Real Wedding – Maddy & Cam, Yarra Glen VIC
For gorgeous glamour set against a spectacular vineyard vista, look no further than Maddy and Cam’s wedding celebrations.
From the bridesmaids in their entrancing emerald gowns to the ceremony setting artfully embellished by hanging florals, Maddy and Cam created a classic contemporary celebration to wow. Maddy was a vision of modern romance floating down the aisle towards her husband-to-be in her truly gorgeous gown by tribe fashion star, Georgia Young Couture.
A highlight for the newlyweds and their guests was Maddy and Cam’s fabulous first dance, to tunes by music legends Melbourne Entertainment Company.
The intermittent weather couldn’t put a dampener on this day, allowing photographer extraordinaire Sarah Godenzi to create absolute magic. The result is a collection of dramatically beautiful shots against moody skies, crisp sunset light and the most incredible rainbow.
We love a couple that embrace every element of their day, even those they can’t control, and nothing could shift Maddy and Cam’s glowing smiles!
The meeting.
We met through our mums when we were 15, at a family dinner, but nothing eventuated at the time as I had a boyfriend. We ended up bumping into each other at a mutual friend’s birthday six years later and have been together ever since.
The ‘one’.
I would say that from fairly early on I had a feeling he may be ‘the one’ and the more time we spent together, the more I knew he was the one I was going to spend the rest of my life with.
The proposal.
I was in Bali on a hens trip, my best friend and myself stayed on after and our partners came over to meet us to extend our holiday by a few more weeks.
We were on a little island for the day called Ceningan, off Nusa Lembongan. It was coming to the end of the day, so we rode the mopeds up to a peak on the island to have some drinks and watch the sunset. The location was up high with a long platform that hung over the edge. I am terrified of heights, so I didn’t want to go out onto this platform to begin with, but I did, and sat down with my best friend while the boys stood right out on the far tip.
All of a sudden, my best friend’s partner started to feel ‘sick’, so they both walked off to the mopeds to get some anti-nausea medication (well, so I thought). After they had left, Cam proceeded to try and make me stand up with him to watch the sunset, but I was refusing to because I was scared! Eventually, he managed to convince me to stand up with him.
As we were standing there cuddling, watching the sunset, he then turned me around and was on one knee! I think I said yes, but I can’t remember, it all seems like a blur after that!
Planning process.
As soon as we returned from Bali, we started looking at wedding venues. I found Acacia Ridge online and booked us in to have a look that weekend. We both fell in love with the venue right away and thought it was perfect for us, we booked in a date the following day and never looked back.
Once the date was booked, we quickly got on to finding all the vendors we needed for the day and once that was all booked in it was all fairly easy.
Style inspiration.
We just wanted to have a relaxed wedding with all of our closest family and friends where everyone could have a good time celebrating.
The outfit.
I had a wedding dress shopping day with my mum and bridesmaids; we went to four different places. I fell in love with two dresses; one was a very classic style and exactly what everyone I think expected me to be in and what I had expected I would wear. The other was very different.
After going back to try the two on, I ended up going with the dress I never pictured myself wearing, from the beautiful Georgia Young. Her gowns are amazing, and I truly felt like a princess in the dress on the day.
Favourite moments.
There are honestly too many to say; I loved every minute of the day! One moment that stands out to me was when we were racing off through the vineyard to catch the rainbow for some photos. I remember looking back at the marquee, and seeing all of our friends and family in there, and thinking how lucky we were to be celebrating with them all. That was a very special feeling.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage is making the commitment official to the one you want to spend your life’s journey with, to love and support each other throughout all chapters of life while creating new memories together.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
First dance: Snow by Angus and Julia Stone
Funny stories or near disasters.
Within 15 mins of the ceremony, I had red wine on my wedding dress. Luckily, because of the type of fabric it was and some quick action by my girls and some soda water, it was out in no time, and you would never have known.
Planning surprises.
One thing that took me by surprise was how far in advance vendors were booked out. So, I would say that if you have your heart set on any particular vendors, book them in as soon as you have a date set.
Words of wisdom.
Take time to enjoy the entire process, even the small things, as it is a really fun time and it goes so fast. Don’t let any stress get in the way of that. All of the lead up to your big day forms part of the memories you will cherish surrounding your wedding day, so make the most of each step of the way.
Don’t worry about the things on the day you have no control of. I had always pictured a beautiful sunny day with the ceremony being on the grass in front of the vineyard, as that was how we had rehearsed, but we didn’t have that. It started raining as I left to go to the venue! We had all the seasons in one day, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, it was perfect, it made for some incredible photos – and we got a rainbow.
Want to ensure every moment of your day is captured in all it’s gorgeous glory? We spoke to Tribe photography Glen Nicholls to get his take on how to make your day photo-friendly. Check out the pro tips, here.
MADDY & CAM’S VENDORS:
Ceremony and reception venue: Acacia Ridge, Yarra Glen
Celebrant: Summa Routledge from 2Celebrants
Photography: Sarah Godenzi
Florist: Valley Blooms
Hair: Mia from Hairport 1
Make-up: Tahlia Tropeano
The dress and veil: Georgia Young Couture
Rings: Ralph Fisch Fine Jewellery
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Bec + Bridge
Groomsmen’s suits: Menzclub
Catering: Locavore Catering
Entertainment: Melbourne Entertainment Company (Belle – Acoustic + Berni – DJ)
Transport: Enrik Limousines
Honeymoon: New York, Canada and Mexico
