Why May is so special at Stones
Over the past 16 years, we have often been asked the question, 'When is a good time of the year to get married at Stones of the Yarra Valley?' All decisions regarding your wedding are deeply personal, making it a challenging question to answer. However, we often find ourselves suggesting, 'Have you considered getting married in May?' This response can be met with some trepidation, but hear us out.
May is one of the most breathtaking months on our property. Not only is the grass usually at its greenest as we slide into the cooler months, but the trees and vines also start to turn into a kaleidoscope of yellows and reds, providing a truly outstanding backdrop for wedding photography
We asked our longtime friends, Lost in Love Photography, about their thoughts on May as wedding photographers. Having photographed their first wedding at Stones in 2016 and many since, Lost in Love has experienced all seasons on the property and confided that May is a particular favourite.
“We adore photographing Stones at any time of the year, but there is a particular beauty about Stones in May! The golden light streaming in through the chapel door when the bride/groom enter for the ceremony. The way the chapel door is shaded for the petal throw, which then creates the most flattering light for family photos or bridal party portraits in front of the chapel door. The grape vines turning golden. The chapel vines turning a deep crimson.”
In addition to the extraordinary colour palette, with the end of daylight saving time, the photo hour occurs during the best light of the day, allowing you to focus on celebrating with your loved ones during your reception. Lost in Love echoed this sentiment:
“The timing of the ceremony means the portrait session is generally during golden hour and right into dusk - the most romantic light of the day. The setting sun catches the tree tops and lights them up with a golden glow. The chapel windows are lit up during your portrait session. The sky often turns the most beautiful shades of pink in the Valley as winter gets closer. The Barn has an intimate warmth as the daylight fades and your guests enter, candle light flickering on the tables. The crisp country air means less people disperse outside and more people hit the dancefloor!”
While the weather in the Yarra Valley is unpredictable at any time of the year, there is a higher chance that the temperature in May will be lower than in the summer months. This might be considered a negative; however, if you’re wearing a wedding gown or a suit, the cooler weather may be a blessing. Without the scorching sun, you (and your guests) will likely be much more comfortable. At Stones, all of our indoor areas are heated, so if it’s a little brisk, we have you completely covered. In any case, the fashions are gorgeous in the colder months - the long-sleeved dresses, throws, removable sleeves, faux fur - all stunning additions to any bride’s ensemble.
We asked Lost In Love if they had any advice for couples trying to decide when to get married.
“When looking at wedding photos of your chosen venue and ask what time of year they were taken! Although in Melbourne you could get rain, hail or shine any time of the year, understanding what the grounds and light look like at different times of year could be super helpful!”
A huge thank you to Lost in Love Photography for chatting to us for this blog post. All images used are credited to them and you can view more on their socials. You can get in touch with them through their website.
If you need help deciding when to get married with us, get in touch! Our expert wedding team will be able to help you navigate when the best time would be for you to host your wedding. Reach out to us via email at weddings@stonesoftheyarravalley.com or phone us on 03 8727 3000.
