A Timeless European Inspired Wedding In Victoria, Australia
In a picturesque setting, Stones of the Yarra Valley played host to the union of Nonny and Mark, high school friends turned life-long companions. Their 14-year journey from Western Australia to Victoria’s charming vineyards is a testament to enduring love and shared vision. A European-inspired wedding, blending classic elegance with modern flair, brought their love story full circle.
How They Met
In Western Australia’s high schools, Nonny and Mark shared a familiar space without forming much connection. The two-year age gap and Nonny’s natural shyness meant their interactions were limited during those formative years. It wasn’t until Mark’s graduation ceremony that the unlikely pair discovered a romantic spark, leaving their friends in awe of their blossoming relationship.
Fast-forward 14 years, and their love has endured through life’s ebbs and flows, remaining each other’s top priority.
The Wedding Planning
As the newly-engaged couple embarked on their two-year journey to the altar, they wasted no time in starting the planning process – just one week after the proposal. This extended timeline proved to be a blessing in disguise, allowing them to tackle the big-picture items first and then gradually delve into the finer details as the months went by. Despite the initial calm, the final month before the wedding brought the chaos to the forefront.
Amidst a flurry of work commitments, dress fittings, and vendor meetings, the sheer magnitude of tasks requiring attention became overwhelming. It was during this intense period that their organizational prowess truly shone through, helping them navigate the whirlwind with ease.
The Venue
As Nonny and Mark embarked on their quest for the ideal wedding setting, they stumbled upon Stones of the Yarra Valley. The couple had barely viewed one other potential venue before arriving at Stones, yet as soon as they set foot on the property, they knew they had found their perfect match. The venue’s unique blend of European charm and serene landscapes transported them to a picturesque destination, all while remaining within Victoria’s borders.
Joined by 95 guests, many from Western Australia, who had traveled afar to celebrate with the couple, they were collectively captivated by the venue’s breathtaking beauty, which mirrored their vision for an extraordinary yet intimately familiar wedding celebration.
Following The European Inspired Wedding Style
Laura from Weddings Of Desire played a pivotal role in helping Nonny and Mark realize their dream of a classic white wedding infused with a sense of timeless romance. As the couple envisioned, the stunning floral and greenery arrangements at the chapel took guests’ breath away, transporting them to a world of elegance and sophistication.
The Gowns
Kyha Studios masterfully brought Nonny’s bridal vision to life by designing not one, but two stunning dresses for her ceremony and reception. The creative process began with Nonny trying on a curated selection of gowns alongside Kyha, allowing her to explore different silhouettes and materials that resonated with her style. While she had the option to commission custom designs, Nonny fell head over heels for the BISSET gown, which featured a classic silhouette elevated by its taffeta fabric.
To give it an extra touch of drama, Kyha suggested adding volume to the skirt and extending the train. The result was a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that perfectly captured Nonny’s essence. For her reception look, Nonny opted for the Salacea gown, blending elegance with practicality so she could dance the night away without restriction. By removing sleeves and adding a split, Kyha transformed the design to create a dress that was both beautiful and comfortable.
Meanwhile, Nonny’s cathedral-length veil featured custom embroidery that read ‘Worth the Wait’ in her grandmother’s handwriting, making it an especially meaningful choice as she walked down the aisle.
The Couples’ Favorite Elements
The wedding’s floral and greenery setup in the chapel was nothing short of breathtaking, exceeding all expectations and captivating every guest. What made this celebration truly special were the thoughtful, deeply personal details that were woven throughout the day. For instance, the groom’s shirt cuff boasted a subtle yet meaningful embroidery – ‘I do’ – while the bride’s veil carried a touching tribute to her grandmother, with the words ‘Worth The Wait’ embroidered in her own handwriting.
As the ceremony unfolded, the enchanting sounds of the singer and piano player filled the air, transporting guests to a place of joy and celebration. Meanwhile, the bride paid a beautiful tribute to the groom’s late mother, Atetha Naitanui, by wearing A & N initial studs in her second ear piercing – a poignant reminder of the importance of family, heritage, and cherished memories.
Advice to Future Brides
Drawing from her own personal experience, Nonny recommends that future brides prioritize planning and preparation in the final month before the big day. By having a solid plan in place, couples can navigate even the most chaotic moments with ease. In fact, her own well-structured approach allowed her to stay focused on the bigger picture, ultimately leading to a seamless transition from pre-wedding jitters to a joyous celebration.
The Honeymoon
As the winter holiday season approached, the newlywed couple found themselves grappling with a dilemma: should they embark on their dream honeymoon amidst the chaos of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations? Feeling suffocated by the pressure to plan the perfect getaway, they decided to put their romantic escape on hold until 2024, with the enchanting landscapes of Egypt beckoning them to return.
The Wedding Vendors
Here, we’re thrilled to highlight an extraordinary wedding extravaganza that combines opulence and romance, drawing inspiration from the grandeur of Titanic and Bridgerton. This majestic celebration unfolded at Stones of They Arraval Valley, where @mervetogan captured every momentous instant with precision and flair. The mastermind behind this unforgettable day was @weddingsofdesire, who skillfully wove together a tapestry of elegance and whimsy.
As the big day dawned, @wildflos brought forth an explosion of colors and textures in the form of exquisite florals, while @tangofilms_au preserved each precious memory on film. The celebrant, @nataliedrumcelebrant, officiated with poise and warmth, as the bride made her entrance resplendent in a custom-made gown from @kyhastudios and @chosenbykyha. The radiant beauty was complemented by sparkling jewels courtesy of @michaelhillj and @linneys_ jewellery.
Her hair, styled to perfection by @mim_i_am_, cascaded down her back like a golden waterfall, as makeup artist @ld_makeupartistry imbued her features with soft, romantic hues. The groom, dashing in his tailored suit from @peterjacksonau, beamed with pride beside his bride. The bridesmaid dresses, designed by @natalierolt, were nothing short of breathtaking, while the pièce de résistance – a champagne tower courtesy of @moetchandon – left all in attendance agog.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the night transformed into an unforgettable spectacle of entertainment and revelry, courtesy of @topdogent and @matthewcharlesthemc. The couple’s love story was further immortalized through the tender pages of their wedding album, adorned with exquisite stationery from @ivoryandstone. co. In the midst of this fairytale romance, a decadent cake from @missladybirdcakes served as the crowning glory, surrounded by an array of delectable treats.
As the night drew to a close, the newlyweds slipped away into the stars, their bond strengthened by the unforgettable memories forged at Stones of They Arraval Valley. To discover more enchanting wedding tales and expert insights from the world’s most celebrated wedding professionals, be sure to explore our latest digital magazine, Get Wedded in Australia 2023-2024.
Whether you’re a bride-to-be or simply a romantic at heart, this must-read publication is your ultimate guide to creating an unforgettable wedding celebration.
