Real Wedding - Sally & Lewis, Yarra Valley VIC

January 12, 2016 In Real Weddings By Ivory Tribe

Real Wedding – Sally & Lewis, Yarra Valley VIC

Married at Stones of the Yarra Valley, Sally and Lewis’ wedding day was understated elegance at its finest.

The couple trusted their day in the capable hands of a spectacular Tribe of suppliers so they could truly relax during their celebration. Starting with an incredibly personal ceremony delivered by Ivory Tribe celebrant Shannon of Cloud 9 Celebrations – Sally was an absolute showstopper in her Jane Hill gown and her gorgeous smile matched the look of pride on her husband Lewis’ face as she made her way down the aisle.

You will be swept up in the magic of this beautiful day, captured by the talent at The White Tree.

In Sally’s words…

The meeting.

I went to University with Lewis’ best friend Ben – they were living together at the time. I went to drop an assignment off and caught sight of a ruggedly handsome tradie downing a beer on the couch. He introduced himself and offered me a drink, but as I’d just come from netball training I was a bit sweaty and disheveled (and slightly embarrassed!) so I made a quick exit. Over the next year or so we kept bumping in to each other at parties and nights out, but the timing just wasn’t quite right. The sparks didn’t fly straight away but when they did, they were big, Hollywood style sparks – the rest, as they say in the classics, is history!

The one.

I knew he was the one when he offered to build me an extra shelf in my cupboard to fit more shoes in! In all seriousness, he was the most kind, thoughtful, hardworking boy I’d ever met (not to mention a total babe) and I just loved being in his company. We could be doing something completely mundane and boring, but I just love being with him and the way he makes me feel.

The proposal.

Lewis had a rare Saturday off work, and suggested that morning (quite last minute) we go to Chesterfield farm, as I mentioned to him the previous week that despite living down the road from the farm my whole life, I had never been. The suggestion didn’t raise suspicions for me, as Lewis is usually quite proactive with organising weekend activities! After walking around for a while, feeding all the animals, Lewis felt that it just wasn’t quite right (me none the wiser) so he suggested a drive up to the Rhododendron Gardens in the Dandenongs. After walking around for a while, we stopped by the lake in the gardens, and he suggested I sit on the bench and he’d take a photo of me in front of the lake. Lewis walked back over to me, and I had my head down looking at the photo he’d just taken. As I looked up, he dropped to one knee, said some beautiful words and asked me to marry him. After my initial screams of excitement, I burst into tears (I think I was in shock!) The proposal was then followed by a sunset picnic (whilst sneaking in a few calls to our families and best friends). While enjoying a glass of champagne, Lewis mentioned we had to go home and get ready shortly, as he’d arranged a chauffeur to take us into the city for a beautiful dinner, followed by a night at the Windsor Hotel. Still brings a smile to my face thinking about it!

Planning process.

By my own admission I am a huge control freak, so I did all of the planning and preparation myself. Even my Mum was telling me I had to delegate towards the end! I always knew what I wanted, and I was lucky to have a fiancée who shared that vision as well. I purchased a Kikki K wedding diary not long after we got engaged, and I found that very handy to guide me on what to do and when! The lead up was so exciting, months of planning all coming together. We rented out a house for the bridesmaids, my parents and myself to stay in the night before, and all getting ready together the next day with lots of champagne and music was such a fun and memorable time. Lewis and his groomsmen went out for dinner the night before and spent the wedding day having a casual breakfast, visiting the barber for a blade shave and a haircut, before driving up to Coldstream in the afternoon.

Style inspiration.

Simple, understated elegance – We wanted the day to be relaxed and fun, but in a stylish and sophisticated setting. The beauty of Stones of the Yarra Valley speaks for itself and really didn’t need much styling! Lots of fresh flowers and foliage lined our tables, along with French candlesticks and small tea light candles, and a huge hanging centerpiece in the middle of the barn against the backdrop of the wooden pillars and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the vineyards. We also included photos of our parents and grandparents on their wedding days on our front entrance table for a personal touch.

The dress.

When I started the search, I knew I didn’t want to have a traditional wedding dress – I envisioned a more modern, “red carpet” style gown. I didn’t have the typical “This is the one!” moment, as the sample dress I tried on was a completely different cut – but I instantly fell in love with the delicate, hand beaded French lace and knew the team at Jane Hill could create me something I would love. I went for a fitted, classic silhouette with a small train, low scooping back and silk waist belt. The white lace and intricate beading was sewn on to skin coloured tulle, giving it that beautiful sheer look. I absolutely loved wearing it, and I’m sad I don’t get to again!

Favourite moment.

There were so many! But if I had to choose one, it would be walking into the chapel and seeing Lewis for the first time, with a huge grin on his face! Having been apart the night before, seeing him gave me butterflies, and funnily enough a calm reassurance at the same time. It’s the moment you dream of as a bride, and it didn’t disappoint. Not to mention the smiling faces of all our closest friends and family.

Traditions.

Lewis made a beautiful wine box to include in our ceremony – in it was a nice bottle of red and a letter to each other to be opened on our 5 year anniversary – a mini time capsule. Later at the reception, our guests wrote “advice to the bride and groom” on little cards and popped them in the box. I have no doubt it will be highly entertaining in 5 years time to read all the suggestions!

And of course, the usual tradition – Something old (my Mum’s headpiece she wore on her wedding day, beautifully brought back to life with a modern twist by the fabulous Carla at Murley & Co Millinery), something new (the dress!), something borrowed (beautiful diamond studs from my lovely Mother in Law Susie, who later gifted these to me at the reception but wanted them to satisfy the “borrowed” criteria first!) and something blue (a blue ribbon was sewn to the inside of my dress by the Jane Hill bridal team).

Meaning of marriage.

The continuation of many years of love, friendship, and commitment – going from being best friends and lovers, to being family.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle entrance – Maps, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs (iTunes originals version)

Signing – Romeo & Juliet – Lisa Mitchell and Don’t Change – Pete Murray

Chapel Exit – Friday, I’m in Love -The Cure and You’re my Best Friend – Queen

First Dance – Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

Reception Exit – Rhythm of my Heart – Rod Stewart

Funny stories/near disasters.

During our first dance, we did a lift – and on the descent I managed to get my heel caught in my dress! A few awkward moments of me laughing and hopping around on one foot before I managed to untangle myself and get on with it! I think funny moments like that add to the day, and I do remember thinking to myself after – thank god I didn’t face plant or put a hole in my dress!

Planning surprises.

The amount of small, nitty gritty detail involved and how time consuming it is!

Words of wisdom.

If there is one area of your wedding you should allocate some extra cash to – it’s photography and videography! In the years to come your photos and video (along with your memories) are all you will have left to remember one of the most exciting and special days of your life – it is absolutely worth the extra money. I was so nervous on the day, it all seemed to wash over me and it times it was a bit of a blur – but being able to go back and re-live our ceremony, tear up over my Father in Law’s beautiful speech again, and giggle at our guests ripping up the dance floor is priceless. I had the best group of suppliers who made our vision come to life – I am so thankful for all of their hard work and support.

Another tip – It is easy to get caught up in small, trivial detail that you normally would not think twice about – just take a step back and ask yourself – in the grand scheme of things, does this really matter? (arguing about the font of your place cards for example!) We can laugh about it now at least.

Sally and Lewis’ Tribe…

Ceremony venue: The Chapel, Stones of the Yarra Valley

Reception venue: The Barn, Stones of the Yarra Valley

Celebrant: Shannon Jeans from Cloud 9 Celebrations. Shannon captured us as a couple perfectly and knew exactly what we wanted – she was a dream to work with!

Photography and Videography: The White Tree

Styling: Vonnie at Stones of the Yarra Valley

Florist: Blooming Brides – Rita is the master, let her creativity run wild and you will not be disappointed.

Hair and Make Up: Hair – Serena from Jet Noir Hair & Body, Makeup by Kate Fletcher

The Dress: Jane Hill – the dream team!

Veil/head wear: Veil from Jane Hill and vintage hairpiece by Murley & Co Millinery

Shoes: Leona Edmiston for Myer

Rings: Joseph George Jewellery

Bridesmaids dresses: Zimmermann

Groom and groomsmen suits and ties: Carl Nave

Catering: Stones of the Yarra Valley

Favors: Macarons by La Belle Miette