Real Weddding – Lisa & Shaun, Macedon Ranges VIC
Classic white parasols, soft pastel tones and an abundance of rose petals combined to create Lisa and Shaun’s ideal English garden party aesthetic within the grounds of Cleveland Estate. The theme was a considered nod to the country that brought them back together 15 years after their initial meeting, captured in photo and film by the masters of modern nostalgia, Caity and Duncan.
Jane Mackinlay, the magnificent wordsmith and mic wielder behind Love Jane, engaged a crowd of 56 guests with tales of the couples’ early years and set the tone for a celebration full of personal touches.
When the search for the perfect outfit began Lisa didn’t have a clear idea of form but was certain of the feeling – she wanted something comfortable. She worked closely with the talented team at d’Italia Couture to design a one-shoulder gown with dramatic statement bow that was as fashion forward as it was dancefloor friendly.
A masterclass in elevated DIY, the couple selected and supplied the linen, candles and scallop shell salt and pepper shakers which they now regularly re-use when entertaining guests at home – a top tip for sentimental lovers looking to inject an element of their big day, into their every day.
Their advice? Beware small decisions – like choosing the colour of your invitations – can become unexpected stumbling blocks if you linger on the many (many!) options too long, so lean into the parts of wedding planning you love and be efficient with the elements you don’t.
The meeting.
I had known of Shaun as my brother’s friend from a young age. We naturally grew up and went our own ways – I moved to the UK in 2015 following my own dreams and Shaun had already been living there for 11 years. When my brother planned to stop over in London after a work trip, he arranged a night out with his friends that were around and I naturally joined along for the night, after not seeing him for 18 months. It was then that Shaun and I ‘re-met’ again after 15 years. And the rest is history!
The ‘one’.
Shaun and I had an instant connection, but it really dawned on us that we would be together when I was planning to move back to Australia and Shaun wanted to follow.
The proposal.
We were actually on a family holiday, celebrating my Mum’s birthday. Shaun – with the help of my dad – organised a sunset cruise for all of us on our second last night. This didn’t seem like anything unusual for us on a family holiday, so I didn’t suspect anything. As it goes, we were sailing out to sea, sun setting on the horizon, whales in the background, standing on the nets at the front of the catamaran when Shaun dropped to one knee and popped the question. It was total euphoria. Such a magical moment of pure happiness for everyone. My mum (like me!) was none the wiser and had a complete surprise as well.
Planning process.
From the moment we booked our date and venue, every weekend was consumed with ticking something off the wedding ‘to-do’ list. I spent lots of time doing research, making decisions and buying bits and pieces that we used for the day. The spare room filled up quickly! It was something that I enjoyed doing though, it was never a stress.
Style inspiration.
From the get-go, I knew I wanted our wedding to be based around a homestead, with the ability for guests to stay on sight. I was going for English garden party vibes. Shaun really fell in love with Cleveland Estate for all it had to offer. The venue spaces, hotel on sight and the flexibility of how we could use it. I loved, knowing that all our bridal party and family would be able to stay with us. I loved reading the real wedding articles for inspiration – it was a great reminder that everyone can create their own magic.
The ceremony.
Our ceremony was based in the homestead gardens. We were blessed with beautiful warm, sunny weather so we were very fortunate that our vision was able to come to life. The setting featured bentwood chairs, white parasols, pastel florals, rose petals, candles and our friends and family grouped together lining the aisle. Our celebrant Jane was amazing – she set the scene so well and everyone was engaged from the beginning. For us, it was so special being there, present in the moment with each other, hearing our story being told and sharing our promise to each other in front of our nearest and dearest.
The look.
I have never been one to envisage my wedding day – nor what I would be wearing – so it was all new to me. I went through the motions initially – I had the typical experience of trying on a variety of dresses, but just couldn’t find the one. Then, I stumbled across d’Italia Couture who could create something unique for me. My sister is a fashion designer, so she was very helpful throughout this process and was able to talk the design language and help me decide on the best fabric. I just knew I wanted to be comfortable, be able to have fun in it and feel like me. Shaun, on the other hand, tried a couple of different options on but immediately knew which one was for him.
Favourite moments.
Our ceremony. I was so present in the moment and was able to really absorb it and take it all in. It was so special looking back at all your friends and family who are there witnessing you in your happiest moment. Also, once the espresso martinis hit the dancefloor later in the evening, I knew we were on! It was time to kick off those shoes!
Meaning of marriage.
It is a journey of life together, challenging one another to find a balance of growth and compromise. It is a bond of unity, and your source of companionship, constant love and support. We’re the captains of our own team.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Unchained Melody by Crywolf, Roniit.
Reception Entry: Hallelujah by Dr Alban.
First Dance: Beast of Burden by The Rolling Stones.
Planning surprises.
I got stuck on choosing our invitation colour for maybe a month, which is so insignificant in the big picture!
Words of wisdom.
Stick to ‘you’. Do what you want and try not to get caught up in the whirlwind of wedding planning. Also, enjoy the journey, because once it’s over, it’s over and you’re left asking ‘what now?’!
For more homestead venue inspiration see Venue spotlight – Ceres Homestead – Ivory Tribe
LISA & SHAUN’S SUPPLIERS
Ceremony, reception venue & catering: Cleveland Estate
Celebrant: Love Jane | Jane was amazing! She painted our picture so well and truly engaged everyone throughout the ceremony.
Photography & videography: Caity and Duncan | Such an incredible duo! We love everything about our photos and video. They know exactly how to capture your day without making it overwhelming or intrusive, and they’re somehow able to capture moments that are so special and timeless.
Florist: Raven and the Rose | Ame is an absolute queen and so talented at what she does. We let her just do her thing and she exceeded all expectations.
Hair: Elle and Co
Make-up: Olivia Florence Make-up |Liv was incredible. There is nothing like feeling so confident in your own skin and Liv knows how to make your skin sing!
The dress: d’Italia Couture
Veil / headwear: Dove Grey Bridal
Shoes: Gia Borghini and Hugo Boss
Rings: Naveya and Sloane
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Anna Quan
Suits & ties: MJ Bale
Favours: Personalized Stubby Holders used during cocktail hour and our recovery day from Boozies Australia. I also made hangover kits which were left in the guests’ hotel rooms with a bottle of water for the morning after.
Cake: @Kunaspurefood. Carrot Cake with cream cheese and a caramel drip. Yum!
Stationery / Signage: Vh Designs
Entertainment: Hey Jack | Holloway Trio for ceremony and cocktail hour, followed by DJ Jess who kept the dancefloor alive the whole night!
Décor: We bought and supplied all table linens, hurricane candles, taper dinner candles, candle holders and scallop shell salt and pepper holders. I love that we were able to buy it all ourselves – we now use the table cloths/candle holders anytime we have family or friends over. It’s so special being able to keep and reuse it.
Hire: Wishing well via @colour_muse_design
Honeymoon: Greek Islands
Other: Video guestbook via Wedding Chats. Tommy was the best and most unexpected thing we did. Tommy created pure magic, capturing real, raw and honest thoughts, feelings and emotions from our family and friends on the day. We absolutely love our video. And Tommy is a vibe! He is so good to have around on the day.
