Location: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Setting: Winery
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 45
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Whimsical, rustic, garden.
Louise and Danny, both hailing from Ireland, first crossed paths at university 13 years ago. Their friendship blossomed during a summer trip to Chicago, where they spent every day together, and Danny’s charm eventually won Louise over. Since then, their journey has been filled with adventures, including extensive travels and a few years living in London. Six years ago, they moved to Melbourne, Australia, where they settled down with their beloved dog, Moose.
One of the couple’s most cherished moments was when Danny proposed to Louise in the picturesque Grampians National Park, Victoria, with her family in attendance. Both their families share a deep bond and love for celebrations. When it came to their wedding, Louise and Danny dreamed of a day filled with joy, surrounded by their families, with great food, wine, and music, embodying a spirit of relaxation and fun
Newlyweds chose the Stones of the Yarra Valley for their intimate wedding celebration. This historic venue, dating back to 1868, perfectly encapsulated their love for romantic and elegant settings. The Chapel in the Stones of the Yarra Valley offered an unparalleled ceremonial space with its soaring ceilings, stained-glass windows, and breathtaking views of the vineyards.
For their wedding, couple envisioned a timeless and classic style, wanting to ensure their wedding photos would remain cherished and stylish for years. They opted for a “soft glam” approach for makeup and hair in line with the classical theme. This choice complemented Louise’s overall look and maintained the timeless elegance they desired. The talents of hair stylist Rachel Evans and makeup artist Katia Amerena played a crucial role in achieving this vision. Louise was thrilled with the outcome, feeling it perfectly reflected her and the special day.
Louise discovered her dream wedding gown at KYHA Studios, a piece that perfectly captured the essence of elegance and timelessness she sought. She chose an Anna Campbell veil to complete her bridal look, adding an extra touch of grace and sophistication.
Danny, embracing the theme, chose a custom-made, deep-green velvet tuxedo. This decision was inspired by a wedding photographed by their photographer, Georgia Verrells. The tuxedo’s classic design and unique color set a distinguished tone. Danny’s groomsmen wore traditional black tuxedos, while the bridesmaids were dressed in olive green gowns. This color scheme harmoniously blended, creating a beautifully cohesive and elegant aesthetic for the entire wedding party. The combination of classic styles, soft glam makeup and hair, and thoughtful color coordination resulted in a wedding look that was both timeless and deeply personal.
Louise and Danny meticulously designed their ceremony at the Stones of the Yarra Valley Chapel, drawing inspiration from various Instagram ideas, which they entrusted to the skilled stylist Teesh from The Providore Styling. The Chapel was transformed into an enchanting space, with sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows and creating a magical ambiance enhanced by elegant floral arrangements. The Providore Styling expertise brought their vision to life, making the ceremony visually stunning and deeply meaningful.
During their heartfelt ceremony, the Bride and Groom shared a particularly touching moment that beautifully intertwined their family history with their new beginning. Louise had the honor of wearing her grandmother’s wedding band, a cherished heirloom passed down first to her mother and then to her. This ring, rich in family legacy, held immense sentimental value and symbolized the enduring bond of love and memory. As Louise slid the treasured band onto her finger, it was a pledge of her love to Danny and a tender tribute to her beloved grandmother. This gesture served as a poignant reminder of the cherished lady who played a significant role in their lives, ensuring her presence was felt and honored on their special day.
Georgia Verrells, the talented photographer for Louise and Danny’s wedding played a pivotal role in immortalizing their special day. Her exceptional photography skills brilliantly captured the essence of the couple’s desire for timeless elegance. Each photo taken by Georgia is a testament to her ability to seize a moment and encapsulate the profound emotions and connection shared between lovebirds. The depth of love, joy, and intimacy present at their wedding is palpable in every image, allowing anyone who views the photos to feel a part of the celebration and to experience the couple’s love story. Georgia’s work ensures that the timeless and classic style the couple envisioned is forever etched in their memories through her stunning and heartfelt photographs.
Georgia Verrell’s signature style perfectly complements the essence of such joyous occasions. Her photography radiates a sun-kissed, authentic vibe, capturing moments of genuine emotion and spontaneity. Each of her images is a celebration of joy, relaxation, and raw beauty, encapsulating the happiness and warmth of the day. In Louise and Danny’s wedding photos, Georgia’s talent for creating an atmosphere of blissful contentment is evident. Her ability to capture the raw, unfiltered moments of happiness makes her work stand out, ensuring that the couple’s memories are preserved and bursting with the joy and love that marked their special day.
The Newlyweds’s reception at the Stables at Stones of the Yarra Valley married history with rustic elegance. Once a hub for stable hands at St. Huberts Winery, this venue has been transformed into a charming, intimate space, ideal for their whimsical, rustic, garden party-themed wedding. Their stylist, The Providore Styling, was pivotal in realizing their vision. Her expertise in blending the soft, cream, and pink tones, inspired by a wedding editorial, with the venue’s historical charm created an understated elegance. Teesh’s skill in floral arrangements added an extra layer of beauty, with blooms that complemented the venue’s rustic aesthetics while infusing a romantic, garden-like feel. Each floral piece was thoughtfully placed to enhance the venue’s natural beauty, ensuring the Stables’ transformation into a wedding haven was seamless and enchanting.
Louise, Danny, and their guests, who had never experienced a wedding in Australia, found the novelty of celebrating in a new country and an unfamiliar venue extraordinary. They opted for a fun twist with a champagne tower instead of a traditional wedding cake, perfectly suiting their guests’ preference for bubbly over sweets. Deciding to skip the conventional first dance, they made their first dance a lively and hilarious affair with all their family and friends joining in on the dance floor. Their wedding was filled with simple, unique, and fun choices, making it a memorable event for everyone.
Advice from the couple:
• Know what is important to you both, and plan the day exactly as you want! If there’s a tradition or something you don’t like or like about weddings, then don’t do/have it. Try to relax on the day and enjoy every second. The love you’ll feel from all of your closest family and friends on the day is something else. Take it all in!
PHOTOGRAPHER Georgia Verrells | VIDEOGRAPHER Hey Jack | VENUE Ceremony: The Chapel, Reception: Stables | CELEBRANT Shannon Jeans | STYLING, FLORIST & DECOR The Providore Styling | HAIR Rachel Evans | MUA Katia Amerena | DRESSES Ivory Tribe, KYHA Studios, Rachel Gilbert | VEIL Anna Campbell Bridal | SHOES Pink Inc Shoes, Steve Madden | RINGS Wesley Betts Fine Jewellery | BRIDESMAID DRESSES Forever New | SUITS Formal Red | CATERING, BAR & FAVOURS Stones of the Yarra Valley | CHAMPAGNE TOWER Cocktail Queen | STATIONERY Ivory and Stone | ENTERTAINMENT Astrosoul
