For these two tanned humans, a low-key wedding by the water was ideal. “We live by the water and it just wouldn’t have felt right having an inland wedding. We spent a weekend driving and stopping at different places and found Allenvale tucked up in the forest”, says Steph who didn’t stop smiling from the minute her toes (decorated in barefoot sandals by Forever Soles) touched the sand.
“Beetle and I just giggled through the ENTIRE ceremony, and the rest of the day for that matter”, says Steph who had every reason to be happy. Not only had she landed an incredible photographer by way of Beck Rocchi but a handsome husband too (a deal she sealed with a Lord Coconut ring). “Beetle was adamant that if my dress was a secret, then so was his suit. I think everyone else knew except me. It was awesome, he looked so handsome and HOT!”
Her surprise was just as worthwhile. Dressed in a stunning, strapless Karen Willis Holmes gown and full length veil she tells us, “Being tall (nearly 6’4) I had to work with Sally and Enza to nearly reshape the entire pattern so the hip bits were where my hips were, and the boob bits were where my boobs were, and to add plenty of length. I looooooved my long fancy train and got the longest veil I could find to match. I felt elegant and sexy.”
Wanting to mimic the magic created by their clear marquee draped in fairy lights and beautiful blooms, Steph did a quick costume change, adding a three-layered tulle skirt to her outfit. “Best of both worlds!” she adds. But the most memorable part of their day? “Watching my Aunty Pat with her Zimmer frame dancing with complete strangers on the d-floor.”
CREDITS Photos Beck Rocchi Photography // Bridal gown Karen Willis Holmes // Veil Xoxo Etsy Couture via Etsy // Flowers Geelong Flower Farm // Rings Lord Coconut and Keshett // Shoes Forever Soles // Accessories Sarah Morgan Bridal via Etsy and Forever New // Bridesmaids dresses Sheike, Zimmerman and ASOS // Robes Comfy Clothing via Etsy // Grooms suit Hugo Boss // Grooms shoes Oxford // Groomsmen suits Paul Costelloe // Bow ties David Jones // Ceremony Qye River Foreshore Reserve, VIC // Reception Allenvale, VIC // Catering and cake Treat Catering & Events // Hair Zumay (women) and Uncle Rocco’s (men) // Makeup Bree Cramer // Music Tim Mitchell and the Tone Tone Semitones // Celebrant Rev Peter Waterhouse // Marquee The Marquee People // Prop hire Harry the Hirer.