Wedding Bells Summer 2013 by Star News Group

WHAT COULD GO WRONG? FINDING ‘THE’ DRESS

Issue 13

| Summer 2013 C O M P L I M E N TA RY

JAZZING UP THE BRIDAL WALTZ A DATE WITH DESTINY

Dancing AROUND TRADITION

Covering the Dandenong Ranges,Yarra Valley & The Ranges

Experience

our personal approach to weddings.

We can deliver your dream for a perfect wedding almost anywhere.

Experience

Or come to us and Pirianda... our hidden treasure. • garden weddings - gorgeous rotunda • intimate sit down or cocktail weddings • individually tailored menus Share your Dreams with us and we will make them reality Contact Mark 9755 2338 or 0488 111 106 www.creamatsassafras.com.au 1009620-SH44-11

Dorset Garden Functions and Conference Centre 1092890-SL45-13

DISCOVER A MODERN & VERSATILE WEDDING VENUE ATTHE BASE OF THE DANDENONG RANGES Our personalised Wedding packages are designed tyo eliminate all of the hassles associated with planning your wedding day. Our Wedding Menu Selection has been carefully created by our team of experienced and dedicated Chefs, and off all inclusive coctail, plates and buffet receptions; allowign you the ﬂexibilty to create a memorable wedding day. For more information on courtyard wedding ceremonies, receptions and gorgeous on site accomodation please contact our Event Team on 9725 6211.

www.dorsetgardenshotel.com.au

Wedding Bells

BOOK NOW AND RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT - Conditions apply

❦ Unique Weddings

HOSPITALITY, DELICIOUS FOOD & STATE “ROOMS

OF THE

ART VENUE

ARE EXCEPTIONALLY CLEAN,

RESTAURANT & RECEPTION

IS BUILT LIKE A

BANQUET HALL”

The Age Editorial

“THE BEST RESORT MOTEL IN HEALESVILLE & THE YARRA VALLEY” The Telegraph Newspapers editorial

Photography by Kmack Photography.

Celebrating 12 successful years of glorious weddings and functions for your special day Award Winner for Business Excellence

• Set on ten glorious acres. • Situated right in the heart of the Yarra Valley, only 400 metres from the world renowned Healesville Sanctuary and a short drive to the Yarra Valley wineries. • Accommodation for up to 70 wedding guests. Deluxe suites with corner spa baths (two bridal suites). Plenty of parking. Coaches and buses welcome. • Wedding ceremonies can be held in the alfresco beer garden overlooking the beautiful, natural and landscaped gardens. • Massage and hairdressing are available for the wedding party. For an appointment please call 5962 5148

Special Wedding Packages Available Includes venue hire, three course wedding menu, beverages, photography, complimentary bridal suite, wedding cake, live entertainment and more. Turn your wedding day into a complete weekend with your wedding guests. Special packages are available for Friday night arrivals departing on Sunday. We can arrange a special brunch/farewell for the bride and groom on Sunday morning. Your family and friends will talk about your wonderful wedding for years to come. Call for more details.

5962 5148

326 Badger Creek Road, HEALESVILLE info@sanctuaryhouse.com.au www.sanctuaryhouse.com.au

1066135-SL18-13

Sanctuary House Wedding Reception Centre can cater for small or large functions for up to 120 guests with professional and hospitable staff who will ensure your special day is a memorable one. Bookings Essential

Contents A break with tradition

A date with destiny

Find ‘The’ dress... don’t give up

JAZZING UP THE BRIDAL WALTZ

What could go wrong?

A DATE WITH DESTINY

Finding the best fit

Jazzing up the bridal waltz

Dancing around tradition

A gem of an idea

Bouquets speak volumes

WHAT COULD GO WRONG? FINDING ‘THE’ DRESS

Issue 13

| Summer 2013 C O M P L I M E N TA RY

Dancing AROUND TRADITION

Covering the Dandenong Ranges,Yarra Valley & The Ranges

Wedding directory

21 & 22

EDITOR Melissa Meehan Mail Newspaper Group Phone: 9751 9300 Email: editor@yvnews.com.au ADVERTISING Lynn Dalgliesh Mail Newspaper Group Level 1/244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville 3777 Phone: 5957 3700 Email: lynn.dalgliesh@yvnews.com.au DESIGN Sami Lewis Creative Services Department Star News Group Cnr Princes Hwy & Army Road, Pakenham 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 PUBLISHED BY Yarra Valley Newspapers Pty Ltd Level 1/244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville 3777 P.O. Box 470 MANAGING DIRECTOR Paul Thomas

Cover:

Photo: FIELD OF VISION Dennis & Maybelle Tantra Receptions, Mt Dandenong.

Flowers

www.flowersofyarraglen.com.au 7d Bell Street, Yarra Glen, 3775 ph: 03 9730 1773 fax: 03 9730 1928 4

Wedding Bells

1095547-SL45-13

of Yarra Glen

A break with

tradition By CHELSEA CLUGSTON

WHEN a Healesville man Adrian Gardiner carefully planned his marriage proposal last June, he didn’t expect to break his back, nearly miss his fiancée and become famous. Mr Gardiner, 37, had only one thought in mind when proposing to his then-partner of 18 months, Libbi Taite - it had to be memorable. The “big plan” was to pop the question at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort circus school, until fate interfered. “I was going to get her up on the trapeze and ask her there,” he said. “I thought that would be something she would absolutely love and would blow her away.” But it took one 10-year-old’s trampoline birthday party for Mr Gardiner’s plans to come crashing down. “Adrian broke his back at my daughter’s birthday party,” Ms Taite said. He lay unmoving in hospital for the next four days until the reports came back showing a clean break of the L1 vertebrae. On top of this, Ms Taite was scheduled to open her new hairdressing salon, Mugshot Hair, by the start of July.

She spent the week caring for her partner and the weekend setting everything up for the opening, staying at the shop from morning until night. She said she was so exhausted by the end of it, so when it finally came to taking down the newspaper covering the front windows, she was unaware of what was going on outside. “It had been an extreme week the week before, and the weekend trying to set up, so I was ripping down the newspaper and just wanted to get it done,” Ms Taite said. Unfortunately for Mr Gardiner, who was gritting his teeth against the pain and down on one knee out front, Ms Taite failed to notice him. He had made the last-minute decision to propose as she opened her shop, and with this in mind had recruited someone to record the event, and had to call out for her attention. “I had to actually say, ‘Hey Lib, will you marry me?’” Mr Gardiner said. “And that’s when she looked.” He said he was initially disappointed, because the proposal was neither big, nor elaborate, as he planned. But they put the video on the salon’s Facebook page for friends and family to watch, and within days the story took on a life of its own.

Picture: DONNA OATES Adrian Gardiner’s video of his proposal to Libbi Tate became famous after being posted to Facebook. 101999 Suddenly the newly-engaged couple were being interviewed by Sunrise, the Herald Sun and Ten News, with the video drawing more than 5000 views. “That’s the funny part. My main thing was I really wanted it to be memorable,” Mr Gardiner said. “I think that, just by accident, we made that happen.”

Gum Gully Farm

Country style weddings and receptions

1024472-SH16-12

A beautiful venue in a spectacular location

Wedding Packages Available

Warm friendly relaxed atmosphere. Inspection welcome 9 Eleanor Drive, Silvan 3795 Phone: 9737 9524 Web: www.gumgully.com.au

Wedding Bells

Occasions & More

For every special occasion in your life

Exquisite accommodation surrounded by stunning gardens and views of the Warburton Ranges. Ideally situated in the heart of the Yarra Valley and central to premier wedding venues. Most suitable for wedding parties or for your special wedding night.

Specializing in formal wear for all occasions including Mother of the Bride/Groom and Bridesmaids We also stock a beautiful range of daywear & statement pieces and formal separates

Shop 47 Mountain Gate Shopping Centre, Ferntree Gully

Phone: 9758 5482 www.occasionsandmore.com

1071960-SL18-13

OPEN Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 3.00pm

W: www.dalblairbnb.com.au E: enquiries@dalblairbnb.com.au

Contact Fiona: 03 5961 9041 Mobile: 0439 955 411 65 Ducks Lane SEVILLE 3139 1024377-SH19-12

HAVE YOUR WEDDING HERE AT

Chirnside Park Country Club IF YOU CAN DREAM IT

WE CAN DO IT

Packages from $84.50pp

Wedding Bells

1066224-SL15-13

68 Kingswood drive Chirnside Park | 97267788 | www.chirnsideparkcc.com.au email: manager@chirnsideparkcc.com.au find us on Facebook facebook.com/chirnsideparkcc

destiny

A date with By REBECCA BILLS

FOR EACH couple that chooses to get married there is often one important aspect in the ceremony that has to be met. For some it is the type of flower that holds a special meaning and needs to be in the bouquets, for others it is the venue. But for local couple Bryn and Julia Alberico it was the date that could not be budged. Some 37 years before the day the couple were wed both Julia’s parents Tony and Pam and Bryn’s parents Shane and Marg were married. It was on 8 May, 1976 - the same day, the same year, and the two most important people in each of their lives started their lives together as man and wife. And, all these years on, both sets of parents are still happily married. Julia said getting married is the start of your future together and these are the things that you think about when you are setting the date. “If it worked for our parents, it must be a good date to get married on,” Julia said. “It is beautiful that we are a product of our parents and to think that 37 years later both sets of parents would be witnessing the marriage of their children on their wedding anniversary was beautiful.” The couple were married at Stones of the Yarra Valley, a venue situated on the same road Julia and Bryn live on. “The house that we live in is the first house Bryn and I have lived in together so St Hubert’s Road is always going to be special to us,” she said. “Getting married there and living together on the same road is always going to be a special reminder of us starting our married life together. “We had always liked the venue and always said we would love to get married there as it is just so different - it felt like it had been built for Bryn and I.” For Julia, planning her wedding was a year and a half project to perfect all she wanted on the day. “I think every girl has a dream of what they want their wedding to be,” she said. “It was a matter of turning those dreams into reality and more importantly, fitting it into the budget.” “Bryn didn’t have much to do with the planning but when it was planned there were no disagreements and he was very proud.” The couple were thrown a curveball 10 weeks before the wedding when Julia’s mother suffered a brain stem stroke that was very serious at the time. “All I cared about was my mum’s health, outcome and recovery - which took up a good six weeks before the wedding,” she said. “But I am happy to report mum is well and doing better than ever imagined, it was just really hard at the time. “My advice to other brides is don’t stress about the wedding day on the day, what will be will be, just enjoy yourself and every minute because it happens so quickly,” she said.

Picture: BO Julia and SS PHOTOGR AP Br yn Alb erico on HY their we dding

day.

Wedding Bells

By REBECCA BILLS

‘The’ Find

dress... don’t give up

Oliver and Monique Kellett. 106814 Picture: GENELLE BEVAN FROM IMMERSE PHOTOGRAPHY.

Wedding Bells

WITH a sparkly shoe, a princess dress and a twinkle in her eye, Monique Kellett was ready to say the words “I do.” As she stepped out of her Hackney carriage at Monsalvat amid a fine mist of rain, her prince charming ‘Oliver’ was awaiting at the end of the aisle. Her fetching bridesmaids dressed in blue, scurried around her and it was the true essence of traditional romance that set the mood for the day. Engaged at the age of 23, Monique and Oliver wanted a long engagement of two years to give them the advantage of time to plan their special day. “I thought that by having a longer engagement I would avoid turning into the stereo-typical Hollywood stress-head bride and enjoy being engaged with the luxury of time for stress-free planning,” she said. “Now looking back, I don’t think there is such a thing as a stress-free wedding. “There is a lot of politics that go on when planning a wedding, it’s really unbelievable, but we stuck to our guns and had only what we wanted on the day which resulted in a wedding that we are both so proud of.” With Oliver’s British influence, it seemed only fit to be married in a fairy-tale styled wedding set at a venue that looked like a castle. But finding ‘The’ fairy-tale dress for Monique proved to be quite the challenge. “I gave myself six months to look for the perfect dress and I was getting scarily close to the date I needed to have it by,” Monique said. “I think I searched every bridal store in Victoria and I couldn’t find ‘The’ dress. “I was sitting at the hairdressers flicking through one of my many wedding magazines and a dress caught my eye and I knew it was the one.” In a stroke of luck and the magic of fairy-tales, Monique flew to Sydney with her mum and visited the boutique where her dress was. “That day I came home with some extra carry-on,” she said. “They had my size, I put it on and it was perfect, I was able to bring it home that day - it was just meant to be. “My something old was my mother’s veil, something new was the dress, something borrowed was my Oma’s rosary and something blue… my bridesmaid’s dresses.” Monique said when it came to her wedding day she was so ready to marry the love of her life. “When you spend two years planning something and with all the preparation that goes into it, it can drag on a bit,” she said. “It was when I saw Olly standing there, I knew I was ready and I knew I had everything.” Monique said she recognised her wedding day as a celebration of her and Oliver’s love. “Weddings are a very feminine day, they are all about the pretty dress and the pretty flowers so I wanted to make sure it was our wedding’s day,” she said. “I wanted it to reflect both of us, our love for one another and also the love we have towards our families… bringing them together with our love. “I had my princess dress and my princess castle and I now have forever to work on my prince charming.” Monique’s top five tips for planning a fairy tale wedding: 1. You are not looking for a nice dress, you are looking for ‘The’ dress, so don’t give up until you find it. 2. All weddings are the same. There is the cake, the dress, and the “I do’s”. So to make your wedding great, it needs to reflect the couple. Stick to what you and your hubby want on the day. 3. Make wedding magazines your new best friend. They are fantastic for tips and ideas so stock up. 4. People aren’t going to remember the rain, but they will remember that you kept smiling. 5. Don’t forget your fiancé in the process - they are just as part of the big day as you are.

Pictures: FIELD OF VISION Dennis and M aybelle perform ing their bridal wal tz

What could go

wrong?

By REBECCA BILLS

MOST brides think planning one wedding is enough so imagine having to plan three. Now throw in two countries, a cracked rib and the wrong bridesmaid’s dresses being delivered a week before the wedding. Well as they say, “something always has to go wrong.” But for Malaysian bride Maybelle Pho she looks back to her December wedding with the fondest of memories marrying her husband Dennis amid the magic of the hills at Tatra. Themed in the colours of pink and white with glimmers of gold, Maybelle chose a Cinderella bridal gown to marry her prince charming with her three bridesmaids dressed elegantly in pink. Meeting five years ago through her sister, Dennis and Maybelle had a two year engagement to give her time to get used to the idea of being someone’s wife and to plan the most special day in their lives together. Due to Maybelle’s parents being divorced, the couple needed to have two ceremonies in Malaysia for both sides of her extended family. “I had my Australian wedding on the Sunday with my immediate family and Australian friends and all of Dennis’s family and friends,” she said. “We then flew to Malaysia and had another reception in Malaysia on the following Friday followed by the third reception that Sunday. “At least I got a lot of wear out of my dress, but by the last reception we were both just so tired.”

f months before f The couple travelled to Malaysia a few the wedding to organise the Malaysian reception venues, print their invitations and organise the bridesmaid’s dresses. Maybelle told Wedding Bells that she had been a bridesmaid for a friend in Malaysia previously where they had their dresses beautifully tailor made and she wanted to do the same. “My mother brought the dresses over a few weeks before the wedding and when I opened them up it was the wrong material, colour and none of them fitted any of the girls,” she said. “We ended up having to buy them from a dress shop here in Australia. “I thought, ‘well that’s my little thing to go wrong’ but then when Dennis and I were practicing our bridal dance together and he cracked my rib…” With some pain killers Maybelle was able to wear her dream dress and marry her man. “Your heart is pumping, you are nervous but yet you are hyper. It’s really a mixture of all emotions,” she said. “But one of the wedding organisers looked at me and said ‘relax and enjoy this moment, you only get to do it once,’ and I thought ‘oh my God she is so right’.” The Caroline Springs couple said when planning their wedding they wanted something away from the city in a place romantic and charmed. “Because our receptions in Malaysia were being held in hotels, I wanted something really different for our Australian wedding,” she said. “With international guests coming, holding it at Tatra meant the guests could also see some touristy elements and really enjoy the beauty of the area. “It really was a wonderful day.”

Wedding Bells

82 Wills Road, Yarra Glen | Phone: 03 5965 2237 www.fergussonwinery.com.au | info@fergussonwinery.com.au

1092888-SH45-13

Mention this ad for your special offer when booking your wedding reception.

JenniferCakeAnne's Cakes s Decorations & Party Suppliess

Shop 1/107 St Station Streett Ferntree Gully Ph: 975 9758 0990 www.jenniferannescakes.com.au j if 10

Wedding Bells

1064106-KG19-13

• Wedding Cakes • Specialty Cakes & All Occasion Cakes • Cake Tin Hire • Large range of Sugar Flowers • Helium Balloons • Party Goods • Qualified Pastry Chefs 20 Years Experience

Finding the

best

fit

By REBECCA BILLS

Laura and Chris at Tatra. 107245 Picture: ROBYN SLAVIN

FINDING the perfect wedding dress can be one of the biggest challenges for the bride. It’s too long, it’s too puffy, too many sparkles, not enough sparkles, the bust doesn’t sit right and the train is too long. There seems to be an avalanche of various elements that can make or break the ‘it’ dress for the big day. But what if you found the perfect dress and it was a foot too short? For bride Laura Beaton this was the case. “I had no idea what type of dress I wanted, although I knew I didn’t want it to be ‘big’,” she said. After months of searching for dresses online, Laura and her mum went to a bridal warehouse sale for a Melbourne designer in hope of finding the perfect bridal gown. “We went along and I found a few that were OK, and one that was perfect,” she said. “The style was exactly right, it was ‘me’. “The only issue I had was the length - it was a foot too short.” Laura being six foot one, said finding dresses that were flattering for women of her height was a challenge so in the end she bought the dress at the warehouse and took it to a designer and had it made to her size. “It meant that I got exactly what I wanted, made to fit and to flatter my body,” she said. Although the dress was a very important aspect of the day, Laura said that for her and her husband Chris, the most important element included in their wedding day was their families. “We wanted to make sure the people closest to us were included,” she said. “We also wanted it to be a relaxed and fun day that was a real celebration.” She said watching all the preparation come to fruition was an added bonus on the day. “From looking for ideas for something on Google to sitting around at night talking with Chris about ideas over hot chocolate, to seeing it all coming together and finalising it was really exciting,” she said. “Especially in those last few weeks where it was all so close and you could really see how it was going to look.” When reflecting back on her big day, Laura said the only thing she would have changed was having a couple more days off work before the wedding. “I worked up until two days before which was fine in terms of organising, however it would have been good to have had some more time just to enjoy those last few days and relax,” she said.

Wedding Bells

Art With Distinction

Warburton Golf Club

Bridal Bouquets Preserved and Framed

We offer the following services:* Collection of bouquet * Drying and re-colouring of ﬂowers

Unforgettable Weddings & events...

P:03 5966 2306 E:warbygolf@bigpond.com www.warburtongolf@bigpond.com

* Buttonholes and photos can be included * Professional quality frames

For enquiries contact Steve Ph: 9736 3033 Shop 7B York Road, Mt Evelyn Email: artwithdistinction@bigpond.com www.artwithdistinction.com.au

Lit

1095356-SL45-13

Elite Stays is set on the base of the Cathedral Range in Taggerty on 16 acres. A perfect location for a honeymoon or even pre wedding accomodation.

candles

1096205-SL45-13

Call us now to arrange a personalised inspection.

* Customer frame and mat design

1049986-JM-WB45-12

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

18 Murchison st, Marysville, VIC 3779 M: 0422239754 www.lit.com.au

& beyond

Lit

candles

elite stays on Cathedral

lit candles lit & beyond

Wholesale/Retail

KOOKABERRY STRAWBERRY FARM T. & F. Caltieri

Wedding Bomboniere

Don’t fancy the traditional sugar covered almonds for your bomboniere? Looking for something just that little bit different? Anything homemade works well as a bomboniere and there is something to suit everyone's taste! It's a jar of sweet jam, made by kookaberry using local and all Yarra valley product that is grown on the farm, your guests will love it. Do it yourself or have it made, Decorate the jar with pretty fabric and a ribbon, and attach a note to say thankyou and enjoy. Each Bomboniere piece is handmade with attention to detail the highest priority. Products are all handmade to create an everlasting memory.

spread the love 12

Wedding Bells

25 Lewis Road, Wandin. Ph: 9737 9586, 0415 768 222 email: natcal@iprimus.com.au www. www.kookaberry.com.au

1089176-MD45-13

21 Acacia Lane, TAGGERTY, VIC 3714 Ph: 0413 795 283 - 03 5963 3225 www.elitestays.com.au

107234

Picture: KRISTOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Jazzing

up the bridal waltz

By REBECCA BILLS WHEN it comes to the bridal waltz, the question is always raised, do you keep it traditional or do you spice it up? Some prefer the elegance of the traditional waltz, but more and more are adding their own take to the ageless dance. Be it the song choice, accessories or dance moves, personalising the momentous dance is a way couples can add their own flare to kick off their lives together. Newlyweds Luke and Kelly Eggington were set on having a traditional wedding but wanted to let their hair down and have a boogie for their first dance as husband and wife. At the reception, the couple started off with a slow, traditional bridal waltz, with guests dazing over and looking for the waiter to top up their glasses. Little did they know the music was about to change and the whole bridal party was set to perform a six minute medley of hits. “We started the performance with the whole bridal party together to the

Michael Jackson hit Can You Feel It and then went into girls and guys dances,” she said. Kelly, who has a dancing and calisthenics background, choreographed the whole routine with the help of a friend and said the looks on the guests’ faces were utter surprise. “There was lots of cheering, the iPhones came out and the boys even got my calisthenics clubs and ribbons and used them at the end,” she said. “It really was just so much fun and much more entertaining than a traditional wedding waltz for our guests.” Practising in Kelly’s mother’s backyard, the bridal party were sworn to secrecy. “It took a lot of work to put it all together, but it worked so well,” Luke said. “Even with my two left feet and being extremely unco-ordinated, it ended up looking really good and everybody loved it.” Although a lot of time went into practising the dance, it created a special moment that guests and the bridal party were able to experience together and a story for Luke and Kelly to tell the future generation of Eggington’s.

Wedding Bells

JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Photography Specialising in Wedding Photography and Album Design, customised to your individual requirements JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consider it an honour to photograph your special day and offer professional and friendly service providing you with spontaneous and happy images reflecting the joy of the day. Your memories will last a lifetime. Comprehensive packages are designed to suit your circumstances.

1024060-JL19-12

For enquiries contact Judy: Mobile: 0427 100 818 Studio: Shop 7b York Road, Mt Evelyn Phone: 9736 1822 Email: jjsphotography@bigpond.com.au Website: www.jjsphotography.com.au

1048752-JM-WB-12

Weddings Videos and Photography www.mkweddings.com.au Phone: 0409 500 414 14

Wedding Bells

Dancing around By KATH GANNAWAY BE TRUE to yourself. It seems fairly obvious, but when it comes to choosing a wedding dress, there’s an overwhelming push to go down the straight and narrow aisle! In keeping with tradition, wedding dress shops (and bridal books) reflect the traditional - rows and rows of white, ivory or cream dresses that in the majority of cases are just what the bride is looking for. For most brides, the traditional or classic wedding dress is what they have dreamt of for their special day, and you only have to look at the gorgeous, happy brides to know it’s right. But what if you’re not a ‘traditional’ girl. What if your personality and personal style is more adventurous? Lowana O’Shea is a young Yarra Glen designer and maker of bespoke clothing, including unique wedding dresses, under the evocative label Vanyanis, ‘Custom Corsetry and Extravagant Attire’. Her advice for brides-to-be when choosing their wedding dress is to be yourself. “A wedding is really special, and it’s meant to be a one-time event, so you should make sure it is a true reflection of yourself and your partner” she says. “Choose something that is what you want; not what you think your mum, mother-in-law, or guests will like. It’s your day (and your dress!) and you don’t want to be looking through your wedding album thinking ‘who is that woman ... she doesn’t look like me’.” Lowana says most of the women who come to her are looking for something a bit different, may already have a vision, and are usually quite confident in what they are after. ’Something different’ doesn’t have to mean

tradition

something totally obscure or outrageous. “Don’t focus on being like everyone else, focus on being true to yourself. It doesn’t mean you have to choose something extremely out-of-thenorm, like a black wedding dress (unless that’s yourr style),” Lowana said. “Your wedding dress should be designed or chosen to suit your individual shape and personal taste; pick a colour and style that you love and feel confident in. “The dress should be worn; it shouldn’t be wearingg the person. It should complement the bride and show her in her best light. “If you choose something that is true to yourself, all anyone is going to see on your wedding day is a happy, confident and beautiful you, regardless of your gown’s colour or shape.” Naturally Lowana followed her own advice when she married Stuart Hallam at Toolangi in June with hundreds and hundreds of hours spent in designing and creating her stunning gold silk wedding dress, bridesmaids’ dresses and grooms’ outfits. She says that often brides simply don’t know there are other options and just go with what is available and recommends the website offbeatbride.com as an inspirational starting point not only for dresses, but for everything ‘wedding’. The site is a gold mine of ideas and stories of real-life weddings where people have done things a little (or a lot) outside the box. “If someone is a bit unsure and thinking they will just go ‘safe’, seeing real-life people doing something a bit different, who have really pulled it off, could be just the thing to build the confidence they need themselves to do something a little different” Lowana said. See Lowana’s story and more of her beautiful garments at www.vanyanis.net.

Bride Lowana O’Shea in a gold silk Victorian inspired gown, with bridesmaids Erika Honey and Amy Earl. Picture: MARK ANTHONY BOYLE.

Picture: KRISTO F PHOTOGRA PHY. A royal blue co rset over grey tulle bride Tegan H utchison’s drea m dress.

Picture: DANI VAN GROENINGEN. Flirting 40s style in a Vanyanis designed dress - Tom and Juliet Honey.

Wedding Bells

11093327-SL45-13

L’Amour Bridal Boutique WE SPECIALISE IN • • • • • •

Bridal gowns Bridesmaid dresses Debutant dresses Flower girl dresses Pageboy suits Jewellery and Accessories

17 Indra Road, Blackburn South, VIC, 3130 | P: 03 9899 9461 | F: 03 9899 9194 | E: lamourbridal@bigpond.com

YERING

M EADOWS

Join us for your special day!

Located in the beautiful Yarra Valley, come and see why our incredible Vista room is the perfect backdrop for your wedding day! With immaculately maintained grounds, an historical homestead and walnut grove, the photo opportunities are endless. Once you set foot in our modern facilities, our experienced team will ensure you and your guests a perfect day.

1090837-SH45-13

Please contact our Function Co ordinator for a personal tour.

Croydon Golf Club at Yering Meadows | Ph: 03 9738 9000 | www.yeringmeadows.com.au

Wedding Bells

By EMMA SUN

gem

HealesvilleGables RECEPTION CENTRE

Healesville Gables…

442772-SH19-10

Bouquet by Noaki of www.etsy.com/shop/Noaki Photo: YUNA LEONARD PHOTOGRAPHY

A of an idea

A WEDDING may only last a day, but a bouquet made of the right materials can stand the test of time. Jewellery bouquets have been embraced by many modern day brides as the new heirloom to pass down to future generations. Also called brooch bouquets, it is an arrangement made from brooches, earrings and pendants. The bouquet can also feature ribbon flowers, fake flowers or even real flowers, and are wound together like a normal bouquet. Not only does it hold sentimental value, but it’s a special piece that can be kept for decades, and even centuries, if preserved properly. Brides who have inherited vintage jewellery might find it an effective way to incorporate their relatives into their special day, while those who don’t have any can collect pieces of jewellery that catch their eye to put together. Thrifty and crafty brides will love being able to inject their own style and personality into it, which will provide an individual touch to any bridal outfit. Some florists are also able to make jewellery bouquets for those who prefer a professional’s touch. It doesn’t have to stop there - those who are keen to have personalised accessories can also make bridesmaid bouquets, buttonholes, corsages and even headpieces. The best part is, when the bouquet is passed down to future generations, there will be plenty of sentimental stories to tell with it.

MAKING WEDDING DREAMS COME TRUE Healesville Gables Reception centre set in the heart of the beautiful Yarra Valley, surrounded by mature gardens and rolling la is ideal for weddings from 30 to 100 lawns g sit down menu and 30 to 180 guest guest f our cocktail style receptions. The perfect for venue to make your Wedding day special. 1-3 Healesville, Kinglake Road, Healesville Phone 03 5962 3860 www.healesvillegables.com.au 1027388-SH19-12

Wedding Bells

Ph: 0414 226 255

MELBOURNEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ONLY STATESMAN SUPER STRETCH LIMOUSINES web: www.absolutelimousines.com.au

e: info@absolutelimousines.com.au 448658-SH19-10

Nine Grangehair & beauty Nine Grange Hair and Beauty specialise in hair up styling and make up artistry. We offer a 24 hours 7 days a week service. We understand the importance of your Wedding Day. We offer on-site or Full salon service.

Ph: 9730 2570 Shop 9, 38-40 Bell Street, Yarra Glen 18

Wedding Bells

1089129-SL45-13

Bouquets speak volumes By KATH GANNAWAY EMBRACE the beautiful, sweet-smelling gardenia, but beware the carnation! If there had been TAFE colleges in the Victorian era, the language of flowers would have been a LOTE course. At a time when the spoken and written word was used more sparingly, and perhaps a little more wisely (no delete buttons then) there was a bloom for every emotion, virtue and character flaw. Used metaphorically in poetry, and in letters, flowers were also chosen with great purpose for posies and bouquets, to convey messages of undying love, joy, wisdom, passion ... innocence. And, while you may not be super superstitious about life in general, when it comes to choosing the flowers that could write the script for the rest of your married life ... are you really happy to leave it all to chance? Well, YES. Of course the answer is ‘yes’ - if you have a particular flower you love, a bloom that perfectly matches your eyes, or the bridesmaid’s dresses; perhaps you’ve always dreamed of recreating the bridal bouquet your nanna carried on her wedding day. But, if you’re looking for a lovely way to bring some added symbolism to your wedding, why not embrace a fascinating tradition and hark back to the language of flowers. Orchids are one of the most popular and available blooms for bridal bouquets and with the symbolic meaning of ‘love and beauty’ are right on message. Other flowers that symbolise love include the lilac, rose and tulip. Carnations are tricky. While some lists have the red carnation symbolising ‘love’, others attribute the meaning as ‘Alas for my poor heart’. No joy either in a striped carnation which symbolises ‘refusal’! Honeysuckle is also a little ambiguous meaning ‘bonds of love’. Check out our Wedding Bells guide to the meaning of some of the most popular wedding flowers - including some to be wary of, lest they send the wrong message!

Calla Lily Camellia Clematis Gypsophilia Fern Freesia Gardenia Iris Ivy Lavender Lily-of-the-valley Jasmine Orange Blossom Orchid Rose Roses - Red & White Sweet Pea Tuberrose Tulip Violet Water Lily Christmas Rose Larkspur Marigold Narcissus Rhododendron White Poppy Yellow Rose

Magnificent Beauty Gratitude Love Vine Innocence, Pure of Heart Sincerity Trust Purity, Joy Wisdom Fidelity/Marriage Devotion True Happiness Amiability Purity Love/Rare Beauty Love Unity Lasting Pleasure Dangerous Pleasure Perfect Lover Modesty Purity of Heart Scandal Infidelity Grief Egotism Danger Sleep Jealousy

White roses, gypsophila and camellia leaves a bouquet that speaks of love, purity and gratitude. Red roses and white lilies are symbolic of a pure and passionate love.

Wedding Bells

1030673-SH19-12

Bruce Shand JP Celebrant

Lynne Westland JP

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

Marriage Celebrant It may be a formal occasion or something casual, large or small – the choice is yours.

You design your ceremony, I will arrange the documentation.

It’s ‘your day’ that will be presented ‘your way’.

Overseas fiancé visa letters also arranged. Celebrate your special day the way you want.

Ph: 0422 275 590 lynnewestland@gmail.com www.celebrant-lynnewestland.com.au

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

1089171-SL45-13

1046722-JM40-12

Susan Green

Cathlyn Woollard Marriage Celebrant

MARRIAGE CELEBRANT

Warm Unique or Traditional Ceremonies that reflect “YOU”

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

Specialising in - Rose Ceremonies - Sand or Salt Ceremonies - Candle Lighting Ceremony - Warming of the Rings And many More

Mob 0408 102 065 BH. 97256717 Email: cathywool@bigpond.com

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

1026340-JL19-12

www.yarravalleycelebrants.com.au

• Weddings • Renewal of Vows • Commitment Ceremonies • Namings • Life’s Celebrations

Marriage Vows Renewal of Vows & Commitment Ceremonies Name Giving t | 8761 6496 m | 0407 257 282 e | mcgrath14@bigpond.com

www.nicolettecelebrant.com.au nicki.cook1@bigpond.com.au Mobile: 0439 395 865 PO Box 6162 Croydon North 3136

Kaye McGrath Civil Marriage Celebrant

1093843-SH45-13

1070585-SL17-13

1093593-SL45-13

Lovelock Weddings Rebecca Lovelock

My happy, friendly disposition is combined with my passion to help you create a personally tailored celebration

Your Special Day Your Way

Leeanne Quinlivan – Chapter One Celebrations. 0411 670 337 03 9382 0440 email Leeanne@chapteronecelebrations.com.au or visit www.chapteronecelebrations.com.au

Wedding Bells

ph: 0418 664 936 1063877-SL17-13

Life Is made up of chapters, I am dedicated to working closely with you, so we can write a wonderful beginning to this brand new chapter of your life. I will give you an unforgettable ceremony that reﬂects your personal style, taste and values. Your special day will stay with you forever, so let’s do It your way.

Reg Civil Celebrant A09559

rebecca@lovelockweddings.com.au

www.lovelockweddings.com.au

A Celebration to Remember

Keep it

personal

By JESSE GRAHAM WHEN it comes to planning a wedding, it’s the personal touches that can help to make a day memorable. From personalised vows, through to a strong theme and even ditching traditional shirt-and-ties or wedding dresses, there are a number of ways to alter a wedding to suit individual needs. When it came to Courtney and Jamieson Brew’s big day in October last year, Courtney knew straight away her wedding wasn’t going to run straight along the traditional lines. “When he popped the question, I said to him ’you realise that I’m getting married in fairy wings?’ ” she said. He said that “he wouldn’t have it any other way.” “You know you’ve found the right person if they’re willing to put up with something like that.” The pair, who wed at Kallista’s Lyrebird Falls, had their big day with a fairytale theme - Courtney wore custom-made fairy wings and a butterflycovered veil. Jamieson, meanwhile, wore a top hat and tails, carrying a cane with a dragon-claw handle. Courtney said their personal changes to deviate from traditional weddings helped to improve the big day. “I think it made it more unique and special for us.”

Another couple, planning a cost-effective way to tie the knot, decided to hold their wedding in their own backyard, with all of the decorations made themselves. Jessica Griffin and Craig Taylor, who wed in January this year, had their wedding in the backyard of their Kilsyth home, with the groom, groomsmen and bridesmaids wearing more casual dress. With the groom and groomsmen in charcoal pants and vests with white shirts and the bridesmaids and flower girl wearing polka-dot dresses, Jessica said the evening was more comfortable. “We wanted a casual feel to the groom and groomsmen - later in the night, the guys rolled their sleeves up,” she said. She said that creating everything, down to the crochet hearts for cake-toppers, was stressful, but worth it in the end. Courtney said that she encourages anyone planning their wedding to personalise the day to suit them, rather than sticking with old traditions. “Everyone thought the special little touches were amazing,” she said. “It was more special for us than anything generic.” Courtney said that she sourced many of her decorations from www.etsy.com, which is an online marketplace for artistic, vintage or homemade products.

Pictures: CLAIR BREMNER

Picture:TEMPEST PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding Bells

Wedding