Wedding Bells Winter 2014

Issue 14 | Winter 2014 C o m p l i m e n ta ry

ENGAGEMENT KEEP IT SIMPLE A CELEBRATION ALL THEIR OWN

‘I do’ under the

old oak tree Wedding Bells

Covering the Dandenong Ranges,Yarra Valley & The Ranges

1

Contents Nuptial knot tied after dress drama

4

Engagement – keep it simple

6

Couple’s tracks are well-lit

7

Grand low-cost rainbow wedding

9

Joy over stress ahead of wedding

10

A celebration all their own

12

Making memories that last

13

Settling for the right celebrant

14

‘I do’ under the old oak tree

16

Cant keep ‘em cooped

17

Settling for the ideal attire

18

Legendary wedding at Hedgend Maze

20

Going for a theme... boots and all!

21

honour Day of

4

Wedding checklist 22 Wedding directory 23

7

IT’S no secret that a girl like me, in her twentysomethings, loves a wedding.

Now is the time where many friends and family are starting to get engaged, married and have babies.

It’s an exciting time in someone’s life, and to be invited to share that special day is something that is truly wonderful.

Last month I attended a very good friend’s wedding.

The lead-up to her special day was so exciting, not just for the bride - but those of us lucky enough to get an invite.

We heard stories about her dress fittings, bridesmaid dresses, boys’ suits, venue visits and the like.

And even though she was doing all the hard work, I know that many of us felt a part of the whole thing.

The hen’s party came and went, it was a blur of excited girls, an Italian cooking class and a late night on the dance floor.

And in an instant, it was the day of the wedding.

Everything we had been looking forward to was finally here.

As she walked down the aisle there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

She was the epitome of a blushing beautiful bride and I can honestly say it was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to.

I know that weddings are a special day for those getting married - but to be invited to share that special day is an absolute honour.

Issue 14 | Winter 2014 C O M P L I M E N TA RY

ENGAGEMENT KEEP IT SIMPLE

16

A CELEBRATION ALL THEIR OWN

Editor

‘I do’

UNDER THE OLD OAK TREE Wedding Bells

Covering the Dandenong Ranges,Yarra Valley & The Ranges

1

18

Cover Photo: KIM CARTMELL

Editor Melissa Meehan Mail Newspaper Group Phone: 5957 3700 Email: editor@yvnews.com.a Advertising Emma Chew Mail Newspaper Group Level 1/244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville 3777 Phone: 5957 3700 Email: emma.chew@yvnews.com.au

2

Wedding Bells

Design Sami Lewis Creative Services Department Star News Group Cnr Princes Hwy & Army Road, Pakenham 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Published by Yarra Valley Newspapers Pty Ltd 244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville 3777 P.O. Box 470 Managing Director Paul Thomas

Where to write…

We would love to receive your feedback about our current edition and hear your story ideas.

Write to The Editor at Wedding Bells, 2A York Road, Mount Evelyn, Vic 3796 or email editor@yvnews.com.au How to advertise…

If you would like to showcase your products, business, property or service to our bridal readership please contact Emma Chew on 5957 3700 or email emma.chew@yvnews.com.au

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Sean and Rebekkah Wilde at their wedding in Olinda.

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Nuptial

knot tied after dress drama

By JESSE GRAHAM WHEN former Healesville resident Sean Wilde married his partner, Rebekkah, their day was a culmination of four years together, and the end of a stressful search for the perfect dress.

The pair married at Cloudehill Gardens in Olinda on 1 December 2012 - four years to the day after the couple began dating - with a theme inspired by the poem The Owl and the Pussycat.

Their wedding followed tradition, with the groom’s brother and the bride’s sister reading a Bible verse, traditional vows were exchanged in a candle-lit ceremony undertaken by the bride and groom.

However, there were many personal touches to the day, with the groom’s party wearing ties and handkerchiefs made from the bridesmaids’ dresses offcuts, and decorations and bonbonnieres designed and made by the bride.

Rebekkah said there was a fair share of drama leading up to their big day, with the devastating blow of having her wedding dress disappear around six months before the day.

She had taken her former debutante gown to be altered to a shop in Mitcham, only to discover two weeks later that the shop had gone into liquidation and her dress was lost for good.

Without a budget to cover a new dress, the couple started a chocolate-selling fund-raiser, and went door-to-door to try and raise money for a new dress.

Once the plight of the bride-to-be had reached newspapers, the couple’s new dressmaker - Gaye from Miss Bella in Boronia - contacted Rebekkah and said there had been a miraculous turn of events.

4

Wedding Bells

A surgeon, who had been cared for by Rebekkah’s great grandmother as a child and coincidentally treated Gaye when she had developed breast cancer, got in contact after hearing of the dress fiasco.

As a gesture of gratitude to her great grandmother, Rebekkah was only charged for the $500 deposit on the dress, and received a free veil and ring-cushion for the wedding.

“This was an incredible blessing at a time when we needed it most,” she said.

Despite delays caused by hair and make-up and rain coming down after the couple exchanged their vows on the big day, Sean and Rebekkah said the day was a success, and ended with a reception at Olinda’s Cuckoo Restaurant.

“We said our vows and were pronounced man and wife just minutes before the rain came down in earnest,” Rebekkah said.

“We have many treasured memories, and later our guests told us that they had a wonderful time at the ceremony and reception - even with the rain and thunder.”

She said the guests donned umbrellas and blew a barrage of bubbles over the newlyweds, as they made their way through the gardens to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love.

Later in the evening, the pair undertook a choreographed dance to Peter Gabriel’s song Book of Love, which had extra significance to them, as Sean had learned and played it for Rebekkah on their first anniversary.

After the wedding, Sean and Rebekkah took a road trip up to Pambula Beach in New South Wales for their honeymoon, and have since settled down in the Dandenong Ranges.

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Wedding Bells

5

Engagement keep it simple

By REBECCA BILLS IMAGINE, you’ve spent hours making and sending out engagement party invitations.

The venue has been booked, your guests have all RSVPed, interstate flights paid for, catering decided, music and entertainment reserved and then, two weeks before the date, there is a call to say the venue has closed down.

For Jessica Dodemond and Roberto Rivera, this was the case.

“I really thought we weren’t going to find a venue in that time frame, but thankfully they were really accommodating and no flights needed to be changed for family and friends visiting from interstate - which was one of my major concerns,” she said.

“But All Smiles - Ringwood East, came to our rescue when our original venue cancelled on us with less than two weeks before the event.

“We called a few other places but no one was available.”

Jessica said after the whole fiasco she would recommend when planning an engagement to go with your gut.

“If you think you might have trouble with the venue, you probably will that’s my experience anyway,” she said.

“Also keep it simple, you have a wedding coming up, so keeping the engagement simple and fun means all your guests will enjoy it.

“We were so lucky that it all came together in the time frame and we had a really memorable night Robbie’s speech even made me cry.”

Jessica said another big piece of advice was to budget properly and plan your engagement and wedding as a whole.

“I had a budget in mind and when I put it down on the spread sheet it was $10,000 over,” she said.

“Create your ideal guest list so you can figure out numbers from there.

“That really leads to how much money can be spent which makes it easier to choose a venue for both your engagement party, wedding venue and reception.”

6

Wedding Bells

tracks

Couple’s

By REBECCA BILLS

ON AN old abandoned Healesville railway line, Nathan Want led his bride-to-be Laura down a candle-lit track before getting down on one knee.

Along the old track over 400 candles placed in lanterns lit the way with each old plank of wood a different date or saying - ‘To me you are ... beautiful’, ‘To me you are ... to be cherished’.

As the couple reached the centre of the railway line, a little table with a sparkling ring was awaiting.

The serenading tunes of a guitarist playing ‘To Have You’ by the Sundance Kids drifted through the night’s air and Nathan got down on one knee and asked Laura to be his bride.

“It was so magical and I couldn’t believe it was all for me - that he had done this for me,” Laura said.

“It was the day before my 21st birthday and he told me he wanted to take me out for the day to celebrate.

“I had wondered if that may be the day he was going to propose but he kept throwing me off.”

The couple had spent the day exploring the Yarra Valley while Nathan had organised for some of the couple’s friends to set up the proposal site.

Nathan said he knew he was ready to pop the question to Laura when on an overseas work trip.

“I was reflecting on the state of our relationship, where we were at, and where we were going,” he said.

“I had a moment where I realised what we actually had, how significant our relationship was, and that we were designed to do life together.”

He said it took him around three weeks to perfect the proposal idea.

“After two weeks of scouting the Yarra Valley, I decided on an old abandoned railway line out the back of Healesville,” he said.

“I chose a railway line to propose because I felt it was symbolic of the journey we had been on - as I walked her up the track and then representative of where we’re going.

“The proposal point was like a station we were currently in, but as the tracks continued that was symbolic of all that’s to come,” he said.

Nathan and Laura were married three -and-a-half months after the engagement in Mount Evelyn.

are well-lit

Laura’s top five tips for brides during their engagement: 1 Don’t forget that the wedding isn’t everything - the marriage is the most important part - and if you haven’t invested into your relationship during your engagement season it will be a very challenging first year.

2 Do a ’Pre-Marriage’ course or have an older respected married couple that can invest into your relationship before saying ’I do’.

3 Sort out the ’big ticket items’ first like the date, invites, the budget, celebrant, rings, bridal outfits, photographer and venues then enjoy being engaged.

4 Planning a wedding can’t just be added on to all the things you already do, you actually have to compromise something else for a small time to spend time planning, but don’t compromise going out on dates.

5 Spend at least one night together every week where you don’t talk about wedding stuff and continue to grow and keep loving each other.

Over 400 candles in lanterns lit the way along the old abandoned railway line.

Nathan’s top five tips for grooms-to-be on popping the question: 1 Before proposing, have intentional conversations with your partner and another wise couple to talk through your relationship and plan for the future.

2 Do something that’s special to you both don’t feel like you have to match up to what everyone else has done but still make it special.

3 Have good mates around you that will walk with you before and post marriage.

4 Ask her Dad/Parents for her hand in marriage.

You can call me a traditionalist, but there’s something significant in involving them in your decision -having their blessing makes it that much more special.

5 Make sure you’re in it for life.

The mome nt asked Lau when Nathan Want ra to be h is wife.

Picture: JA CLYN KNO LL

Wedding Bells

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8

Wedding Bells

rainbow wedding

Grand low-cost

By KATH GANNAWAY

GENEVIEVE and fiancé Josh Kolmus knew what was important to them when it came to creating their dream wedding.

“What we wanted most of all was to have our closest friends and family with us on our wedding day,” said Gen adding that they were also working to a budget.

“We didn’t want to set ourselves back, and we wanted to do things in a way that felt real to us and who we are,” she said.

Having it all, in the end really wasn’t so much about compromise as about doing lots of research, being creative, buying online and tapping into the creative people around them.

Josh’s brother Jordan, a chef, made their rainbow wedding cake, Gen and her bridesmaids spent some quality time making the bridesmaids’ bouquets and a friend recommended a highly regarded local to do their photography.

Gen researched and designed her own dress and had it made overseas, and Josh hired his guitar teacher to play at their reception.

A bridal party of 12 may seem like a lot, but it was something the couple felt was not negotiable.

“I have six really close friends and it wouldn’t have felt right to pick just two or three bridesmaids and have my other friends watching from the sidelines,” Gen said.

In fact, her best friend wasn’t so much a chief bridesmaid as her best man! Gen said Kyle had been her best friend since high school and the natural choice for that role.

Each of the bridesmaids was given a rainbow colour for her dress (or tie in Kyle’s case) and were able to choose any style that suited them.

“Because I had six people, and all so different, rainbow colours seemed a happy choice,” Gen said.

Matching rainbow ties added a splash of colour to the guys’ suits.

The beautiful Dandenong Ranges provided all the magic and atmosphere for the perfect wedding with the ceremony held at the Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda and the reception at Josh’s parents’ Ferny Creek garden.

“We wouldn’t change a thing about our wedding.We weren’t in debt after we married, and we had an amazing day,” Gen said.

“It was relaxed, it was fun and it was us.”

Top: Josh and Gen Kolmus and the rainbow wedding party.

Insets: The rainbow wedding Cake.

The newlyweds Josh and Genevieve Kolmus.

The rainbow lolly buffet.

Photos: Vicki McKay, Red Chair Studio

Wedding Bells

9

Joy

By REBECCA BILLS THE months leading up to the big day can often be the most joyous, yet stressful for the bride-to-be.

For bride Claire Mosig, her soon-to-be husband Jake Venn was working overseas for the months leading up to their wedding, but despite the distance they were able to make it work.

“By the time he had come back, all the planning was done,” Claire said.

“I had a great time making all the decisions on my own.

“He was excited about the wedding, but didn’t really care what happened on the day as long as we were married by the end of it.”

The couple decided on tying the knot at Forest Edge in Gembrook.

“It is one of our favourite places to go for dinner - the view and atmosphere is amazing,” she said.

“The lead-up to the big day was scary for me though.

“I kept saying to Jake, ‘you know we don’t have to get married if you don’t want too,’ but he would tell me every day how excited he was and kept better track of how many days until the wedding than I did.”

Also during the lead-up, Claire had to go and buy another wedding dress.

“The first one become too big,” she said.

“I loved my first choice, however losing weight leading into the wedding meant I could get my dream dress.”

But at the end of the day, Claire said the only thing she would change about the couple’s special day was the time.

“We chose a morning wedding due to it being a Sunday - we wanted to give people the option to still go to work on the Monday and not be inconvenienced by us,” she said.

“Getting up at 3am to get ready was horrid though.

“I was ready for bed by noon - but everything else was perfect.”

Claire Mosig and her husband Jake Venn on their wedding day.

ERIN CAMILLE PHOTOGRAPHY

10

Wedding Bells

over stress ahead of wedding

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11

celebration A

all their own Kay Colomb and David Bozkewycz relaxed newlyweds.

Photos: Gina Braidner.

By KATH GANNAWAY “WHO gives this woman ... “.

When the celebrant asked that very traditional question at the wedding of Kay Colomb and David Bozkewycz, there was a resounding “WE DO!”.

Kay and Dave’s big day, celebrated at the Warburton Golf Club on 1 March this year, was a second marriage for both.

“You can afford to be a little more relaxed with a second wedding,” laughs Kay, who says she wanted to incorporate some tradition in the ceremony, but also felt comfortable with not being too bound by hard and fast rules.

“We came down from the top of the hill in a golf buggy and they had rolled out the red carpet for us,” she said.

Their 80 or so guests had been rehearsed for the “Who gives this woman?” question and it was one of many happy and memorable moments.

“It was really quite funny and a wonderful way for everyone to be part of the ceremony,” Kay said.

The Yarra Junction couple have been together for 14 years and their grown-up children were part of the celebration, Dave’s oldest Lauren and Kay’s oldest, Travis, witnessing the marriage certificate.

Kay’s dress was very much a departure from tradition, and in another nod to their own wedding style, her very best friend, Kym Stow, accompanied her down red carpet and was keeper of the rings.

Keeping things local wasn’t hard for the couple who live and work in an area that is known for its premium wedding locations.

The Warburton Golf Course with its immaculate greens, mountain backdrop and historic silo was a perfect setting for the ceremony, the photographs and the reception.

“It was just so relaxed and everyone at the club was fantastic,” Kay said. “We really didn’t have to worry about a single thing.”

Guests stayed at the Alpine Retreat Hotel and Kay and Dave joined them for a big buffet breakfast the next morning.

“Our wedding day was exactly as we’d envisaged,” Kay said. “A wonderful, relaxed day celebrated with family and friends in a beautiful part of the Yarra Valley.”

12

Wedding Bells

Kay and David

o.

at the historic sil

Making memories that last

By DANIELLE GALVIN

PLANNING an impeccable hen’s weekend is all about being organised and listening to what your bride wants.

That’s what I’ve learned after a perfect hens in spa country recently.

As the maid of honour, I was charged with planning a weekend away for my best friend and Sydneysider Jade Pascoe.

She was specific in her request for a beautiful two-day retreat and threw us some ideas including beauty treatments, massages, girly movies and a kitchen tea for the last day as a final send-off before the big day later next month in May. But the rest of the weekend was left up to her bridal party and it was important that we listened and took note of what she told us she wanted.

The first job was booking the accommodation which we organised quite a few months back.

Following that, the rest fell into place.

Knowing that my bride is a fanatic yoga lover, I organised for a local yoga teacher to start the weekend with a relaxing morning yoga session.

It only lasted for an hour but it was the best way to start off a busy weekend and it also had plenty of us in stitches (especially those who don’t know the difference between downward dog and shavasana).

The rest of the day included spa treatments for all of the girls, and an incredible dinner at one of the region’s best restaurants.

The key to the weekend was the fact that we listened to what our bride told us she wanted - and didn’t want.

As a bridesmaid, you know your bride better than most so my advice is trust your instincts and follow her hints when she tells you what she wants.

Being organised is also critical as is delegating smaller tasks - especially if you are making a weekend of it.

It doesn’t have to just be up to the bridal party, and generally there are a number of other people who also want to help out, bring some bottles of wine or help prepare a dish for the kitchen tea.

What’s most important is just to remember that no matter what, it’s just about spending time together and some of the best memories you create together on the hen’s weekend won’t cost you a dime.

The bridal party weekender including Danielle Galvin, Jade Pascoe, Laura Wright and Melinda Ferris.

Wedding Bells

13

Chantal and Luke Adams with their guests at Nathania Springs.

Settling Warburton Golf Club

Luke and Chantal Ad

ams .

Pictures: Bethany Copeland, Emotif Photograp hy

for the right celebrant

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By REBECCA BILLS

Once you visit Warburton you may never want to leave. Set amid the magnificent 18 hole golf course and gardens, our function room seats up to 150 guests and offers outdoor rotunda, cafe, restaurant and fully licensed bar, open till late.

Weddings, engagements and celebrations are our specialty.

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www.warburtongolf@bigpond.com 14

Wedding Bells

WHEN planning the big day, choosing the perfect celebrant should not be a hassle.

In between creating guest lists, choosing a venue, reception space and photographers, to name a few, choosing a marriage celebrant to ensure memories last a lifetime is imperative.

For newlyweds Luke and Chantal Adams, it was a teacher turned celebrant Julie Byrne that taught at the high school the two attended that was the perfect choice for them.

“We went to a friend’s wedding in February 2012 and she came up to our group of friends before the wedding and said ‘Luke Adams’,” Chantal said.

“She recognised him straight away.

“We watched the ceremony and really felt she took the pressure off the groom who was so nervous.”

The couple, who had been together for over 10 years before becoming engaged, said when choosing a celebrant it was important to have someone who was relaxed and clear.

Wedded in a summer wedding at Nathania Springs in Monbulk, the day was attended by 162 guests.

“We wanted it to be us, have fun and relaxed,” Chantal said.

“Our families were very helpful and we had plenty of time to organise everything.”

Chantal said the best part of organising the wedding was being able to spend valuable time with her mother who had a big input on helping her decide on her wedding dress and the finer details leading up to the day.

“Being creative and spending time with my mum making invites and doing the bonbonnieres was wonderful,” she said.

“My mum gave me a horse shoe of her mum’s, my grandma, and one of hers as my something borrowed and she also made one for me to keep.

“Luke and I had a beautiful day - although a bit hot, it was a very happy day.”

Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead in the Yarra Valley

weddings in the Yarra Valley

Imagine your wedding at Mont De Lancey in the beautiful Yarra Valley.

Mont De Lancey Chapel, gazebo, historic homestead and stunning gardens are the perfect location for your special day. Why not come and see Mont De Lancey for yourselves.

To arrange a visit please call us on 5964 2088 | Address: 71 Wellington Road, Wandin North http://www.montdelancey.org.au/events.weddings.php 1130105-CB21-14

YERING

M EADOWS

Join us for your special day!

Please contact our Function Coordinator for a personal tour –

Call Croydon Golf Club at Yering Meadows on (03) 9738 9000.

Located in the

beautiful Yarra Valley, Yering Meadows is the perfect location for that special day. With a romantic, intimate setting and spectacular views from any vantage point, and only 45 minutes from Melbourne.

Immaculately maintained grounds, an historical homestead, beautiful vistas of the Yarra Ranges and Walnut grove, your photo opportunities are endless.

This is your day so flexibility on our part enables you to create the wedding of your dreams.

Please contact our Function Coordinator for a personal tour

Photo courtesy of Lea Bingley

www.yeringmeadows.com.au Yering Meadows Golf Club 03 9738 9000

Wedding Bells

1130114-ACM21-14

Photo courtesy of Lea Bingley

15

‘I do’oak

By REBECCA BILLS

UNDER the leafy canopy of a 130-year-old oak tree, two lovers came together as one in the binding words ‘I do’.

Set among the private ‘Dairy House’ garden at the Yarra Valley Harvest Farm, Melbourne city slickers Joanne Bills and Steve Spencer alongside their family and friends celebrated the union of two families.

With Steve originally from Queensland, the couple were aware that a lot of family and friends would be travelling from interstate for the big day.

“We thought it would be great to make a weekend of it for local and visiting guests by taking everyone out of Melbourne and having the ’wedding festival’ in a beautiful location,” Jo said.

The couple said after looking at a lot of wineries and reception places not many felt right for a mature couple with a clear idea of what they wanted.

“We wanted somewhere we could have dancing and excellent food that would be relaxed and convivial,” Steve said.

“We both work in the dairy industry, so we naturally chose the ‘Dairy House’ as the location for the wedding preparations and the ceremony - it was meant to be.”

Jo said that the tree held a lot of symbolism for the couple as well.

“The tree made me think of a lot of the aspects of a great marriage,” she said.

“Sheltering, but always growing and adapting with seasons.

“It symbolised the roots we were putting down together and the strength that would give us as a couple and a family.”

At the end of the ceremony, Steve’s two daughters read Khalil Gibran’s poem on Marriage.

“And stand together yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.”

Jo said the final lines were very appropriate to the location and that special oak tree.

Jo Bills and Steve Spencer married at the Yarra Valley Harvest Farm.

Picture: BEN DIFFERDING

16

Wedding Bells

under

the old

tree

cooped

Can’t keep ’em

By KATH GANNAWAY

GIRLS just wanna have fun! And, if you think Cyndi Lauper got that wrong, just go along to a hens day ... or night!

When the Sisterhood get together with wedding bells on the horizon, fun has to be the top KPI for a party.

Hens parties used to be a simple get-together at a local restaurant or a party-bus around the city in the week leading up to the wedding, but with many brides now not taking that walk down the aisle until their mid-twenties and later, the girls are refusing to be cooped up.

Almost any company offering an experience can tailor their product to a girl-only zone with fun as the ultimate test of success.

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are rich with ideas.

Options range from the fruit bottling and chocolate-making workshops to high-tea at a five-star restaurant, indulgent two-day or three-day get-aways at a luxury spa and extreme adventure experiences.

For spring and summer brides, a day at the races is a great choice while a hot air flight over the vineyards and orchards of the Yarra Valley is spectacular in Autumn.

Limousine or bus tours of the local wineries and restaurants are still among the most popular year-round options for the girls-day-out.

For hens with a bit of pluck, an extreme bonding experience will put wedding nerves into perspective and create amazing memories - not to mention photos!

Experiences range from horse riding and bushwalking treks to caving, kayaking and abseiling. Sharing aerial challenges among the tall trees of the Dandenong Ranges’ rainforest is a spectacular departure from the ordinary, but parachuting from a plane! That says “I’m ready for anything”.

“L-plate” bride Tasha Praski (second from right) had fun at the races with her mum Gayle Praski and friends Katie Lamaro, Kat Andonopoulos, Carissa Benette and Kahli Young.

Healesville’s country race meeting and a ‘bad bridesmaids’ dress’ theme were fun for bride Meaghan and friends Megan, Fetechina, Sarah and Jane.

Pictures: KATH GANNAWAY.

Nine Grangehair & beauty

1089129-SL45-13

Nine Grange Hair and Beauty specialise in hair up styling and make up artistry.

We offer a 24 hours 7 days a week service.

We understand the importance of your Wedding Day. We offer on-site or Full salon service.

Ph: 9730 2570 Shop 9, 38-40 Bell Street, Yarra Glen

Wedding Bells

17

attire

Settling for the ideal

By REBECCA BILLS

DECIDING on the bridal party’s attire can be a complicated part of the wedding for brides and grooms to decide on.

Should all the bridesmaids be dressed the same, long dresses or short dresses, heels or flats?

And for the men, ties or bow-ties, suit jacket or no suit jacket? The list really does go on.

But for bride Sarah Wearne, she was determined to have all her bridesmaids dressed in the same dress despite a 15-year age gap between the bridesmaids.

“They ranged in age from 11 to 26, so I needed a style that would suit them all,” she said.

“Luckily, I found a dress maker who made dresses in adult and junior sizes - all in the same style.

“The hardest part was one of the bridesmaids was overseas, so all her sizing had to be done by guess.”

Sarah said the next interesting part of the process was choosing the colour.

“It was initially a dark rose colour but when it came to ordering, the closest they could get was a burnt orange - which worked out much better in the end anyway,” she said.

“Our theme then became burnt orange.”

Sarah said the job of dressing the groomsmen and the groom was left to her husband Ben but all decisions in regards to the day were made together.

“He selected suits to match his suit just with a different vest and tie,” she said.

“I did most of the research and organising and then we would sit down together and go through the options I had short listed.

“It always came back to what we both wanted and if we couldn’t agree, then we would cut it out of the list and think of other options.”

The couple said the most stressful part of preparing for a wedding was budgeting.

“Weddings can easily be blown out with the little things that sometimes get forgotten or cost a lot more than initially thought - such as wedding rings,” she said.

Sarah said the couple spent nearly 18 months planning the wedding as they did not want to rush the process.

“We didn’t want to settle for second best,” she said.

“As we had time on our side, we could take our time researching suppliers to find the best one.

“We received so many compliments from our family and friends on how much they enjoyed our wedding and how it was one of the best they have been too even the speeches they liked.”

Sarah and Ben Wearne with their bridal party.

Picture: ROM ANTHONIS - SMASH PHOTOGRAPHY

18

Wedding Bells

Maree Livy Marriage celebrant

“Love, laughter and happily ever after” My personal commitment to you is to ensure that your wedding ceremony will be as unique as you are, and will be memorable and meaningful for you and your guests.

I live locally in the beautiful Yarra Valley and am familiar with many ceremony venues and gardens in the area. Let’s talk about your wedding today!

Wedding

Nicole Chambers Commonwealth Registered Marriage and Civil Celebrant

Bluehaze Ceremonies Celebrations for all occasions

“Life is a flower of which love is the honey” -Victor Hugo

Giving you a truly personalised and unique ceremony

Julie Kowalski

I will work closely with you from our first meeting to the conclusion of your special day to create a magical and memorable ceremony that reflects you. I strive to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed with my friendly, fun and open minded attitude.

Marriage Celebrant and Master of Ceremonies I am located in Emerald, Victoria - the heart of the eastern Dandenong Ranges. I will work with you in creating a ceremony that will be unique and meaningful; that will speak from the heart and reflect your commitments, hopes and dreams; and that may also involve a sense of fun.

E: nicole@nicolechamberscelebrancy.com.au W: www.nicolechamberscelebrancy.com.au 1030673-SH19-12

Bruce Shand JP Celebrant I offer a high standard of personalised, relaxed and enjoyable wedding ceremonies for you to choose, accommodating different cultural beliefs, hopes, personalities and philosophies.

Mob. 0408 392 357 Home. (03) 59684057 Email: julie_kowalski@ymail.com Please visit www.bluehazeceremonies.com

1089171-SL45-13

P: (03) 9876 0643 M: 0427 300 668

1132284-LB20-14

1131291-LB20-14

Celebrants

Celebrant Maree m: 0409235243 e: mareelivy@bigpond.com w: www.mareelivy.com.au facebook.com/CelebrantMaree

1132633-LB20-14

Susan Green

MARRIAGE CELEBRANT

Member of Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants The day you say ‘I do’ will remain in your memory forever. As your celebrant, I offer my years of celebrancy experience and total commitment to you and your ceremony with professionalism, calmness and flexibility.

You design your ceremony, I will arrange the documentation.

Overseas fiancé visa letters also arranged.

Celebrate your special day the way you want.

Phone: (03) 9879 6726 Email: shand1@bigpond.com.au Website: www.bruceshand.com.au

0419 353 839 | contact@susangreencelebrant.com.au www.susangreencelebrant.com.au

Cathlyn Woollard

Marriage Vows Renewal of Vows & Commitment Ceremonies Name Giving

Marriage Celebrant Warm Unique or Traditional Ceremonies that reflect “YOU” Specialising in - Rose Ceremonies - Sand or Salt Ceremonies - Candle Lighting Ceremony - Warming of the Rings And many More

t | 8761 6496 m | 0407 257 282 e | mcgrath14@bigpond.com

Kaye McGrath Civil Marriage Celebrant

1130135-LN21-14

Mob 0408 102 065 BH. 97256717 Email: cathywool@bigpond.com 1026340-JL19-12

www.yarravalleycelebrants.com.au

Wedding Bells

19

Legendary

wedding

at Hedgend Maze

By JESSE GRAHAM

AFTER a proposal video went viral, hitting screens across the world last year, Healesville’s Adrian Gardiner and Libbi Taite tied the knot in their town, officially starting a life together.

The pair were married on Saturday 8 March at Healesville’s Hedgend Maze, after their proposal video received worldwide attention.

The video was made at the opening of Libbi’s new hairdressing salon, Mugshot Hair, in July 2013.

Adrian, who had recently broken his back, decided to wait on bended knee outside while Libbi took down newspaper covering the windows.

However, Libbi had been busy setting up the shop and was unaware of her husband-to-be struggling outside of the now-uncovered windows, and was surprised when Adrian called out to her.

Adrian said the video, originally posted on the salon’s Facebook page, received thousands of views online, and was even screened on a morning television show in America.

He said that, in contrast to the popular proposal, the wedding was relaxed and “cruisy”, with every detail of the day going off without a hitch.

“It’s kind of strange, to be honest,” he said.

“For us, it was almost like a victory - the proposal video went viral basically off of the fact that I had broken my back a week earlier.

“We faced a lot of adversity last year, and got caught up in that - to be at the other end of it is a massive relief,” Adrian said.

The wedding was done with a simple, traditional theme with some rustic, country elements, with flowers in galvanised buckets, old jars with candles and plenty of timber styling about.

Adrian said the couple decided not to have a wedding planner for the big day, and that he ended up designing the decorations himself.

“Lib and I had discussed it and looked at pictures, to come up with the concept of how we wanted things to look, rather than explain it to someone else,” he said.

The bridal and groom’s party consisted of two senior and junior bridesmaids and groomsmen, with the juniors being the couple’s four children.

The reception was held at Badger Creek’s Sanctuary House, and, after the wedding, Mr and Mrs Gardiner jumped on a plane to Bangkok in Thailand for their honeymoon.

Though there were no dramatic events or last-minute calamities standing out from the big day, the couple will have a memorable story to tell from their proposal alone.

Adrian and Libbi Gardiner tie the knot.

Pictures: MATTHEW TAITE

20

Wedding Bells

a theme...

Rebecca and Zach Rodwell with their bridal party.

Going for

By REBECCA BILLS

CHOOSING a theme for a wedding may seem straight forward.

Black and white, tropical, rustic or rainbow themed, or even something a little more unique - maybe a James Bond theme or a Tarzan and Jane style day have been of choice for some.

But for born and bred country couple Rebecca and Zach Rodwell, they wanted to embrace their roots and host a rustic themed wedding for their special day.

Keeping the accessories to a minimum, it was the subtle nuances of cowboy boots under the dresses and wedding ribbon adorning the matching utes that set the theme.

Rebecca said that it was these little touches that helped make the theme work and add that extra special touch to the day.

“We just wanted something a little bit different but nothing over the top,” she said.

“It took a lot of work and research to get it just right and my bridesmaids helped so much to find the right style for our wedding day.

“The hardest part was finding a dress that matched my boots.”

Rebecca said keeping the focus on the wedding was important and keeping the theme tasteful and elegant was really imperative to her and her husband.

“Both the wedding and the reception was held at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong which is quite a classy venue so we used the wedding cake as the centre point at the reception to keep the theme subtle but still visible,” she said.

“We had personalised glasses that we had made for the bridal party on the bridal table and personalised stubby holders for the guests as bonbonnieres.

“We really loved the entire day and so did our guests.”

It is important when planning a themed wedding to keep the focus on the marriage and not the accessories, but use the accessories to add your personality as a couple to the special day.

boots and all!

Left: Rebecca and Zach Rodwell at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong.

Pictures: ILONA BENNETT – ON THE WALL PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding Bells

21

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22

Wedding Bells

Wedding

Directory

Accommodation

Dorset Gardens, Croydon

8

Gum Gully Farm, Silvan

5

The Heart of Emerald B&B 14 Kilvington Dr, Emerald Phone: 0404 659 683 www.heartofemerald.com.au

3

Occasions & More Shop 47, 1880 Ferntree Gully Road, Ferntree Gully Phone: 9758 5482 www.occasionsandmore.com.au

8

Kookaberry Strawberry Farm

11

Celebrants

19

Celebrant Maree

5 15

Oakridge Wines, Garden 864 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream Phone: 9789 9900 www.oakridgewines.com.au

Diva For A Day

24

JJ’s Photography

5

Kym Griffiths Photography Phone: 0413 804 083 www.kymgriffiths.com Mandalay Photography 2 Manse St, Healesville Phone: 5962 4337 www.mandalayphotography.com.au

Pre Wedding Celebrations (Hens, Bucks)

Florist

Chirnside Park Country Club, Chirnside Park

11

Viva La Fleur Shop 1, 13 Kilvington Dr, Emerald Phone: 5968 6524 www.vivalafleur.com

Sanctuary House, Healesville

3

Giftware & Accessories

Cakes & Bonbonnieres

Bruce Shand

Photography

St Cuthbert’s Chapel 196 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Menzies Creek Phone: 5968 6350

Bridal Wear

Bluehaze Ceremonies

Silvermist Studios 136 Maroondah Highway, Healesville Phone: 5962 5470 www.silvermist.com.au

Avalon Castle 1 Flora Close, Cockatoo Phone: 5968 8392 www.avaloncastle.com.au

Mont De Lancey, Wandin

Yarra Valley Motel 755 Myers Creek Road, Blackburn South Phone: 9735 3000 www.yarravalleymotel.com.au

Jennifer Anne Cakes

Jewellers/Rings

Gum Gully Farm, Silvan – Garden

Lakehouse Healesville Phone: 0427 960 738 www.lakehousehealesville.com.au Sanctuary House, Healesville

Churches, Chapels & Garden Ceremonies

Fairly Cambodian Shop 22, 222 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville Phone: 5962 1112 www.fairlycambodian.com

Hair, Health & Beauty Creating Confidance – Mobile Service Michelle Caddle Phone: 0447 292 753 E: mcaddle86@hotmail.com

Warburton Golf Club, Warburton Dorset Gardens, Croydon

14 8

Reception Venues Chirnside Park Country Club, Chirnside Park Dorset Gardens, Croydon

11 8

Forest Edge, Gembrook

11

Gum Gully Farm, Silvan

5

Oakridge Wines 864 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream Phone: 9738 9900 www.oakridgewines.com.au Sanctuary House, Healesville

3

Warburton Golf Club, Warburton

14 15

Susan Green

Hewstone Hairdressing Shop 4, 5-7 Kilvington Dr, Emerald Phone: 5968 6036

Yering Meadows, Yarra Glen

Yarra Valley Celebrants

Nine Grange Hair & Beauty, Yarra Glen 17

Art With Distinction

Kaye McGrath Nicole Chambers

Other

Wedding Bells

5

23

1133288-LB20-14