Real Wedding – Maddie & Daniel, Red Hill VIC
“We wanted a day that represented us completely—the perfect collision of our worlds.”
Maddie and Daniel crafted a celebration that felt unmistakably theirs. From the soft, earthy palette and elegantly classic styling, reflective of their own impeccable taste, to the deeply personal touches woven throughout, this Mornington Peninsula wedding was infused with meaning and understated romance.
Every detail felt intentional; their Coptic Orthodox ceremony honoured Daniel’s heritage, while Maddie wore her mum’s wedding dress as a second gown – a gesture that needs no explanation, only tissues.
Epicurean Red Hill was the perfect setting, and as one of their favourite places, it was the only real choice. The food, drinks, and vibe were curated seamlessly, and the results show in every joy-filled frame captured by Jeremy Blode Photography.
Maddie and Daniel tackled planning together, which turned out to be their superpower. With an A+ vendor team ensuring the day unfolded effortlessly, they were free to actually enjoy it—and you can feel that ease in every image.
This is what happens when two people stay true to who they are, surround themselves with the right people, and let the day be exactly what it’s meant to be.
The meeting.
We met at university ten years ago and were introduced by a mutual friend. It wasn’t until after we graduated that we started dating. Friends first!
The one.
Daniel knew straight away, Maddie only knew when she promoted him from the friend-zone.
The proposal.
Complete surprise for Maddie despite her believing Daniel wasn’t good at surprises! It was at her grandparents’ farm when we were looking at the cattle, Maddie turned around to Daniel on one knee!
Planning process.
Lots of after-work brainstorms and booking sessions, including replying to emails, we did everything together and split certain tasks between one another.
Style Inspiration.
We wanted a day that represented us completely – the perfect collision of our worlds. We both tend to wear earthy, simple colours and tried to ensure all our vendors represented our personalities.
It was mostly real weddings and then sticking to our style with what we like and how we felt we would click with the suppliers that worked for us.
The ceremony.
We had a traditional Coptic Orthodox ceremony to honour Daniel’s culture. It was special to have the priest who baptised him there, and amazing for our friends and family to witness such a special moment for us in such a sacred and meaningful place.
The outfits.
Maddie hates shopping, so it wasn’t an easy process, but both of us felt super comfortable in our outfits, and that was a priority!
Simple and elegant was the brief for Maddie, and Daniel went all out with the velvet jacket and tuxedo.
Maddie also changed into her Mum’s wedding dress as a surprise, which was very special.
Favourite moment.
There are a few! We loved having a moment to ourselves in the car on the way to our photo destination, it was over an hour away, and the perfect time to decompress, reflect and be present with one another.
The drums in our entrance were another highlight, such high energy to start the reception. And finally, our speeches were incredible.
We had our Dads, Best Man and Maid of Honour as well as ourselves spread through the night, and we are so grateful for each of these moments.
Meaning of marriage.
Commitment and being there for one another through thick and thin, growing together through life.
Wedding soundtrack.
Reception entry – You and Me (Flume remix)
First dance – I Can’t Help Falling in Love the Crazy Rich Asians version sung live by our singer / DJ
Funny stories (or near disasters)
Maddie’s original hairstylist cancelled nine weeks out from the day, which felt like a disaster.
Maddie also booked her spray tan for the wrong time, which ended up working out in the end, but was stressful in the moment.
There were also road works on the Peninsula Link on the way to our venue, but we gave everyone a heads up beforehand. Luckily, everything went super smoothly on the day!
Planning surprises.
The amount of detail and logistics involved in ours was probably most exhausting!
Words of wisdom.
Make it your day – that was our goal, we wanted all our guests leaving thinking ‘that was completely them’. Also have faith in your vendors, they’re all on your team!
MADDIE & DANIEL’S WEDDING VENDORS
We found our vendors through word of mouth, seeing them in action and a whole lot of Pinterest.
Ceremony venue: St.Bishoy and St.Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church / Bulleen
Reception venue: Epicurean Red Hill. Our dream venue in one of our favourite places – everyone loved the food, drinks and the vibe that was curated seamlessly – we will be back for dinner and drinks soon!
Celebrant/Officiant: Father Shenouda, Father Salib, Father Mina
Photography: Jeremy Blode Photography – Incredible communication in the lead up to the big day, we felt heard, and our photos are absolutely stunning!
Videography: Artistic Films
Styling: Ourselves!
Florist: Poppy Culture Mornington – Stunning execution and more perfect than we could imagine! –
Hair: Nat: Scorpio Hair Styling
Make-up: Ashleigh Fenton team (Ashleigh and Lenita)
The dresses & veil: Fairytales Bridal Nunawading and Mum’s wedding dress.
Shoes: Verali Shoes (Vegan)
Rings: Janai
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Billy J
Suits & bow ties / ties: SOHO Workshop Richmond
Favours: Magnet Me
Cake / Cake topper: Macaron tower made by Maddie and her sister-in-law Eliza.
Stationery / Signage: Ourselves!
Entertainment: Unplugged Entertainment; Memphis – Demi was a star and had us on the dancefloor all night! Her talents and versatility made her a highlight for so many guests!
Transport: Celebrity Cars and Enrik Limousines – Drivers were both incredible and super professional, shout out to Chris who fixed Maddie’s train before she walked down the aisle!
Honeymoon: Off to Italy, Croatia and Greek Islands August 2026
