Victoria and Matt, Stones of the Yarra Valley
What a story, what a couple. They are perfect together, and fate really did have it’s way with their relationship. To say they came full circle, is an understatement.
Vic and Matt are one of a kind and the love for their kids is incredible. I am also a mother, but my children were not super close in age. Vic and Matt have three young children and their energy and enthusiasm is amazing.
I first met them over the phone, Vic and I hit it off straight away. This phone conversation was followed up with a meeting at my home, where they brought their youngest child. We chatted, filled in paperwork and I got to know more of their story. Vic would often call to ask me things about the wedding and these conversations would turn into philosophical conversations about life. She is a great lady and I am lucky to have met both of them.
Here is Vic’s snapshot of her day and her suppliers.
How did you meet?
Matt and I first met when we were 14 and 13 years olds, respectively. At that time I was living in Hong Kong but would travel regularly to Melbourne with my Dad who was originally from Melbourne. It was on one of those trips that we met – our connection was instant even at such a young age. Every time I would return to Melbourne we would make sure we saw each other! Although we lived in different countries, our unique relationship grew into something I think we both knew was special. Back then Matt would often say to me he would marry me one day – he was right!
I eventually moved to Melbourne for University however life took us on separate paths and it was some years before we would see each other again. In early 2017, after hearing I had moved back to Melbourne having been in Sydney for some years (and was single!) Matt contacted me and suggested we catch up for a coffee. We met for that coffee not long after, with my two young children, Chloe and Hunter in tow, and the it was like no time had passed between us. We welcomed our daughter Mia into the world in January 2018. Matt proposed to me at our home in August 2018 – I of course said YES! The rest is history!
Why did you choose your reception and ceremony location?
Stones of the Yarra Valley was the only venue we looked at as we knew straight away it was perfect for our special day! Aside from it being a stunning venue with gorgeous surroundings, we loved the fact we were able to have both our ceremony and reception on the same property and do everything in between e.g. getting ready beforehand at the Day Villa which is purpose built space designed for bridal parties, our guests were able to enjoy drinks and canapes in The Dairy whilst we had our photographs taken in between the ceremony and reception and having the option of accommodation at the Farmhouse.
What was the most important element for you to have in your wedding?
To have our children involved – it was organized chaos but we wouldn’t have it any other way!
How did you choose what to wear?
My dress was from Suzanne Harward – it was exactly what I envisioned myself wearing on my wedding day so it really felt meant to be!
Tell me all about the proposal?
Matt proposed to me at our home – Matt will say the actual proposal wasn’t as romantic as he had planned but I thought it was perfect!
What style helped to shape your reception and where did you get your inspiration?
I would describe the style of our wedding as elegant and romantic with an edge! Think florals in blush, peach and apricot tones with candles in gold and copper holders and a large central floral hanging installation. We also had a neon sign which read “Better Together” decorated with floral garlands for a bit of fun! Inspiration came from looking at other real weddings on wedding blogs and Instagram but also staying true to our own style.
How did you choose your suppliers? Who were the stand out suppliers on the day?
We went with suppliers recommended by Stones – I have to say all of our suppliers were equally fantastic!
Why did you decide to marry?
To make it official and celebrate with our family and friends.
What was an absolute stand out on your wedding day?
I think we can honestly say the whole day was just perfect – if we had to pick a stand out it would probably be having our kids involved I the ceremony.
What advice would you offer to future brides?
When planning, stay true to what is important to you and your partner and when the big day arrives, enjoy the whole day as it goes so quickly!
What supplier did you book first and why?
After booking Stones, Charis was the first person we booked as it was important to us that we had a connection with person who was going to marry us. We felt an immediate rapport with Charis – she was warm, personable and just such a lovely person!
Is there anything you would change about your wedding day?
We can honestly say there is nothing we would change about the day!
What was the most stressful part of the wedding planning process?
Probably those final weeks leading up to the wedding – mainly making sure we hadn’t forgotten anything and throw into the mix having three young children which often left little time for wedding planning! Thankfully all our suppliers were on top of everything which made things so much easier for us.
Did you both equally plan the wedding together or did one person have more input?
I’d say I did most of the planning as it’s more my thing but Matt was always there to give his input when it came to the bigger and more important decisions.
Did anything go wrong on the day of your wedding?
Thankfully no!
VENDORS:
Photographer – Rick Liston @rick_liston
Groom’s attire – Calibre @calibreaustralia
Groomsmen attire – Formal Red @formal_red
Bridal party attire:
– Bridesmaid dresses: Shona Joy @sjbridesmaid_
– Bridesmaid shoes: Witchery @witcheryfashion
– Flower girl dresses and cardigans: Tutu De Monde @tutudemonde
– Flower girl jackets: Little Hearts Co. @little_hearts_
– Paige boy outfit: David Jones @davidjonesstore
– Paige boy jacket: Seed Heritage @seedheritage
Brides shoes: Valentino @maisonvalentino
Bride’s accessories: Dior @dior
Hair & Makeup artists:
– Hair: Kylee Carlsen at Canvas Hair and Beauty @canvashairandbeauty
– Makeup Artist: Casey Malady @caseymalady_makeupartist via Tonic Agency @tonic.makeup.hair
Florist: Sugar Bee Flowers @sugarbeeflowers
Venue: Stones of the Yarra Valley @stonesoftheyarravalley
Catering: Stones of the Yarra Valley @stonesoftheyarravalley
Cake/Bonbonniere: Miss Ladybird Cakes @missladybirdcakes
Rings: Pilkington Jewellers @pilkingtonjewellers
Stationary: State Of Reverie @stateofreveriestudio
Entertainment: Baker Boys Band @bakerboysband
Neon sign: Neon Collective @neoncollective.co
Candles and Fairy lights: Styling Prop Hire @stylingprophire