Cynthia & James, 24th May 2019
For Cynthia and James, their two year friendship, blossomed into a beautiful and loving, lifelong partnership.
Their wedding day embraced faith and tradition, and celebrated friends and family coming together.
How did you meet?
Cynthia
We met through mutual friends at church. James’s housemate Ben was a good friend of mine and one fine Sunday, he brought James to church, and that’s when we first met. After that Sunday, he tagged along to many gatherings, and eventually we got to know each other more. It was not till after being friends for 2 years that we realised we actually had feelings for each other.
Any funny dating stories?
James
On the first date, I thought it would be a great idea to cook steak on a hot summer's day (like 38 degrees hot!) in his apartment kitchen. When Cynthia walked through the door, my small apartment was filled with the haze of burnt steak. After sweating through an overcooked steak dinner in a non air conditioned apartment, I managed to save the day with a homemade chocolate cake.
What was it about Stones of the Yarra Valley that made you choose us?
It was just breathtaking when we first saw the venue. In fact, James was in San Fransisco working and we had FaceTimed him in. Even then, he was completely in love with it from what he could see through the screen. The iconic tree amongst the vineyards, the beautiful chapel, and just the overall serenity of the venue won us over. Not forgetting the lovely reception of Michaela when she took us on the tour. We just knew that this would be the perfect venue.
How would you describe your wedding day?
Everything we wanted and more. It was just a beautiful day of celebration with our loved ones in a beautiful venue like Stones. It actually rained in the morning of our wedding day, but just before the wedding, the sun came out, the skies cleared, and we had the most beautiful sunset after the ceremony. Everything was perfect - the weather, the venue, the food and the wine, the music, the company. Can’t believe we’re saying this but we would do it all over again despite the stresses of planning a wedding!
What did you think would be your favourite part of the day? What did it end up being?
We thought the wedding ceremony would have been our favourite part, and it definitely ended up being that as our favourite part of the day. All our friends and family witnessing our love and commitment to each other. The Chapel was our favourite part of the venue. And having the ceremony in there just made it so special - every angle was filled with love and peace. We remembered standing at the altar, and looking out through the stained glass and seeing the beautiful scenery outside which just made it extra special.
Were there any traditions that were important to incorporate?
It was really important for us to represent our Christian faith through our wedding - being able to sing songs of worship in the Chapel with our friend playing on the grand piano made it all the better. We also incorporated a Tea Ceremony as part of the reception to symbolise the Chinese tradition of showing respect to our elders and welcoming James into the family.
If you could have your day again, is there anything that you would do differently?
No, everything was perfect. :)
Is there any advice that you would give to couples who are currently planning their weddings?
Thinking about what is most important to you both in having a wedding first - anything outside of that is not worth stressing about. Often you get influenced by seeing what a wedding could be like with all the social media. But what will make your wedding perfect is focusing on the things that matter. On a practical note, using the preferred vendors of your venue does help make it a lot easier.
What does marriage mean to you?
Marriage to us is the ultimate expression of love. An unconditional love that requires sacrifice, forgiveness and good old fashioned communication that is rewarded with intimacy, joy and happiness.
Tell us a little about what life is like now...
Cynthia
Life is great! (maybe we are still in the honeymoon phase). We went to the Greek islands for our honeymoon and had the best time, swimming on the beach and eating delicious Greek food, surrounded by blue and white backgrounds. We are getting used to each others’ routines –
James
Cynthia is the clean freak in the relationship and also the better cook, but I’m catching up. We are on the hunt for a house but for now we are really happy in our apartment in lockdown due to COVID-19, bingeing on Netflix shows on our favourite couch that we bought since getting married!
Vendors
Celebrant: Tim Michael (Church pastor)
Photographer: Charmaine Moorhouse
Videographer: Bliss & Boho
Florist: Flos Botanical
DJ: Nico from Top Dog Entertainment
Chandelier: @chandelierhire 1
Make up artist: @marlene.neysa
Wedding dress @silvana_tedesco
Stephanie & Anthony, 13th May 2017
For Anthony, the classic, cold and rainy, Tassie bush track proposal felt just right!
Knowing exactly where they wanted to celebrate their special day, Stephanie and Anthony wed in May at Stones of the Yarra Valley, embracing the warm autumn colours and natural beauty of the season.
Fast forward three years, they now have a fur baby called Harper and are expecting the birth of their baby girl in June!!
Tell us about your proposal
We had a little get away planned along the east coast of Tassie. I remember it being a cold, rainy afternoon and Anthony decided it would be a great idea to go for a walk. Little did I know what was going to happen next. What may seem super unromantic (cold and rainy, bush track in the middle of nowhere) was actually the perfect spot to pop the question. It felt really special and spontaneous, which I loved. It’s funny thinking back, one of the first things my mum said to Anthony when we got home was of all the beautiful and romantic places you have travelled to overseas, you chose a bush track in Tassie!
What's the best piece of planning advice you can share?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Closer to the big day I was getting so caught up in the minor details, like are the groomsmen’s bowties the wrong colour. The type of things that surely go unnoticed on the day.
What was the inspiration for the look and feel of your day?
A lot of people asked me during the planning ‘What’s your theme?’. We didn’t have one. I knew I wanted to keep things simple yet elegant and I think it all came together quite naturally. We took some inspiration from the autumn colours at Stones, so there were touches of deep burgundy.
What was it about Stones of the Yarra Valley that made you choose us?
Everything! We both had our hearts set on Stones from the very start. It was the first venue we looked at and no other venues came close to comparing. We fell in love with the chapel covered in vines and loved that everything was all in one location.
What did you think would be your favourite part of the day? What did it end up being?
Our favourite part of the day was after the ceremony, we had just walked back down the aisle together and were quickly ushered upstairs of the chapel. While all our family and friends were gathered outside the chapel we both had a pinch ourselves moment like I can’t believe that actually happened, we’re married! The pianist was playing one of our favourite songs and we were able to take a few deep breathes together and let it all sink in.
What did you splurge on? What did you save on?
We splurged on photographers and videographers. We really wanted the best in the business when it came to capturing our day. Instead of buying a bomboniere for each of our guests my sister in law and I decided to make them instead. We made traditional Italian biscuits called 'Brutti ma buoni', which tied in nicely with Anthony’s Italian background.
What was your first dance song and why?
Home by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros. We both loved the lyrics. Our first dance was to a slower acoustic version of the song and then we played the original. This got everyone up and dancing, which was a great way to start the celebrations.
What wedding traditions did you involve and why?
We decided not to see each other the day and night before the wedding. This made the moment we saw each other in the chapel extra special.
Where are you now? Living, career, family?
We have a fur child, a golden retriever, Harper. She tests our patience at times but always brings a smile to our faces. Our family will grow in June when we are expecting the birth of our daughter, we are both over the moon!
Vendors
Photographer: Lost in Love
Videographer: C2
Florist: Sugar Bee Flowers
Band: The Baker Boys
Any additional vendors you’d like to mention: Storytime weddings
Philippa & David, Friday 7th May 2010
Today marks a very special day for Philippa and David, it’s been ten years since the couple tied the knot with family and friends at Stones of the Yarra Valley.
Over the course of ten years, they have become parents to two wonderful little boys, travelled to some of the worlds most beautiful corners including France, Italy, and Czech Republic and living life to it’s fullest.
Traditionally, Philippa and David would come to Stones of the Yarra Valley, once just the two of them, now with the four of them, to celebrate their wedding anniversary - very sweet!
HOW DID YOU MEET?
We met thanks to two close friends. We were introduced to each other at their wedding where I was bridesmaid and Dave was videographer. It was a brief introduction and we didn’t say more than hello to each other! From that day my best friend and her new husband made a point of mentioning their awesome friend Dave every chance they got. This went on for a year until they decided to send Dave’s phone number to me to finally get the match making in motion. I didn’t feel brave enough to call him but I did hold onto his number. A couple of months later my friends asked if I would mind if they gave Dave my phone number. I said I guess that’s only fair because I already have his! He rang shortly after and we organised our first proper meeting.
Any funny first date stories?
We met for a coffee, not wanting to commit to a long first (almost blind) date, but it ended up lasting three hours! At the end of the coffee catch up Dave asked if I’d like to go out again and we organised dinner and a movie a few days later. We call this night out our first official date and the first catch up a meeting! It was only a day after Dave’s birthday so I offered to shout him the movie ticket. When I handed over my movie card I was told that the movie special was buy one get the second ticket for just one dollar!
What’s one thing you wish you knew before you started planning?
When it comes to wedding planning, there are a lot of big things to get organised as soon as you can. What we didn’t realise was the huge number of little, but important things, that you need to plan, especially as you get to the final week and days before the event.
What made you choose Stones of the Yarra Valley?
Our hearts were set on a venue with picturesque surrounds. We also wanted the convenience of having the ceremony and reception in the one place. Stones of the Yarra Valley ticked all of these boxes. We fell in love with the venue on entering the stunning tree lined driveway and getting that first glimpse of the chapel. We were drawn to the barn with its big picture windows, exposed wood pillars, high ceiling and the spectacular view, and the beautiful chapel with enough space for all our family and friends. Stones of the Yarra Valley was the first venue we visited and nothing else hit the mark after that!
What did you think would be your favourite part of the day? What did it end up being?
The part we thought would be our favourite of the day was the reception in The Barn. Focusing on the big party afterwards definitely helped calm the nerves that we thought we’d feel in anticipation of the ceremony and all the emotions that go with it. We loved the whole day from start to finish! It was just perfect. One little thing that we didn’t expect to enjoy so much was our photo session, hanging out with our bridal party and just having a lot of laughs together. We also had a little time to stop and debrief about the ceremony and just take it all in before the busy reception began. But in the end, we both still say we loved the reception the most. The food, the venue, the music, our family and friends. All supported by a wonderful team from Stones. From David: Watching my bride walk down the aisle was mind-blowing for want of a better word. An explosion of joy and happiness seeing this amazing woman looking beyond incredible, walking down that aisle to become my wife was brilliant.
Did you scrap any wedding traditions? If so, why?
I chose not to toss the bouquet, because as a guest, I never really enjoyed this part of a wedding!
What was your first dance song and why?
Our first dance was to ‘How Sweet It Is’, by Michael Buble. I think we needed an upbeat song to suit our choreographed dance routine! Plus we both love Buble! We had a lot of fun doing several weeks of practice with a dance teacher that had previously worked on Dancing with the Stars. We have great memories of dancing an impressive number (with a few miss-steps), but a recently found video may have shown otherwise.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We were lucky enough to travel to Europe, including France, Italy, and Czech Republic. It was almost 5 weeks of incredible cities, beautiful vistas and fantastic food! Europe in Spring was truly spectacular.
What does marriage mean to you?
For me, marriage means becoming family with the one I love, respect and trust. It is choosing to be present for that person day after day and committing to bring joy to their life in ways no one else can.
Where are you now? Living, career, family?
We are happy living in the suburbs of Melbourne and we have two amazing boys. I’m at home full time with one boy in Kinder and the other in Primary School. Dave has a fulfilling career working in IT.
Vendors
Celebrant: Rev Warren Condron
Photographer: Field of Vision Photography
Videographer: Friend
Florist: Blush Floral Design
Band: Baker Boys Band
Kristee and Shane, Friday 1st May 2015
Kristee and Shane’s wedding day.
A day full of special moments shared between the two lovebirds, Croatian Rakia, and undoubtably very entertaining speeches.
Fast forward five years and these two now have two beautiful young kids, Billie and Luka, and a marriage bound by communication and appreciation. They have a busy life, but wouldn’t change it for the world.
How did you meet?
We worked on the same floor and had some mutual friends over the 18 months we spent at the same company. Despite our friends attempting to play match makers, we did not speak to one another throughout that time.
It wasn’t until 6 months after Kristee left the company that our paths crossed again at a bar and we have been inseparable since.
Tell us about the proposal
Cinque Terre, on the pier, during a walk back from a romantic dinner.
It was one week into our European holiday and the following two weeks were spent with Shane’s family in Croatia. So the celebrations were extra special.
Tell us a little about the planning process
We knew what we wanted and thankfully the team at Stones and our vendors helped us pull it all together.
What made you choose Stones of the Yarra Valley?
Stones was the first venue we looked at and nothing else compared after that.
We loved everything from the beautiful driveway lined with trees to the picturesque chapel, The Barn and Stables. We are both food and wine obsessed, and so it was important for us to have delicious food to share with all our friends and family.
What were some of your favourite moments/details on the day?
We were a tad untraditional and had photos taken before the ceremony.
The team at Stones and our photographer Lily helped to make the moment extra special. I still remember Shane hiding behind a tree as I walked from the car and seeing him for the first time as he turned around at the perfect moment was something I will always remember.
We spent an hour or so laughing and walking the ground at Stones whilst Lily captured every single moment.
Having our photos taken beforehand meant that we could enjoy some drinks and share some laughs together as a bridal party, hidden at the back of the Stables while our guests arrived. It was the perfect way to calm our nerves.
Were there any traditions that were important to incorporate?
Shane’s grandfather was born in Croatia and made a bottle of Rakia for each of his grandchildren the year they were born. He gifted the 1982 bottle of Rakia to Shane a few days before our wedding for us to share. It was a beautiful moment watching our family celebrate together.
Are there any funny stories or near disasters?
Shane’s speech was very long and entertaining. He had a few Rakia’s and I remember half way through he paused to check the football scores and provided everyone with an update on who was winning.
Do you have any advice for couples who are currently planning their weddings?
Trust your instincts and don’t over think every single decision. The day will be what you make of it. Just relax, have a laugh and enjoy every single moment.
Where are you now? Living, career, family?
We are a family of four.
We have been blessed with a daughter Billie who just turned 4 and a son Luka who will be 2 in August. We had flights booked at the end of July to take the kids to Croatia for the first time to meet some of Shane’s family, but unfortunately we’ve had to put that holiday on hold. We are living in Bayside and both working full time. Life is busy, but we wouldn’t change a thing.
Any words of wisdom on marriage?
Communication is the key.
Don’t let anything go unsaid. You are a team and are stronger together.
Take the time to stop occasionally and reflect on how far you have both come, what you have achieved and what you are thankful for.
Vendors
Celebrant: Andrew Redman
Photographer: Igotyoubabe
Florist: Flower Jar
Band: Baker Boys
Laura & Joel, Thursday 24th April 2014
In 2014, Laura and Joel exchanged vows in a sweet ceremony with close family and friends at Stones of the Yarra Valley.
The celebration was elegant and epitomised who they are as a couple, resulting in an incredible celebration of not only them, but also their nearest and dearest, and they made sure they partied well into the night!
Fast forward six loving years, they now have two beautiful kids, smashing careers and a few words of wisdom for those getting married.
How did you meet?
Laura
We are both from Ballarat originally. We went to the same school although Joel was a little older. So we knew of each other from around the traps and had ‘admired’ from afar….
Joel
Laura also lived in my local area and worked as a check out chick at the supermarket where we often crossed paths. The relationship began to blossom with a few chance meetings out at bars, one of which ended with a confident Laura telling me “I’d better watch out, because I’m going to get you!”
The flame was finally ignited when we both found ourselves on holidays in Noosa at the same time.
Laura
Unfortunately, when we finally became a couple, Joel had already booked a one-way ticket to move to London so the relationship was short lived. Luckily I knew I just couldn’t live without him and jumped on a plane 6 months later!
Tell us about the proposal…
Joel
After a quick check though Laura’s extensive social calendar I found that there were only two weekends in a three month block where a weekend down at the beach and a proposal was possible.
I wanted to propose to Laura down in Lorne as it’s a place we both love spending time. After spending all day at the beach stressing about how this would go down, I decided that I would cook a nice dinner and somewhere in the middle would drop to the knee.
Laura
After a 10 year courtship I had given up on predicting a proposal. We were on a very low key weekend away doing our favourite things in our most favourite place. We enjoyed a perfect beach day followed by a few nice wines, Joel cooked up a delicious meal, changed the soundtrack to Elton John and finally produced a bottle of Champagne and the ring! I love that he chose the ring himself (with a little help from my sister who was a great secret keeper!).
Tell us a little about the planning process
Laura
We were engaged on the first day of summer so the perfect season for celebrating! We partied our way into Christmas with an engagement celebration and then in the New Year started writing guest lists and thinking about what we wanted for our big day. I have a big family so we needed a large venue. I work in Events so initially we were thinking a marquee wedding somewhere in Lorne. Once I started looking into logistics I realised I didn’t want to ‘Event Manage’ my own wedding.
What made you choose Stones of the Yarra Valley?
Laura
We are country people so wanted to find a venue outside of the city and make a weekend of it with our friends and family.
We instantly fell in love with Stones. It was just so beautiful! A perfect setting with everything we wanted in the one location.
It feels private like someone’s home more than a venue. Every detail is considered with perfection.
What were some of your favourite moments/details on the day?
Joel
Really just having all our nearest and dearest together in the one place at the one time. Personally seeing Laura walk down the aisle in the chapel was the highlight of the day! The sun was shining through the doors as they opened and she appeared looking stunning… something I’ll never forget!
Laura
I was super nervous beforehand and Joel actually joined us for breakfast to try and chill me out. My favourite moment would have to be walking out of the chapel with Joel, absolutely flying with happiness and relaxing to appreciate how magical everything was.
Also the speeches, always my favourite part of any wedding! And the dance floor!
Were there any traditions that were important to incorporate?
Laura
The most important traditions to us are family, friends, great food, flowing wine and a brilliant time!
We were able to weave all of this together on the day seamlessly, with the help of the Stones staff!
Joel
As some of our grandparents had already passed, we displayed their wedding photos in the Dairy. It was important for us to include them in some way as they had played significant roles in our lives growing up. We now have these photos on the wall in our home.
Any funny stories or near disasters?
Joel
No not really. I was a bit nervous in the lead up to the ceremony and probably had a few too many champagnes. By the time I got to my speech I was borderline in my ability to deliver a good speech, certainly too much waffle and gags that sounded better in my head!
Do you have any advice for couples who are currently planning their own wedding?
Laura
As the oldest of 4 girls and the first in my family to get married, a tradition that kicked off at our wedding was to embark on a whole week of wedding celebrations… not just a day!
We were lucky enough to spend several days prior to the wedding together as a wider family. It was such a special lead in to the wedding. We have continued this tradition another two times since and they are some of our most special memories.
Where are you now? Living, career, family?
Laura
We are still living in inner city Melbourne. We are so lucky and absolutely love it but have very loose long term plans to move back to the country.
We have two beautiful little ladies - Isabel, 4, and Amelia, almost 2.
I am very proud and happy to still be working with an incredible marketing agency Willett Marketing.
Any words of wisdom on marriage?
Joel
Ha ha - happy wife - happy life! No, not really, it’s a team game. Just be there for each other no matter what. It’s a journey that is really still in its infancy for us but so far it’s been fantastic and the introduction of 2 beautiful girls to our family has made me understand the true meaning of love and selflessness. Bring on the next chapter!
Laura
Be willing to laugh always - with your partner, sometimes at your partner (kindly) and importantly at yourself.
Celebrate together - small things, big things, all the things! If there is anything this crazy world is teaching us right now it’s to appreciate.
Vendors
Photographer: Erin & Tara
Videographer: A very generous family friend at the last minute, Nick Livingstone
Florist: Bobiee Style
Band: Baker Boys