Location: Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
Setting: Outdoor garden, villa
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 80
How long did the couple plan the event: 12 months
Wedding theme/style: Romantic, elegance, classic.
Steph and Boban’s story began in early 2019 at their workplace. Boban, smitten by Steph, finally encouraged to approach her after a year of secret admiration. Their workplace dynamics changed, creating opportunities for Boban to charm Steph with his cheeky smile. Interestingly, within six months of meeting, they bid farewell to their workplace, beginning a beautiful journey together.
Boban orchestrated a memorable proposal on the rooftop of the Intercontinental Hotel in Double Bay. The element of surprise was impeccable, with his partner under the impression that they were attending a client event as a plus one—complete with a formal invitation.
Boban’s thoughtful planning shone through as he rented a cabana and adorned it with a beautiful arrangement of flowers, candles, and LED “marry me” letters.
His personal touch made the gesture even more special; he took charge of all the arrangements, leaving work early to purchase candles and flowers, making everything look perfect. Remarkably, he had a contingency plan (Plan B) in place, organizing a piano man from David Jones Sydney CBD to be on standby in case the weather necessitated a shift to an indoor proposal.
Choosing the idyllic Redleaf in Hunter Valley, the couple found a venue reminiscent of a Tuscan villa in Italy. Steph’s vision was an ultra-romantic, whimsical garden, meeting classical elegance with a touch of old-world charm. Redleaf’s choice allowed them to transport their guests to the Italian countryside for a day.
Steph’s wedding look, curated with attention to detail, featured a strapless corset fitted gown by Lee Petra Grebenau. Paired with mesh white crystal stilettos from Jimmy Choo, a loose braid hairstyle adorned with silk chiffon flower hairpins, and Jennifer Behr‘s floral cut crystal earrings, Steph exuded romantic old-fashioned elegance.
With the dress featuring a detachable skirt and sleeves, Steph had the flexibility to showcase multiple looks throughout the day. She adorned the skirt and sleeves for the ceremony and reception, opting for a classic elegance. Later, as the golden hour set in, Steph removed the skirt for the enchanting photo portraits, embracing a more relaxed and free-spirited vibe. Furthermore, for the lively after-party, she shed the sleeves as well, effortlessly transitioning her attire to suit the celebratory atmosphere.
Boban exuded timeless elegance in his wedding ensemble. He embraced classic sophistication, wearing a sleek black tuxedo with satin lapels. The satin belt, cinched at the waist, added a touch of regality to his look, while the finishing flourish came from a meticulously tied bow tie. His attire showcased a perfect blend of style and tradition.
Steph’s inspiration was drawn from the romance of Tuscany, reflecting in the light, airy, and lush florals in white, apricot, and blush tones, paired with fresh green foliage. The ceremony took place in front of a lavender garden, with a pine aisle adorned with florals, creating a fairytale ambiance. Guests were welcomed with ornate gold-framed mirrors and provided lace ivory fans and parasols.
Ensuring the ceremony unfolded in a captivating setting, Steph insisted on the lavender garden as the backdrop, where she gracefully walked down the aisle of pines with her father, making her way to her soon-to-be husband. The pine aisle was transformed into a breathtaking scene with a multitude of florals in varying heights, creating a picturesque path that extended from the end of the pines to embellish the lavender garden and the back row seats.
The ceremony was filled with touching moments. While exchanging their wedding vows, Steph and Boban created an incredible tenderness and love atmosphere. As the ceremony concluded, the newlyweds, brimming with joy, walked down the green aisle. Guests joyfully showered them with rose petals, completing this magical moment. It was an excellent episode in their wedding story.
After the reception, Steph and Boban indulged in their golden hour portraits, a cherished moment for the couple. Relaxed and free from formalities, they wandered hand in hand through the picturesque estate of Redleaf. Immersed in the surroundings, they observed their guests from a distance while their talented photographer Sheri McMahon captured stunning images of the blissful couple.
The alfresco reception in front of the main villa featured long tables draped in white linen, adorned with floral garden bowls, gold tableware, crystal-cut candles, and calligraphy name tags. The warmth of a family-style dinner and heartfelt speeches left lasting memories.
The afterparty was held in a marquee draped in ivory chiffon with foliage curtain tie backs adding classical elegance with a touch of old world vibe. Crystal chandeliers lined the apex of the marquee and white, apricot and blush floral tones paired with a white bar and white, rattan seating for guests decorated the space to dance the night away
The cake cutting was one of the beautiful traditional moments at Steph and Boban’s wedding, during which the newlyweds sliced into their wedding cake, symbolizing the beginning of their new and wonderful life together.
Following that, the dance floor opened up for the father-daughter dance, a beautiful moment that left no guest untouched. Steph and her father danced to a lovely melody, showcasing their special bond through the graceful movement on the dance floor.
And, of course, the first dance of the newlyweds was one of the most tender, beautiful, and touching moments. After the newlyweds performed their dance, the dance floor opened, and all the guests joyfully danced throughout the evening, showcasing lively traditional dances and more.
• Advice from the couple:
• Stay present and enjoy every moment as much as possible as the day passes quickly.
• Don’t let anyone talk you out of what you envision for your wedding; it’s your special day, and you should have everything you want.
PHOTOGRAPHER Sheri McMahon Photography | VENUE Redleaf Wollombi | STYLIST, PLANNER & COORDINATOR Love Story Australia | VIDEOGRAPHER Soda Films | EVENT PLANNER Stefanie Louise Events | FLORIST Two Wild Hands | BRIDAL GOWN Helen Rodrigues Bridal | MUA Yen Makeup | HAIR Bridal Hair Collective | CAKE ARTIST By Gigi | CELEBRANT Ruth Matos Celebrant | FURNITURE RENTAL Simply Seated, Crabapple Hire Style, Dine Divine Hire | MARQUEE Bennelong Event Hire | BAR SERVICES Stedman’s Hospitality | LIGHTING Starlight Chandeliers | GELATO BAR Ciao Pepi’s
