A timeless garden wedding - what could be better? Ellie and David had their at a luxury winery in southern Australia. We asked the bride all the details of the organization as well as her love story.
How did you meet?
David and I originally met years ago whilst at university, briefly crossing paths at various parties through mutual friends but at the time we didn’t give each other much thought. We reconnected years later at the beach when David helped me catch my aunts’ dog that I was looking after, who was being a bit naughty and running away. Dog safely back on the leash we got chatting and had our first date the next night.
What do you do for a living and for fun?
David is a resource Geologist at a gold mine somewhere in the west Australian desert, where he spends a week on-site and then a week in the city with me. I am a Clinical Neurophysiologist specializing in neurosurgical monitoring, and I am also finishing my Master's of Medicine. We both love going on hikes and long beach walks with our golden retriever, Willow, who loves the beach just as much as we do. We enjoy cooking together, traveling, and going out with friends but we also love a lazy weekend at home.
What was the concept behind your wedding and how did you find your inspiration?
We wanted our wedding to feel intimate, romantic, and relaxed, having a timeless style with a modern twist on a European-inspired garden wedding. We wanted to be surrounded by nature and let the venue's surroundings shine, with lots of textural flowers but no greenery as we were surrounded by sprawling gardens. I loved the idea of hanging floral installations with hanging pendant lights above the tables, as the dam and gardens made for the perfect backdrop. Our amazing wedding planner Lara White and her team from White Events took our idea of a romantic garden wedding and elevated it above and beyond my wildest dreams. They styled it flawlessly alongside our florist Wallflower Studio and it was perfect.
Where was your wedding? Why did you choose this venue?
We chose Aravina Estate in Yallingup. We knew we wanted to get married down south as David grew up in this area and we’ve had lots of amazing times there. We wanted to find somewhere with lush gardens where you could almost get lost in the foliage. Aravina was the perfect spot, with a beautiful arbor covered in star jasmine and a snaking garden path full of towering trees, ferns, and running water.
How many guests did you have?
70 guests joined us for our wedding, and we felt it was a perfect size, with even some family from the UK making the trip to celebrate with us.
Tell us about your outfits.
David got his suit tailor-made by InStitchu. We wanted to keep the style simple and timeless, hence the black tuxedo and bow tie. My dress was a custom "Emilie" Pallas Couture gown, which was combined with the "Roussillon" gown's scoop-cut bodice that was structured to highlight my décolletage and extenuate my waist. I fell in love with the delicate 3D lace overlaying layers of French silk tulle, which created a voluminous diaphanous gown being flirtatious, romantic, and elegant. The team at Pallas was amazing throughout the entire process, customizing the dress by adding a low back, cinched waist, and structured bodice to highlight my décolletage and extenuate my waist. I also decided to add a thigh split, which I had been slightly hesitant about, but I knew that if I didn’t, I would regret it. So, 8 weeks before the wedding after much discussion we cut the split with me in the dress, which was quite nerve-racking, but I am so glad I did it! I accented the dress with Amina Muaddi Begum slingback pumps, and I chose delicate diamond jewelry by VRAI.
What was your first dance song?
Our first dance song was a cover of "How long will I love you" by Ellie Goulding. It's from one of our favorite movies "About Time". A few missed steps after maybe a few too many champagnes, but we'll blame the slightly uneven dance floor.
What flowers did you choose for the bride's bouquet and why?
I knew I wanted a bouquet that was simple and elegant, with all white florals that were primarily white roses, as my dress was quite detailed. White Events and Wallflower Studio nailed my bouquet, it was perfect! By incorporating white lilies and peonies that complimented the white roses beautifully, adding a modern touch and making the bouquet classic, yet unique.
What was your wedding cake like? And where did you order it?
Our wedding cake was dual-layered vanilla and espresso mud cake from "Bake The Cake", who sent us so many different samples it was almost impossible to choose. Hannah made an incredible two-tiered cake with textured icing in a waved pattern with fresh flowers from our florist Wallflower Studio.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Our incredible photographer, Sarah Tonkin, who beautifully captured our day – I cannot recommend her enough. My MUA Jacqui Bradfield who made me and my bridesmaids feel and look amazing, I got compliments on my makeup all evening.
Bride @elliekeay
Planner @white_events
Photo @sarahtonkinphotography
Venue @aravinaestate
Makeup @jacquibradfieldmakeup
Hair @theprettyparlour
Gown @pallascouture
