Bradley and Alice, 21st June 2015

How did you meet?

We met through a mutual friend who introduced us at Half Moon in Brighton. It was the same place Brad’s parents met many years ago!

Tell us about the proposal

We were on a holiday in the Margaret River, WA in April 2014. We booked lunch at Leeuwin Estate where Brad proposed amongst the vines. A year later, we were married on our 7 year anniversary.

Tell us a little about the planning process

We started the planning process about 12 months before our Wedding. The Stones team helped to make the planning process really enjoyable through their professionalism and willingness to make our wedding day perfect. We were quite productive in the first 6 months as we had organised the Wedding Dress, Suit, Bridal Party Attire, Rings, Flowers, Photographer, Cake & Music. The team at the Stones were able to recommend a list of celebrants, as we didn’t have one in mind. We ultimately connected with the lovely Janet Hussey who became our amazing celebrant. Our main challenge was the waiting game - we felt ready for the day well in advance, however there are certain things that cannot be executed until the final 24 hours before the Wedding, such as decorating the Venue.

What made you choose Stones of the Yarra Valley?

There is certainly a sense of romance, peacefulness and beauty that is hard to find anywhere else. It is truly unique. Combine the surrounding landscape, vines and rustic architecture with the incredible food and wine and you simply can't find a better wedding venue in our opinion. We were also incredibly fortunate that the Farmhouse at Meletos had recently been completed which allowed many of our guests to stay the night and then travel home at their leisure the next day.

What were some of your favourite moments/details on the day?

Alice

This is a tough question, there are so many magical moments throughout the day! I think Brad’s speech would be my number one. He had most people in tears, including the photographer! It was beautiful and I will remember it forever. My grandfather walking me down the aisle and my stepfather flying my Bridesmaid's and I into the venue by helicopter on that clear Winter's morning are two of my other favourite memories.

Brad

The moment when Alice entered the Chapel and I saw her for the first time was a moment I will never forget. Alice was the most beautiful Bride I have ever seen and her dress was out of this world. I also really enjoyed the time spent with a hand full of close mates in the courtyard of the Stables while Alice and her bridal party were having photos taken. I had just married the love of my life, we were all relaxing in such a beautiful setting with the sun streaming down on us, not a cloud in the sky, a glass of French Champagne in hand, and the wonderful team of The Stones serving us delicious Canapés.

Were there any traditions that were important to incorporate?

One of the many reasons why we chose the Stones, was that it offered us the unique ability to enjoy the traditions of a Chapel, whilst still having a relaxed winter wedding.

Are there any funny stories or near disasters?

The morning of our Wedding Day was particularly foggy in Coldstream, which is not safe conditions for flying. That meant we nearly had to cancel the chopper and revert to plan B, however the fog cleared literally just in time for the flight to go ahead. One of our bridal party is an amazing baker, and she generously offered to make us our wedding cake (this was even more helpful considering that we had overspent our budget in other areas). The day before the wedding the cake was accidentally dropped, meaning a new one had to be made!

Do you have any advice for couples who are currently planning their weddings?

Make your day special to you both. All of the little details make the day uniquely yours. They say your Wedding day flashes by so quickly, however we didn’t feel that way, partly because of the way we structured the day. We started with an 11am Ceremony in the Chapel, followed by Canapés in the Dairy before a stunning lunch in the Stables, and finished with evening drinks at Meletos. Most of our guests spent the best part of 12 hours celebrating with us which meant we were able to spend meaningful time with everyone.

Where are you now? Living, career, family?

We are currently living in Hampton and have spent the last 3 years travelling around Europe together, visiting wine regions and creating life long memories. We are excited to see what the future holds for us.

Any words of wisdom on marriage?

Your strength of love for each other will always be your best asset.