A Chic Garden Soiree in Melbourne

Blanche & Scott by Erin & Tara

Timelessly elegant and perpetually chic, Blanche & Scott exchanged vows within the ivy clad walls of the Stones of the Yarra Valley chapel. Amidst rambling arrangements of feathered blooms and cascading instillations, bespoke rings were exchanged to dulcet melodies beautifully played from a grand piano.

The bride adorned in a hand-beaded creation by Jane Hill, and delicate veil of featherweight tulle that spilled effortlessly to the floor. A venue filled with natural beauty, Blanche & Scott wandered amongst the vineyards while guests overlooked sprawling grounds from infinity tables which overflowed with whimsical bouquets and scattered votives. Cinematically captured by Erin and Tara.

Our Story

Names / Blanche Fairweather & Scott Fairweather

Wedding Date / 10^th November 2016

Guest Numbers / 110

How We Met

We actually met at the gym which is quite ironic as we now have our own business called the Renovator which is a boutique training facility. I remember the first time I saw him I thought to myself I think he needs a woman like me in his life hahaha!!!

Our Engagement Story

We had both been working crazy hours to get the business open and had such a huge year I didn’t think in my wildest dreams getting engaged was on the cards. We both get up together at 4.45 everyday and go to the gym together so as normal routine up we got up, and I was still half asleep making our coffee’s as I do, and walked into the living room and Scott tapped me on the back I turned around and there he was, on one knee with a box open with the most incredible ring blurting out ‘will you marry me?!’. I was in shock and insanely happy! He had already called my boss to let them know I wasn’t coming back for a few days. Scott had booked me in for a blow wave (He knew I would want nice hair for photos) on the way to the airport where we flew off to Sydney. While there, we stayed at Shangrila and he organised a yacht to take us around the harbour. It was the 22^nd of December and was the best Christmas present I could of ever asked for. It was the best three days, we had a ball. He had had my ring made and designed it himself it was everything I wanted and more.

Marriage to us Means

Marriage to us is choosing to love each other for the rest of our lives. Choosing to love everything- the good the bad and the ugly. People forget that love is a choice and marriage is a covenant with God. Marriage is so special and we are lucky enough to be doing life as a partnership.

The Details

Wedding Location

We choose Stones of the Yarra Valley as we wanted the ceremony and reception on the same property, for us it was important to get married in a church and the chapel at stones is so beautiful and organic. We loved how private the property is for a wedding and its warm, raw authentic décor.

Theme & Style

We wanted something timeless and elegant that had a warm feeling. While there’s was still a lot of attention to detail we still keep it simple and classic. Tori Allen Events did such an incredible job of the flower arrangements throughout the venue as we both walked into the reception before the guests we just smiled at each other because it was everything we wanted.

Photography

Erin & Tara photographed our day. As soon as we were engaged they were the first thing we booked, the girls are so amazing at capturing the little moments you don’t think anyone has seen. We both loved the way they capture a smile, a laugh, a cheeky kiss and the expression on your face without you even knowing. We were blown away with our photos.

Fashion Notes

Bride’s Dress

The dress was by the beautiful Girls at Jane Hill (IT WAS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!). The whole dress was hand beaded with long sleeves that fitted my body perfectly. I loved the dress as it was so elegant and timeless and the service from the girls at Jane Hill was faultless. They made you feel like you were their only client.

Bride’s Shoes

I went for comfort and height. They were from Zomp, and the thick heel saved my feet and meant I could dance all night.

Bridesmaids’ Dresses

The Bridesmaids dresses were by Rodeo Show. I fell in love with the colour and sleeves. They were a classic fit off-the-shoulder with beautiful draping sleeves. The midnight blue colour was perfect for the setting.

Bridesmaids’ Shoes

Shoes were from Wittner, I wanted something that was simple enough the girls could wear again.

Flowergirl & Pageboy Outfits

The flowergirl dress I found online in the beautiful midnight blue. I loved the full skirt and finished off the little outfit with a flower crown from Tori Allen. The page boy was in a custom suit with a baby blue bowtie and a white shirt.

Wedding Rings

My ring is a just a simple band with little diamonds all the way around it. My engagement ring is a classic princess cut, so I wanted just a classic band. Scotty’s ring is more masculine and thick white gold its from Bvlgari.

Jewelry & Accessories

On the wedding day, I wore a simple design of Samantha Willis earrings. I had my hair out so they were just small studs.

Groomsmen’s Attire

The Groom’s suit was a custom-made linen suit in a rich bold blue with an open white shirt and navy blue Hugo Boss shoes. The Groomsmen were all in a different darker blue suit with white open shirts and dark brown loafers.

Hair

Hermiz Daniel did my hair. I had it out in a polished wave off the face – I had that many hair extensions in for volume it literally didn’t move all night hahaha.

Makeup

I don’t wear a lot of makeup as it is so I wanted my face to look fresh and dewy. Victoria from MUA did my makeup and she has done for years for the races etc. I think it makes a huge difference when someone knows your face. I wanted my eyes to stand out and she nailed it!

Cakes & Catering

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Style Notes

Stationery & Invitations

We did all the stationery ourselves. I had a graphic designer hand draw the writing on the front of our invites so it looks authentic and the little tree on all the stationery was a replica of the beautiful tree at Stones. The midnight blue was the colour throughout the invites, menus and signage. All the menus and invites were letterpressed and tied with the midnight blue ribbon to tie in with the bridesmaids’ dresses and worked perfectly with the rest of the colours throughout the venue.

Flowers & Bouquets

When we choose our flowers we wanted lots of greenery and white. Along the tables at the reception, the girls at Tori Allen Events had loads of little single steam glass vases with white florals with larger heads. They also created a breathtaking hanging arrangement that was attached to the pillars that ran down the centre of the reception room. I love flowers so we had quite a lot.

Videography

Our Videographer was a family friend from The Smile Factory. Again, he caught all the beautiful moments that you don’t think anyone has seen.

Preparation

We got ready at a gorgeous little house in Healsville. With me, I had my four bridesmaids as well as two of my closest friends. We sipped champagne and laughed all morning. Both my mum and dad and my mother in law were also at the house.

Ceremony Décor & Reception Décor

At the ceremony, we only had our signage at the front of the chapel and flowers on the table where we signed our papers. The chapel at Stones is that stunning you really don’t need much at all. For the reception, I hired the bentwood chairs from Peppers Hire and gold cutlery, and the girls at Tori Allen Events took care of the rest with incredible flower arrangements and candles. There is so much raw timber in the reception barn, it just looked beautiful with the greenery, white flowers, gold cutlery, midnight blue on the menus, soft candlelight and all the draping arrangements.

Wedding Planner & Wedding Stylist

We did it all ourselves at it was so much fun!!

Cake

Our wedding cake was made by a really good friend of ours. It was sticky date (our favourite) and white chocolate.

Wedding Songs

We were fortunate enough to have another family friend fly down and sing “All of You” by John Legend as I walked down the aisle. Her voice is so soulful, I still get goosebumps thinking about it. She was accompanied by a pianist. For our first dance, we started it with ‘Stand by me’ by Tracey Chapman before breaking into an RNB silly dance routine. I may have two left feet however, the husband can definitely bust out the moves and it was a lot of fun and got every single guest on their feet.

Entertainment

We had a band ‘The Baker Boys’. They’re seasoned professionals, so the music was great and everyone was up dancing.

Food & Beverages

In between the ceremony and reception we had champagne and canapés, and the reception was a three course sit-down dinner. The one thing Stones of the Yarra Valley is renowned for is their food, wine and fantastic service.

Transport

The groom and Groomsman got ready at the property next door and walked over I arrived in a 1940’s Black Rolls Royce, we left the venue in a Ghost Bently straight after the reception.

Honeymoon

For our Honeymoon, we went to The Maldives and stayed at Amilia Fushi. I cannot recommend this resort highly enough. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, it’s just perfect. It is one of those places you have to see, a once in a lifetime experience.

Gift Registry

We had a wishing well to contribute to our honeymoon.

Celebrant

We had our pastor from our church. We have known him for a few years and it was so special to have him marry us as he has been a huge support to us.

Readings

Our pastor spoke about love and marriage and what it means.

The Rest

A Memorable Moment

I will never forget the moment as the chapel doors open and I looked down the aisle into my husband’s eyes it’s a truly magical feeling.

One thing I Wish I knew before I started Planning my Wedding

To relax! it’s the best day of your life and everything works out just as you want it to.

If I could give other Brides To Be one Piece of Advice…

On the day grab your husband’s hand and take the moment in, just stop, look around and really take it all in. It’s a day you’ll never forget and it goes so fast.