Real wedding – Natalie & Michael, Milawa VIC
Understated romance with a luxe aesthetic was the ethos behind Natalie and Micahel’s dreamy, European-inspired celebration.
After a heartfelt proposal, Natalie began her planning based around her dream vendor list. From the beginning, she had a clear vision, so with the right team assembled to realise it to perfection, it was a matter of relaxing and enjoying the process.
In Natalie’s words, “Trust your instinct, choose vendors you genuinely love, and don’t overthink the details. Stay true to your style, the day will feel effortlessly perfect.”
Love Jane was an inspired choice as celebrant to begin the celebration with an intimate, beautiful ceremony, honouring the family Natalie and Michael have built together.
We adore the soft, timeless palette of blush pinks and rich chocolates, effortlessly elevating the already incredible setting of Lancemore Milawa. From lush gardens to expansive river gums and chic European architectural moments, the newlyweds and their guests could truly enjoy a destination escape.
Captured with artful grace through the lens of Frame Folk, enjoy every intentional element and emotion-filled moment.
The meeting.
We first crossed paths in December 2019 over dinner with my sister and brother-in-law. Michael was actually signing a work contract with their business that night, so romance wasn’t exactly expected. After I returned from a Europe trip, we caught up properly and, after just a few dates, we both knew we’d found something special.
We officially became partners on the 3rd of March 2020, and eight weeks later, we discovered we were expecting our first baby, Austin. Now we have two beautiful children, Austin and Cleo, who are truly the heart of our story.
The one.
We knew we’d found the one very early on. Everything felt effortless. There was comfort, certainty and a feeling of home from the start.
The proposal.
Michael proposed by the water at the weir on the 19th of December 2021. It was simple, heartfelt, and so perfectly “us.”
Planning process.
I did all the planning myself. I already knew which vendors I wanted and even set the date around my make-up artist’s availability because she is that phenomenal. I had a clear vision from the start, and piecing it together felt exciting rather than stressful.
Style inspiration.
A romantic, European-inspired celebration with a timeless, soft colour palette. I took a lot of inspiration from Georgia Hayes’ wedding on Instagram – the elegance, the tones, the understated but luxe aesthetic.
The ceremony.
Our ceremony felt incredibly intimate. Having our children there made it even more meaningful it was a celebration not just of our marriage but of the family we’d already built together.
The outfits.
Outfits were surprisingly easy. I had such a clear vision of what I wanted. I went to one bridal boutique, tried on six dresses, and found the one that same day. My second dress was just as intentional I knew exactly what I wanted, and after purchasing it my mum added some beautiful, unique touches that made it even more special and personal.
Favourite moment.
Seeing each other at the aisle. Everything else around us just faded away. That moment was pure magic.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage is choosing each other every single day. It’s loyalty, partnership, friendship and building a life and a family that feels safe, strong and full of love.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: God Really Knew – Sidney
Ceremony exit: Everlasting Love
Planning surprises.
How seamlessly everything came together once the right vendors were locked in. Having a vision made the process enjoyable.
Words of wisdom.
Trust your instinct, choose vendors you genuinely love, and don’t overthink the details. Stay true to your style, the day will feel effortlessly perfect.
NATALIE & MICHAEL’S WEDDING VENDORS:
We are beyond grateful to all of our vendors. We honestly cannot speak more highly of them. We’ve had so many compliments from guests about how incredible each vendor was and how perfect our entire day felt. They truly brought our vision to life, and we’ll forever be thankful.
Ceremony location: Lancemore Milawa
Reception location: Lancemore Milawa – Merlot restaurant, and courtyard for canapés
Celebrant: Love Jane
Photography & videography: Frame Folk
Styling: Precision Event Management
Florist: Wren Floralista
Hair: Studio Modern Mane
Make-up: Laura Di Francesco
The dresses: Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal (ceremony), Chancery (2nd dress)
Shoes: Verali
Rings: Michael Hill
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Meshki
Suits & bow ties / ties: Pertani Menswear
Catering: Lancemore Milawa
Bar: Gather Vintage Hire
Cake / Cake topper: Bride’s mothers
Stationery / Signage: Signed by Shaun
Entertainment: Deus Sax
Honeymoon: Marriott Bonvoy Momi Bay, Fiji
