Real Wedding – Leisa Rebecca & Alexander, Yarra Glen VIC
Leisa Rebecca and Alexander’s wedding at Acacia Ridge Winery was a light-filled, warm, and airy celebration. Taking inspiration from a variety of industry professionals and wedding blogs (yours truly included), they embraced a blue and white colour palette that felt both timeless and fresh, setting the tone for a truly unforgettable occasion.
Meticulous planning and thoughtful choices were key to bringing their dream day to life. With celebrant Damon Hughes leading a heartfelt ceremony and the legendary Tess Follett behind the lens, every moment was beautifully captured and deeply felt. Leisa Rebecca was a vision in her custom gown, a stunning collaboration between d’Italia and Vassi Couture, whilst Alexander rocked his P.Johnson tailored suit.
Surrounded by loved ones and bathed in the golden light of the valley, they danced the evening away to the tunes of Melbourne DJ Co. The perfect end to a perfect night.
The meeting.
We met at university when we were 18, after we both got lost finding our biology lab class in the first week. Our relationship began with us being good friends for a few years, and then we started dating when we were 21, after spending our final year of our undergraduate degree having lunch together every day while we studied the same major. After the first date (Les Miserables), well, the rest is history.
The ‘one’.
When we started living together. We were so happy to be going home to each other every day after work, we knew it was the life we wanted. We both love life’s simple pleasures – reading, hiking, gin and tonics on a sunny day, and we’re very happy spending a Saturday night around the dinner table with our families or hosting friends.
The proposal.
On a beautiful hike during a cute little winery getaway. We booked a gorgeous AirBnB in Mount Toolebewong during a few days off. At the top of the hike on a random Monday, Alex got down on one knee. Leisa Rebecca was completely shocked, and so glad they had the rest of the hike down to soak in the moment. Then it was lasagne for dinner while we called our families to tell them our news!
Planning process.
We had a few career milestones to tick off before getting married, so we had a long engagement which gave us nearly two years to plan and budget for our wedding. Highly recommend it! We knew we wanted to get married close to home so that it would be easy for our friends and family to come, but we also didn’t want a city wedding. The Yarra Valley was the perfect setting.
Style inspiration.
Our vision was classic modern – elegant but not overly traditional. We had been to a wedding at Acacia Ridge before (shout out to Brintha and Arvs), and the view was so breathtaking that it was an easy decision to book it for ours. We loved the indoor-outdoor concept, with their white-washed brick aisle, the marquee with the fairy lights and ample cosy outdoor furniture for guests to mingle. Also, we had been told that their team was excellent, and many couples before us had only positive things to say about the coordination and the care taken to make it a great day – and they were right!
The blue and white theme was decided really quickly as our home is blue and white themed. We had seen some weddings with blue and white flowers and thought it was a beautiful but simple theme. Our florist (Allie, Flowers of Yarra Glen) did so well to get blue hydrangeas for us in mid-March!
Instagram was our best friend. Leisa Rebecca started following a lot of different wedding photographers to find inspiration for everything – florists, bride and bridesmaid dresses, rings, décor, celebrants – everything! We also used blogs like Ivory Tribe to find suppliers, and the Melbourne Brides Facebook group was an incredible resource for finding vendors and inspiration.
The ceremony.
We had Damon Hughes as our celebrant, and he delivered exactly the kind of ceremony we had hoped for – relaxed but still formal, funny but also genuine, romantic without being over the top. He had everyone laughing and crying. We wrote our own vows and I’m so glad we did – it was a daunting task but worthwhile. Also, we asked our mums to be our witnesses, so that was a really beautiful moment between the four of us. Both of us loved our ceremony! Alex’s dad joked that he wanted to get married to Alex’s mum again just so Damon could officiate.
The look.
Leisa Rebecca – I went dress shopping with my four bridesmaids, my mum and my auntie about 13 months before the wedding. We went to five different stores to get a feel for different styles – I tried on anything I was given! Finally, I found the silhouette and neckline that I loved, although there were a couple of minor details that I wanted to change – like a lower back, and a slightly longer train. A recently married girlfriend had recommended D’Italia, so I booked an appointment and they were incredible. D’Italia ordered my fabric and my beautiful pearl veil and referred me to the wonderful Vicky from Vassi Couture, who made my dress from scratch. It was so much fun seeing it come together. The beading on the back straps was a last-minute addition – an idea from my mum – which really gave the dress that special final touch. Vicky and D’Italia were wonderful and so easy to work with. I absolutely loved my dress and felt like myself. I just loved the classic elegance of a pearl veil, so had beading, jewellery and shoes with pearl details to match, while keeping the dress very simple.
Alex – A few friends had recommended P Johnson, so we booked an appointment for a wedding suit consultation. Tom was incredible – his knowledge of fabric and fit were so impressive. We knew we wanted a midnight blue suit that still looked classic, but was breathable in case the weather was hot. Tom knew exactly what to do! It was an easy decision to have the suit made with P Johnson and we couldn’t have been happier with the process and how it turned out. It’s going to be hard to ever buy a suit off the rack again.
Favourite moments.
Our first dance! We had spent the two months in the lead up to our wedding doing dance lessons with the Secret Garden of Dance (Camberwell) and practicing in our living room. Pulling it off was so much fun, and our guests have all said it was their favourite part too.
We also had Alex’s brother be the MC and played a game of heads or tails with fun facts about us as part of the reception entertainment. It was hilarious to watch, and everyone got really into it; a friend’s partner won.
Meaning of marriage.
A commitment to each other, for better or worse, to love and support each other and to be each other’s homes. We already felt that way, but it was special to make it official.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: I get to love you by Ruel (Acoustic)
Signing: From this moment on by Shania Twain (Acoustic)
Exit: Today was a fairytale by Taylor Swift (Acoustic)
Reception: Crazy in Love by Beyonce
First Dance: From this Moment On… by Shania Twain & Forever – Chris Brown
Funny stories or near disasters.
During our photo session, Leisa Rebecca accidentally gave Alex a blood nose while wrapping her arm around him! Blood dripping so close to a white shirt and a white dress during golden hour was a near disaster… thankfully the bleeding stopped after a couple of minutes and we still managed to get incredible photos.
Planning surprises.
How far in advance we needed to book! We were so glad to get in to book Acacia, Tess and Damon especially in time. Two years in advance was a lot earlier than we thought though! We also really enjoyed doing dance lessons. It was a fun date night for the two months leading up to the wedding, and we were so happy with the end result.
Words of wisdom.
It’s your day. Do what sparks joy for you! For us it was good food, a beautiful venue that offered a cocktail hour with a view, and a choreographed first dance. We also had a sweetheart table (our bridal party sat with their partners and other guests) and this meant we could share our meal, get up easily to speak to guests, and have a moment together. We copied this idea from our friends who said it was the best decision they made for their wedding and we loved it too.
Some of the best advice we were given was to invest in the wedding photographer – the photos are all you get to keep at the end!
When it comes to planning your wedding, enlisting all the wedding vendors that align with your vision is key, and the one thing you definitely need for those legalities is a celebrant. So, for a few things to consider before booking one, we’ve got you covered here.
LEISA REBECCA & ALEXANDER’S VENDORS
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Acacia Ridge Winery, Yarra Glen – Stunning location and incredible team! We were so well looked after. They set aside canapes for us and made sure we had drinks during cocktail hour, and liaised with our vendors to make sure everything ran smoothly. Our wedding coordinator went above and beyond, we were so thrilled with their hard work and hospitality. We were able to relax and enjoy the day because of Cathy, Lach and their team!
Celebrant/Officiant: Damon Hughes – what a legend. We knew after our first Zoom meeting with Damon that we wanted him to be our celebrant, and we were so happy with his ceremony! I couldn’t recommend him more highly if you want a funny but romantic ceremony with someone who puts you at ease!
Photography: Tess Follett – We knew when we booked Tess that we wouldn’t have to worry about bad photos – and we were right! She was so easy to spend the day with and captured more special moments than we could have imagined. Best decision!
Videography: The Merri Studio – these guys were phenomenal. So easy to communicate with, and even stayed late to capture our sparkler exit! Above and beyond.
Florist: Flowers of Yarra Glen – Allie delivered our vision perfectly; she is so talented!
Hair: Kim Toogood Hair Styling – possibly the most patient stylist ever! Kim was so lovely and incredibly skilled; we loved spending the morning with her!
Make-up: Arielle Wray – Arielle was so speedy and made us all feel amazing! She made the wedding morning stress-free with her impeccable talent and her efficiency. Together, Kim and Arielle were a dream team.
The dress: D’Italia and Vassi Couture – Vicky was the best. She had the greatest advice, was on time, and so patient with my moments of indecision about design. Her knowledge of couture and fabric was amazing to witness. I was sad when my dress was finished because it was fascinating watching her work! I couldn’t recommend her more highly to every bride; she brought my vision to life, and it was even better than I hoped.
Veil: D’Italia – pearl veil.
Shoes: Harlo – Alexandra heels
Rings: Kavalri – amazing service!
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Rachel Gilbert, Billy J, Elliatt, Club London. Each of the bridesmaids chose their own dresses in similar shades of blue. They all looked so beautiful!
Suits: P. Johnson – amazing service.
Catering: Locavore Studio – Our guests loved the food! Generous portions and delicious shared mains and sides. We were so happy with our food!
Favours: We wrote letters to each of our guests to tell them what they meant to us. Everyone loved them! It also took the pressure off us having individual conversations with each guest to thank them – we knew we wouldn’t have enough time!
Cake: Little Lady Sweets – Sarah was a dream! She designed the cake, and our guests are still talking about how delicious it was! Her nan’s lemon curd recipe was extra special.
Stationery / Signage: Snap Printing
Entertainment: Melbourne DJ Co – these guys absolutely nailed the brief; our dancefloor was full until the end! They were also super easy to communicate with in the lead-up to the wedding. Highly recommend!
Honeymoon: Tasmania. We only had time for a short honeymoon, and Tassie was the perfect place! Two nights in Richmond, two nights in Bruney Island and one night in Hobart. We ate our body weight in cheese and oysters!
