Real Wedding – Sam & Pete, Yarra Valley VIC

Sleek, contemporary styling, effervescent emotion and amped-up party vibes culminate in the perfect celebration for Sam and Pete’s I Do’s. Choosing to hand over the styling reins to Ruby & James allowed Sam and Pete to enjoy the process without the pressure, and the result was a dream day as big in fun as it is in aesthetic impact.

The ceremony is accented with chic monochromatic theming, sleek black detailing softened by blossoming clouds of cool vanilla florals and ivory textural elements reminiscent of raw-cut marble. Against the clean geometric lines of Zonzo’s Capella, the look is a complementary, balanced dream. As guests pour into the reception, the drama is taken up a notch with epic overhead arrangements echoing those in the ceremony, deep green velvet linens and crisp glass vases.

Sam looked ravishingly radiant in her dramatically darling gown by Ines Di Santo, her smile matched only by Pete’s, who cut a dapper figure in his classic black tux. Choosing a wedding party palette in black and white further elevated the simple yet stunning effect of the styling – and we loved the differing styles of the bridesmaid’s gowns and shoes.

Of course, no party is a true party without a dance floor, and in the hands of our music legend friends, Hey Jack, this was one memorable night.

Scroll on to see every stellar detail captured to exquisite effect by Mad For You Creative.

The meeting.

Pete and I met over 15 years ago through my cousin. We had an instant connection and flirtation, but I was so young at the time, and he was a few years older, so nothing happened for about ten years! We both dated other people, and then the timing aligned.

The ‘one’.

Being with Pete always felt right, surreal, but right. So, I never thought of a moment when we wouldn’t be together. My friends used to say I had a ‘Pete smile’ and would be beaming whenever I spoke to him. It was when I was bursting to say I love you that I knew this was real and not just a crush.

The proposal.

We were staying in an A-frame outside of Quebec City in the middle of winter (we’ve been living in Canada for four years). We’d just had a huge dump of snow, and Pete insisted we build another snowman. I had a feeling he was going to propose on this trip, so I did my make-up every morning and was just waiting for it. He caught me as I least expected it, and I still had Oreos in my hand that were for the buttons on the snowman. He had the ring in his pocket all day, even when we were snow sledding. He had also buried a bottle of champagne in the snow to celebrate with.

Style inspiration. 

We both love really simplistic, modern design. I had been following Ruby & James for a while and loved how they styled events. I’m a graphic designer and wanted to relinquish control; so after sending Jessie a Pinterest board, we left it in her capable and talented hands!

The ceremony.

We had already been legally married the week prior in a small Greek ceremony with immediate family and our bridal party, so on the day, we had a close friend ‘marry’ us. We exchanged our own written vows and kept it sweet and casual.

The look. 

I always thought I’d wear something tight-fitting, but after trying on a ball gown, I knew I wanted the drama! After trying on a bunch of different styles, I knew I wanted a high split and something fashion-forward. I found my dress at Ines Di Santo in Toronto and fell in love with it immediately.

Pete found his tux in New York at a boutique called Knot Standard. His was a much easier and faster process!

Favourite moments.

We had an absolute ball the entire day. The highlights were seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, taking photos at sunset and hitting the dancefloor with all our guests.

Meaning of marriage.

Having your person with you through it all, your partner in life to share the good, the bad and everything in between.

Wedding soundtrack.

We created a playlist of all instrumental versions of modern songs (think Bridgerton!) for the ceremony.

Aisle: With or Without You by 2cellos

Reception entry: Klingande by Jubel

First dance: Beyond by Leon Bridges

Funny stories or near disasters.

A groomsman who flew all the way from Texas got a really bad case of covid the week of the wedding, and Sam’s brother had to step in. Luckily, they were the exact same size, and it worked out perfectly, in the end, to have him included in the bridal party.

Planning surprises.

There are so many moving parts of planning a wedding, and it can be quite overwhelming. We were so lucky that our family and friends were so willing to help, and having Jessie (stylist from Ruby & James) was an absolute godsend!

Words of wisdom.

You’re never going to be able to please everyone, so plan the wedding the two of you want!

Love Sam’s vanilla-clad bride brigade? We can’t get enough of this fresh, versatile trend, so we’ve gathered together some of our favourite neutral palette wedding parties, to give you all the ivory inspiration you need! Browse the look here, on the blog.

SAM & PETE’S VENDORS

Ceremony venue: The Capella at Zonzo Estate

Reception venue: Zonzo Estate

Celebrant/Officiant: Our friend Sophie

Photography: Jess Apap, Mad For You Creative. I’ve known Jess for years and was so excited when she agreed to shoot our wedding. She was incredible in the lead-up and made us feel so comfortable on the day. We are thrilled with how the photos turned out! Two of our friends have since booked with her!

Videography: Fraser & James, Crew Cut Films. Fraser & James came recommended through our photographer. The video is just stunning – we would highly recommend including drone footage to capture the beautiful scenery.

Styling: Jessie, Ruby & James. We absolutely loved working with Jessie from Ruby & James. They handled everything from vendors and suppliers to communication with the venue and delivered the most spectacular styling for the day! They nailed our vision, and we had so many compliments.

Florist: Nat, WildFlos

Hair & Make-up: Carla Dyson

The dress: Ines Di Santo

Shoes: Amina Muaddi

Rings: Designs by Sevan (Toronto-based jeweller)

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Bec + Bridge

Suits: Knot Standard (grooms suit)

Stationery / Signage: I designed all the signage and stationery, and Ruby & James handled all the printing with their suppliers

Entertainment: Hey Jack – Romy (vocalist), Christian (DJ) and a saxophone player

Honeymoon: We’re saving our honeymoon for next year in Europe, but we spent two nights in the Yarra Valley in the most beautiful Airbnb.