A Contemporary Chrome & Chartreuse Black-Tie Wedding Reimagines the Southern Highlands

Jen and Leo's wedding was a masterclass in intentional design, where every detail felt considered without ever losing its sense of warmth. Working alongside THE WED members from Reinevoi, the couple reimagined the iconic Southern Highlands venue with a fresh editorial perspective, trading its familiar rustic character for an immersive black-tie celebration layered with sculptural florals, custom fabric installations, and a sophisticated palette of chartreuse and champagne. Guests moved through thoughtfully curated spaces, discovering personal touches at every turn — from bespoke keepsakes to a striking handcrafted U-shaped reception table that became the heart of the evening. Jen's bridal style echoed the same refined aesthetic, pairing a custom Cappellazzo gown with classic Manolo Blahnik heels, minimalist jewelry, and a sleek ponytail for a look that felt timeless yet undeniably modern. Blending European-inspired elegance with Macedonian and South American traditions, the celebration was rich in atmosphere, where live music, meaningful details, and beautifully designed moments created an experience that was as emotionally resonant as it was visually captivating. 

Our Love Story

^{The Day We Met}

Leo and I met through mutual friends during our senior year of high school over twelve years ago. He's close friends with my cousin, and through that connection we were introduced. We built a friendship first, but there was always something special between us. Not long after, I asked Leo to be my Year 12 formal partner, and a few months later we officially started dating. As cliché as it sounds, we always found our way back to each other. There was an undeniable comfort and familiarity whenever we were together. Ten years later, we celebrated our wedding surrounded by the people who had witnessed our story from the very beginning.

^{The Proposal}

Leo proposed during a winter trip through Europe in December 2023, and it truly couldn't have been more perfect. We were skiing in Saint Moritz, one of my favorite places in the world, when he suggested we take a photo at the top of the mountain after getting off the chairlift. Under clear blue skies and surrounded by the breathtaking Swiss Alps, he got down on one knee. It was intimate, unexpected, and incredibly emotional. Afterward, we spent the afternoon celebrating together—skiing down the mountain, stopping at several bars along the way, and eventually ending up at Paradiso Mountain Club. We still had two weeks left on our trip before returning home, and it truly was one of the best times of our lives. We were able to soak in every moment together, newly engaged and excited for everything that lay ahead.

^{The Engagement Ring}

Leo was quite traditional when it came to choosing my engagement ring. From the very beginning, he wanted both the process and the proposal to remain a complete surprise. Of course, I couldn't help but make sure he knew one thing: my dream ring featured an emerald-cut diamond. Over time, I sent him a handful of inspiration images and designs that caught my eye, but beyond that, I left it entirely in his hands.

What makes the ring so special is that Leo took those ideas and made them completely his own. He personally selected the diamond, designed the setting, and created something that felt uniquely me. When he proposed in Saint Moritz, I couldn't believe how perfectly he had captured everything I loved. It's elegant, timeless, and understated—and somehow even more beautiful than I could've imagined. Knowing the thought, effort, and care he put into creating it makes it one of my most treasured possessions.

Our Wedding

^{The Vision}

Leo and I have always been creative at heart, and from the very beginning, we knew we wanted our wedding to feel deeply intentional and reflective of who we are. Although neither of us works in the wedding industry, we both appreciate thoughtful design, beautiful experiences, and the power of the small details that make people feel something. With a two-year engagement, I immersed myself in the world of weddings, drawing inspiration from timeless European celebrations, fashion runways, and artistic installations. I've always been drawn to classic bridal style and the kind of weddings that feel effortlessly elegant rather than trend-driven, so it was important to us that every element felt elevated, memorable, and deeply personal. When we met Jo and George from Reinevoi, everything clicked. Together, we reimagined Bendooley Estate beyond its traditional rustic identity, creating an editorial experience rooted in the contrast between refined design and the raw beauty of the Southern Highlands. A chartreuse and champagne palette, custom installations, and a black-tie dress code brought our vision to life, while every detail was designed to immerse our guests in the experience. More than anything, we wanted the day to feel personal—a celebration where European elegance met the natural landscape and reflected not only our style, but the ten years that brought us to this moment.

^{Our Team of Vendors}

We were incredibly fortunate to work with an extraordinary team who brought our vision to life. From Reinevoi's creative direction and styling to the beautiful florals by Stem Ink, the dream fabric installations by Maison Paper, and the stunning imagery captured by Siempre Weddings and Anemotion Weddings, every vendor contributed something unique. The collaboration felt seamless from start to finish, and the final result exceeded anything we could have imagined. We genuinely trusted every member of our team and are so grateful for the role they played in creating a wedding that felt authentically us.

^{The Location}

We celebrated at The Stables at Bendooley Estate in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Set among rolling countryside and expansive gardens, the estate offered the perfect balance of natural beauty and architectural character. Its scale allowed us to create multiple guest experiences throughout the day while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. While the venue is often associated with a more rustic aesthetic, we saw an opportunity to reimagine it in a completely different way. The soaring ceilings, dramatic scale, and natural surroundings created the perfect canvas for the editorial experience we wanted to create.

^{The Ceremony}

Our ceremony took place outdoors, overlooking the estate and nestled among the trees. One of the most important decisions for me was choosing to walk down the aisle with both my mom and dad. They have both played such significant roles in my life, and it felt incredibly important that they share that moment equally. Walking between them, looking out at Leo and all of our family and friends, is a memory I will treasure forever.

As we exchanged our vows, a beautiful—but surprisingly strong—breeze swept through the ceremony space. Looking back at the photographs, the movement of my veil created some of our favorite images from the entire day. It felt cinematic, romantic, and completely unplanned. Standing together in front of our family and friends after more than ten years together was incredibly emotional. It was one of those moments when everything slows down and you realize just how special the day truly is.

^{The Cocktail Hour}

The cocktail hour was one of the most memorable parts of the day for us. Guests explored the estate, enjoyed the various activations we had thoughtfully curated, and captured beautiful portraits along the way. We loved watching everyone wander through the grounds, discover different moments, and truly experience the incredible property. Despite a brief shower after the ceremony, everyone continued celebrating, and before long, the sun returned. One of our favorite moments was dancing outdoors with our guests to a live Cumbia band as golden light filled the grounds. It felt relaxed, joyful, and completely magical.

^{The Reception}

The reception was everything we had hoped it would be—energetic, emotional, and deeply personal. Guests were welcomed into a transformed Stables space, where the styling, florals, and custom design elements centered around our bespoke U-shaped table created an intimate atmosphere. We also wove elements of our Macedonian and South American heritage throughout the celebration, from the live entertainment that kept the dance floor full all night to custom rakija cans that became a guest favorite. Between the heartfelt speeches, incredible food, cultural traditions, and endless dancing, the evening unfolded exactly as we had imagined. Looking around the room and seeing every person we loved celebrating together was one of the most rewarding moments of the day. By the end of the night, no one wanted it to end—and truthfully, neither did we.

^{The Special Touches}

Personalization was at the heart of every decision we made. Rather than simply designing a beautiful wedding, we wanted to create an immersive experience that felt uniquely ours. Throughout the estate, we incorporated thoughtful details and activations, including a custom magazine featuring our love story, along with bespoke fans and perfume favors that guests could take home as lasting reminders of the weekend. 

The most meaningful elements, however, were our custom-built U-shaped reception table and the statement photo wall overlooking the estate, both handcrafted by Leo's dad. Watching these pieces come to life was incredibly emotional—they became more than just design features, bringing our vision together and transforming the space into something that felt deeply personal and unmistakably ours.

^{Our Favorite Moment}

One of our favorite memories came just after the ceremony, once the brief rain had passed. It felt as though we experienced all four seasons in a single day. Dancing outside with our guests to the Cumbia band, surrounded by sunshine and laughter, was unforgettable. More than anything, we felt an overwhelming sense of love and support from everyone around us throughout the entire day.

Our Style

^{The Bridal Looks}

Choosing my wedding dress was one of my favorite parts of the entire wedding journey. With a two-year engagement, I had the time to truly enjoy the process, visiting bridal boutiques across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane before finding Cappellazzo Couture. From the moment I stepped into the atelier, I knew the experience was different. Sonia and her team understood my vision from the very beginning, creating a gown that perfectly captured the timeless, modern, and understated elegance I had always imagined. 

Being based in Sydney meant every fitting became a special trip to Melbourne, creating memories with my mom, sisters, aunties, and cousins that I'll cherish just as much as finding the dress itself. I completed the look with classic Manolo Blahnik heels, minimalist jewelry, and a sleek ponytail, allowing the gown to remain the focus. Every element felt authentic to me and reflected the editorial aesthetic that inspired our wedding as a whole.

^{The Groom's Look}

While much of the wedding planning naturally focused on the bridal elements, it was equally important to me that Leo's look felt personal and reflective of his style. From the beginning, he knew he wanted something elevated and timeless, but with a unique design element that set it apart from a traditional wedding suit. When we discovered Belance, we were immediately drawn to its modern approach to tailoring. What ultimately stood out was the intricate curved lapel design—a refined detail that gave the suit a distinctive architectural quality while maintaining a classic and sophisticated feel. He paired the look with classic Dior patent leather shoes.

^{Our Bridesmaids' Looks}

Like many elements of the wedding, my vision for the bridesmaids' dresses evolved throughout the planning process. Working with DIO, we landed on a design that perfectly complemented both the venue and the overall aesthetic of the wedding. I wanted the dresses to feel modern yet timeless—elegant and classic enough to look beautiful for years to come. The color also played an important role in the overall design story. It complemented our chartreuse and champagne palette, the surrounding landscape, and the styling throughout the estate. Most importantly, I wanted my bridesmaids to feel beautiful and confident. Seeing the dresses come to life on each of them was incredibly special.

^{Our Groomsmen's Looks}

For the groomsmen, the goal was always timeless sophistication. Although our wedding was set amid the rustic beauty of Bendooley Estate, Leo and I intentionally wanted to create a sense of contrast through fashion and styling. We were inspired by the elegance often seen at European weddings, where formal attire feels perfectly at home within natural landscapes and historic venues. The groomsmen wore tailored Brent Wilson suits, creating a polished and elevated look that complemented Leo's suit beautifully.

Our Advice

^{For the Planning Process}

One of the best decisions we made was working with a team that immediately understood what we were trying to create and helped bring our ideas to life in ways we hadn't even imagined. We'd also encourage couples to identify what matters most to them early on. Weddings can quickly become overwhelming, with endless inspiration, ideas, and decisions. Knowing your priorities helps guide every choice and allows you to invest your time, energy, and budget into the elements that will have the greatest impact.

^{For On The Day}

Be present and soak in every single moment. Everyone tells you that your wedding day goes by quickly, but nothing truly prepares you for just how fast it all unfolds. We genuinely couldn't stop smiling. Every time we looked at each other, there was an unspoken sense of happiness. It's a euphoric feeling that's difficult to describe—one you'll carry with you long after the day is over.

^{For Post-Wedding}

One of our favorite decisions was extending the celebrations beyond the wedding day itself, if you have the opportunity to do so. The day after the wedding, we hosted a relaxed recovery gathering with our close family and friends. It gave everyone the chance to reflect on the day, share stories, relive their favorite moments, and continue celebrating together in a much more casual setting. Afterward, Leo and I escaped to The Mondrian Burleigh Heads for a few days. It was the perfect opportunity to relax together as husband and wife while reliving the day through all of the content captured by our content creator. We highly recommend hiring a content creator to capture those intimate, candid moments that your photographer and videographer may not always catch. From there, we traveled to New York for two and a half weeks over Christmas and New Year's, which was the perfect way to begin this new chapter together. There really is such a thing as the wedding high. Enjoy every moment of it.