Real Wedding – Madelaine & Jeremy, Balnarring VIC
Is there anything more perfect than a private property wedding? Madelaine and Jeremy think not, hosting the most incredible day at Madelaine’s family property on the Mornington Peninsula.
It was important to this darling duo that their day reflected them, so when it came to styling, they kept it simple and personal. They love antique furniture and have much of their own, putting a modern spin on it and what resulted was magic.
Madelaine completely wowed in a glamorous gown designed and made by her cousin, as they enjoyed a sweet and sentimental ceremony. All of this was captured by Tribe talent, Tony Evans, so scroll this stunning celebration to see it all.
In Madelaine’s words…
The meeting.
We met at a pub in Richmond, we had a lot of mutual friends yet oddly hadn’t crossed paths. At the pub Jeremy came up to me and introduced himself. Surprisingly, none of our mutual friends were there that night, it was just coincidence and took us a bit of time to work out that we had many of the same friends. It made the transition of getting to know each other’s friends super easy.
The ‘one’.
For me (Mads), I knew one night when I was chatting to one of our friends and I said he could be the one who gets away. For me, my mind was made up, I wasn’t going to watch someone else marry this incredible man. For Jeremy I was his first (and last girlfriend), while he had to do six months of chasing to convince me to go on a date, though he was actually the one who took longer to say the words ‘I love you’, I guess it was all new to him.
The proposal.
Jeremy had tried to take me to the beach to propose, which was a challenge, but he convinced me by saying that my Mum was there walking the dogs and we were going to meet her. On arrival I realised Mum’s car was not there, so I said I would wait in the car while he walked the dog. So, Jeremy headed off to the beach with the ring and dog in-tow but no fiancé to pop the question to. Later that day I was mowing the lawns on the ride-on mower at my parents in Balnarring (where we ended up getting married), and Jeremy started driving around beeping his old Jeep horn and waving at me. I of course had no idea what he was doing and continued mowing for another 30 or so minutes (maybe he was building up the courage). Anyway, Jeremy blocked me off with his car and got out, I proceeded to ask what he was doing. Before I could get another word in Jeremy was on one knee and asking me if I’d marry him. I responded (twice) with ‘are you serious?’ As his smile got bigger and his eyes started to well, I knew he wasn’t joking and climbed off the mower and jumped into his arms and said ‘yes’.
Planning process.
Knowing that I am a bit of a perfectionist I was pretty organised throughout the ten-month planning process. So, in the final weeks felt reasonably calm knowing what jobs needed to get done. We took one week prior off work to ensure all the final jobs and work at the property could get done and kindly my bridesmaids and brothers-in-law were there to tick off any jobs that needed doing.
Style inspiration.
We wanted the wedding to reflect us as a couple, we knew we loved antique furniture yet loved a modern take on it all. So together we slowly came up with the styling. From growing eleven of our own Devils Ivy plants, to going to antique auctions and collecting many unique and collectable items for the day.
The outfits.
When I told my beautiful gown designer and cousin, Harriette that Jeremy and I were getting married she told me she was pregnant. Overwhelmed with happiness for us both I knew she may not be able to make my gown for me after all. So, I figured it was best to start shopping to see if I could find the dress of my dreams, here in Melbourne instead.
I had no idea what style or kind of dress I wanted, I spent a day with a few appointments at bridal shops on High Street Armadale, but unfortunately still hadn’t found the one, although had more of an idea of what I wanted and didn’t want.
I realised then that Harriette would be making my dress after all. Nothing could compare to what she creates, and she kindly offered to make it while pregnant and then had baby Raf along for the journey. Harriette turned my ideas and dreams into a reality, she is just amazing.
Favourite moment.
The minute I saw Jeremy at the end of the aisle, all my nerves and anxiety vanished. The hard bit was done and now we could just enjoy all our efforts and celebrate our love with everyone we love and cherish.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Lucky Man – The Verve
Signing: Higher Love – James Vincent and I Wanna Grow Old With You – Major League
Reception entry: Dancing in the Moonlight 2001 remix – Toploader
Father and daughter: Little Ray of Sunshine – Axiom
First Dance: Crazy Love – Van Morrison
Planning surprises.
How hard it can be to find the right services and A-Team for the day. We had our original caterer pull out and my hair and makeup cancel three weeks prior. While at the time it was quite stressful, it was all for a reason. It turned out that we found the most incredible hair and makeup and catering so really it was meant to be. I’m glad it happened the way it did.
Words of wisdom.
Stop and smell the roses on the big day and the journey leading up to it. From the engagement, to the planning and the actual day – I have never had so much fun. The time flies by, enjoy it. I now know and understand why it is so fabulous and exciting when people get married and engaged, it truly is just magical and wonderful in every way.
Final words.
Thanks to the weather gods for giving us the most magical week and day. Thank-you to all that helped to make the day possible it was truly the best day of our lives!
The Mornington Peninsula has hosted some magical weddings such as Dani and Dan’s Mediterranean inspired soiree, be sure to take a peek!
MADELAINE AND JEREMY’S TRIBE
Ceremony and reception location: Madelaine’s parents property – The Mountford Family Home
Celebrant: Linda Hamill – so many guests commented saying she was the best celebrant they’d ever seen.
Photography: Tony Evans – the best decision we made with our supplier bookings! Tony was so professional, made us feel at ease and nothing was too difficult for him. The photos speak for themselves, they are truly incredible and everything and more we could have hoped for.
Videography: Noah Hodgson
Styling: Madelaine (the bride)
Florist: Tyabb Roses
Hair: Shey Osbourne of We Chose Forever
Make Up: Brooke Mcindoe
Hair and make-up worked flawlessly together, both extremely professional and incredible at what they do. They understood what we were after and delivered such beautiful hair and makeup – beyond what I could have hoped for. The day before I panicked and asked them to arrive earlier, and nothing was too difficult they both came earlier and even offered to bring coffees – what absolute legends! Not only that, they managed to rearrange their busy schedules for me as the original hair and makeup I booked cancelled – they saved the day and I’m forever grateful!
The Dress: Harriette Gordon an incredible Fremantle designer and also Madelaine’s cousin. Harriette turned my crazy ideas and dream dress into a reality. She is truly so talented!
Veil / headwear: Harriette Gordon
Shoes: Scanlan & Theodore (bride)
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Rodeo Show
Groomsmen’s suits: Oscar Hunt – they were so great after it was left to the last minute (as men often do). They gave the groomsmen an experience they won’t forget.
Bow ties / ties: Oscar Hunt & Happy Feet shoes that we had embroidered with the groomsmen initials as a little surprise
Catering: Finesse Catering – Absolutely incredible food and service. Everything was perfect and seemless, couldnt have been happier with who we chose and was a genuine pleasure and fun experience with Finesse in the lead up.
Bar: Finesse Catering
Cake / Cake topper: Annabelle Williams
Stationery / Signage: Kikki-K
Entertainment: Issac Main of Main Entertainment – he was great, incredible voice and was so great to get the dance floor going and the party started. Couldn’t be happier!
Décor: Madelaine and Jeremy’s personal collection as well as the mother of the bride – such as the deer head.
Hire: Peninsula Party Hire – fabulous to deal with, the set-up and pack-down of marquee. Super professional and a fun and exciting process. Very, very happy!
Honeymoon: Tasmania, super romantic and everything we needed (although don’t take the Ferry if you get sea-sick!)
