Real Wedding – Ryan & Stacey, Melton VIC
Loved-up duo, Ryan and Stacey, surrounded by beautiful florals and their family and friends, found it hard to keep the tears away as they exchanged heartfelt vows.
Inviting an abundance of food trucks and great live music, the pair kept their reception light-hearted and fun and when the rain came, it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, in fact they hit the dance-floor even harder.
Elk & Willow was there to capture all the moments and boy are we glad that she did!
In Stacey’s words…
The meeting.
Ryan was my first true love. We met in 2007 through mutual friends. I eventually agreed to a double date, where we went to the movies and saw Alien Vs Predator. After that date, I don’t think we’ve had one single day without hearing from each other.
The proposal.
It was very cute, and on our eight-year anniversary. Every year Ryan has always organised something special for our anniversary, however I told him that year I wanted to be in charge. So, without Ryan knowing a single thing, I organised to take the day off work, and set up our house as if it were a restaurant. I prepared a three-course meal, with dinner menus, flash cutlery, and even prepared 20 scrolls packed in a wooden box on the dining table, each read a funny memory Ryan and I had experienced during our relationship. I also organised twenty red helium balloons and attached photos of us on each balloon and had them scattered throughout our bedroom. When Ryan arrived home (not even knowing I was there) he walked through the front door with our favourite song playing (Vance Joy, Mess is Mine), and candles lit all the way down the hallway to where I was standing. Ryan was in tears. While I was preparing dinner, our little Cavoodle dog (Hazel) walked into the kitchen and had a ribbon around her neck, and I saw a ring attached to it. Ryan came in right behind her and then popped the question. It was the most beautiful memory I am so lucky to have.
Planning process.
Having Meaghan from The Elk Edit by our side meant we can honestly say there was no stress in our planning, not one single bit! Once we booked in the big stuff, Meaghan took charge of everything else. In fact, I was so excited when we had our get-togethers, because hearing her latest ideas for styling just made us so much more excited for the day to come!
Styling inspiration.
Ryan and I went to a wedding which had a similar atmosphere with a live band/ food trucks and we were immediately sold. We wanted to incorporate those things into our own style of wedding, and give it a contemporary feel. The florals were a huge part and we couldn’t have been happier with them!
The dress.
From the moment wedding preparations began, I knew exactly what dress I was after, so it was only a matter of finding it! I followed everyone’s suggestions and tried styles that I normally wouldn’t pick, because after all I am only ever going to have this opportunity once right? However, when I saw the one I originally envisioned wearing at the store, that was it! When I walked out of the change room with it on, my friends were in tears it was so beautiful.
Favourite moment.
Hearing the vows Ryan had written as a surprise, and seeing the tears in his eyes whilst he said them.
Meaning of marriage.
I get to wake up next to my best friend every single day. I couldn’t think of a better gift.
Wedding soundtrack.
Bridesmaid/Flower Girl Entry: Magic, Coldplay
Bride Entry: I Got You Babe, Mark Kozelek
End of Ceremony: Just The Way You Are, Bruno Mars
First Dance: Mess is Mine, Vance Joy
Dancefloor/Reception Entry: Locked Out Of Heaven, Bruno Mars
Bride/Groom Exit (sparkler sendoff): Good Life, One Republic
Funny stories (or near disasters).
We were very touch and go with the weather, being that it was forecast for intense rain and thunderstorms! Even though the weather held out for all the formal stuff, the moment it started raining later in the evening, everybody was having such a good time that the rain only made them dance that little bit more. It was honestly so much fun dancing in the rain with your closest friends and family.
Words of wisdom.
Be ok with not being able to please everybody, because you only get married once so make it everything you want it to be.
Last words.
Our day was so special to us, and definitely wouldn’t be possible without Meaghan. Any idea we had she was 100% committed to incorporating into the wedding. Meaghan was always available to talk to, and made our dream wedding a reality.
Drew and Sarah celebrated their love on a historical property in Drummond, why don’t you take a peek.
RYAN AND STACEY’S TRIBE
Ceremony and reception venue: Willows Historical Park
Celebrant: Dean Sindoni
Photography: Elk & Willow
Styling: The Elk Edit
Florist: Wild Daughter
Flowercrowns: Kelsey Harris
Hair and Make Up: Karlee Make Up Artist
The Dress: Martina Liana
Jewellery: Ryan brought me the most beautiful Tiffany & Co. earrings for my birthday in August. They were so special to me that I decided I would keep them untouched and wear them on my wedding day, it was the only jewellery I wore.
Shoes: Betts
Rings: Michael Hill
Bridesmaids dresses: Forever New
Grooms attire: yd.
Catering: Taco Tuck / Pizza Wagon / Gelati Cart / Melburnian Caravan Bar
Favors: Our beautiful family friend Pauline prepared succulents as our wedding favors. They were all home grown in her garden for 12 months leading up to the wedding and were absolutely perfect!
Cake: Instead of having a traditional wedding cake, Ryan and I had a gelati cart serving a variety of beautiful flavoured ice-cream/gelati to our guests.
Stationery / Signage: The Elk Edit
Entertainment: Haybax
Honeymoon: Tokoriki Island / Fiji
