tones such as beige, buff, cream & terracotta hues.
The floral arrangements featured textural wild grasses with native touches and statement orchids.
The Autumnal tones from the vines added another dimension to the colour scheme and the style of it all suited us just perfectly.
The outfit.
I had always wanted a dress with statement applique lace and thin spaghetti straps in a style that was quite fitted to my body. I found my dream dress very early on in the process and had it slightly altered to remove an existing tassel trim around the arms and waist and also had the back lowered to ensure it was the perfect dress for me! The dress also had a slit up the centre from the hem which was a nice touch to showcase my beautiful heels
Favourite moments.
Laughing our heads off when I had to jump the fence in my wedding dress and then wandering through the paddocks giggling, kissing and sipping our drinks whilst we had our sunset photos taken.
It was a perfect moment for my husband and me to relax and take it all in on the most special day of our lives.
Meaning of marriage.
A lifetime of love and happiness being shared with your best friend.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran
Entry: The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson
First dance: Magic by Coldplay
Funny stories or near disasters.
The most stressful part of the lead up was organising Craig’s family’s accommodation, as they were visiting from the UK. Apart from that, it was pretty smooth sailing for us throughout the entire planning process.
Planning surprises.
How much time actually goes into emailing suppliers, receiving quotes and comparing prices, as we did it all ourselves. We spent many weekends doing wedding planning and research.
Words of wisdom.
The time on the actual wedding day flies by, so make sure you take some time for yourselves to soak it all in, as it is one of the biggest days of your lives.
It’s also hard to get around to all your guests so, as a take-home gift, we handwrote letters to each one of our guests telling them how much they mean to us and how special it is for them to be there and share in our big day. It was a nice personal touch which was so worth it.
Sweeping vineyard views, rustic barrel rooms and epic beverage choices sound like your kind of celebration? We love the beauty and diversity of a winery wedding, so we’ve gathered some of our favourites for you to enjoy. Pour yourself a snappy pinot gris and settle in!
LAURA & CRAIG’S VENDORS:
Ceremony and reception venue: Mount Macedon Winery
Celebrant: Megan Thompson
Photography: Smith and Archer
Styling: My creative sister, Jessica and myself.
Florist: Raven and the Rose
Hair: M&CO Hair Design
Make-up: Laura Di Francesco
The dress and veil: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal
Shoes: ALEXANDRA by Harlo from the White Collection
Rings: Australian Diamond Company
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Kookai
Groomsmen’s suits: Next
Bow ties: Myer
Catering: Happy Camper Pizza Food Truck (grazing boards and mains) and Schatzis Catering (canapés)
Bar: Mount Macedon Winery
Cake / Cake topper: Sugarlips Cakes by Sue Watson
Stationery / Signage: Love & Lines
Entertainment: Melbourne Entertainment Company (Acoustic Singer) and friend Hughan Clarke (DJ)
Hire: Dann Event Hire for the couches and coffee table
Honeymoon: UK and Europe in 2021
