Every time we look at photos from the Yarra Valley, our hearts skip a beat. The Stables at Stones look so amazing with its simple rustic setting. This couple didn’t have a bridal party, and honestly, no one says it’s a must. Why choose when you have a great bunch of close friends and they’re all among the selected few attending your wedding, right? Thanks, Jonathan Ong, for this stunning set of photos.
Hamish: “While our ‘first look’ was such a special and exciting moment for us both, there’s something about the chapel doors swinging open and the quartet beginning to play the bridal march that took my breath away. More than any other part of that day, that was the point at which all the preparation and planning felt complete, our nerves faded away, and we were able to embrace the moment. It was just perfect! Our talented friends gave hilarious and heartfelt speeches that brought the house down. I think the photos perfectly sum up how much fun and happiness there was.
“As we had many friends and family flying in from overseas, we structured our wedding around a long weekend of events, maximising the time we could spend with everyone. The Yarra Valley is one of our favourite destinations, and we knew from the moment we arrived that Stones was the perfect venue. We wanted the wedding itself to be relaxed and intimate, reflecting our love of our friends and family, food and wine, as well as each other.
“We held our reception in the Stables and kept our numbers fairly small as we wanted to give our guests an experience that rewarded the efforts they had gone to be there. And we never felt tied to tradition; we just structured the day as we wished: we shared a bed the night before, we had photos together before the ceremony, and we didn’t have a bridal party.”
Tips from the couple: “We called upon our own skills and those of our friends to design a website and invitations, but we handpicked a talented team of professionals to take care of the rest. Each one carefully considered our vision and delivered a perfect celebration with our style all over it, without us lifting a finger.
“Our advice is clichéd, but we found it to be true: the day goes by incredibly fast, and you should take some time to soak it all in. Be organised and delegate – everyone will be happy to help, and you’ll enjoy yourself more because of it. If you don’t have a videographer, be sure to arrange for someone to film your speeches.”
VANESSA & HAMISH {Australia}
Photography by Jonathan Ong Photography / Venue The Stables at Stones, Stones of the Yarra Valley / Number of Guests 50 / Bridal Gown by Leanne Marshall / Bride’s Shoes by Christian Louboutin (Simple Pump 70) / Hair and Makeup by Melonie Santos / Flowers by Be Always Blooming Studio