Jess & Shane

These two are high school sweethearts, who have not lost a bit of their love over the years growing up next to each other. With perfect late spring weather (26th of November) and the Mewburn Park gardens as picturesque as can be, their special day was nothing short of magical. 

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Jess booked the Time of your Life - our Premium Package and after arriving with her bridesmaids and mum, they truly made the most of her wedding day. 

Enjoying a champagne on arrival, fresh strawberries and croissants and later on a yum grazing box from Created by Bels - all perfect little nibbles for in between - they relaxed in the old servants quarters, with all the charm a 180 year old homestead can give. Our bride and her girls looked absolutely gorgeous thanks to the team from the HQ Collective (hair) and C2 make up, keeping the brides brief for a ‘natural beauty’. Jess looked radiant in her modern, yet elegant polka dot gown called ANOUK from Gippsland based Twelve South Bridal shop in Yarragon. While Shane beamed with joy in his dapper custom made tux from YSG - mind you he is 2.05m tall.

Jess and Shane had decided that they wanted to make sure that during their wedding day, they actually enjoy it, wanting to be present in the moment and had therefore organised little time slots - just for the two if them. So, before guests arrived, and without parents or friends, they actually shared some vows in a kinda ‘first look mini ceremony’, which was so very intimate and such a special moment. Tucked away between the lagoons in the hidden narrow track with the tall poplar trees, surrounded by the sound of chirping birds.#pictureperfect 

After their 1st look moment, they took this as a chance to get some of the photos in before their ceremony, mainly with the wedding party and some with their parents, to be less time stressed later on. That is one of the advantages of a 1st look.

Oh yes I do... 

For their official ceremony with all family & friends they had chosen the iconic and historical old brick Stables, such a stunning backdrop. At 4pm Jess was then walked down the aisle by her dad to a (still) very emotional Shane, looking at his bride full of happiness, love and pride. Surrounded by 70 loved ones, they exchanged heartfelt vows in a charming ceremony by Pete The Celebrant, who recited the whole ceremony without any notes (due to his daughter grabbing the iPad out of his backpack before he left home!)
We have to say, that was pretty impressive.
A true professional.

They also decided to opt out of being accompanied by the tradition of having the wedding/bridal party stand next to them. Instead, their closest friends and brother/sisters were walking them down the isle and then took a seat to watch the ceremony with everyone else. After the captivating ceremony Jess and Shane wanted to thank all their family and friends for coming to their wedding with a kind hearted thank you speech, so instead of waiting for later in the evening, they did this right after the ceremony. What better way to do so, than with a fancy Champagne tower pour. And the old Stables bar with all it’s character; the old bricks and collectables was the perfect backdrop. Champagne for everyone (and a few beers)! After that, they spent 30 minutes catching up with guests and enjoying some roaming canapés before starting family photos and heading around the property for more photos. All guests were mingling and enjoying the beautiful surroundings, accompanied by the relaxing voice and acoustic music of Zach, from Little Wolf entertainment.

A dash of colour please... 

Inspired by a colourful bouquet Katie from Pollen & Patina did a few years ago (well, she really is the queen of colour), the briefing for styling was easy: a classic set-up with dots of reds and pinks. Katie’s execution; A mixture of powerful coral red, deep pink and spots of blush & apricot. This really made the ceremony & marquee spaces stand out. This followed through to the bouquet, which sat simply stunning with Jess and her dress. The two floral columns in front of The Stables door were moved into the marquee bar.

Keeping it elegant, Jess wanted to add some white and black into the mix. Signs, table numbers, candle holders, menus etc. were all kept in black. Jess had hired our white table cloths, the white fabric backdrop and the white DJ bar for a cleaner look, helping her colourful flowers really stand out. Hannah Gilbert, their photographer, took the chance for a first look of the styled marquee with the couple before guests entered. A very rewarding moment to watch, when all this planning has finally come together and bride and groom are absolutely astonished and excited to see it all set up. 

Let’s party accordingly... 

At 6.30pm guests were welcomed by an abundance of flowers and the celebration continued in the absolutely stunningly styled marquee. Once everyone was settled with a drink in their hands, it was time to welcome the newly weds. This was the chance to cut their wedding cake before being seated,  surrounded by their family and friends on one of the 3 long rows of tables. 

With a sit-down reception featuring a delicious 3-course dinner by Duart Homestead, the sound of happy chatter was a true dinner celebration. This was the best to listen to. In between courses and speeches they chased some golden hour light and left for some sunset photos. Wanting to make sure everyone is ready for a party they pre-ordered 50 Espresso Martini’s to give to the guests just before speeches. And it took literally only a minute for the dance floor to erupt after their first dance. It was no wonder, as the sounds by their DJ from Little Wolf entertainment were pumping together with the sax player, it was an epic party night!

At the end of the night, both retired to The Retreat, beaming with happiness, grateful for the most #perfectweddingday.