A Tuscan Inspired Wedding In Yarra Valley, Victoria
A modern-day romance tale began with a casual social media post that caught the attention of Sarah and Kris. Their first date, a scenic Coogee-to-Bondi walk, laid the foundation for their whirlwind relationship. Just five years later, they exchanged vows as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, surrounded by their closest loved ones – including two tiny bundles of joy, Mila and Frankie.
The newlyweds shared a glimpse into their intimate Yarra Valley celebration, marking a special milestone in their journey together.
The Love Story
In the era of modern love stories, social media played cupid for Sarah and Kris. Their whirlwind romance began with an online connection that led to a spontaneous walk from Coogee to Bondi in Sydney. As they strolled along the coast, their conversation flowed effortlessly, and before long, they discovered a deep connection. Despite initial plans for a quick catch-up, they found themselves indulging in sushi dinner, marking the beginning of their incredible journey together.
Within months of dating, they planned a trip to Bali, solidifying their relationship. The couple’s love continued to blossom as they welcomed their first-born daughter Mila and, just three months later, Sarah became pregnant again with their second daughter Frankie – mere weeks apart. As they navigated parenthood, Kris surprised Sarah with a proposal at Frankie’s first birthday celebration, getting down on one knee in a heartfelt moment. The result?
A beautiful marriage and two adorable baby girls, all within the span of just five years.
The Venue
As we envisioned our dream wedding, Kris and I always had Italy’s picturesque Tuscan landscape at the forefront of our minds. However, with three young kids and family scattered across Australia and the UK, the logistics of planning a destination wedding were daunting. It wasn’t until we stumbled upon Stones of the Yarra Valley online that fate intervened, leading us to discover this hidden gem. A visit to the venue the very next day, accompanied by our tiny but mighty babies, sealed the deal.
We fell head over heels in love with its authentic Tuscan charm and sprawling grounds. With 9 months to plan, we booked our special day on the spot, knowing that this was where we wanted to start our new life together.
How long did it take to design your dress and why was it perfect for you?
In February, I embarked on a bespoke dress design journey with Kyha, founder and creative director of Chosen by KYHA. I envisioned a timeless yet seductive and modern gown that would transition seamlessly into a party dress for the reception. Our initial focus was finding the perfect lace and flower pattern for my white gown, as well as perfecting the fit of the romper.
As the big day approached, I decided to go all out with a stunning tulle skirt, increasing its length to an impressive 4 meters with a flowing 5-meter train. The momentous occasion was etched in my memory when I exclaimed to Kyha, ‘Let’s make it BIG, off the charts!’ The tulle featured a high split at the front, revealing a delightful pop of lace underneath as I walked.
To make this experience even more unforgettable, we designed our daughters’ flower girl dresses using the same exquisite lace fabric as my gown and adorned them with intricate buttons up the zipper’s length on the back. During our final fitting, my eldest, Mila, remarked as she tried her dress on, ‘Mummy, we have the same flowers!’ In contrast, my evening dress was a more playful affair, boasting a hand-beaded golden wave pattern that shimmered magnificently under the fairy lights at dinner.
What was the most unique element of your wedding?
Set against a backdrop of cascading lights, our dinner table became an intimate sanctuary reminiscent of a starry night sky. The ambiance was further enhanced by the delicate petals of white roses and the crisp folds of white linen, while the ivory candles with their subtle gold accents added a touch of understated elegance to the overall atmosphere.
If you could give one piece of advice to future couples, what would it be?
As we celebrated our special day, we made a conscious effort to remain present and mindful of the little moments that make it truly unforgettable. Amidst the chaos of wedding preparations, we prioritized taking time to pause and appreciate the beauty of having loved ones gathered together. It was as if we savored each instant, sipping sweet memories with our closest friends and family.
