Real Wedding - Rachael & Michael, Coldstream VIC

October 2, 2023 In Blue, Real Weddings, Victoria, Winery By Ivory Tribe

Real Wedding – Rachael & Michael, Coldstream VIC

Soft romantic styling with chic touches coalesce to perfection in Rachael and Michael’s dream day, elevated further with a sense of unbridled emotion and epic fun. Through the lens of photographic poet Claire Broatch, every stunning smile radiates to give an infectiously upbeat vibe – and we’re so here for it!

Rachael wears a creamy concoction of a gown by our friends at Georgia Young Couture, made modern with a fresh silhouette and contemporary draping details. Michael cuts a sharp figure in his MJ Bale fit, with their golden fur baby as the most excellent, aminated accessory. Bridesmaids in hues of muted cornflower blue, soft blush and sweet floral added to the effortlessly elegant vibe.

We love a couple who make their celebration their own, and for Rachael and Michael, that meant sharing a first-look photo and their personal vows privately before the ceremony. It’s a gorgeous choice that had them both in the perfect frame of mind to celebrate their romance with their nearest and dearest well into the night.

With St Huberts providing true backdrop beauty, this one is more than worth the scroll.

The meeting.

Classic modern-day love story – we met on a dating app. We matched on Tinder in 2017, and he managed to win me over with a very bad pick-up line. On our first date, we went to a bar and enjoyed each other’s company so much that we stayed out most of the night.

The ‘one’.

I don’t know if I can pinpoint one moment. We liked each other from the first date, and like very quickly turned into love. I think it’s all of the little moments that lead up to you knowing that this person could be in your life forever. It’s the qualities you see in them on your first few dates, the ease of conversation, their values and how they make you feel, and meeting with each other’s friends and family.

The proposal.

Michael planned a hike at Bushrangers Bay, which was a secluded beach with rock pools in Flinders. We walked to the bottom, where he found a quiet spot and got down on one knee.

Planning process.

The planning process wasn’t overly stressful for us. When we found someone we liked, we booked them. We tried not to second guess ourselves or overcomplicate things more than they needed to be. Once everyone was booked, they did all the heavy lifting from there and helped coordinate everything for us closer to the day.

Style inspiration.

Simple, modern and intimate. We didn’t feel the need to over-style our venue as it was already so beautiful and had such amazing views of the vineyards. I loved looking at photos from real weddings or styled shoots and getting inspiration from other couples’ choices.

The ceremony.

Our ceremony was very ‘us’ according to our family and friends – relaxed and to the point! We did private vows and first look before the ceremony, which was the perfect intimate setting and gave us that extra time together that most couples would say they missed on their wedding day. We also had our fur baby Riley as our flower girl, and she stole the show!

The look.

My dress was by Georgia Young Couture, and it was an absolute dream to wear. I was lucky enough to find my dress on the first day and knew immediately that it was the one.

Michael wore a tuxedo by MJ Bale.

Favourite moments.

It’s so hard to pick one moment, but I loved our canapé hour – just after the high of getting married, we got to relax and talk to all our family and friends uninterrupted for the hour. By doing first look and bridal party photos beforehand, we had so much extra time to spend with our guests.

Meaning of marriage.

Marriage to us means the start of forever. Choosing that one person that you want to spend the rest of your life with, go on adventures with and grow old with. It’s the person you will support and love unconditionally and get the same back.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle song: Simply the Best (acoustic version) by Tina Turner

Signing: I’m With You by Vance Joy

Recessional: Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles

Funny stories or near disasters.

Not too many, thankfully! But our beautiful dog Riley didn’t exactly walk straight down the aisle as planned. She beelined for the nearest group of people and then to anyone willing to pat her along the aisle before making her way to the front. But she definitely made us all laugh, and she looked very cute doing it!

Planning surprises.

How helpful a good venue is on the day – they are willing to help with so much and make sure your day is absolutely perfect. I can’t speak for all venues, but St Hubert’s went above and beyond for us and made everything so easy both before and on the day.

Words of wisdom.

Trust your instincts and make the planning process as easy as possible for yourself. Don’t over-research; when you find someone that suits your vibe, then book them and tick that box sooner!

Saying I Do to your besties as their bridesmaid? Or, getting married and wondering what exactly the big BM role might involve before you choose your gang? Whatever your situation, we’ve got the answers, here on the blog.

RACHAEL & MICHAEL’S VENDORS

Ceremony venue: St Hubert’s Gallery of Art

Reception venue: St Hubert’s Harriet

Celebrant: Adam Rowe

Photography: Claire Broatch Photography

Florist: Weddings by Juliet Louise

Hair: Hair by Amanda Audrey

Make-up: Makeup by Stephanie Jane

The dress & veil: Georgia Young Couture

Rings: Ian Sharp Jewellery

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Bec + Bridge

Suits & bow ties / ties: MJ Bale