Real Wedding – Matthew & Lucy, Ballarat VIC
When the wedding day buzzwords are classic and chic with a party twist, we’re intrigued from the get-go. And Lucy and Matt’s stunning soiree certainly doesn’t disappoint. From Lucy’s on-point style eye to the moments of fun-filled dramatic impact, this is a day that truly delights.
First on Lucy’s list was securing a gown that encapsulated a fashion-forward vibe, fun but with flair: Enter, our friend Kyha Studio. The final choice was a vision of contemporary elegance with a twist—a simple sheath tailored to perfection and finished with a statement bow detail. Kyha Studio also provided a party dress to wow, short and sweet, and dance floor ready.
Matt and the rest of the wedding party cut a sharp silhouette in classic black, with crisp white for the bouquets by Gardenia Magnifica and vivid vermillions, scarlets and warm pastels for the boldly impactful floral arrangements.
Dream Cave’s photos capture every moment with such dynamic artistry—we love the images of Lucy and Matt accidentally crashing a blanc event, creating aesthetic bliss and real-life excitement.
Scroll on to be part of this epic, glorious celebration.
The meeting.
We met in April of 2010, at the Sovereign Hill Easter ‘Bunny Ball’ at the Alexandria on Lydiard Street.
The ‘one’.
Instantly. We talked for hours and felt like we had already known each other for years.
The proposal.
Matt popped the question on a holiday in the North Island of New Zealand in 2018. Matt had his grandmother’s engagement ring redesigned.
Planning process.
Planning was done in the ten months leading up to the day. After finding our location, The Goods Shed, first, the dress was the next most important thing to organise. Lucy ticked off all of the other main important things (florals, photographer, hair/makeup, celebrant) after the dress was secured. Although it felt stressful at times organising some of the finer details, everything seemed to fall into place easily as Lucy loved finding local businesses in Ballarat to help bring our day to life.
Style inspiration.
Lucy took the lead as the stylist of the couple. Her mental mood board was something chic and classic with a party twist.
The ceremony.
Having our almost two year old daughter (Pearl) walk down the aisle. She then decided to just stand in front of us while we said our vows and got married. It was something we will never forget.
The outfits.
Matt wanted a classic black tux look (think James Bond). Lucy knew she wanted her dress from Kyha in Melbourne. She wanted something really chic but fun with still a little bit of flair. Lucy found what she was after on her first visit to Kyha, as well as her second fun, sexy dress for the reception to dance the night away.
Favourite moments.
First seeing each other as Lucy walked down the aisle towards Matt. Also Lucy getting ready at our home with our daughter and all of her girlfriends.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage to us means being on the same team and a commitment to growth, both personal and together. We are choosing each other every day, we work hard for each other.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Lover by Taylor Swift
Reception entry: Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal
First dance: The Way You Look Tonight
Funny stories or near disasters.
Nothing too bad, apart from Matt and his groomsmen accidentally having a few too many cocktails at Roy Hammond the night before the wedding and being a bit dusty in the morning.
Planning surprises.
Just how everything actually does come together on the day. You organise so many little details and talk to so many people/vendors it doesn’t seem like it will all come together on the day but it does.
Words of wisdom.
Stay true to what you like and your style, and want your day to be, not necessarily just what’s trending at the time. You never know you might end up setting a trend!
Last words.
We were always planning on having some photos taken on Lydiard Street in Ballarat because we love our town and the look of the city centre for photos, but were surprised to find that the street was shut down due to an event: “Le Diner en Blanc – Ballarat”. We had the most amazing experience walking through the crowd of people all dressed in white and cheering us! We ended up with some truly once in a lifetime photos and memories.
Matt and Lucy chose to support local vendors when selecting their dream day team – which we love. To find and secure some of the best vendors in your area, search our directory by state.
MATT & LUCY’S VENDORS
Ceremony & reception venue: The Goods Shed Ballarat
Celebrant: Life Ceremonies by Jane – Jane Auchettl
Photography: Dream Cave (Justine aka the GOAT)
Styling: Lucy Heinrich
Florist: Gardenia Magnifica
Hair: The Hair Collective (Jess and Michelle)
Make-up: Cherie Green
The dresses & veil: Kyha Studios (both dresses and earrings)
Shoes: Tony Bianco
Rings: Gems and Jewels (Alan)
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Third Form
Suits & bow ties / ties: Peter Jackson
Catering & bar: The Atlantic Group at the Goods Shed
Favours: ‘Pink Biscuits’ from the Bow Bakery which is in Rainbow, Victoria (where Matt’s family is from)
Cake / Cake topper: Our friend Gab Mathieson
Stationery / Signage: Sign and invitations were designed by Lucy on VistaPrint
Entertainment: Olivia Shalders on acoustic set during guest arrival and cocktail hour and DJ Ari on Tour from DJ Masters.
Hire: The White Styles – hired neon sign, wishing well and sign stand
Honeymoon: Mini moon at Crown Casino, full honeymoon still to come.
Other: Shout out to Jen from the Goods Shed for looking after us and helping our day come to life!
