Wedding Bells Summer 2014 by Star News Group

LOVE BOUND BY RINGS WHEN SIZE MATTERS

Issue 15 | Summer 2014

C o m p l i m e n ta ry

unity

coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sealed IN LETTERS

Covering the Dandenong Ranges,Yarra Valley & The Ranges

Contents Romance on jet ski

Words of wisdom for couples

Native feel to floral decor

Love bound by rings

“I do” in rustic setting

Keeping vows casual

English trimmings to Aussie wedding

Magic moments midweek

Honeymoon or settle for mini-moon

Count the costs

Couple’s unity sealed in letters

Novel twist to wedding tradition

When size matters

For vows that

wow

Wedding checklist 22 Wedding directory 23

LOVE BOUND BY RINGS

Wedding season is upon us. And for me, the excitement of my best friend’s wedding is almost too much to handle. Any wedding is exciting, but added to the fact she has organised it in three months (with a little help from her friends), it’s all been compacted into 12 full-on weeks. The idea was to have a surprise wedding, dress it up as an engagement party and wham, welcome to the wedding. But keeping the secret was tougher than expected. Especially given the busy time of year. People would most likely be juggling a number of different events – not to mention summer holidays. Even buying the dress was an effort – most places require six months to make the dress, but luckily we found a place that could do it in 10 weeks. And it is perfect. The moment she walked out of the dressing room I promptly burst into tears, sobbing audibly in delight. That’s the best thing about a wedding, sharing in what could be one of the best days of your friend or loved one’s life. There is still a bit to do, but it’s been a great experience to be involved in. And I can’t wait for her special day – I’ll be the one with mascara running down my face with the biggest, proudest smile.

Editor

WHEN SIZE MATTERS

Issue 15 | Summer 2014

C O M P L I M E N TA RY

unity

COUPLE’S SEALED IN LETTERS

Covering the Dandenong Ranges,Yarra Valley & The Ranges

Cover Photo:

Ben and Toni Moore. Picture: Ateia Photography Editor Melissa Meehan Mail Newspaper Group Phone: 5957 3700 Email: editor@yvnews.com.au Advertising Danielle Gaitely Mail Newspaper Group Level 1/244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville 3777 Phone: 5957 3700 Email: danielle.gaitely@yvnews.com.au

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

Where to write… We would love to receive your feedback about our current edition and hear your story ideas. Write to The Editor at Wedding Bells, P.O. Box 470, Healesville 377 or email editor@yvnews.com.au How to advertise… If you would like to showcase your products, business, property or service to our bridal readership please contact Danielle Gaitely on 5957 3700 or email emma.chew@yvnews.com.au

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Romance on jet ski By KATH GANNAWAY ROMANCE was always on the cards when Daniel Uslar and Brooke Andrews booked a holiday in Fiji in August. But a proposal, on a jet-ski in the middle of the pristine, blue waters off Day Dream Island, sent the romance barometer skyrocketing. Brooke is a born romantic, and it seems she has met her perfect match in Daniel. The couple have been together for five years, and, of course they have talked of their future life together. But, when the time came for that big question, Daniel wanted it to be special, romantic, memorable ... the perfect mix of spectacular and traditional. He hired out the entire jet-ski fleet to make sure they had their destination all to themselves. “We love to travel and I really like to surprise her. I wanted to spoil her with something we would both remember as a really special moment in our lives,” Daniel told Wedding Bells. Two reef sharks swimming around their remote island rendezvous were an unexpected audience, but they weren’t going to put Daniel off his game plan. With Brooke happy to stay on the duck-board of the jet-ski, he snorkelled around a coral shelf before making his grand entrance. “I popped up out of the water on to the jet-ski, opened up the little capsule with the ring in it, went down on one knee and said ‘Will you marry me?’ ” he said. Her reaction, surprised, excited, emotional ... was everything he had hoped for. “She pretty much tackled me off the jet-ski,” he said.

And, of course, the answer was a ‘Yes’. Repeated three times, just so there was no mistake. Brooke said she had always pictured herself and Daniel as having a future together, but had no idea he was going to propose. “Of course we have talked about the future, I just didn’t know when we would formalise the wonderful relationship we have together,” she said. “I like surprises and he really did surprise me with such a romantic proposal and such an amazing ring,” she said. The ring, diamond and gold, was hand-made by Dean Knoote Diamonds in Western Australia. Their Day Dream Island proposal is something they will remember forever as a beautiful start to their married life together, but both agree it is ultimately about celebrating the love they share, the commitment they are making and looking forward to the future together. “I think getting engaged is a big thing and Brooke deserves everything I can give her, but I know it wouldn’t have mattered if I had proposed with a ring out of a vending machine at a bowling alley,” Daniel said. “The response would have been the same.” “It was such an amazing, romantic thing to do,” said Brooke who added however that it wouldn’t have mattered at all had it been less spectacular. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted really; and especially when you love somebody, it’s not about how they propose to you, it’s about just committing because you love them.”

Engaged – Brooke and Da niel at their engagement party.

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Words of By KATH GANNAWAY

wisdom for couples

WANT advice on how to keep your man, or your woman, once the honeymoon is over? No problem, Mr Google is just a few finger taps away ... and what he doesn’t know about marriage, sex, love etc. etc. etc. is irrelevant. LOL*! And, there are always the girl mags – not sure if there are equivalent for guys – with suggestions on what makes the sparks fly and even practical advice on finances, relationship/career balance and if and when to start thinking about kids – or pets. With a niece about to be married next year, a couple of little books – Don’ts for Husbands and Don’ts for Wives, written by Blanche Ebbutt caught my eye. They were first published in London in 1913. So, what advice could Blanche possibly have to offer my gorgeous niece and nephew-to-be that 1, they don’t already know (like most modern couples, they are already in a live-in relationship), or 2, has any possible relevance 101 years on. You might be surprised. I was.The books – blue for boys, red for girls – has some sound advice. Seems that the basics – respect, love, consideration, togetherness and commitment, were a big item for courting couples back in Blanche’s day. Tweak her advice a bit with an eye to modern interpretation, and you might find yourself nodding in agreement. Yes, some of it is quaint in parts, but you have to say Blanche was as straight up with the husbands as with the wives. It covers topics from general Habits – “Don’t be too grave and solemn. Raise a bit of fun in the home now and then”, to Personal Relationships – “Don’t try to regulate every detail of your wife’s life. Even a wife is an individual, and must be allowed some scope.” Don’t sulk when things go wrong; Don’t drop calling her “Laura” or “Kiddie”, and address her as “Mamma” or “Mother” in season and out of season. She is proud to be a mother, but she wants to be a wife too; Don’t expect a “return” for every generous action. It ceases to be generous if there be an arriere pensee

Wedding Bells

(google it) in it; Don’t let ambition crowd out love, There ought to be room for both in your life. All good advice. Jealousy, Household Matters, Finances and Holidays and Recreation also get a page or two. And for new wives? Blanche notes that “So many women exhaust their artistic power in getting married, which is, after all, a comparatively easy business. Then ... “It takes a perfect artist to remain married in the perfect sense of the term.” So her advice covering Personalities, How to Avoid Dischord, Financial Matters, Evenings at Home and Recreation. “Don’t be surprised if you have married for money, or position, or fame, that you get only money, or position, or fame; love cannot be bought. “Don’t interpret too literally the ‘obey’ of the Marriage Service.Your husband has no right to control your individuality”. “Don’t tell all your women friends of your husband’s faults” (perhaps just a couple of close ones) “Don’t pose as a helpless creature who can do nothing for herself ... and don’t profess to be unable to understand.” “Don’t check your husband’s high spirits ... let him sing at the top of his voice in the bathroom”. “Don’t spend all your time with the children, and leave none over for your husband.” “Don’t take your husband on a laborious shopping expedition, and expect him to remain good-tempered throughout.” And ... perennially good advice in any era ... “Don’t say bitter things when you are angry”. Or Text, or Facebook. Don’t you just love Blanche! *LOL – Lots of Love.

Native feel to

floral decor By JESSE GRAHAM

or a colourBouquets can fit a theme, d and scheme, or they can be wil uncontrolled.

WHEN IT comes to choosing flowers for a wedding, it’s best to plan pieces around the season and your theme, according to Healesville florist, Leah Ledingham. Ms Ledingham, who works at Healesville’s flower and gift shop, Clarence, said that trends in wedding flowers had been shifting towards more native plants and forest-themes. She said that succulents, gum-nuts, billy buttons (craspedias) and over-the-top flowing bouquets have all been popular choices, with all-green bouquets made up of native plants and textural pieces. “Native (flowers) are massive, with different kinds of textures,” she said. “A lot of the style is so it looks like they’ve all been picked fresh and put into vases - there’s loose styling. “Forest styling, with wood and moss, people love – that’s right back in – people want earthy tones ... flower crowns and armbands.” Ms Ledingham, along with owner of Clarence, Bobilee Shahine, said it was important for brides and grooms-to-be to pick flowers that not only suited their theme, but were also in season at the time of the wedding. “Know what’s in season, and know what style you want,” she said. “We say ‘bring pictures, bring us styles, do a board – do a Pintrest kind of thing’, and we’ll do what you want – show us what you want and we’ll go with that.” But, as with any creative and artistic endeavour, designs can change as they make their way into reality, and Ms Ledingham said it was important to trust your florist to come through with perfectly suited pieces on the big day. “The main thing Bobi says is that you’ve got to trust in your florist,” she said “If you love their style and love their work, you’ve got to trust in them,” As for the potential for different flower pieces, the sky is the limit. Ms Ledingham said that flower pieces could range from flowering a groom’s beard through to edible pieces, flower bombs – large balls of flowers – and even a hand-sewn curtain of carnations flowing from an archway. Florists can also provide wrapping services on the day of the wedding, so that the wedding party and guests can get some longer use out of the flowers purchased from the day. Ms Ledingham said one of her most important tips was to give the florists notice of the wedding months ahead of time, to ensure they’re fully prepared to plan out the pieces. “We do weddings 12 months in advance, but it’s normally two to three months,” she said. “Give us two to three months, and then you’ll know seasonally what’s good and what’s not good.”

h some green Florist, Leah Ledingham wit coquette ingredients. Picture: JESSE GRAHAM

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Love

bound by rings

By JESSE GRAHAM CHOOSING a wedding ring is one important task – how often do you choose something to wear for the rest of your life? But ring choices have opened up in recent years, and few people know this better than jeweller Brent Dakis. Mr Dakis, who makes heirloom jewellery and hand-made pieces, said there had been a recent shift from more traditional wedding rings to unique, weird and whacky designs, suited to the personality of the wearer. “What I often say is that it is a style and an alternative,” he said. “Gone are the days where a man has to have a plain gold ring and a woman a plain silver one – I’ve been making rings with huge gemstones for men and that sort of stuff, because you can now. “People can have a think about how they want their relationship to be represented.” Some people have even chosen to deviate from tradition far into their marriage, with Mr Dakis completing a special 25th wedding anniversary project for a woman. “It involved melting down her wedding ring and her engagement ring – and her grandmother’s engagement ring – and recycling all the gold and stones to create something new,” he said. “Redefining heirlooms is really great – it uses the same gold and the same stones.

“It’s an energetic point of view – it is the same ring, just being redefined. It’s much better if it gets worn and appreciated, than sitting in a box somewhere.” Whether choosing a traditional ring or something more unique, Mr Dakis said that it was important to think about possibilities and make sure the ring suited the person wearing it. “The main thing I say to people is that the wedding day ends, the photo album goes on the shelf, the dress goes in a bag in the cupboard – the ring is the one thing you look at every single day, for the rest of your life,” he said. “Of all the things, it’s the most permanent and should come with the most weight and consideration to how you want it to look.” Mr Dakis said that it was important for newlyweds and not-so-newlyweds to take care of their jewellery. Plain gold bands may need re-polishing with time and wearing, while rings with stones and settings should be checked up by a jeweller every six months to a year. To care for a wedding ring and ensure it has longevity, Mr Dakis said it was important to not garden or clean while wearing a ring with stones. “The stones can be eroded or affected by chemicals,” he said. “If you’re any form of labourer – don’t wear your ring to work. “Wedding rings are designed to be as durable as they can be, but the more complicated you go, the more stones, more unique aspects you add to them, the greater the risk that they won’t go the distance.”

Brent Dakis at his workbenc

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“I do”

in rustic setting By MELISSA MEEHAN WHEN Amy Sheridan and her husband Chris saw the old wooden chapel at Gum Gully Farm, they knew they had found the perfect place to tie the knot. “It was the first venue we looked at,” Amy said. “We loved the farm feel, and how rustic it was, we just knew as soon as we saw it.” And it was the perfect setting for their special day. The bride wore a sweetheart neckline dress, the bodice covered in crystal and pearl detail with a drop waist and a long train. Flowers and bridesmaid dresses were soft colours and the table decorations matched the theme perfectly, it gave a wonderful contrast to the stark colour of the chapel and rustic feel of the venue. “We had lots of little love quotes all around the place too,” Amy said. “I like those little signs, and had collected a few before the wedding, so it was nice to incorporate it too.” Their 90 guests enjoyed the day and family members were included in the bridal party including cousins as flower girls and page boys. The only mishap, the guests drank all of the beer in the bar in the first hour. So they had to send for backup, a family member heading into the town of Monbulk to purchase more refreshments.

Amy and her husband Chris celebrated at Gum Gully Farm. Pictures:WILDBERRY STUDIO

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Keeping vows By MELISSA MEEHAN WHEN Jason Killborn and his wife Kelly planned their wedding they approached it in a casual fashion. So it was no surprise their Killara Estate wedding was also an informal affair. They opted to have their parents sit at the bridal table with them rather than having a bridal party and included them in a sand ceremony representing two families coming together. “We had a pretty small wedding, with 70 guests who were mainly family – we only had one table of friends,” Jason said. “It was pretty laid-back which was great, we planned it all so it took some time but we were very happy with the result.” Jason and Kelly made all the flowers and table decorations, all based around Kelly’s favourite colour, purple. She even wore a white wedding dress with purple laced around her veil.

Wedding Bells

casual

Aussie wedding English trimmings to

By JESSE GRAHAM

WHEN HANNAH Brooke married her fiance, Andrew, the wedding was like a little bit of England had come to Mount Evelyn. The Glenburn West couple married at Lilydale’s Chateau Wyuna on 27 April this year, and Ms Brooke said that she wanted to integrate some parts of her home country into the wedding. “He calls me ‘my English Rose’, so we had roses,” she said. She was driven to the venue in a traditional Rolls Royce, and, due to Hannah living near Liverpool, the Beatles featured on the wedding playlist. “We just wanted to enjoy ourselves,” Ms Brooke said. “It was really nice to be able to tie bits of England into our day – my life is quite Australian now, but it’s nice to be able to remember where I’m from.” With her family largely based overseas, Ms Brooke said the couple had to deal with around seven airport pick-ups throughout the nights leading up to the wedding, and nine people staying in their two-bedroom house. “It was full on, but the value of having them there outweighed the hassle of having them there,” she said. To accommodate for the disparity in numbers on the day, Ms Brooke designed a sign to help visitors step away from the tradition of sitting on the side of either the bride or a groom. “Today as two families become one, we ask that you please choose a seat, not a side,” the sign read. Autumn was another key feature in the wedding, as it is the brides’ favourite English season, and so the wedding had a colour theme of charcoal with orange accents. Ms Brooke said that, while she designed many aspects of the wedding, Andrew was very involved in the overall plans, and that they went through every step together. She said her favourite moment from the wedding was when the doors at the chapel opened and she saw her groom for the first time. “That moment when the doors opened for me walking down the isle – you picture that moment, the first time everyone sees you and you imagine it to be magical,” Ms Brooke said. “That was the biggest moment for me - standing in front of the doors and them opening, and seeing him for the first time and him seeing me for the first time. “It goes quickly, though.” The pair honeymooned in Bali, and Ms Brooke said that her friends told her it was the best wedding they had attended.

Hannah and Andrew Brooke travelled in a Rolls Royce on their wedding day , as part of a homage to Hannah’’s home countr y.

Hannah said the wedding incorporated the charcoal and orange colours of autumn – her favourite season.

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Magic moments By MONIQUE KELLETT EVERYTHING about Natalie and Cameron Walker’s wedding was traditional – except for the day they chose to marry. Natalie said she did not feel obligated to get married over a weekend and their Wednesday wedding date had a particular sentiment. “We first started dating on a 13th engagement party in New Zealand with Cameron’s family on a 13th,” she said. “We didn’t plan it like that, it just sort of happened. When we realised, we liked that 13 was our lucky number.” Cameron and Natalie met six years ago, after Cameron moved permanently to Australia from New Zealand. Natalie said they kept their local and overseas guests in mind when planning their wedding date. “We knew that with half the wedding guests being from New Zealand, people were going to have to take time off for the wedding anyway,” she said. “Rather then flying up for a weekend, we were able to spend as much time with them as we could. We had a late ceremony so, if they wanted, our guests here didn’t have to take a whole day off work.” Natalie said a weekday wedding at Marybrooke Manor in Sherbrooke, was not only convenient but also costeffective. “The cost of a mid-week wedding was about half the cost of a weekend one,” Natalie said. “I also didn’t have to battle any brides for anything. When I called, most places assumed I was inquiring about a weekend wedding. “When I said it was a Wednesday their whole attitude changed. They could offer me a more personalised service because they weren’t rushing between other events.” For brides worrying about inconvenient guests, Natalie said that it was important that couples remembered what was important. “For us it was about focusing on what the day was about, which was getting married and not how much money we were spending, or who was there. “We didn’t feel the need to invite everyone we know, that’s not what getting married is actually about. If not a single guest turned up, the things most important to me were saying “I do” and starting our family … and of course making my husband cry.”

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Honeymoon or settle for

By REBECCA BILLS AFTER couples say ‘I do’, the next best thing to look forward to is often the honeymoon. But a new trend is showing the expense of the wedding is leaving couples high and dry with more and more saying good-bye to lush Maldives retreats and hello to staying a little closer to home. The mini-moon is much the same as the opulent overseas honeymoon, just closer to home, be it interstate or even in the couple’s home state. Newlywed Lilydale couple Dean and Rebecca Tromp chose to have a mini-moon on the Gold Coast earlier this year due to work commitments and the savings they made. “We would rather save our money, not necessarily for another honeymoon, but for other things like a new car and a deposit for a house, as these are a priority for us right now,” Rebecca said. The couple organised the getaway together without the help of a travel agent and said going for the shorter, closer-to-home option, they were able to spend more money on accommodation and activities that otherwise would have been spent on travel. However, Bella Jet Travel manager Katherine Newlands said most of the honeymoon trips she had booked this year had been big Europe or American trips. “Other popular spots are Thailand and Bali and the mini-mooners are choosing Port Douglas and New Zealand,” she said. “I think most are still opting for the honeymoon due to couples wanting to do that ‘big’ trip before they come home and start their family.” Katherine’s top honeymoon/mini-moon travel tips are: ■ Decide on a Budget and stick to it. ■ Decide on what you both want out of the trip, whether it is to lay on a beach or an action-packed holiday. ■ Make sure you are doing things that both parties want to do. ■ Book early to get the great sales. ■ Organise a honeymoon registry with the travel agent so your family and friends can contribute towards the honeymoon which then gives you more funds to spend.

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mini-moon Picture: DIVA FOR A DAY

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Picture: Kim Cartmell

costs Count the

By NICOLE WILLIAMS

WEDDINGS are expensive and there is no getting around it. As a bride on a budget, I have sought out countless blogs and articles with tips for how to save money on your wedding but they all say the same thing – cut numbers, have a wedding off-season, etc. All the tips are great but it’s just not always possible. From my own wedding planning experience, sometimes you have to think outside the box. If you are willing to compromise a little bit huge savings can be made. Here is what I have learnt. Prioritise The first and most important thing is sit down and work out your wedding priorities with your fiancé. Do you want an expensive designer dress or the perfect reception with all the bells and whistles? The easiest way to keep everything in check is to make a list in order of your priorities and when budgeting, try to make sure the amounts you are paying are in line with your priorities. For example, you don’t want to end up spending $3000 on a dress if you have listed your top priorities as location and decorations. After careful consideration, I chose two priorities – the reception and the photographer – everything (and I mean everything) else is on a budget. Use who you know Sit down with your fiancé and family and think hard! It is likely you know someone who can help you out. You can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars, by thinking about who can help you with your wedding essentials. It doesn’t have to be a professional – someone with a knack for hair and make-up or an eye for a good photo can be all you need if you are willing to compromise. These are just a few ideas: ■ Cake – someone who has done a cake decorating course or has talent for baking. ■ Cars – a friend with a nice car or member of a car club. ■ Stationery – a graphic designer. ■ Photos – someone with a good camera or ask your guests to tag your photos on social media. ■ Location – a family member with a big backyard or a contact at a venue. ■ Hair/make-up – a beauty student. ■ Decorations – just ask and most people will be more than happy to keep their eyes out for decorations in the lead up to the big day. A recent wedding in the family or friendship circle can also be very useful for borrowing decorations or unused items. The options are endless! Always ask It is an obvious one but often overlooked for fear of appearing rude – simply ask if someone can do a better deal. Some providers are more than happy to offer a discount for paying cash or can

suggest a cheaper alternative (there is that dreaded off-season advice again). Florists may be able to suggest similar but cheaper flowers or the caterer may suggest share platters rather than an alternate main course menu. Remember the providers have been involved in many more weddings than you and know some tricks and tips you have never even considered. Taking some advice could save you in the long run. ‘The’ dress Here is the really important thing! When it comes to the dress, there are always options – even if you have your heart set on a particular dress, style or designer. Some bridal shops have outlets where out of season or slightly damaged dresses are on sale at huge savings. Really think about whether anyone is going to know if you’re wearing a dress that is one or two seasons out of date, with a small tear amongst mountains of fabric or with make-up/fake tan stains on the inside. It is a small compromise for a huge saving. A second option for dream dress savings is to have it made. There are plenty of dressmakers on websites like etsy or ebay who are willing to make a custom dress or if you ask around, you’ll be surprised how many people know a cheap but fantastic dressmaker. Whatever you choose, the happy glow surrounding you on your big day will make anything look beautiful!

Picture: DAN BROWNE I take wedding photos.

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Couple’s By MELISSA MEEHAN

unity sealed in letters

A WEDDING ceremony can be made up of many parts. Some aren’t necessary while others are mandatory. But this doesn’t mean you can’t add your own flavour or personality to your special day. Healesville-based celebrant Kersten Gentle said many couples wanted to add something different to their ceremony these days. “Sand ceremonies are popular,” Ms Gentle said. “It’s basically a way of expressing the coming together of the couple and their families into one.” Another way of visually demonstrating that a couple is now as one, is lighting a unity candle together by their own individual lit candles. “For the Yarra Valley, I love the love letter and wine box ceremony,” Ms Gentle said. “Before the wedding, the couple pen each other a love letter, explaining their love and why they want to spend the rest of their lives together. “At the wedding, the couple place their love letters in a wooden wine box containing one or two bottles of their favourite wine and then together they nail the lid with the agreement that if their love goes astray they are to open the box and drink the wine while reading their love letters to each other.” Ms Gentle said others agreed to open the wine box on their 25th or 50th wedding anniversary. “The key is that the wedding has to be about the couple,” she said. “They can have anything they want; it’s about telling their story and matching their personality.”

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Mellisa and Matt Moore at Gruyere. Picture: JASON LAU PHOTO GRAPHY

Kersten Gentle with Ben and Toni Moore. Picture: Ateia Photography

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Celebrants Cathlyn Woollard

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Novel twist to wedding tradition By REBECCA BILLS Something borrowed, something blue, out with the old and in with the new. When it comes to planning a wedding more and more couples are choosing to tweak tradition and add their own spin to the way they say ‘I do.’ With more and more ‘modern family’ situations occurring, marriages are becoming not just of two people but the union of their families, which can add a whole new dimension to the loving day of celebration. Newlyweds Andrew and Chantel Steele also wanted to celebrate the union of a new family for Andrew’s four children and kept the kids in mind when planning the special day. “Including the kids was really important to us and we didn’t want to discount the fact that by me marrying Andrew, I also now have four kids,” she said. “There was also nothing traditional about my wedding, the closest thing is probably my big white wedding dress. “Other than that, we had a magic trick from one of my step-sons during the ceremony, and I had games at my reception – our wedding cake was even made using the eggs our hens laid,” she said. To bring to life the wedding reception at Nathania Springs, bridal games were played including a wedding garter relay and a bridal scavenger hunt. This created a fun and very unique atmosphere for guests and something the children could really enjoy. “In order to bring our family and friends together more, we also didn’t do the tables in the traditional way with a parents’ tables, an aunts and uncles table, his friends table, my friends tables and so on, but rather we mixed it up a little,” she said. “It meant that some people who thought they would be sitting together were split up which promoted people moving around a little more to chat and get to know different people. “This also reduced the impact on the guests that didn’t really know anyone because they weren’t at a table where everybody already knew each other.”

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Picture: DIVA FOR A DAY

When

size

matters By JESSE GRAHAM

IT’S arguably one of the most difficult questions when it comes to a wedding – is smaller or bigger better? The question has a myriad of questions that come up alongside it, about the cost of the event, how close someone has to be to earn an invitation and whether or not to have a sitting or a cocktail-style evening. But there are pros and cons to bigger and smallerstyled weddings. Larger weddings mean variety, and a larger group of friends and family that can come along for the big day, as well as plenty of room for a band without cramping the space. Meanwhile, smaller events create more intimate spaces and can mean events feel closer than ones where you can get lost in the crowd – and may be lighter on the couple’s purse and wallet. As far as numbers go, a large wedding space can mean a turnout of over 200, while smaller weddings can have around 50 attendees. Healesville’s Cameron McKenzie, who was married at Coldstream’s Riverstone Estate, said the size of a wedding came down to the personality of the bride and the groom – and that it was a decision not to be taken lightly. “Go big or small, but make sure it’s what you want, and that you are not catering to other parties or interests – you only get one,” he said. He said that his wedding to Michelle last year at the estate had a guest list of 85 people, and that having the event at a winery meant the atmosphere was spacious and relaxed. Mr McKenzie said it was best to start small, and personalise the guest list according to the couple’s preferences, though money was a consideration. When it comes to costs, it’s important for couples to shop around for venues – visiting venues when there is a wedding on and asking plenty of questions can help to create a space that is perfect for each individual couple.

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