Location: Melbourne, Australia
Setting: Winery
Season: Winter
How long did the couple plan the event: 9 month
Number of guests: 130
Wedding theme/style: Vibrant, glamorous.
Shirly and Michael’s love story began with a serendipitous meeting in a mall’s lobby, where they were introduced by a mutual friend. It led to a dinner the next day, marking the beginning of a journey together. Their connection deepened during a shared travel adventure across India and Kazakhstan, where they realized their compatibility and decided to officially start dating, turning a magical travel experience into the start of a lifelong partnership.
The slightly warm tone of Bianca Virtue‘s photos adds a cozy vibe, enhancing the emotional warmth of the wedding and enriches the colors, making them appear more saturated and vibrant. The light glow on the images brings a touch of sophistication, beautifies the scene and creates a rich, immersive experience for the viewer.
Shirly and Michael chose the Jackalope Hotels in Melbourne, Australia, as the wedding venue. The bride shared, “We wanted something intimate to showcase who we are, so a winery in Melbourne was perfect—relaxed, composed, and exquisite, just like we strive to be in life.”
The couple chose classic and elegant attire that complemented the sophisticated atmosphere of their wedding day. The bride wore a high-neck lace gown with long sleeves, paired with a clean bun and minimal makeup, inspired by the iconic Grace Kelly. Her minimalistic bouquet featured soft white roses, adding refined beauty to her overall look.
The wedding ceremony was set against a stunning backdrop of rolling hills. A beautifully designed floral arrangement featuring lush white blooms created a dreamy and elegant altar. The bridesmaids, each dressed in elegant gowns, added a splash of color and charm to the event. Soft, warm lighting bathed the area, adding a magical glow to the ceremony as the couple exchanged vows.
After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a special moment together, captured in a photoshoot with a classic Rolls-Royce, before joining their guests who flew in from Indonesia for their celebration.
“We wanted to challenge the usual Indonesian idea of inviting a thousand guests to sit with strangers in a ballroom. We opted for something more intimate, and Australia was the perfect choice for us, being closer than Italy or Napa,” Shirly explained.
Long tables at the reception were decorated with dark linens, strikingly contrasting the vibrant arrays of tulips and candles that illuminated the space. The decor used a palette of rich oranges and deep reds to echo the natural beauty and simplicity of the flowers. “We played with colors to showcase the beauty of nature,” shared the bride. “The colors were reflected in different wedding elements – from colorful invitation envelopes similar to the tulips to the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses. It was so fun!”
Shirly and Michael told that the evening was reminiscent of a stylish New York party, inspired by the understated elegance of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
The bride switched to a beautiful tiered tulle gown, which added a whimsical elegance to the night. Live music set the mood while guests enjoyed heartfelt toasts. “We focused on personalization, and our guests loved the unique touches throughout the event,” the couple shared.
For the afterparty, the bride shimmered in a dazzling, form-fitting gold gown, adding a glamorous note to the evening. They walked through a tunnel of sparklers held by guests. “The day was effortless and fun, far from rigid. I especially enjoyed the venue, the people, the flowers, and having Bianca Virtue capture all the beautiful moments,” the bride recalled.
Advice from the couple:
• Stick to your vision for your wedding, even when others may suggest otherwise. If you love color in a winter wedding, go for it! If you want a party until 2 AM, have it!
• Prioritize building trust and good relationships with your vendors, as teamwork is crucial for a smooth wedding day. For example, our photographer, Bianca, perfectly understood our style and captured many beautiful candid moments without needing to orchestrate. It was great.
• Lastly, remember the 80/20 rule: focus on what went well and don’t sweat the small stuff. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event to celebrate with those who matter most.
PHOTOGRAPHER Bianca Virtue | VIDEOGRAPHER I Do Cinema | VENUE Jackalope Hotels | PLANNING, STYLING & COORDINATION The Nuptial Collective | FLORALS Seed Flora by George Low | CAKE Get Caked by Lisa | MAKEUP Archangela Chelsea | DRESS Yefta Gunawan | STATIONARY One Mimosa Please | CELEBRANT Marry Me Megan | MUSIC Tillee Music, Harry Cooper Music | DJ DJ Slender
