Wedding Guide
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GEELONG’S RUSTIC WEDDING VENUE www.rockleafarm.com.au
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ROCKLEA FARM STONEHAVEN
Wwelcome E LCO M E
What a journey and honour it’s been creating this magazine! From the very beginning of Geelong Wedding Guide, I never envisioned creating a magazine. It was always meant to be simply an online directory celebrating our local wedding community. We soon found a gap in the market for a fresh and new approach to wedding expos, which we very quickly realised the Geelong community was craving. Fast forward three and a bit years when we realised there was more opportunity to give Geelong a bold, and most importantly practical, magazine on the shelves. This magazine is your local guide to planning a wedding in Geelong. Our goal was to assist couples by creating a helpful and practical guide, to ensure you have the whole Geelong wedding community right beside you on your wedding planning journey. As you’ll read throughout this magazine, we have enlisted the help of some of the best in biz right here in Geelong. None of us are experts in everything, but in our specific fields we like to think we know a thing or two. Whether it be about choosing your perfect celebrant or photographer, looking after your mental health during the wedding planning process or even how the heck to plan your backyard DIY wedding – we’re certain you’ll find all the info you need right here. Happy reading and happy planning to all of our loved up couples, this guide is for you.
Dani
CO V E R I M A G E – T H E H O G A N S W E D D I N G S JOANNE & THOMAS PUBLISHER W E D D I N G G U I D E M E D I A P T Y LT D E D I TO R A N D C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R DA N I F O N TA N A GRAPHIC DESIGNER RUBY O’DOWD ADVERTISING MANAGER T I F FA N Y LO N G BUSINESS MANAGER M AT T H E W F O N TA N A CO P Y W R I T E R RHIANNON NORBECK P O S TA L A D D R E S S P O B OX 1 1 7 B A N N O C K B U R N 3 3 3 1 V I C ABN 37 650 139 147 ISSN 2653 - 1682 CO N TA C T U S H E L LO @ G E E LO N GW E D D I N G G U I D E . CO M . AU 0401044024 W E A C K N O W L E D G E T H E WA DA W U R R U N G P E O P L E O F T H E KU L I N N AT I O N A S T H E T R A D I T I O N A L C U S TO D I A N S O F T H E L A N D H E R E I N G E E LO N G , V I C TO R I A . I R E CO G N I S E THE ONGOING CO N N E C T I O N A N D CO N T R I B U T I O N TO L A N D, C U LT U R E , A N D CO M M U N I T Y O F A B O R I G I N A L A N D TO R R E S S T R A I T I S L A N D E R P E O P L E S T H R O U G H O U T AU S T R A L I A . I PAY M Y R E S P E C T S TO E L D E R S PA S T, P R E S E N T, A N D E M E R G I N G .
Wedding Guide Media Pty Ltd is FSC accredited and is printed with soy based inks. You may not reproduce any content in whole or in part without the express written consent of the Publisher. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher. No responsibility can be accepted by the Publisher for errors and omissions, and no responsibility can be accepted for the images and text supplied by advertisers. All images are provided to the Publisher by advertisers and real wedding submissions with the expectation that the image owner is aware and has given their approval.
contributors CO N T R I B U TO R S THE HOGANS WEDDINGS N I CO L E P E N N I N G TESNI ROWLANDS CHRISTINE WHELAN B E C CO N N O L LY SARAH CZARNUCH J E S S I CA A L D E R TO N M T D U N E E D E S TAT E E M I LY CA S E Y C R E W FA C E D H A I R B Y E V I E R AU B E R F LO R E T T E B R I DA L H O U S E E M B R A C E B R I DA L B O U T I Q U E SOHO BRIDE PEARLS & ROSES AND THE VEIL B E R N I C E FA S H I O N S FOREVERNESS DOWN THE ROAD WEDDINGS JILL BINGHAM J E S S I E WA L S D O R F V I O L E T WA L S D O R F I M O G E N F O N TA N A LO U H A M M E R R O C K L E A FA R M S O P H I E F I S K P H OTO G R A P H Y
B O U T I Q U E E V E N T CO THE POSIE PLACE LAINIE BROOKMAN SUITSWELL N E O N H I R E AU S T R A L I A B OX E D A N D B O A R D S LO U I S PA S CA L JA M I L A J O H N S M A K E U P DOLLHOUSE HAIR ARTISTRY LO V E KAT E CA K E CO P E TA B E L L ISAAC CRAWLEY RHIANNON NORBECK JA K E H O G A N 1915 J E S S I CA A B B Y P H OTO G R A P H Y P E T E R JA C K S O N TO N E S O F B R O N Z E L AV E N D E R C R E AT I V E STEPHANIE BAILEY M I TC H E L L A D D I S O N TA B L E A R T JEANETTE MAREE
YO U R G U I D E to Oour TO U R Gguide UIDE THE GUIDE
LO V E S TO R I E S
10.
PLANNING
14.
MEGAN & SHANE
22.
VENUE
36.
L AU R E N & T I M
42.
CELEBRANTS
50.
S H AU N A & R A S H E L
54.
DIY AND HIRE
58.
M I L LY & C H R I S
84.
CAT E R I N G
66.
AMY & SHANE
98.
E LO P E M E N T S
90.
ANNABEL & ANTHONY
1 1 2 . FA S H I O N
1 0 0 . KAT E & Z A C H
1 4 0 . P H OTO G R A P H Y A N D F I L M
1 0 8 . B R I T TA N Y & B R E N DA N
1 5 2 . B E AU T Y
1 4 8 . G E M M A & CO R E Y
1 5 8 . S T Y L I N G A N D F LO R I S T R Y
1 6 6 . KAT I E & E M M A N U E L 8
108.
66.
100.
S T Y L E D S H O OT S 26.
1915
72.
PERFECT DIY WEDDING
1 1 4 . L I F E ’ S TO O S H O R T
FOR BORING DRESSES 9
90.
planning PLANNING
“I HOPE MY WEDDING IS A S G O O D A S W H AT I PINNED ON PINTEREST”
SET A BUDGET MAKE A GUEST LIST C H O O S E W E D D I N G PA R T Y DECIDE STYLE & THEME V I S I T P OT E N T I A L V E N U E S RESEARCH VENDORS R E S E A R C H PA S T R E A L W E D D I N G S C H O O S E CO LO U R S C H E M E
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IMAGE: BE HERE BE NOW PHOTOS & FILMS
YOUR WEDDING, YOUR WAY WRITTEN BY NICOLE PENNING If you take the time to stop, reflect and picture what moments in life mean the most to you, one of the most precious things yet to come may be your wedding day. As long as you have something to wear, you both turn up, two witnesses are present and there is someone there to make it official – you can get married! But it would be nice to have the moment captured on film, be able to enjoy something to eat and drink, have some music playing in the background and if you want, some other humans to share it all with you. Now start by jotting down ideas and notes about what your perfect wedding day looks like. Think about what you need, what you want, what you would like (and yes, they are all three different things). You also need to know what you don’t want – which is usually the easiest of them all! In truth, it all comes down to your budget. Not only what you can afford, but what you want to or are willing to spend on this one day. You might have champagne taste and a champagne budget. But if it is beer we are talking, then so be it! Yes, budget plays its part but so too must you and your fiancés lifestyle, your hobbies, your personal interests and what connects with your soul. Decide on what your non-negotiables are and make this part of your wish list. As long as it is in line with your budget and what is financially possible you will then be on track to planning your wedding, your way. In deciding your style, theme, vibe, colour, look and feel; it should be a reflection of you as individuals and as a couple together. Your wedding can be anything you want it to be and often reflects where you met, where you had your first date or where you got engaged. If meeting on Tinder doesn’t spark inspiration for you, might I introduce you to Pinterest: the King and Queen of social media imagery where your imagination is taken on a journey of discovery and you will uncover wedding ideas that you never dreamed of! Save the images
you like to get an idea of what is possible, then work backwards to have these ideas align with your budget. You might have to grieve the wedding you can’t afford along the way, but the end product will be a wedding that has been suitably and uniquely tailored to you. One of these choices will be deciding on the year, season, or month you get married. The exact day, date and time then might come down to availability of your dream ceremony and reception location. Your guest list can be a contentious issue but it really shouldn’t be. Picture your ideal guests, and the faces you want staring back at you in the moment you say, I do. Once you know the when, where, and how for your wedding plans, the rest is just all in the details, which should all link back to your nonnegotiables and your budget. Including personal and unique details into your ceremony or reception can create powerful and sentimental moments that will be remembered for a lifetime, so give this prospect the respect and consideration it deserves. Some other traditions to strongly consider if they are for you or not are: wedding rings, traditional wedding attire, religious or non-religious elements, the night before your wedding day and the day getting ready, a recovery session the next day, who writes your ceremony script, who delivers your ceremony, a social media hashtag made just for you #beerbudgetwedding2022 Finally, your wedding vows: the whole reason you are planning this big day! A statement about your life together from the moment you first met, to every good morning and every good night in-between. Hopefully the words you share in this moment will ring true for decades to come and you can reminisce over them on every anniversary and be reminded of the dream wedding you pulled off. The one you planned your way, and your way only.
“ YO U R WEDDING CA N B E A N YT H I N G YO U WA N T. . .”
@nicolepenningcivilcelebrant
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IMAGE: JULIE ANNE PERARA PHOTOGRAPHY
THE BORING STUFF WRITTEN BY MATT FONTANA Yes that’s right, you guessed it! Time for a rational conversation about managing the finances of your wedding. For most of us, the budget and dollars part of the wedding can be pretty boring so I’m going to keep this as interesting and practical as possible, without telling you that being an Excel wiz is the only way. The fact is, I don’t expect everyone to be even half interested in running a spreadsheet and itemising every wedding expense like I would. So, I’d rather be realistic and give you one big picture choice that will be likely to save you thousands at one single decision point. And that decision is simply choosing the style of your wedding. When it comes to overall cost, no other decision will dictate the cost of your wedding like the style you choose. The four most common options in order of expense are as follows: - Reception style wedding - Cocktail wedding at venue or property - Backyard party at home - Elopement. Option 1:1: The Reception Style Wedding. The reception style wedding is awesome because let’s be honest, it’s traditional, somewhat easier in execution and usually combines both catering and a venue in one neat package. You can expect that the venue will provide a ceremony and reception in the same package with food and beverage packages to suit. Advantages of this style are that it’s tried
and tested, reduces organisational burden on the couple and makes the most of someone else’s hard work. By this I mean there are some great venues around the Geelong area and you get to enjoy them all to yourself on your special day. The disadvantage to this style of wedding is that it is generally harder to customize your wedding to the same degree that you may have with the other styles. Option 2: 2: The Cocktail Wedding. This style still maintains both a ceremony and a reception, however you’ll find the setting less formal (usually on a private property or at a purpose-built venue) and the reception won’t be the strict three to five-course dinner that you’d expect from a more traditional setting. Catering will be left up to you, which in most cases will consist of food trucks, specialist caterers and beverage providers. The advantage with this option is that you get to customise your wedding to suit your personal taste, while the disadvantage to a cocktail wedding is that there tends to be a few more pieces to bring together which usually can be made easy by an event coordinator. You should expect to pay more where your vendors are required to travel a distance from their usual area of work. Option 3: 3: The Backyard Party. This one is straightforward - you get a celebrant, a sh*t load of booze and caterers and you enjoy your big day in the comfort 13
of your own home or property. This style tends to be more casual in terms of dress code and general formalities, while the venue is not usually as prestigious as you’d expect in the other two styles. The advantage of the home wedding is that you have full control over your day and it can be more relaxed, or it can have the reverse impact and end up being more stressful if you aren’t a natural organiser of things and people. Another disadvantage is that you will need to manage all aspects from go-towoe if you aren’t in a position to hire an event co-ordinator. Option 4. Elopement. This is the situation where you say, I don’t need the party or the big speeches, I just need you! And funnily enough it’s more popular than ever to tie the knot in the company of usually no more than a dozen people, including the photographer. The drawback is that you won’t have everyone there to enjoy it with you, however you also won’t have the headache of an endless to-do list like the other styles of weddings and the stress of a big event. I hope this helps any couple planning a wedding know what they are getting themselves into. It’s always wise to keep a log of your wedding costs as you go, but choosing how you want to celebrate is really the first step to a financially savvy wedding. @boutiqueeventco
Megan & Shane
The Love Story Megan and I met at work in late 2015, and became best friends within a matter of months. Initially, we remained squarely in each other’s friend-zones’, tackling projects together at work and getting along well. As time went on, we struck up a friendship that extended beyond the office, and begun to hang out outside work, going to music festivals and nights out with the work crew. We remained good friends for a few years, until a kiss at a New Years’ Eve party in Sydney changed everything. Six months later, we made it official at a music festival in the Netherlands in 2018. At this point, it became difficult to keep it secret at work. When we let everyone know, we received a range of reactions - from the totally unsurprised, to those in disbelief. It was quite amusing! As a couple, we find some of our strong points to be our incredible similarity to each other, our endless list of shared interests and opinions, our unique shared sense of humour, and our love for the outdoors - you’ll often find us down the beach in our hometown.
We knew early on in our relationship that we were the right fit for each other and that our love was only going to strengthen. We were ready to commit to a life together and in late 2019, we picked out a ring together. How was I going to pull off a surprise proposal without Megan figuring it all out? I began thinking about my options and decided that a pop-up picnic at a location close to my heart in Barwon Heads was the best option. Under the guise of my own birthday celebrations, I ensured Megan dressed up for the occasion. After a slightly awkward birthday dinner with my parents (who were in on the surprise), I requested that we go on a walk. This walk led us to a beautiful scene - a pop up picnic under a very old Moonah tree. Megan insisted that we don’t go up there as someone was doing a photo shoot. Once I got down on one knee, she realised the whole thing was for her. Since we began our relationship at that music festival in the Netherlands, we have almost spent 24/7 together - and have loved every moment.
The Proposal I was surprised the day went so smoothly. Who knew that with a bit of intricate planning, it would be possible to surprise someone who already knew about the engagement ring? I started the day with a trip to Adventure Park for my birthday - a bit of a decoy. After a long day, we came home and got all dressed up to meet my parents for dinner. I think mum almost slipped up and said something about the ring once at dinner, and I could barely eat due to nerves and excitement! I’m a guy who likes to go on a lot of walks, so I figured a request to go for a walk after dinner, especially on my birthday would go down well despite being in dress clothes. Once we arrived at the proposal site, Megan insisted that the popup picnic was for someone else, and that we shouldn’t go and intrude. I led her up the hill and asked her to take off her jacket. Amy Lee Carlon began taking our photos - she really knew how to capture the moment without intrusion. I couldn’t have hoped for a better photographer. The picnic setup provided by Vanessa from A Simple Wish was impeccable - I may be biased, but I think it’s one of her best setups. The rose-petal-icebucket with Champagne was
an incredibly nice touch. The flowers from As Daisy Does (natives and proteas) suited the scene perfectly and the platter from Five ft One was amazing. I couldn’t have put this all together without the help of everyone listed here - the communication from and between each of these vendors was flawless and everything was really easy to organise. They were really able to bring my vision to life! Once Megan realised what was going on, I got down on one knee and asked Megan to marry me. I had prepared a speech on paper, but decided to wing it. Much to my and Amy’s (our photographer) dismay and surprise, all that came out of Megan’s mouth in response was a very high pitched ‘Oh my god noooo! I MEAN YES! OF COURSE, YES!’ My heart only sunk there for a few seconds! Luckily Amy paused shooting for a moment until we were back on track! It was a perfect day and I was so happy that we were able to celebrate our love by taking it to the next level. I wish we could do it all over again, as it was such a nerve-racking but incredibly amazing experience. We were lucky enough to also have our engagement party in March 2021, roughly a year after the proposal.
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Styling A Simple Wish Events @asimplewishevents Photographer Amy Lee Carlon Photography @amyleecarlonphotography Florist As Daisy Does @asdaisydoes Catering Five ft One Cafe @fiveftone.cafe Jewellery Michael Hill @michaelhillj
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IMAGE: ANCHOR & HOPE
MANAGING FAMILY EXPECTATIONS WRITTEN BY NICOLE PENNING If you haven’t realised it yet, everyone that loves you will stake a claim to your wedding day. You may have your biological parents, and or stepparents, those that instrumentally influenced your childhood, and whether it is a blessing or a curse, you may have family who are paying for your wedding. Consider your current relationship with your influential family members – as this will generally dictate the amount of input you might invite your family to have in planning your wedding. The key to successfully managing your family’s expectations is to make sure you have your nonnegotiables worked out first with your fiancé, on what you want your wedding to look like. You can then share this insight with the important people in your lives. Otherwise, you might fall into the trap of planning your parents’ dream wedding – not yours! Shotgun weddings, elopements, destination weddings, legals only and registry weddings are often not well favoured by family who want to share in your celebrations. If this is your dream style of wedding and you want to keep it a secret – be prepared for the fallout of that decision when they find out the truth. To soften the blow, maybe you can plan to renew your vows later with your family and friends present.
Having one-on-one conversations with your critical family members will give you dedicated time to have these discussions. It is easy to overlook, under acknowledge or unintentionally disrespect our parents when planning. Give them the consideration they deserve and thank them in your speeches, in a hand-written letter, with a gift, a song for you to dance with them at the reception, or by having them be invited up the front in your ceremony to be the very first to congratulate you. Ask them to hold the rings, hold a bouquet or be the legal witnesses. But don’t feel obligated to do such things unless they are relevant and appropriate to you and your family’s circumstances. For any concerns along the way that your family might have, simply ask the question: may I ask why that concerns you? They may have unresolved regret over their own wedding day. It is worth acknowledging that some parental figures may feel like they are losing their son or daughter, rather than officially gaining one. These conversations may result in an unexpected bonding experience alongside a wedding that is meaningful, symbolic, beautiful, and truly intentional. Your wedding day should be a true reflection of you both as individuals and as a couple, that represents both of your families combined.
“ YOU R W EDDI NG DAY SH OU LD BE A TRU E REFLECTI ON OF YOU BOTH ”
@nicolepenningcivilcelebrant
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PRE-WEDDING MENTAL HEALTH WRITTEN BY TESNI ROWLANDS Getting engaged and planning your wedding can be an exciting time. Yet the reality of long to-do lists, personal expectations, financial strain and balancing external pressure from friends and family can be incredibly stressful and have a negative impact on your mental health. According to a recent survey, 96% of couples said that planning their wedding was stressful, and 40% of those couples categorized wedding planning as “extremely stressful.” Without careful consideration, stress associated with wedding planning can impact your dayto-day wellbeing as well as your ongoing mental health. Clinical psychologist Tesni Rowlands shares useful tips on caring for your mental health throughout the wedding planning process and beyond. Let go of having the ‘perfect wedding’ In the age of carefully curated images that flood social media, many couples feel pressure to create a ‘picture perfect’ day. Many of us have spent endless hours imagining how our perfect wedding will look, combing Google, Pinterest and Instagram photos for inspo and screenshotting gorgeous weddings we long to recreate. When we face the reality of planning our own wedding, the pressure of striving for our idea of the ‘perfect wedding’ will almost certainly lead to stress and disappointment. Rather than pouring energy into ensuring every detail of your wedding is ‘perfect’, start by discussing with your partner what you both feel is most important and what is least important. Next write a list of things which are out of your control (e.g. weather, restrictions, what other people think). Agree as a couple to only invest your time and energy into what is important and what is within your control and let go of the rest. Monitor your thoughts and feelings while planning your wedding Our brain generates thousands of thoughts every day; while many of our thoughts come and go, some of our thoughts can be unhelpful and have a
negative impact on how we feel. Unhelpful thoughts can assume the worst, ignore the positives or call us names. Unhelpful thoughts are rarely based in fact and generally make us feel bad about ourselves or our situation. When engaging in stressful activities such as wedding planning, holding onto our unhelpful thoughts can result in increased feelings of anxiety, low mood or resentment towards the big day. If you notice that you are feeling this way while planning your wedding, acknowledge your thoughts without judgement, remind yourself that your thoughts hold no power over you and try to let them go. You can also try talking to your partner, a friend, or trusted family members about how you are feeling as they may help you to reframe or challenge the thoughts that aren’t serving you positively. Take time to prioritise yourself Planning your wedding will most likely be an additional task on top of an already busy life. When we add more to our full plate, we tend to put our own needs to the bottom of our list of priorities. According to a recent survey, 86% of couples surveyed about wedding stress reported physical side effects such as increased skin breakouts, reduced sex drive and poor sleep while planning their wedding. Ensuring that we prioritise self-care means we will be more likely to manage the stress when it does eventually arise. Practicing self-care means making time for restful sleep, being active every day, staying well-fed and hydrated and practicing some form of mindfulness or relaxation each day. If you are finding it difficult to find the time to care for yourself, set aside 10 minutes a week to review your schedule and book in time for self-care to ensure it happens. Focus on the present moment When spending extended periods of time planning a wedding, it can be easy to become fixated on the future and forget to live in the moment. Without an anchor in the present moment, our mind can easily become stressed and overwhelmed.
Mindfulness can work as our anchor and can work as an antidote against stress. When stressed, our heart rate and blood pressure increases and our body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol into our bloodstream. Long term impacts of stress have been found to have detrimental impacts on our overall physical and mental health. Practicing mindfulness has been scientifically proven to help to combat stress by releasing the happy hormones oxytocin and serotonin, slow down your rate of breathing and balance your mood. Apps like Headspace, Calm and Smiling Mind can help you to practice guided mindfulness meditation for anywhere between 30 seconds to 45 minutes. Practicing daily mindfulness will help you to manage not only your stress around your wedding but all stresses in life moving forward. Ask for support Signs that you may be struggling to manage stress associated with planning your wedding could be chronic exhaustion, changes in sleep/appetite, feeling anxious when you think about your wedding, procrastinating on wedding tasks, increased conflict in your relationship and feelings of dread about your wedding day. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to ask for help. Friends and family may not know how much pressure you are under and may be able to lend a hand; don’t hesitate to reach out and let them know that you may need some extra support. If you feel your mental health is significantly impacted or you would like to speak to a professional, your GP will be able to provide individualised advice and refer you to professional supports available in your area. A therapist can offer professional guidance by helping you identify your thoughts, explore possible coping methods, and navigate how you are feeling.
Geelong Wedding Guide
WEDDING EXPO
22 JANUARY 2023 10AM - 2PM
Deakin Waterfront Campus Geelong Wedding Guide Wedding Expo Geelong's most innovative and collaborative expo! Every year seems to get bigger and better at our annual wedding expo! We have a fabulous variety of local businesses coming together to showcase their talents for couples to-be. Incredible goodie bags, informative interactive sessions & generous prizes given away throughout the day are just the tip of the iceberg. Come along to our next expo to see for yourself!
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Photography: @weddingswithryal
65 Pettavel Road, Waurn Ponds | Phone 03 5266 1244 mtduneedestate.com.au | enquiries@mtduneedestate.com.au | Instagram @mtduneedestate
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MT DUNEED ESTATE Q & A WITH CHRISTINE WHELAN Tell us a bit about Mt Duneed Estate’s history and how it all began Mt Duneed Estate was “born” in 2014 and has been owned by the current four families since its inception. We are local, passionate about what we do, and never happier than when our lucky guests get to experience what we do. We know how to run unforgettable weddings, how to nurture and look after our team, and know that our experience makes all the difference. What makes weddings at Mt Duneed Estate unique? So many things! Our love and genuine care for our couples is something we are so proud of. Every single wedding is different, and that is what we get excited about! We are an all-inclusive venue which means you have certainty from day one what your wedding will cost, what is included and how it all comes together. This is such a special day, and you need to trust in the people bringing it all together. From the moment you meet with our wedding sales team, the tone is set for what you will experience on your wedding day. With full event management included, our experienced team will send you a timeline of what you need to do and when so you feel in control the whole way through. We can help you as much or as little as you like. Our Chefs make all of our food inhouse and cater to likes/dislikes and dietary requirements. Nothing is too much trouble.
We set everything up, pack it all down, and even include all of those little hidden extras like the cutting of your wedding cake, security and plants/foliage around the venue to make sure every room looks amazing, all at no additional cost. Oh, and we are licensed until 1am, so you can party into the night! Does the venue have wedding coordinators that are dedicated to each wedding? Every wedding will be assigned a dedicated Event Manager approximately six months prior to the wedding date. Before then, you have access to the whole team to advise and help you plan your day. Your Event Manager will work with you on floor plans, menus, and all of those little details to ensure your wedding looks and feels like you! They will be there with you on the day to get you down the aisle, communicate with all of your suppliers, and ensure that every detail is perfect. How many guests can you have at your Mt Duneed Estate wedding? We hold weddings of all sizes starting from 80 guests to 350 guests (yes, that many!). We do have different minimum spends based on the month and day of the week you are looking at. We have amazing weekday (Monday - Thursday) packages as well which is a great option all year round. Every single couple who enquires with us receives a detailed and personalised proposal to outline the actual costs. This saves you searching across multiple pages 25
trying to build your own quote. Tell us about your food and beverage offerings at Mt Duneed Estate We host seated and cocktail style weddings. Our most popular are seated weddings which really fill the spaces beautifully. We have an Alternate Main or a Shared Main offering for seated weddings. Our Shared Main is where the food is placed in the middle of the table and guests get to help themselves to the food. The biggest difference with our Shared Main is that it is topped up until everyone has had enough. Nobody leaves hungry with any style; we can promise you that! When it comes to beverage offerings, our wedding packages include our Regional Range of wine: Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, and your choice of four other wines (red, pink or white) Is there anything exciting coming to the venue in future that would be of interest to couples planning for future years? We have just purchased a golf buggy which is an upgrade option for couples to drive around our 100-acre estate for photos. Currently in planning, we have a submission to build an outdoor enclosed chapel for wet weather ceremonies. We currently hold wet weather ceremonies inside our venue but are limited with space. We are also planning to build on-site. accommodation for guests and wedding couples. There is so much to look forward to, and we cannot wait! @mtduneedestate
1915
A B R I G H T A N D B U B B LY S T Y L E D S H O OT AT T H I S E P I C R E S TAU R A N T A N D W E D D I N G V E N U E AT T H E F E D E R A L M I L L S I N N O R T H G E E LO N G
Photographer @jessicaabbyphotography Stylist and Florist @jessicaaldertonevents Suit @peterjacksonau Dress @pearlsandrosesbridal Makeup @tonesofbronze Location @1915geelong Stationary @lavendercreativeco Linen @tablearteventhire Jewellery @jeanettemaree
P H OTO G R A P H E R : J E S S I CA A B B Y P H OTO G R A P H Y S T Y L I N G & F LO R I S T R Y: J E S S I CA A L D E R TO N E V E N T S S U I T: P E T E R JA C K S O N DRESS: PEARLS AND ROSES M A K E U P: TO N E S O F B R O N Z E H A I R : S TA C E Y S E L L A R S LO CAT I O N : 1 9 1 5 S TAT I O N A R Y: L AV E N D E R C R E AT I V E MODELS: STEPHANIE BAILEY AND M I TC H E L L A D D I S O N L I N E N : TA B L E A R T J E W E L L E R Y: J E A N E T T E M A R E E
A VENUE UNLIKE ANY OTHER Under the chimney at Federal Mills, North Geelong LUNCH . DINNER. COCKTAILS . EVENTS. 1915.com.au . 0499 331 915
Photographer - Jessica Abby Photography Stylist//Florist – Jessica Alderton Events Stylist Makeup - Tones of Bronze Hair- Stacey Sellars Location - 1915 Models - Stephanie Bailey and Mitchell Addison
BANONGILL STATION Q & A WITH JILL BINGHAM
Tell us a bit about the history of Banongill Station. Banongill Station is located near Skipton, in the heart of Victoria’s Western District. The history of Banongill Station dates back to 1853 when the property was separated from nearby Booriyalloak Station which was owned by William Ormond, Pastoralist, philanthropist and founder of Ormond College. In 1897 Banongill was purchased by the Fairbairn family who expanded the land holding to around 20,000 acres and building one of Victoria’s most well known sheep stations. Charles and Irene Fairbairn extended the homestead in an Edwardian style and commissioned William Guilfoyle to design a garden to surround the magnificent homestead. The following decades were times of great wealth and a croquet lawn, two tennis courts, a bathing pavilion beside the creek and the bluestone daffodil terraces were built. While there have been several owners since, the gardens at Banongill remain faithful to Guilfoyle’s design, including sweeping lawns, two mighty Algerian oaks and his signature Canary Island palms. Banongill is now family owned by the Bingham family and is a working cropping and sheep farm. The garden has had some much needed attention this year and is beginning to flourish once again. What makes your venue special? Banongill is special because it is unique. The gardens surrounding the homestead feature magnificent trees, meandering paths and garden beds that surround
sweeping lawns and the picturesque Mt Emu Creek flows through the bottom of the garden. The more formal area of the garden is surrounded by the Wild Garden which features an Ash walk, magnificent elms and, in spring it features wave of daffodils and bluebells along the side of the stone lined creek. There are numerous outbuildings and locations that provide the perfect place to capture memories of your special day. What does a wedding look like at Banongill Station? A wedding at Banongill Station can look however you like it to. A ceremony with an arbour in front of the enormous Algerian oak on the croquet lawn, or walk down the aisle under the wisteria walk to a ceremony on the lower lawn, beside the creek under the towering Canary Island palms. A marquee overlooking the rose garden and tennis court and pool area. Drinks and canapes on the lawn. We encourage couples to take a walk around the property and discuss their many options with us. Do you offer accommodation? We offer BnB style accommodation in two cottages and basic accommodation in our Shearers Quarters. We are currently working on a two bedroom cottage which overlooks the Mt Emu Creek and is surrounded by towering gums and the wild garden. This cottage will be available as BnB accommodation but will also be available to use for wedding accommodation. It has two bedrooms and 35
two bathrooms and would be ideal for the bridal party to prepare for the wedding in. It’s a really exciting project and we can’t wait to share it when the project is completed early in 2022. The second cottage has four bedrooms and two living areas and is hidden away in a quiet area of the property. It will also be available in 2022 for wedding accommodation. The Shearers Quarters are rustic accommodation which sleep around 25 and have a large communal area with a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Although they are basic, they are clean and comfortable and are a great place for a large group of friends to stay. What’s next for Banongill Station? After nine months of extensive work on the garden we are beginning to see the rewards of our hard work as new plants begin to grow and old plants spring back into life after some much needed nurturing. The tennis court is currently getting a face lift which will complement the marquee area. 2022 will also see the creation of a function venue in the bluestone section of the woolshed. This will provide us with a permanent reception area and a wet weather option for ceremonies. This old building has beautiful bones and we think it will make a spectacular reception space. We are looking forward to being able to show couples around our beautiful venue and to helping them create the wedding of their dreams. @banongillstation
Lauren
& Tim
The Love Story
2 4. 0 4. 2 1 | M T DU N E E D E S TATE The first time Lauren saw Tim he was wearing a suit, his shirt tucked in and all his buttons done up – even the top one. Lauren is the first to admit that when she looked Tim up and down she thought ‘Oh wow, he’s cute. Shame about the buttons’. Bonding over the shared experience of an over-friendly couple talking to them from the next table, Lauren and Tim took a stroll through the
streets of Melbourne, chatting for hours more over a drink at the next bar and ending the night off with their first kiss. Keeping up his air of mystery, Tim kept Lauren guessing over their next few dates but in the end, their connection was undeniable. Five years later, two additions to the family and a shared love of cheese, their relationship has gone from strength to strength.
The Day
After postponing their wedding day for a year thanks to a global pandemic, Lauren and Tim were lucky enough to find a gap between lockdowns that meant their family and friends from interstate could attend their big day. And just like Tim kept Lauren guessing with his mysterious ways, while they were dating, Lauren inadvertently kept Tim guessing when their
wedding song played on repeat with no bride at the end of the aisle to greet him! Luckily, Lauren wasn’t getting cold feet, a glitch in the ceremony kick-starting wasn’t going to hold her back. For Lauren and Tim, their wedding day was everything they ever wanted. And yes, they had a cheese wheel at their reception, that’s true love!
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Location Mt Duneed Estate @mtduneedestate Event Stylist and Florist Jessica Alderton Events @jessicaaldertonevents Photography and Video Bello Weddings (Silas Chau) @belloweddings Entertainment Soloist Anna Bowie @annabowiemusic and Band Totally 80s @totally80soz Cars Mustang & Co @mustangandco Hair Kat Newman MakeUp Chloe Wild Beaute @chloewildebeaute Honeymoon Jackalope @jackalopehotels Dress Zavana Bridal from Nifi Bridal @zavanabridal @nifibridal Grooms & Groomsmen Peggy & Finn @peggyandfinn Signage and Printing Spark Printing @sparkprinting Celebrant Sally Cant @sallycantcelebrant
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Ccelebrants ELEBRANTS
“ I V O W TO S T I L L G R A B YO U R B U T T E V E N W H E N YO U ’ R E O L D A N D W R I N K LY ”
D O T H E Y F I T YO U R V I B E ?
INVOLVING
W H AT I N C LU S I O N S E . G . AV E Q U I P M E N T, E X T R A S D O T H E Y I N C LU D E ? W H AT A R E T H E I R T R AV E L CO S T S ? DO THEY OFFER A REHEARSAL? H O W M U C H E X P E R I E N C E D O T H E Y H AV E ? D O T H E Y TA I LO R YO U R W E D D I N G O R I S I T T E M P L AT E ?
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CHOOSING THE PERFECT CELEBRANT WRITTEN BY NICOLE PENNING Congratulations – you are engaged! Yeah! No doubt your mind is racing, filled with Instagram inspiration, Pinterest pins and an onslaught of wellmeaning opinions. But what is the one thing you can’t do without on your wedding day? A MARRIAGE CELEBRANT! So, my first question to you is, do you actually know a celebrant yourself? If your answer is “yes” lucky you, maybe you would consider them to be your celebrant for your special day? Don’t feel you are under any obligation of course, if they are a potential guest at your wedding, they might very well prefer to sit back and watch your nuptials unfold. Or no doubt, they would be over the moon to be asked to be your celebrant! If you are not lucky enough to know a celebrant yourself, I then ask you –
Have you been to a wedding recently and you noticed the celebrant – for all the good reasons? Would you like this celebrant to be yours too? Or do you not want to copy and have the same celebrant as this particular friend or family member? Has anyone else you know been married recently, and they loved their celebrant? (Even if you didn’t happen to score an invite yourself to the wedding). Ask them if they would recommend their celebrant to you? For those I can hear saying, “But I don’t know any celebrants, I have never been to a wedding before and none of my family or friends have been married yet...” Don’t worry – I have you covered too. Would you consider asking a friend or family member to become a celebrant? Yes, this is actually a thing! But it is not cheap, and it is not a quick
and easy process to become a registered celebrant. If they are only planning on ever doing your wedding and that is it – it may not really be worth it! But why not consider it. If all of the above fails, you might have to find a celebrant the good old fashion way. Therefore, I highly recommend you attend as many of these as you can – WEDDING EXPOS! For the celebrants that are exhibiting, you can talk to them in person. Here you can ask face-to-face if they are available on your wedding date and what they offer. The best part, you can get an idea of their personality, style and character right there on the spot. Obviously, there is always Google – any celebrant worth their weight in gold should have an online presence in some form. But really who would ever put any bad reviews about themselves
online! The next best way to find the perfect celebrant for you is, just like everything in life – word of mouth. If you have exhausted all of the above options, try asking any of your suppliers that you already have booked in. Some of them will have actually worked with many celebrants one-on-one. Over time suppliers get to build a very close relationship with celebrants, they rely on each other to be able to perform their job correctly. Apart from all the traditional
www.nicolepenning.com.au | 0417 924 148 @nicolepenningcivilcelebrant
IMAGES: STEF DRISCOLL PHOTOGRAPHY
“THE CELEBRANT IS THE ONE WHO IS A crucial PART IN DELIVERING THE wedding CEREMONY” FEEL OF YOUR WEDDI online wedding directories you can also find celebrants on the Australian Attorney Generals website: www. ag.gov.au where every single registered celebrant in Australia is listed. There are nearly 10,000 celebrants in Australia – so knock your socks off! Don’t forget, you can also search for celebrants that are members of professional associations in Australia. There are (at the time of going to print) 19 official associations for celebrants in Australia, all have a directory of their members! So have fun hunting!
If possible, narrow it down to maybe 10 or so and give them all a call if you haven’t already spoken to them at an expo. It might be tempting to just email, but really, a phone call is the quickest way to ask, “are you available for my wedding date?” without knowing this, you are going in blind and wasting your time asking for a quote and their packages. Then narrow it down to maybe 4 or 5 video calls if you prefer to ‘meet’ this way. You are only going to Zoom with the celebrants that you connected with over the phone and who
MAY THE LOVE IN YOUR LIFE
are available for your wedding day. It will be interesting to see what connection you can build virtually before deciding who to meet face-to-face. Once you know what they all have to offer and who you felt the greatest connection with, make 2 or 3 meetings in person. Any celebrant worth their weight in champagne should jump at the chance to see you for an obligation-free meeting! This will cement any feels you have had about your celebrant options to this point and you’ll be on your way to
e v o l o t e f i l a create
locking in your official 3rd wheel. Take this decision seriously, but the delivery of your ceremony does not need to be. Yes, it is a formal occasion – the act of getting married, but it can be delivered in any way you wish. The delivery should reflect your personalities, your life together, your hobbies and your passions – so your celebrant needs to ultimately reflect this too. What characteristics are important to you in your celebrant? Celebrants can describe
themselves in multiple ways and this will come across in the manner they deliver your ceremony. Do you want a celebrant who is: o Fun, bubbly, excited. o Passionate, dedicated, committed. o Full time, professional, experienced, a leader. o Charismatic, charming, appealing. o Friendly, kind, caring o Trustworthy, genuine, honest, sincere. o Reliable, dependable, responsible. o Entertaining, exciting, funny, life of the party. o Wise, role model material, parental figure. When you are meeting with potential celebrants, be prepared to ask some questions. o Are you currently registered? (It is a federal offence for someone to take a booking for a wedding when they are not yet registered as a celebrant!) o Is your registration up to date? (celebrants must pay an annual celebrant registration charge each year to remain registered and complete compulsory Ongoing Professional Development to keep their registration.) o Are you available for my wedding? It is imperative to have your wedding date, time and location in mind or ideally locked in before speaking with any celebrants. A celebrant can not give you their availability or a full quote if you don’t know your date or location! o Are you a full-time celebrant? This can affect their availability for meetings and be a reflection of their passion for the job. o How long have you been a celebrant? This is a nice gauge of time, but not always a true reflection of their experience. o How many weddings have you performed so far? This will determine their level of experience, but not necessarily guarantee their
skill or professionalism levels! o Do you write each ceremony from scratch and personalise it to the couple? Most registry style ceremonies may be a template, as you get what you pay for. But for a fullservice celebrant package, your ceremony should be tailor made, unique, bespoke, personalised, customised, exclusively written – just for you! o Do you offer a rehearsal? 46
You wouldn’t expect a performer to get up on stage without rehearsing, the same goes for a wedding and everyone who has a role to play in it. Even just a catch up over a coffee or a glass of wine is beneficial the week of the wedding to confirm all the details, but ideally, an on-site walk through is crucial to the success to any live event! o Do you have a celebrant buddy or two that could take
over if need be? If anything were to happen to your original celebrant (leading up to the day or on the day itself) or you had to move your wedding date and they can’t do the new date – what happens then? A celebrant buddy is what happens! A network of likeminded celebrants is KEY as a backup plan for any worstcase scenario. o Can we watch you perform a wedding in person,
before we make our decision? I can’t believe how many couples DON’T ask this question. Think about it, you taste the cake, you try on the dress, you listen to the band, you get a hair and makeup trial, you smell the flowers... so, why not ask your celebrant if you can see them do a wedding! Makes sense, right? If not, maybe they might have a video or two of some weddings they have performed, with footage of
them speaking. o The VERY LAST QUESTION you should ask any potential celebrant is How much do you charge? What are your packages? – as after they answer all the other questions above, their price should be very telling and a true reflection of how they view their role and the importance it plays on your wedding day! After all your research and considerations, with all the
answers to your questions so you can compare apples with apples – remember – your celebrant is the one who is a crucial part in delivering the feel of your wedding ceremony as they are the ones who will set the scene for your celebrations to come. They are your advocates and are ideally a reflection of who you are as a couple. They represent you, your family, your love and your life! In the 47
months leading up to your big day you will be confiding in your celebrant and sharing with them your inner most thoughts and feelings. Hence, why it’s a big decision, choose wisely, but take comfort in knowing there truly is the perfect celebrant out there for every couple!
@nicolepenningcivilcelebrant
Are you wanting your wedding ceremony to be special, unique, meaningful and totally “you”, with all the feels? THEN CONTACT THE GCC TO FIND THE CELEBRANT WHO IS YOUR PERFECT MATCH TO MAKE YOUR CEREMONY MEMORABLE FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.
www.geelongcelebrantcollective.com.au
@GeelongCelebrantCollective
geelongcelebrantcollective@gmail.com
Just think of me as your
“Fairy God Brother”
CELEBRANT MASTER OF CEREMONIES HOST IN HEELS makeitfabulous.com.au
IMAGE: SOPHIE FISK PHOTOGRAPHY
THESE ARE THE MOMENTS
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ZENA LYTHGO CELEBRANT www.zenalythgocelebrant.com | @ zenalythgo.celebrant
MAR R IAG E & F UN ER AL CELEBR AN T + MC CERTIF ICATE IV CELEBR AN CY TR AIN ER & ASS E SS OR +61) 0409 514 349
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Shauna & Rashel
The Love Story
16 . 0 8 . 2 1 | B A R WO N H EA DS For Shauna and Rashel, every day spent together is worth celebrating. Meeting through mutual friends five years ago, they have marked their time together in the numbers of days, not months or years like most couples. So it was at midnight on day 1000 that Rashel chose to propose
to Shauna and they decided on forever. Bound together by a love of travel, they count some of their favourite days together travelling the world. From jet skiing in Tahiti, to tube hopping in London, and picnics in the park, they can’t wait to create many more memories together.
The Day They say it’s good luck if it’s rains on your wedding day, and for Shauna and Rashel every element was in the mix for their celebration! Sunshine and wind before the ceremony, cloudy during ceremony, rain as they signed the paperwork, and sunshine as soon as the ceremony finished! And if you look closely enough, their marriage certificate even has rain spots on it! Choosing their favourite coastal town as the backdrop to their big day, Shauna and Rashel can easily describe their day in three words: easy, relaxed and fun! At the Heads in Barwon Heads created an amazing atmosphere for the couple’s celebration, taking pride in every detail from the food to the service; “the entire staff were amazing” boasts Shauna. Working with Luisa and
Owen from Little Cine photography was a no brainer choice for the couple. From the very first moment they spoke with Luisa, they knew they were comfortable and didn’t want anyone else to capture the day. Luisa and Owen worked with the couple’s style while keeping the vibe fun and relaxed, even as the waves decided to intrude on their wedding portraits and wet Shauna’s dress! A highlight for the couple was Luisa’s suggestion that they take first-look photos as a way of calming their nerves; a beautiful moment captured forever and something they’d never planned on! Day one of the rest of lives was absolute perfection for Shauna and Rashel, and we’re sure every day they’re together will make for a lifetime of happy milestones.
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Photographer and Videographer Little Cine @littlecinefilmphoto Venue At The Heads, Barwon Heads @at_theheads On The Day Coordinator The Event Assembly @the_event_assembly Florist Florette @florette_weddings Celebrant Julie Corrigan Rashels Outfit Isadora Nim @isadora_nim Shaunas Outfit Belles and Bows Bridal @bellesandbowsbridal
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diy D IY & & Hhire IRE
“TRUST ME YO U CA N DA N C E ”
- A LCO H O L
MARQUEE TA B L E S CHAIRS LIGHTING TO I L E T S G E N E R ATO R NAPKINS CUTLERY AND CROCKERY ARBOUR BAR G L A S S WA R E D É CO R DA N C E F LO O R BINS CO O L R O O M SIGNAGE
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BEVERAGE CATERING FOR YOUR BIG DAY. Why do couples hire us? Because we take the headache out of your wedding day beverages.
Providing exceptional service since 2017
Milly
&Chris
The Love Story
13 . 0 3 . 2 1 | M IL LY ’ S FA M ILY FARM Milly and Chris met in their first year of medical school and have been inseparable ever since. For Chris, Milly’s calm and laid-back approach drew him in, while it was Chris’ infectious smile and thoughtfulness that first caught Milly’s eye. Over the years their connection has grown into an unconditional love grounded in friendship, mutual respect and shared values.
The Day Just five days before their wedding in March 2020, Milly and Chris found themselves cancelling thanks to the start of our first global lockdown. Thankfully, most of their vendors were able to reschedule to their new date in March 2021, and the day was worth that wait! Milly and Chris describe their wedding as the day of their dreams, down to every little detail. Held at Milly’s family farm just outside of Geelong, the planning and preparation for this one-of-a-kind wedding and it’s 200 guests was a little more than they expected. That’s where wedding planner and stylist Luci from Poni Studio came in, and she was worth her weight in gold! Forecast to be an unusually wet day for March, Luci was able to organise a complete Plan B wet - weather ceremony set up with ease. And while it rained all morning, Mother Nature held back her plans just as the wedding party arrived for the ceremony. Milly and Chris’ vision for the wedding was to celebrate their love by throwing a massive party for their loved ones, with a focus on quality food, drink and entertainment. They
had a stellar line-up of vendors who truly delivered on this vision! For them, the standouts were the incredible food and service provided by Truffleduck, partnered with the amazing drinks service by Boutique Event Co (including an endless supply of delicious espresso martinis!). Elderberry Events went above and beyond working with Poni Studio to create the most beautiful marquee set up, with gorgeous florals from Jacinta’s Flower Studio. Undersky Events created a beautiful glamping village for guests to stay in overnight, with over 40 bell tents dotted along the farm’s creek. It was hard to pick just a few highlights from the day, but Milly and Chris definitely agree the ceremony was one of their favourite moments. Officiated by their close friend Sarah, the whole ceremony felt incredibly personal, genuine and full of love. Not to be outdone however, their first dance was a complete surprise for their guests, with the couple performing to “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie, choreographed by the amazing Rosh in from The Next Step Co, to really get the party started!
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Photographer Kas Richards @kas.richards Wedding Planner Poni Studio @ponistudio Videography Tim Brown @timrabrown Catering Truffleduck @truffleduck Celebrant Sarah D’Altera Florist Jacinta Flower Studio @jacintaflowerstudio Caravan and drinks Boutique Event Co @boutiqueeventco Entertainment Hey Jack @heyjackco and Geelong Entertainment @geelong_entertainment Marquees, furniture and rentals Elderberry Events @ elderberryevents_ and Memphis hire @memphis_hire Glamping Undersky @undersky_aus
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TO KID OR NOT TO KID, THAT IS THE QUESTION WRITTEN BY JESSIE WALSDORF So let’s talk about the great dividing topic of kids at weddings. First off, it’s your day and no one else’s, so whatever decision you choose to make for your day is the right one and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I can tell you now from a parent’s perspective, anytime I get invited to a wedding where the couple kindly asks that I leave my little rugrats at home, I’m on the phone to the grandparents to lock in those babysitting duties so mum and dad can let their hair down and dance the night away! Bring. It. On. But what if you’re one of these rule breakers of ‘tradition’ (you’re my kinda peeps!) and have chosen to start a family first? You’ve finally gotten past the point of zero sleep and baby-brain fog and you want to start planning your dream wedding? Now it’s all about figuring out how to find that perfect balance between involving your children in your special day but also making it a beautiful occasion for you both. Well, here are some great ways to make sure your day runs smoothly for everyone involved and after you’ve read this, you will discover you can have your cake and eat it too... without little fingers getting in there first! GETTING READY Have you ever wondered why kids are often perfectly fine and happy all day and as soon as they hit the top of the aisle they have an absolute meltdown?
There are a few reasons for this: one being exhaustion and over excitement, and two; being overwhelmed with an unexpected and unfamiliar situation they suddenly find themselves in. If you think about it, a wedding day is a huge day for us as adults so imagine all the build up and excitement for your little ones. Running around and lapping up the attention, seeing their parents all dressed up, putting on their own outfit and being told not to climb that tree or drink that chocolate milkshake for fear of getting one speck of dirt on them so mum and dad can please, please, please just have one nice photo with the whole family! In the lead up to your wedding day, be sure to have a conversation with your children about how the whole day is going to go from start to finish so that they know what to expect. We often forget how much our children absorb and understand and this will help them to be prepared and ask any questions they may have. While you’re getting ready on the day, why not organise someone not involved in the getting ready process (not Grandma!) to take your little ones out for the morning and keep them rested so they can have enough energy to make it down the aisle in style. Or if you would like them there with you as you get ready, have a minder on hand to free you up 62
from attending to the nappy changes and the snacks. THE CEREMONY The time has arrived for you to be joining your partner at the other end of the aisle and you will soon be married and everything will be perfect and lovely and will go off without a hitch, right?! I’m here to remind you my friends, that you have children and they don’t quite understand perfection. So shake off any preconceived ideas about your ceremony and just go with whatever happens, because at the end of the day, kids are kids and we should embrace that! Thankfully though, there are some ways in which you can ensure it runs as smoothly as possible. First up, if one parent is at the arbour waiting in excited anticipation of seeing their kids and partner walk in, chuck some lollipops in their hand so that the kids head straight for the sweets and into the arms of the waiting parent. So simple, yet so effective! And like before, be sure to have a family member on hand (again, not Grandma!) to be on child duty to stop them doing cartwheels during your emotional vows (this happens more often than you think it would and if I could still do cartwheels without pulling a hammy, I’d probably join them!) or to step away with them if they begin to get upset. Even if the plan is for your children to sit perfectly in their seats for the entire ceremony,
they will most likely end up running to you because after all, their two favourite people in the entire world are up there and they want to be right up there with you! I am all for you scooping them up in your arms and continuing on with the gorgeous ceremony. Then once they’ve settled down, your nominated minder can come up and bring them back to their seats. You may even like to set up a little rug on the ground in the front row and give the kids some colouring to do! And of course,
IMAGES: SOPHIE FISK PHOTOGRAPHY
“NOW IT’S ALL ABOUT FIGURING OUT HOW TO FIND THAT perfect BALANCE BETWEEN INVOLVING YOUR children IN YOUR SPECIAL DAY BUT ALSO MAKING IT A beautiful OCCASION FOR YOU BOTH”
as parents we know the most effective way of keeping children quiet is one magical word: snacks! Pack the snacks, shove them in their gobs and Bob’s your uncle! If you have super little bubs you can even just have them carried down the aisle and a minder can whisk them away so you can both relax (before the next feed of course...). INVOLVING YOUR CHILDREN There are so many lovely ways for your children to be involved in the ceremony so ask your celebrant to suggest
different ideas depending on your children’s age and confidence levels. They may like to say a poem or you can ask your children some questions on love which your celebrant can put into a reading (at my last wedding, three year old Ivy told me love was like a unicorn!), they can bring up the rings or you can give your children a keepsake gift each as you exchange rings. You may even like to bring a mock marriage certificate for you all to sign or make your children say “I
do” to cleaning their room and eating their vegetables! The most important thing is to make your ceremony your own and enjoy every moment as, like everyone says, it goes so quickly on the day. PARTY TIME It’s the end of the day and here’s where the celebration is all about the two of you as partners in life, and more than just the title of Mum and Dad. So get those family snaps with the kids, give them all the cuddles and then send them on their merry way with a babysitter so 63
you can kick off those heels and hit the dancefloor (with a champagne!). And no, don’t feel guilty about it. It’s one night and your kids will be asleep before they even get home. You deserve to be celebrated because this whole parenting thing is a hard gig and you have just married the one that will be there by your side every step of the way, so soak it up. You’ve got this! Now go have the best wedding day ever!
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Geelong Wedding Guide
WEDDING EXPO 22 JANUARY 2023 10AM - 2PM
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IMAGE: KAS RICHARDS
DIY WEDDINGS WRITTEN BY LOU HAMMER Let’s set the scene; you’ve just become a stress-free DIY wedding: amenities that a reception venue has, so engaged and jump straight onto the 1. Set a budget, and stick to it! Sounds think of the logistics like toilets, first aid Geelong Wedding Guide website to see easy right? Well it should be, but many and rubbish removal. what local wedding venues tickle your couples find the task of setting a budget 5. Hire an on-the-day coordinator, fancy. and sticking to it extremely challenging. seriously! Your wedding day is a serious WRITTEN BY HAMMER YouLOU begin the fun process of visiting A good idea when setting your budget is event with a lot of moving parts. Who’s wedding venues and then BANG! That to decide what elements you’re willing to going to be the go-to person to solve the newly engaged love bubble bursts when spend big bucks on and what elements problems that may arise? Who are your for serious can be budget friendly guests going seekrubbish answersremoval from when s, first aidtoand are a budget, and stick to with. it - sounds toilet’ Let’s setyou therealise scene;you’re you’vup e just become$$$ inSetyou venue hire costs alone. Cue the idea to 2. Lock in your ‘venue’. You many have it’s not clear where the gluten free options to be engaged so you jump straight onto the easy right? We’ll it should be be, but many few of the key elements that need have your wedding on a private property secured Uncle Joe and Aunt Betty’s back are? Who are your vendor’s going to go to Geelong Wedding Guide website to see couples find the task of setting a budget considered. with no hire fees! paddock but you still need somewhere when their power supply has tripped? And an on-the-day coordinator and sticking to it to extremely challenging. what local weddingtovenues tickle your the According moneysmart.gov.au, for your event be held. With a rise in DIY Hire who’s going to be your eyes and ears on wedding is a serious A good idea when setting your budget can is Seriously! fancy. average Australian wedding costs $36,000 weddings, marquee hire companies the day Your to ensure your day countless hours with a and lot of moving parts. to decide what elements you’re willing to event You begin thenofun process visitingopt for (!) so it’s wonder manyofcouples be booked out 12-18 months in advance of planning money spent goesWho’ off s DIY celebration. Do it BANG! yourself that weddings I highly locking inyou your going without to abeglitch? the go-to person to solve the spendsobig $ on recommend and what elements wedding a venues and then mean you complete preferred soon as you know problems The most important thing who to remember that may arise, are your can be budgetsupplier friendly as with. newly engaged lovehave bubble burstscontrol when over what vendors you book, what the styling you’re going down the DIY path. is that the planning process should be Lock in your ‘venue’ - You many have guests going to seek answers from when you realise you’re up for serious $$$$$ in will look like and ultimately what you’re 3. Plan for four seasons in one day. The fun, and you should get to your big day secured Unle Joe and Aunt Betty’s back it’s not clear where the gluten free options venue hire costs alone. willing to spend your money on. dream may be to get married under a big feeling excited to marry your soul mate. paddock but you still need somewhere are, who are your vendor’s going to go to Cue the Here idea at to Event’s have your wedding on a by One Day P.A. we LOVE beautiful gumtree, and have your guests You shouldn’t be tired and stressed out power supply hasIftripped and for your event to be held. With rise inbut when private property with no hire fees! unless you’re a DIY wedding. Unfortunately, sipping champagne under thea stars, fromtheir the planning process. you think goingan to expert be your and ears on DIY weddings, marquee hireplan. company’ According to moneysmart.gov.au a professional events planner,, the planning always have a backup (See tips 2 who’ yous need to eyes help you the day to ensure yourvision, countless hours booked out 12-18mth advance average and Australian wedding costs $36,000, executing your own wedding can can be be above... a marquee is never in a bad idea!) deliver your wedding at times, extremely 4. It’s allrecommend in the detail. When planning your ofplease get inand touch with us,spent goes off planning money locking in your so it’s nooverwhelming wonder manyand couples opt for a so I highly stressful. DIY wedding remember that without we areissue? suckers for a DIY supplieryou ashave soontoas you know DIY option, essentially you have complete preferred So here’s my top five tipsbook, to help you plan maydown not have access wedding. most important thing to remember control over what vendors you what you’reyou going the DIY path to all of the The
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the styling will look like and ultimately what you’re willing to spend your money on. Here at Event’s by One Day P.A. We LOVE a DIY wedding, unfortunately, unless you’re a professional events planner, planning and executing your own wedding can be overwhelming and, at some points, extremely stressful. So here’s my top 5. Tips to help you along the way
Plan for 4 season’s in one day - the dream may be to get married under a big beautiful gumtree, and have your guests enjoy sipping champagne under the stars, but always have a backup plan. (See tip 2 above... a marquee is never a bad idea) It’s all in the detail - When planning your DIY wedding you have to remember that you may not have access to all of the amenities that a reception venue has,
Geelong Geelong Lawn Lawn Game ire Game HHire BRING THE FUN TO YOUR NEXT EVENT
BRING THE FUN TO YOUR NEXT EVENT
is that the_by planning should be @events events_ by_ _one one_ _day day_ _process pa fun, and you should get to your big day feeling excited to marry your soul mate. You shouldn’t be tired and stressed out from the planning process. If you think you need an expert to help you deliver your wedding vision, please get in touch with us, we’re suckers for a DIY wedding. @geelonglawngamehire @geelonglawngamehire @one one__day day__pa
Amy &
Shane
The Love Story
0 3 . 0 6 . 2 0 2 1 | G E E LO N G Embracing life at every turn, Amy and Shane like to take the plunge and swiping right on a dating app five years ago was the right gamble. Building a life together, quite literally in the case of the block of land they purchased on a whim, they now have their dream home and
a fur baby named Gin with plans for a puppy to add to their family. Choosing the right balance of party, spontaneity and intimacy, Amy and Shane opted to elope for their wedding ceremony, followed up by a kick-ass party with their closest family and friends.
The Day For Amy and Shane, a micro-wedding was the perfect choice for their day. Tying the knot at the Bird Rock lookout in Jan Juc, they surprised their guests with their nuptials at a celebration at Pako Raw the same night.
Pumping the tunes in their limo on the drive in, Amy and Shane were in the mood to party and their night did not disappoint! Cocktails, food and dancing – what more could you want from the perfect elopement?
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Photographer Sweeter Than Honey @sweeterthanhoneyphoto Venue Pako Raw, Geelong @pakorawgeelong Celebrant Cara Monteith (Lets Get Married by Cara) @letsgetmarriedbycara Makeup Emily McGrath @emilymcgrathmakeupartist Hair Access Hairdressing @accesshairdressing Florist Botanical Roots @_botanicalroots_ Music Geelong Entertainment, Matt Baird @mattbairdofficial Decor Custom Neon @customneon and Style our Party @styleourparty
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IMAGE: ED SLOANE WEDDINGS PHOTO: ED SLOANE PHOTOGRAPHY
COCKTAILS THAT WON ’ T BREAK THE BANK WRITTEN BY DANI FONTANA Cocktails (and mocktails!), who doesn’t love them!? But there is a misconception that they cost a small fortune to add to your menu. We’re here to challenge that theory! At Boutique Event Co, we see 95% of our clients choose our BYO beverage service. This means the client purchases all their own beverages and we serve it up for you. We supply you the bar, glassware, ice and most importantly, epic bar staff to serve the beverages. When you order a cocktail at a bar, you can expect to pay at least $15 per drink. Calculate that by five cocktails that 100 guests each might drink over a six-hour period. Yep, that’s a whole lotta $$! But if
you’re open to supplying your own booze, this is where we can help with all the tips and tricks you need to save on costs without compromising on quality. Our top tips: 1. Choose cocktails with only one shot of alcohol. 2. Choose cocktails that have a basic spirit rather than a boutique liqueur. 3. Use frozen berries instead of fresh. 4. Use pre-made juice options rather than freshly squeezed. 5. Opt for supermarket branded mixers. 6. Choose fruit that is in season. 7. Find a friend or family member with a lemon or lime tree. 71
8. DIY your own sugar syrup. And here with the trade secrets, some of our favourite recipes: Passionfruit Mojito Bacardi Passionfruit pulp Fresh Mint Fresh Lime Sugar Syrup Soda Water Vodka Berry Vodka Raspberry Cordial Frozen Berries Lemonade @boutiqueeventco
PERFECT DIY
Wedding A W H I M S I CA L S T Y L E D S H O OT AT T H E B E AU T I F U L R U S T I C R O C K L E A FA R M . F E AT U R I N G S O M E O F G E E LO N G ’ S B E S T TO P R O V I D E I N S P I R AT I O N F O R YO U R D I Y W E D D I N G .
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Photographer @sophiefiskphotography Location @rocklea_farm Caravan Bar @boutiqueeventco Florist @theposieplace Dress @lbcouturedressmaker Dress and Flowegirl dresses @forevernessbridalboutique Suit @suitswell_geelong Neon @neonhireau Grazing Table @boxedandboards Jewellery @louispascalaus Hair @dollhousehairartistry_ Cake @lovekateco Celebrant @jessiebellecelebrant
LO CAT I O N : R O C K L E A FA R M P H OTO G R A P H Y: S O P H I E F I S K P H OTO G R A P H Y CA R AVA N B A R : B O U T I Q U E E V E N T CO F LO R I S T R Y: T H E P O S I E P L A C E MAIN DRESS: LAINIE BROOKMAN D R E S S A N D F LO W E R G I R L D R E S S E S : F O R E V E R N E S S B R I DA L B O U T I Q U E S U I T: S U I T S W E L L N E O N : N E O N H I R E AU S T R A L I A G R A Z I N G TA B L E : B OX E D A N D B O A R D S J E W E L L E R Y: LO U I S PA S CA L LARGE EARRINGS: MODELS’ OWN M A K E U P: JA M I L A J O H N S M A K E U P HAIR: DOLLHOUSE HAIR ARTISTRY CA K E : LO V E KAT E CA K E CO M O D E L S – P E TA B E L L & ISAAC CRAWLEY C E L E B R A N T: JESSIE BELLE CELEBRANT F LO W E R G I R L S : V I O L E T WA L S D O R F & I M O G E N F O N TA N A
catering CAT ERING
“ I P R O M I S E TO LO V E YO U, R E S P E C T YO U, S U P P O R T YO U, A N D ABOVE ALL ELSE, MAKE SURE I ’ M N OT Y E L L I N G AT YO U B E CAU S E I ’ M H U N G R Y ”
CA N A P E S MAINS DESSERT BEVERAGES FOOD SERVICE TIMING D I E TA R Y R E Q U I R E M E N T S CAT E R I N G F O R C H I L D R E N CAT E R I N G F O R V E N D O R S
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@tomcollinscaravanbar tom@tomcollinscaravanbar.com.au www.tomcollinscaravanbar.com
PHOTO: CHLOE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
For the overwhelming majority of people, food is the most important part of the wedding guest experience. They may not notice the extra twig of proteas above a doorway, or how the bouquet ribbon matches the bride’s dress; but they’ll always remember whether or not they enjoyed the food and beverages served throughout the event. We believe that food is one of the best ways to share your bond as a couple. You may opt for non-traditional wedding décor or a modern neon backdrop, but your food is almost always used as a way to showcase your heritage and personality. In essence, a carefully planned wedding menu will tell a story and highlight the aspect of your relationship that you wish to share. Each detail of a menu can allude to a special moment of your love story. Soft Catering love bringing that story to life whether it be serving a bottle from that winery you visited that one time or a
w w w. s o f tc a fe. co m . a u
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gourmet version of that meal you had during your first date, they understand that if you want anything out shining you on your wedding day, it’s the food! Soft Catering evolved from a love of food and events and have grown to be a leader in cocktail wedding catering in the region. Priding themselves on local produce and a menu cooked onsite they aim to be accessible, delicious and stress-free for all couples. From the impressive beginnings of their signature grazing table, they recognised that a grazing table at your wedding is more than just a place to eat – it’s a social hub where your guests can come together and share the joy of your special day. Handcrafted with love, and delivered with undisputed ‘wow’ factor, every grazing table is carefully prepared with unique, elevated food styling techniques, and utilises only the finest ingredients. Grazing tables are only one element of combating the dreaded ‘maccas on the way home’ stigma surrounding
catering@softcafe.com.au
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cocktail weddings and the Soft Catering team will make sure that your guests are full, satisfied and feeling all the love on your magical day. An initial meeting, tasting and advice from their wedding planners will leave you comforted that food-baby-happiness is about to follow and that all the nittygritty is covered. Trust us! Food and cocktails have evolved over the years, but there are always the favourite standbys served throughout the wedding day. Welcome drinks served prior to the ceremony, signature cocktails named after the couple, grazing tables and canapes for cocktail hour, mini meals, showstopping dessert tables and indulgent comfort food served as a midnight snack. This caterer can do it all and most importantly wants to make the whole process straightforward and add to the fun experience that planning “the best day of your life” should be.
@softcateringgeelong
Photog
LILLY & HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY
ASH HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY
ASH HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY
Annabel
&Anthony
The Love Story
0 4. 12 . 2 1 | PO IN T LO N S DALE Annabel and Anthony met over 10 years ago while studying at Melbourne University. Their mutual love for sport took them both to the University Games on the Gold Coast in 2011, but for very different reasons. Annabel was a defending champion for her university’s netball team, there to bring another gold home, and Anthony as an injured swimmer was there to party! But it was on the dance floor of a seedy nightclub that they first met. Annabel saw Anthony from across the dance floor and made the first move. Bonding over Annabel’s attempts
at pronouncing Anthony’s surname, the universe kept pulling them back to each other over the course of the week and they decided to meet up once back in Melbourne. Their first date was off to a rocky start with Anthony spilling a large jug of water all over the table, but with the ice broken (see what we did there...) hours passed by and the couple were still talking. Separated by Annabel’s three-month long Europe holiday, distance made their connection stronger and, on her return, they’ve been inseparable ever since.
The Day For Annabel and Anthony, Point Lonsdale is part of their love story. It’s where they became engaged and the town holds a lot of significance for their families. Lon Retreat provided the perfect canvas for the couple to create their own unique day and the ability to engage suppliers from all over the local region. Partnering perfectly with the couple’s style, the venue has a relaxed yet polished beach feel that brought Annabel and Anthony’s vision to life. With a lot of uncertainty in the lead up to the day due to the pandemic, they were able to have their wedding day with the inclusion of loved ones who travelled from all over the world. Anthony’s extended family in Tasmania were unable to
attend due to border restrictions but held their own little party and watched via video link. The ceremony was the perfect reflection of the bride and groom, with lots of laughs and tears thanks to their own vows and a close friend providing their own reflection of the couple. The first dance kicked off the night in a vibrant way with the couple dancing to INXS – ‘Never tear us apart’ and Anthony performing a surprise sax solo mid song! Having the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception all at the one venue allowed the guests to really relax and ease into the night. What an amazing way to forget about the world for a moment and celebrate love with a good boogie! We’ll cheers to that!
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Venue Lon Retreat & Spa @lon_retreat Celebrant Celebrant//Officiant Zena Lythgo @zenalythgo.celebrant Photography Ed Sloane @edsloaneweddings Videography John Kurt @mrjohnkurt Styling The Bride Florist Florette @florette_weddings Hair Alana Holmes @alanajholmes Make Up Karen Burton @karenburton_ The Dress/ Dress/es Newhite & Alex Perry from Bluebell Bridal @bluebellbridal Veil Veil//headwear Bluebell Bridal @bluebellbridal Shoes Amina Muaddi @bluebellbridalaminamuaddiofficial Rings Saphira Diamonds (Adriana Traviati) @saphirediamonds Bridesmaid’s dresses Dissh @dissh Suits MJ Bale @mjbale Bow ties/ ties/ties MJ Bale @mjbale Catering Annie’s Provedore @ annies_providore Bar Boutique Event Co @boutiqueeventco with drinks supplied by Sandringham Sessions Cake Cake//Cake topper Bridie Bakes @bridiebakes Stationery Stationery//Signage One Mimosa Please onemimosaplease_ Entertainment Hey Jack - Sigma @heyjack_co Transport Coastal Kombi Weddings @coastalkombiweddings Vase Vase//candles Florette @florette_weddings Napkins Event Art @eventart Hire Marquee, lighting and Furniture Twilight Glamping @twilightglamping Honeymoon Lord Howe Island MC Josh Tonc
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IMAGE: SARA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
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SIT DOWN VS COCKTAIL WRITTEN BY DANI FONTANA The choice between having a sit-down reception or cocktail reception can be a confusing and sometimes divisive decision, especially when you add in the complexities of your guest list! Questions like, where is Granny going to sit? Can stir a lot up of conversation. I think a common misconception is that a cocktail wedding involves everyone always standing, with not enough food to go around. For most venues, a sit-down or cocktail reception can be provided – it all comes down to your budget, taste and what you want as a couple for your big day. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both options, and what we recommend getting the most out of each option. Sit Down The traditional way we’ve always done weddings. A great sit-down meal can be one of
those things that guests talk about for weeks after the event. The most important thing here is the quality and timeliness of the food. Pros • Guests are usually never left hungry with a sit down 3 course meal. • There are plenty of options in our region for this type of service at our incredible venues, we love Mt Duneed Estate and 1915. • It allows everyone to have a seat throughout the reception. • Guests can relax at their table whenever they need a breather. Cons • It can be more costly to have a sit-down dinner. • Table decorations are required. • Hire costs for tables/chairs and cutlery in some cases. Advice When looking at sit-down
options, always look for the quality of the food first and foremost. Read reviews from your list of contenders, ask your other vendors their experience with this caterer and/or venue. And ask yourselves whether this type of style suits your personality as a couple, or are you feeling pressured? Cocktail This option is becoming far more popular for modern weddings however you do need to be aware of a few things first. There is always the risk of not having enough food, and you need to choose your vendors very carefully. Not only food catering, cocktail and beverage catering is something that is becoming even more popular. This is something that can save a couple thousands when providing their own alcohol for their chosen caterer to serve.
Pros • We have a great range of epic vendors in our region that can assist with providing catering for your cocktail wedding. We love: Soft Catering, Pete’s Wood Fired Pizza, Boutique Event Co, Boxed and boards, and Simple Catering solutions.
PETE’S WOOD FIRED PIZZAS WE SURF THE SLICE
Pete’s Wood Fired Pizza travels around the Geelong region as well as the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula. We have catered events up to 200 guests over a variety of venues. From reception centers and wineries, to farms and backyards! Pete and his friendly staff will make your event one to remember. Our delicious starters and pizzas will have your guests salivating! For all enquiries, please contact us at: email: pete@peteswoodfiredpizzas.com.au phone: 0400 422 982
IMAGE: ED SLOANE PHOTOGRAPHY
• Depending on your chosen caterer, this can be a very cost-effective option. • There is generally more choice with the menu options you have to choose from. Cons • If you don’t choose a great caterer, you may have hungry
guests grabbing a sneaky cheeseburger on the way home. • Things can be a little less orderly when there is a cocktail reception. • You may need to hire more than one caterer, depending on what options they are have
to offer. Advice Personally for our wedding, we had a sit-down reception in a marquee on a private property. I loved the marquee setup however I would have preferred a more relaxed cocktail reception. I would
however have enlisted in the help of a wedding coordinator (like Lou from Events by One Day P.A) as the day usually never runs as smoothly in our experience without someone making sh*t just happen!
@boutiqueeventco
Creating memorable experiences through unforgettable grazing arrangements
IMAGE: SOPHIE FISK PHOTOGRAPHY
www.boxedandboards.com.au | @boxedandboards
Eelopements LO P E M E N T S
“A N D I N T H E M I D D L E OF MY CHAOS T H E R E WA S YO U ”
M A K E T H E DAY A L L A B O U T YO U T W O A N D N O O N E E L S E . O N LY I N V I T E T H E P E O P L E T H AT M A K E YO U H A P P Y A N D W I L L S U P P O R T YO U B OT H I N W H AT E V E R WAY YO U C H O O S E TO G E T M A R R I E D. T H R O W T H E S P R E A D S H E E T O U T T H E W I N D O W, R O C K U P TO YO U R C E R E M O N Y S P OT, S TA R T W H E N YO U ’ R E R E A D Y A N D G O W I T H T H E F LO W O N T H E DAY. B E I N T H E M O M E N T W I T H YO U R B E AU T I F U L PA R T N E R . D O N ’ T S W E AT T H E L I T T L E T H I N G S A S A L L T H AT M AT T E R S I S YO U T W O A N D YO U R S W E E T LO V E . H I R E A N A I R B N B TO G E T R E A D Y I N A N D TO R E L A X I N A F T E R WA R D S . T H E N I T I S T H E P E R F E C T B A C K U P P L A N I F YO U ’ R E C H O O S I N G A N O U T D O O R LO CAT I O N SUCH AS A FOREST OR BEACH. C H O O S E A N E LO P E M E N T T E A M T H AT W I L L M A K E YO U F E E L CO M F O R TA B L E A N D YO U ’ L L LO V E E V E R Y M O M E N T O F I T. D I TC H T H E S E AT S A N D G AT H E R YO U R G U E S T S I N N I C E A N D C LO S E S O T H E Y CA N F E E L A L L T H E F E E L S R I G H T A LO N G S I D E YO U B OT H . O N C E YO U S AY “ I D O ”, R O C K S O M E F U N T U N E S , P O P T H E C H A M PA G N E A N D C E L E B R AT E H O W F U N YO U R S H O R T, S W E E T A N D I N T I M AT E C E R E M O N Y WA S ! E N J OY E V E R Y S I N G L E M O M E N T !
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Kate & Zach
The Love Story
12 . 0 6 . 2 0 2 1 | RO C K L EA FARM Just like a real-life romance movie, Kate and Zach first met at a work Christmas party and instantly felt a connection. Fast forward to their first date, holidays overseas, a fur-baby named Lewis, and a home they can call their own; the couple feel like they have truly
found a friend in each other. After three years together and under the twinkle of fairy lights, Zach proposed to Kate surround by flowers and champagne on their deck at home and they dove headfirst into planning the rest of their lives together.
The Day Most couples plan for a hiccup when planning their big day, some bad weather or at worst a power outage, but Kate and Zach could never have planned for a global pandemic to postpone their day twice! After moving their wedding from October 2020 to June 2021, eight months of rescheduling plans were swiftly foiled again by tightening restrictions in Victoria. Looking at the calendar yet again, Kate and Zach started arranging bookings for September 2021 until Zach had an even better idea. He worked with every single vendor to move their wedding to a week later and their perfect wedding day was back on! Four days after he surprised Kate with their new plans, they were married. Kate and Zach chose to stay together the night before their wedding, starting their special day off slowly, soaking up every moment. The weather turned it on for them and under a sunny blue sky, their 17 guests witnessed the couple read the vows they had written themselves under an old gum tree at Rocklea Farm. Their celebrant Jessie embraced the moment, making the intimate guest list laugh and cry while revealing in the couple’s love story. Basking in the love that radiated from their ceremony, the couple and their guests moved their party to a local restaurant where the night was a whirlwind of eating, drinking and dancing. The picture perfect ending to their real-life romance movie, over eight months in the making.
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HOW ELOPEMENTS HAVE SPARKED NEW ENERGY INTO THE WEDDING WORLD WRITTEN BY JESSIE WALSDORF If there is one thing we’ve all had plenty of over the past couple of years, it’s time. The last two years has given couples time to re-evaluate their wedding plans, to reflect on what is really important to them, and what they really want out of their wedding day. With thousands of couples watching their wedding day pass by with no marriage or party to show for it, each and every one of them would have been having the same conversation over and over again on their living room floor in their trackies, with a glass of cheap wine in hand...”What do we do now?!” And this my friends, is where a whole new wave of weddings has been born, shaking the industry to its core and opening the door for so many couples to tailor the perfect day for them, big or small. And what is this new wave you might ask? ELOPEMENTS! Yes, elopements have been
around for decades and are seriously nothing new but when you thought of elopements before, it was Shaz and Baz taking off to the registry office before heading to Bali for their wedding party. Or maybe it was Britney Spears and her boyfriend rolling into Vegas and asking a dodgy Elvis impersonator to seal the deal only for it to be annulled 72 hours later. How could elopements possibly be anything more than just the legalities and none of the feels? Well I am here to tell you there are endless possibilities when it comes to eloping and it can all be done with copious amounts of love, meaning, joy and fun. A day without the huge price tag and all that family drama! As a celebrant of elopements, I get to witness loved up couples being incredibly present and in the moment with one another throughout their intimate and 104
personal ceremonies, because the only thing they have to focus on is each other. I’m not going to lie, there are often a few tears shed which I always blame on the hay fever (I seem to be affected by hay fever all year round, it’s shocking...!) because it truly is an honour to be part of such beautiful moments in couples’ lives. Elopements can be anything you imagine them to be. From sitting in a wine bar with a cheese platter while fulfilling the legal obligations, to a short, sweet and simple ceremony with a handful of loved ones on a clifftop, forest, beach or park. Or maybe it’s heading to a gorgeous venue and having more of a wedding type set up, just with 20 or so of your nearest and dearest rather than having to invite your third cousin on your dad’s side who you haven’t seen in 15 years. You can break all the rules of the idea of what society (or your mother-in-law
to be) tells you a ceremony has to be because as long as the legalities are ticked off, the options are endless when it comes to making your marriage your own. If you’re worried eloping may take away those traditional elements you’ve dreamt of since you
anything YOU IMAGINE
THEM TO BE. ”
IMAGE: JAKE HOGAN BIG LOVE ELOPEMENTS
IMAGE: STEF DRISCOLL PHOTOGRAPHY
“ ELOPEMENTS CAN BE
were six and dressing up your Barbie to marry a superhero, you can keep your day as traditional as you want. Who says you can’t still get dad to walk by your side as your partner waits at the ceremony spot for you? It just may mean that your aisle is a forest floor
with beautiful trees all around you and a waterfall in the background. Sounds pretty darn good to me! Eloping isn’t for everyone and don’t get me wrong, I love a big, loud celebration of a wedding with all the glamour, sophistication and
extravagance. And I’m straight up the front to deliver the best ceremonies each and every time with my false eyelashes and my stilettos on, so please keep having them! I just love that there is more choice for couples to do things their way. So be brave and choose what @bigloveelopements
is best for you. I guarantee you will never regret it. Oh and if you do feel the urge to elope, check out www. bigloveleopements. com.au I heard they’re pretty good at what they do.
@jessiebellecelebrant
Celebrant + Photographer
Geelong’s elopement specialists We create fun, intimate and relaxed elopement experiences for Geelong couples looking to keep things low key and loved up. bigloveelopements.com.au
bigloveelopements
“Felt like we were old friends”
“Fun and stress free”
- Emma and Lachy
- Holly and Glen
IMAGE: JAKE HOGAN BIG LOVE ELOPEMENTS
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Brittany
&Brendan
The Love Story
2 1. 0 8 . 2 0 2 1 | B AT E S F O R D HO TE L For Brittany and Brendan, the universe was determined that they would cross paths. Officially meeting with the help of their sisters who had their own friendship together, the couple had actually already met a year earlier and were on the same group chat without even
realising. Initially Brittany didn’t feel a spark and after attempting to ignore Brendan’s messages, she had a change of heart and gave him another chance. Lucky for the two of them the universe finally won out, and their love story finally began.
The Day Just like the rest of their love story, reality and fate had very different plans for Brittany and Brendan’s wedding day. Falling victim to Victoria’s sharpest snap lockdown, 45 minutes was all it was going to take to get Brittany and Brendan married before the 1pm deadline and restrictions cancelling their big day. Together with their incredible team of vendors, the couple did everything they could to make sure they still said I do. As Nicole Penning, the couples celebrant, remembers fondly - “I text Britt and said, how about I marry you at 12pm? She wrote back, “Yes”. We were on! I called the Batesford Hotel - they were right for 12pm. I called the Rach from The Posie Place - she was already all set up ready to go. I called the Stef Driscoll - she was in her car on her way! We were set! Britt was at Blush Bar, she was ready - let’s do this! So a 1pm wedding, turned into a 12pm wedding, with 45 minutes notice. It was sensational! Magical, breathtaking, special, unique, memorable, crazy, chaotic and brilliant - all wrapped up into one!” And just like that, love won the day – in record time!
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Photographer Stef Driscoll Photography @stefanidriscollphotography Venue Batesford Hotel @batesfordhotel_weddings Celebrant Nicole Penning Civil Celebrant @nicolepenningcivilcelebrant Florist The Posie Place @theposieplace Hair & Makeup Blush Bar @blushbar Dress Karen Willis Holmes @kwhbirdal
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Q &A WITH KRISTY WYNACK If you had to work, but you didn’t need the money, what would you do? I think I would still work in bridal as well as work for a Charity. I have always wanted to join a board of a non-for-profit helping women of domestic violence, youth mental health and helping less fortunate children. A lot of people don’t know but when I was working in the corporate environment I use to mentor women refugees as well as volunteer at food banks, school breakfast programs, food kitchens for the homeless. If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs——such as food and water— needs water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you? It would have to be my kids lol.... and my husband. My life would be nothing without them.
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Material things would be my laptop and lip gloss If you were getting married, and you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do? Oh this is a hard one as I had the best wedding ever, I think it would have to be a destination wedding to the Maldives for all my family and friends If you had a choice between two superpowers, being invisible or flying, which would you choose? It would have to be flying- I think if I was invisible I might see and hear things I don’t want too lol. I love the idea of flying through the clouds and looking down to this amazing region we live in. What is the funniest thing that happened to you recently? It was a really windy day, we had
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a storm the night before. I went our to collect the bins which were half way down the street, as I grabbed our general rubbish bin (the smaller one) the lid flew up and smashed me straight in the forehead.... It knocked me for a sixer lol....all I could think of was, I hope no one in the street witnessed that. I walked inside the house a little dazed and confused and told my husband, we both cracked up laughing.. his response: “oh god, did the neighbours see that?” It hurt but was pretty funny What was the last gift you gave someone? I got my sister a ticket to Moulin Rouge. We have been taking about going for a while and so I got us both tickets. My sister is my best friend and I love sharing experiences with her.
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Co uture
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just for you
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IMAGES: WEDDINGS WITH RYAL WINGED VEIL: LAINIE BROOKMAN
IT’S OK TO BE DIFFERENT WRITTEN BY DANI FONTANA When planning your wedding, the best memories are the ones where your individual style shines through. For me, I was never into a very traditional wedding dress or having the traditional giving-away-of-thebride at the end of the aisle. For my day, I had a beautiful, sequinned gown that was slim fitting and most importantly for me – comfortable. I had both my parents walk me down the aisle, which for my mother was something she never expected, but she knew that that’s what I wanted, and she was honoured to walk down there with me.
Fashion is one of those things that comes down to your own personal taste – which isn’t always going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Always remember, you can’t please everyone, and nor should you try to. There are so many wedding trends out there and then there’s some fashion forward thinkers who create their own style, this is what I personally love the most. We see so many incredible weddings each year being submitted to Geelong Wedding Guide and it’s the weddings that are that little bit different that really stand out to us. And 135
that may not be just their fashion sense. It may be their love story that triumphed the odds, the pandemic wedding that happened on the eighth attempt, or the couple that eloped and then told all their loved ones at their engagement party that they’re already married. But as far as fashion goes, whether it’s a pink wedding dress, printed suit, jumpsuit, winged veil, multi-coloured bridesmaid dresses or wearing sneakers under your dress – you do you! It’s your day!
IMAGE: SWEETER THAN HONEY
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Photographer - Ruby O’Dowd Down the Road Weddings Florist – Florette Location - Mt Duneed Estate Dress - Soho Bride
photography PHOTOGRAPHY & Ffilm & ILM
“THE BEST THING ABOUT MEMORIES IS MAKING THEM”
H O W M A N Y H O U R S D O YO U WA N T ? D O YO U WA N T A V I D E O G R A P H E R ? F I R S T LO O K P O R T R A I T P H OTO LO CAT I O N S FA M I LY P H OTO LO CAT I O N FA M I LY P H OTO ( W H O I S I N T H E M ) C H E C K L I S T
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Hello lovers! My name is Nicola and I run Seaside Daisy Photography, specialising in couples & weddings. I love to celebrate and capture good vibes & laid-back love. I started Seaside Daisy Photography in April 2021 after being made redundant from my job in travel due to the pandemic. My Oma gave me my first camera when I was a little girl and I have loved photography ever since. I have studied it as my degree when I was living in New Zealand & have worked in photo labs both in NZ and over here in Australia. When I was thinking about what I wanted to do next I realised that doing couples and wedding photography combines everything I love; people, travel, photography, and capturing special moments, so I decided to start Seaside Daisy Photography. I’m also getting married in 2022 so understand the excitement of planning your special day from both sides, photographer and bride. When I’m not capturing love stories you can find me at one of the amazing beaches in our region having a cheeky surf or exploring all the incredible places to dine at in the
area. I do music on the side so when I’m not behind the lens I’m usually making music or spending time with my fiancé and our two dogs and cats. If you’re feeling a bit nervous about having a camera in your face on your wedding day my top tips would be to have a chat with your photographer to let them know you’re feeling a bit nervous before the day and, if possible, book an engagement session. It’s completely normal to not feel comfortable with a camera in your face, it’s not an everyday thing so please don’t stress. We’re very good at making you feel calm and most of the time on the actual day you’ll be so caught up celebrating your special day with your loved ones you won’t even notice us. If your photographer offers engagement sessions these are also a great way to get out some nerves and have some fun before your day. You can make it a bit of a fun date and it’s even a great opportunity to use the photos for your save the date or invitations. I’ve done quite a few of these sessions with my couples and they often say how much fun they had and how they feel so much better about being in front of the camera
after it. Something I really recommend is meeting up with your photographer before you book them. Your photographer is the vendor who will be spending the most time with you through the day and it’s so important that you like them and click with them (as well as loving their work). By meeting up with your photographer before you book it means you’ll know if you vibe with them, and they won’t be a stranger on your big day. Personally, I love meeting with couples before you book to answer any questions or concerns, and I get so excited hearing about your plans for the day and working out how I can make sure to capture all the bits that are special to you. If you’d like to meet up to chat about your day and see if I’m the right fit for you, or would like to book, please head over to my website www. seasidedaisyphotography.com and fill in the enquiry form. On my website you’ll also find more of my work and love letters from past couples. I can’t wait to hear from you! Love, Nicola Seaside Daisy Photography
@ s e a s i d e d a i s y p h o to gr a p hy | w w w. s e a s i d e d a i s y p h o to gr a p hy. co m email: seasidedaisyphotography@outlook.com
J O A N N E K E I G H E RY. C O M
THE IMPORTANCE OF FINDING THE PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHER WRITTEN BY JAKE HOGAN
When looking for a photographer what is one of the most important things to look for? We think the most important thing to look for in a photographer is their vibe. That sounds very general, we know, but it encompasses lots of aspects of a positive photographer-couple relationship. We spend more time with you on the day than most of your guests, so you’re going to want to make sure we all get along before handing over your cash. Within five minutes of an initial meeting, you’ll get a sense of the vibe of a photographer; what’s important to them, do they have a passion for the job, how well they gel with your guests, do you feel at ease around them, etc. Trust your gut. Know that you like their work before the meeting, and then suss out whether you gel with them in-person. If the photographer I’m wanting is a little out of my budget, what do I do? Set your priorities before doing any wedding budgeting. Perhaps you might be willing to reduce the budget in one part of the day to accommodate getting the photographer you want. Or conversely, perhaps you decide you only need 4 - 5 hours of coverage instead of 9 - 10, so that you can allocate budget elsewhere. Very few people have an unlimited budget across the board for their wedding, so just
set your limits, prioritise your vendors, and see where photography sits on your list. Lots of photographers (us included) offer half - day coverage, which might suit your needs whilst not going over budget. How important is it that I choose the right photographer? It’s vital – not because of the quality of product that you’ll receive, but because of the experience on the day. You’re much better off hanging with a legend that you gel with and receiving ok photos, rather than hiring someone whose work is incredible but they lack any sense of rapport and you end up not enjoying the experience with them. Your relationship with your photographer is more important than the photos they take. Read that again. What makes great wedding photos? Planning a day that embodies your values and celebrates them. If you’re not a very formal couple, don’t do things that’ll make you feel awkward. Don’t want to spend three hours taking portraits, missing out on mingling time with guests? Then don’t! Don’t want to invite 100 guests? Then don’t! Don’t want to do a first dance? Then don’t! The more of ‘you two’ that’s reflected across the celebrations, the more relaxed you’ll feel and the more authentic the photos will be. Are you a fan of the ‘first look’ photos? Absolutely! It sucks a lot of the nerves out of 145
the ceremony, and allows you to be more present during it. Being in each other’s company before the ceremony might help ease some anxiety too, which is always a good thing. How important is it to choose a photographer that shoots weddings regularly? Very important. Beware of your mate’s cousin’s neighbour’s friend that offers to shoot your day for $300. Sounds like a great deal, right? Wrong (most of the time!). Getting someone that shoots regularly (or maybe someone starting out but wants to shoot regularly) is a great way to gauge their passion for the job. You don’t want someone half-arsing your wedding photography experience, so they can make a quick buck on the side! They’ll also know how to handle the huge variety of situations that can arise on a wedding day. On a scale of 1 - 10, how amazing is The Hogans Weddings?! We’ll leave it up to our couples to spread the good word! We post a bunch of testimonials on our website – but we always recommend people read Google reviews as we can’t edit/change what people write, so you’re guaranteed honest reviews! Our couples are awesome, which makes us look pretty damn good at our job! @thehogansweddings
W H AT: W E D D I N G V I D EO G RA P H E R WHO:
RUBY O' O ' DOWD - PROFESSIONAL WEDDING ENTHUSIAST/CRASHER
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Gemma & Corey
The Love Story
2 6 . 0 3 . 2 0 2 1 | T E RIN DA H E S TATE For Gemma and Corey, the local football club was the backdrop of their love story. Gemma was working as a first aid trainer and Corey was playing as a midfielder. There was an instant connection between them and while it could be said that it was Corey’s tight white shorts that made Gemma’s heart flutter - seven years later, trips around the world, their first home and a fur-baby, these two couldn’t
wait to spent the rest of their lives together. Self-confessed go-getters, Gemma and Corey love the simple things in life – good coffee, time spent walking their fur-baby and spending time at the beach. So when it came to deciding on their wedding aesthetic, Coastal Luxe stood for everything the couple was hoping to get out of their day – buckets of fun, loads of good food and drink, and a whole lot of love.
The Day “Truly the best day of our lives” – that’s how Gemma and Corey speak of their wedding day. From their venue to their photographer, the vendors they chose created a day this couple will celebrate forever. The couple were married at Terindah Estate, who has recently partnered with Truffleduck (epic duo!) and were given the help of an event coordinator, Rylie. “Rylie made our day so incredibly easy and smooth” gushes Gemma, and the couple didn’t have a thing to worry about when it came to the logistics of their celebration. Their beautiful florist Rach from The Posie Place went above and beyond to make the coastal luxe theme come to life within budget, and their photographer Scott and videographer Michael brought the fun when capturing their day. One stand out memory for the couple was just after the ceremony, Gemma and Corey headed to a private beach with Scott and Michael. In true celebration, Corey planned on shaking a champagne bottle and spraying it over the beach but it popped right into the face of the camera, drenching Michael but creating a magical moment in the process! Having their nearest and dearest in the one room celebrating their love is the thing the Gemma and Corey will carry with them from their special day for the rest of their lives. However you choose to celebrate, Gemma and Corey think every couple deserve to feel this way.
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Photographer One Point Photography @1pointscott Venue Terindah Estate @terindahestate Catering and cake Truffleduck @truffleduck Florist The Posie Place @theposieplace Videographer Allure Production @allureproductions Celebrant Chloe Celebrant @chloecelebrant Dress Georgia Young Couture @georgiayoungcouture Shoes Loeffler Randal @leofflerrandal Bridesmaids dresses Hexie @hexie.official Bridesmaids shoes Novo Shoes @novoshoes Suits Eddy Elias Menswear @eddyelias_menswear Make up Tess Holmes Makeup @tessholmes_makeup Hair Anni Palmer Hair (The Salon) @thesalon.geelong Stationary Danger and Moon @dangerandmoon Champagne tower Miss Fizz @miss_fizz Chairs, lighting, and decor Memphis Hire @memphis_hire Neon light Remember Neons @rememberneons Cars Murrell Group Geelong @murrellgroup Band and DJ Unplugged Entertainment @unpluggedentertainment Rings Charles Rose @charlesrosejewellers
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Bbeauty E AU T Y
“ YO U A R E M Y S U N , M Y M O O N & A L L M Y S TA R S ” - E.E. CUMMINGS
HAIR MAKEUP TA N WA X GROOMING NAILS LASHES FA C I A L I N J E C TA B L E S
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PRE-WEDDING SKIN PREP WRITTEN BY DANI FONTANA & BEC CONNOLLY
Tell us a little bit about Botanicals By Luxe and how it all started. I have been a skin therapist for over 16 years and always had a passion for skin, I had wanted to create my own brand for a long time but it was always put in the ‘too hard basket’. In 2017 I decided it was time, so began researching and trying to find the perfect manufacturer for the brand. I was turned down countless times, being called a ‘mum with a hobby’ and not taken seriously. I finally found the most amazing small batch manufacturer and still work with them today. Fast forward 3.5 years, the brand has 19 products and a strategy for every skin. Botanicals by Luxe is Australian, natural, results driven and has a ‘Science meets Nature’ approach. What is your #1 piece of advice for perfect pre-wedding skin? Keep it simple. If we over do it or start too many new treatments/products all at once, the skin can get confused and essentially freak out. Be sure to drink at least 2 litres of water daily to help internal hydration, and if you would like to start a new skin routine - start it as early as possible to ensure the skin gets used to it and you receive the most benefit Which product in your range would be your favourite item? @botanicalsbyluxe
Dani! This is like choosing a favourite child haha. I do love them all but I have a super soft spot for our Hyaluronic Serum which was the first product I launched, still the most popular product today and suits all skin types, delivering that fresh, dewy glow. How do I know which products I should choose for my skin? You can shop by skin type on the website, also check out our IG story highlights for loads of information and Q&As. If still unsure, you are so welcome to send an email to botanicalsbyluxe@gmail.com with photos of your skin and we can give you some routine recommendations Are your products natural and/ and /or vegan? Absolutely! They are also safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Are your products suitable for all genders? They sure are. Skin is skin! And lastly, what beauty tip would you give yourself prewedding if you could turn back time? Take time for yourself! I was so focused on getting everything organised, I think I kind of forgot to book myself in for treatments and take some down time for my body, skin and mind. Treat yourself x
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IMAGE: ED SLOANE WEDDINGS
BEAUTY BAG ESSENTIALS WRITTEN BY SARAH CZARNUCH Your big day is finally here. With everything else organised all that’s left now to consider is the all-important wedding day clutch. And like a good Girl Scout. You should be fully prepared. Ready to handle any beauty dilemma that comes your way. With minimal space to spare it’s important to pack smart and condense down to just the necessities. Rest assured everyone, I’ve done the hard work for you and curated the perfect wedding day clutch check list. Consider this your big day survival pack that ensures your glam stays onpoint from champagne breakfast until the very last dance. Lip Colour touch up. I’m yet to come across a lip product that could withstand a day full of eating and drinking without the need for reapplication. Whether you’ve opted for a bold red or a subtle nude it’s important to always have your touch up bases covered. Once you and your makeup artist agree upon a lip shade be sure to organise your own
lipstick to keep handy throughout the day. Mecca offer a great range of Mac Cosmetics mini lipsticks that will fit snugly into your clutch when space is an issue. Powder puff. Your wedding day is all about radiating and from the inside out. While I love a subtle highlight, too much shine is something we want to avoid. I love the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder as it helps remove oil residue without flattening the skin. From my personal experience it’s the best powder creating luminous skin making it the perfect selection for your big day touch ups. Eyelash glue. With the growing trend of cat–eye liner and volume lashes, all day maintenance is of the utmost importance. Early morning application, varying elements and the celebratory happy tears often mean your lashes may begin to lift before you even make it to the reception. Prepare yourself for any wedding day variable by carrying a small tube of lash glue to ensure you
can easily reapply if needed. Scents. Your wedding day signature Scents scent is the perfect opportunity to express yourself and encapsulate exactly how you want to feel on your big day. Opting for a scent with lighter, fruitier, and floral undertones is always a winner especially for a spring summer ceremony. Dior JOY is the perfect long wearing scent for you - it’s a floral based scent comprised with undertones of musk and citrus fruits. ‘Joy is finally captured in a scent, marked by both enveloping softness and energy. An ode to pleasure and happiness.’ Hydration. I guess this one isn’t exactly Hydration an obvious beauty related tip, and a water bottle may be too large to fit into a clutch. However, this is a gentle reminder to hydrate yourself prior, during and post wedding day. This will ensure your skin is glowing, and help you feel a lot better the next day especially after a few champagnes. @sarah sarah__czarnuch
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LETS SOMETHING SPECIAL Doll House Hair Artistry
Let's create something special. Inquires @dollhousehairartistry@gmail.com www.@dollhousehairartistry.com.au 03 5242 8700
BLONDE & BALAYAGE SPECIALIST BRIDAL & EVENT STYLING Visit www.dollhousehairartistry.com
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Servicing Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, Geelong, Melbourne and Greater Victoria
AMELIA Rose
HAIRSTYLIST
FREELANCE HAIR STYLIST BRIDAL PARTIES, DEBUTANTS & SPECIAL EVENTS H E L LO @ A M E L I A R O S E H A I R S T Y L I S T. CO M @A M E L I A R O S E H A I R S T Y L I S T |
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Sstyling TYLING floristry & & F LO R I S T R Y “A N D D O YO U S O L E M N LY S W E A R TO P R OT E C T ME FROM SPIDERS A S LO N G A S W E B OT H S H A L L L I V E ? ”
C H O O S I N G YO U R F LO R I S T C H O O S I N G YO U R S T Y L I S T B U T TO N H O L E BOUQUETS A R B O U R F LO W E R S TA B L E S E T T I N G S C H A I R F LO W E R S C H O O S I N G F LO W E R S I N S E A S O N CO LO U R S C H E M E
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WHAT’S IN SEASON & WHEN ? We’ve enlisted the help of one of our fave florists, Rachelle from The Posie Place to help us with which flowers are in season and when. It’s sometimes a tricky task choosing wedding flowers
when for some of the year, these flowers do not bloom in Australia. As most florists would attest, choosing flowers in season is far better for your hip pocket, and most importantly, the environment.
SUMMER:
Dahlia, Garden roses, Smoke bush, Hydrangea, Tuberose & Beech foliage.
AUTUMN:
Easter Daisy, Chrysanthemums, Autumn foliage, Kale, Veronica, Cosmos, Bouvardia & Daphne.
WINTER: Poppies, Blushing bride, Stock, Hellebore, Tulips, Sweet pea & Waratah. STATIONERY . SIGNAGE . WISHING WELLS + MORE LET US JOIN THE ADVENTURE WITH YOU WWW.EVENTWANDERERCO.COM.AU
@florette_weddings
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www.florette.com.au
SPRING: Peony, Hyacinth, Ranunculus, Dog wood, Lily of the valley & King protea.
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flower specialists
Romantic abundant wedding florals & styling | www.theposieplace.com.au
EVENT ST YLING - FLORAL DESIGN - ON THE DAY COORDINATION WWW.JESSICAALDERTONEVENTS.COM.AU | @JESSICAALDERTONEVENTS
TO BONBONNIERE OR NOT TO BONBONNIERE WRITTEN BY JESSICA ALDERTON
One tradition that many couples can be stuck deciding on is the bonbonniere, or wedding favour. As a wedding stylist I have seen some of the best and worst there can be. Bonbonnieres while seemingly inexpensive can very quickly add up when multiplied by the number of guests, and removing this item that a lot of your guests may forget to take home is a way to save money with your budget. The truth is, I have seen some bonbonnieres that I absolutely adore, and these are often ones that are unique to the couple (and no I’m not talking about personalised stubbie holders). I’m talking about cute little items that represent the couple, either items they love or items that showcase their backgrounds. I once had a beautiful couple whose bride’s background was Russian. They
chose for their guests these adorable little babushka keychains in colours to compliment the flowers. Another couple gave tiny boxes of Worry Dolls as the groom’s family was from Guatemala. I have a couple coming up whose bride is from Latvia and wanted something wooden as a gift as her groom’s last name is Wood. After a bit of searching, I found some beautiful Latvian folklore symbols that we will be having made into wooden keychains, they will come with little cards telling each guest what their symbol represents. This gift is true not only the couple, but are items their guests will remember and cherish forever. Don’t have a fancy heritage? No worries! Your bonbonniere can be your favorite midnight snack such as Barbeque Shapes for guests to grab on their way 163
out the door. Maybe it’s a tiny jar of your grandma’s homemade jam made from berries grown in her garden. Remember this a tradition that has come along way from the tulle bag of almonds, and no-one is going to be disappointed if there isn’t a gift sitting on their place setting or waiting from them as they leave. You have paid from their meal, drinks, and entertainment, which is more than enough. My final advice when it comes to choosing a bonbonniere is; if it is not uniquely you, if it is not something your guests are going to remember, and if it is not something you want a photo of in your album, then save that money for something else in your budget @jessicaaldertonevents
KEY STYLING PIECES WRITTEN BY JESSICA ALDERTON With so many gorgeous images of dream weddings flooding our socials, it’s not hard to want your own Instagram and Pinterestworthy wedding. But what if your budget won’t stretch this far? Firstly, let’s be honest, these elaborate weddings you’re seeing across your socials are either styled shoots or weddings with budgets big enough for a rather nice down payment on a home. As a stylist I dream of those big budget weddings, where we can really showcase our skills and creativity, but that’s not the reality of our everyday couples. So, let’s discuss how to best to spend or save your décor budget. And while we are at it, let’s add in some extravagance should you want to go full tilt. Let’s begin with the ceremony area. This is the first area that will have hundreds of photos taken in as the ceremony is of course the reason you are there. To save in this area, just focus your budget on your backdrop or arch, this first kiss photo is the photo most couples get framed and hung on their wall. And it will be the photo most likely to appear on your parents’ wall and
on your grandparents’ wall. Another great way to stretch your budget is to reuse the ceremony décor, but don’t rely heavily on this. I say this because where possible stylists will always endeavour to reuse
“ F O CA L POINTS ARE A N OT H E R G R E AT D E CO R BUDGET TO O L . . .” the entire, or as much of the ceremony arch or backdrop as possible. However, wind, sun and rain all play a huge part in whether items like the florals are in a good enough condition to reuse inside the reception area. For extravagance, you can’t go past floral aisle runners. Adding in rows of florals lining the aisle and appearing to have been planted there long ago will add a luxurious 164
wow-factor to your big day. Adding a floral installation to your welcome sign is another splurge your guests are sure to talk about. The next heavily photographed area of the wedding is where you and your new beau are sitting or standing for the speeches. Whether you shy away from attention or not, everyone’s focus and eyes are on you. So, while we would all love the budget to spend on florals and candles galore across all the tables, the best option when cutting back your décor budget is just to focus on your table. Guests are going to be turned facing you both anyway for a lot of the time they are seated and don’t need elaborate table centrepieces. Your photographer will get hundreds of photos of you and your partner laughing, and/or crying happy tears during the wedding speeches. Why not have these as some of the best photos of the night, especially because they are capturing you both at your most candid. To get the perfect speech photo we like to frame the couple, not only in beautiful florals but also in flattering lighting. To do this we create
an abundance of colourful florals in whatever your colour scheme not only in front of the couple but also behind them. They are then soft lit in candlelight from the front and either soft festoons or a neon behind. This creates a great focal point for your guests and a great area to spend your budget on. Focal points are another great décor budget tool, are a way to draw your guests eyes and are fantastic for large and busy rooms. Rather than trying to spread a budget across a
IMAGES: GEORGIA VERRELLS
“THE BEST THING IS TO CHOOSE GREAT SUPPLIERS, ESPECIALLY YOUR STYLIST stylist AND/OR FLORIST...” florist
huge room and having styling elements everywhere, create focal points instead that draw the eye. A huge burst of colourful florals on the bar will hold your guests focus and eliminate the need to have something in every space. For extravagance, you can’t go past quality linen. Tablecloths sweeping the ground and crisp linen or soft velvet napkins really bring the luxe factor. Bringing in texture with linen is a great way to add depth to a room. If you really want to spurge and
add a feature your guests will be talking about for years to come, a floral installation is the way to go. A hanging mass of colour and texture, whether over the guest tables or the dance floor will have jaws dropping as they enter your reception space. While we have added in extravagant options should your budget allow, don’t be worried that your guests will notice that these items are missing from your day. Items such as coloured cutlery, specialty linen, or custom
wedding favours, won’t be missed. Sure, cutlery is a great way to add some extra colour to your big day, but will anyone notice if the cutlery is standard silver? No they won’t. A great example of if it’s there guests will notice it, but if it’s not, guests won’t. The pressure of having a beautiful wedding is higher than ever due to social media but remember that everyone’s budget is different, and you need to feel comfortable that you haven’t over extended your budget to a place where 165
it overshadows the day. The best thing is to choose great suppliers, especially your stylist and/or florist. Be upfront and honest with them about your budget, wishes and expectations, they will then be able to help you focus on the best areas to spend, save or spurge. Give them some freedom with your overall look and feel of the day and they will create something beautiful no matter your budget.
@jessicaaldertonevents
Katie &
Emmanuel
The Love Story
0 9 . 0 4. 2 0 2 1 | G E E LO N G Eight years before their own wedding day, Katie and Emmanuel met as wedding guests. Connecting thanks to Jess’ older sister and Emmanuel’s best friend who were dating, Katie and Emmanuel shared an instant connection. Despite having completely different backgrounds, they have walked through all of life’s highs and lows together, creating an unbreakable bond. Katie and Emmanuel were engaged in September of 2019, and with the uncertainty of 2020 wedding planning was quickly halted. They set their sights on April 2021, giving them five months to plan their big day. To add to the
stress of planning a wedding in a short amount of time, the unknown of another lockdown added another layer of pressure. Thanks to the perfect balance of patience and timing, Katie and Emmanuel were able to pull off the day of their dreams surrounded by their family friends. Katie beams, “Planning this wedding was very stressful but we were so blessed to get to our wedding day and be able to get married with no restrictions and 130 guests. We can’t believe in this crazy year that we’ve had that we were able to have the best day of our lives and also get away on a honeymoon”.
The Day For Katie and Emmanuel, the highlight of their wedding day was finally seeing each other at the ceremony, it was a moment they had dreamt of for such a long time and it was finally happening! Stealing a special moment alone after their ceremony, the couple beam in their first moments as husband and wife thanks Michael Renga Photography. Katie says “We still say now choosing him as our photographer was probably the best decision we made through the whole process. We received our photos we were blown away he did an amazing job and the quality is unreal!’” Working together with the talents of Steve from Moon and Back Co videography, the memories captured of their wedding day are something the couple will cherish forever. Seeing their day come to life with the help of their amazing vendors was the cherry on top of a perfect day. Thanks to the talents of Rachelle from The Posie Place, their floral arrangements made for the perfect burst of colour, while the events team at The Pier were able to bring to life everything the couple had imagined. The perfect night of celebration for the couple that fell in love as wedding guests, finally able to call each other husband and wife.
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Photographer Michael Renga Photography @michaelrengaweddings Venue The Pier @thepiergeelong Florist The Posie Place @theposieplace Videographer Moon and back co @moonandbackco Event Planner Memphis Hire @memphis_hire Fire works Geelong Fire Works @geelongfireworks Dress Foreverness Bridal Boutique @forevernessbridalboutique Suits Calibre @calibreaustralia Jewellery Charles Rose @charlesrosejewellers Car Robert RR Classic Car Hire @rrclassiccarhire
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