Location: Coombe Yarra Valley (near Melbourne, Australia)
Setting: Winery
Wedding season: Winter
The number of guests: 120
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Elegant, timeless, classic with green, white, black and gold accents.
Mona and Myles, a couple whose love story began with the help of mutual friends, have been together for an incredible nine years. Their plans for an overseas proposal were disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Covid-19, but they found a silver lining amidst the chaos. Taking advantage of a brief respite from Melbourne’s lockdowns in 2020, Myles chose a breathtaking spot overlooking the ocean in Lorne, Victoria, to ask Mona to marry him. It was a moment that perfectly captured their unwavering love and resilience.
Mona and Myles’ top priorities for their wedding were to have outstanding music that would set the perfect ambiance and unforgettable memories on the dance floor, along with delicious food that would delight their guests’ taste buds. With these elements in place, their celebration was a true reflection of their love, joy, and gratitude for the journey that brought them to this special moment.
As Mona prepared for her big day, she was surrounded by the unwavering love and support of her closest family and friends. It was a heartwarming scene, filled with warm smiles and shared anticipation. Mona’s vision of a minimalistic, elegant, and timeless look shone through in every aspect of her wedding preparations, including her carefully curated makeup and hair by Casey Malady, perfectly reflecting her unique style and beauty. It was truly a beautiful day, made even more special by Mona’s exquisite taste and the joy that radiated from within her.
Mona’s search for the perfect wedding dress led her to explore various designers online, but Leah Da Gloria‘s designs captured her heart from the start. With excitement, Mona attended a trunk show in Melbourne to have the opportunity to try on these exquisite creations despite Leah being based in Sydney. The moment Mona slipped into the second dress she tried on, she felt an instant connection. It embodied her vision of a minimalist and timeless look, perfectly aligning with her desires. From that moment, Mona knew without a doubt that she had found “the one” – a dress that encapsulated her dreams for her wedding day.
Surrounded by her closest family and friends, Mona felt deeply touched by their warm hugs, which reminded her of the immense love and support she had in her life.
The groom, Myles, had a clear vision from the start – he wanted a Tom Ford suit, which he carefully organized at Harrods in Melbourne. The atmosphere surrounding his preparations was filled with excitement and laughter, and the unwavering support Myles received put everyone in high spirits.
The stunning gardens and picturesque surroundings of Coombe Yarra Valley provided the perfect backdrop for the special day of Mona and Myles. Located just a short 30-minute drive outside Melbourne, this picturesque venue captured their hearts as soon as they entered its enchanting gardens. Even before getting engaged, the couple knew this was where their ceremony and reception would be held. Being both a winery and restaurant, Coombe emitted a certain charm that added elegance and romance to their wedding celebration.
One particularly remarkable moment during the wedding day was the unexpected turn of weather. Dark clouds loomed in the sky for an entire hour leading up to the ceremony, and a heavy downpour ensued. To counter this, the couple had arranged an outdoor ceremony under a tent, just in case of wet weather.
As the bride’s car arrived and came to a halt just outside the protective covering, something astonishing occurred. Miraculously, the storm came to a sudden halt, and the rain ceased as if by magic. It was an extraordinary sight to behold. This unforeseen twist left everyone in awe, unable to fathom the incredible timing and how nature seemed to graciously pause for this special moment.
Myles was filled with anticipation as he waited to catch a glimpse of his bride, Mona, on their wedding day. When she finally walked down the aisle, dressed in a stunning wedding gown, Myles was left speechless.
Myles and Mona are Greek born in Australia, but both of their dads were born in Greece. Their wedding ceremony blended their Greek heritage and Australian upbringing beautifully. They incorporated the tradition of wearing Stefana, the wedding crowns. It was a meaningful touch that honored their roots and added a special cultural element to their special day. The photographer, Bianca Virtue, captured the significance of the Stefana tradition and the couple’s connection to their heritage.
Bianca Virtue, a highly skilled photographer, did a fantastic job capturing every special moment of Myles and Mona’s wedding. Her beautiful photos perfectly showcase the love and joy that filled the air on this big day. Bianca’s attention to detail and ability to capture every significant moment made her the perfect choice for this Greek-Australian wedding. From candid shots to posed portraits, every image tells a story and preserves the essence of this remarkable wedding.
Mona shares about the wedding style: “I always envisioned very timeless styling at the reception. I had looked at inspiration on Instagram and looked to see how other couples had styled the venue to see what elements I liked. Ultimately, I wanted to let the beautiful restaurant venue speak for itself, and everything – the bonbonnieres, the champagne tower, the flower arrangements, the stationary, the table linen- it all came together just as I wanted it to.”
The wedding celebration and reception for Myles and Mona were truly magical. From the moment guests arrived at the stunning venue, they were greeted with an atmosphere of love and joy. The couple’s attention to details was evident in every aspect of the reception, from the beautifully decorated tables to the carefully curated menu and the chosen music.
The champagne tower at Myles and Mona’s wedding was a showstopper. It was a beautiful centerpiece that added a touch of elegance to the celebration. Guests were in awe as they watched the champagne cascade down the tower, creating a truly unforgettable moment.
In a heartwarming gesture, Myles’ mother orchestrated a surprise that left the newlyweds speechless. A talented wedding painter, Rebekka Lord-Johnson, skillfully captured the couple’s magical moment as they walked down the aisle and continued to paint throughout the reception. The couple now proudly displays this incredible artwork in their home, serving as a constant reminder of the love and joy they experienced on their wedding day.
During their heartfelt speech, the couple expressed their deepest gratitude to their families for their unwavering love and support. They also extended their appreciation to the incredible venue and suppliers who went above and beyond to make their wedding day truly special.
The night was filled with electrifying energy as everyone took to the dance floor, moving to the infectious beats of Rythmos Greek Band. The live music created an unforgettable atmosphere, ensuring the guests danced the night away with pure joy and excitement.
Mona and Myles, glowing with happiness, gracefully walked toward their car after a truly unforgettable reception. Their wedding day was an absolute dream come true, overflowing with love and cherished moments. The couple couldn’t help but feel immense gratitude towards everyone who played a part in making their special day absolutely perfect.
Advice from the couple
• Enjoy every minute, from the planning all the way through to the big day, as it goes quickly. And try not to stress too much in the lead-up (easier said than done!)
PHOTO Bianca Virtue | VENUE Coombe Yarra Valley | CELEBRANT Charis White | PAINTER Rebekka Lord-Johnson | BRIDAL DRESS Leah Da Gloria | GROOM’S SUIT Tom Ford | FLOWERS Flowers of Yarra Glen | CAKE Nobody Hates Cake | STATIONERY Peppermint Press | RINGS ANTON Jewellery | SHOES Mi Piaci Shoes | VIDEO AJR Films | MUAH Casey Malady | CARS Always Classic Cars | TABLE LINEN Table Art |
