Emily & Mitchell
Summer always has a certain special glow to it and today’s Summer Stones Of The Yarra Valley wedding captures it beautifully. The glowing green of the vineyard backdrop, the balmy Summer night allowing for guests to mingle as the stars reach the sky and a love story right at the heart of it all. We Are Alchemy were chosen by the Emily and Mitchell to make sure every moment was captured.
Mitchell tells the story of how he and Emily met. “Emily and I grew up in the same country Victorian town, Wodonga. Despite going to the same primary school, sharing close friends and frequenting the same places, we didn’t really meet up until late high school. We clicked immediately, sharing similar passions and interests, and ambitions in life – and still to this day 11 years on.”
The handmade elements of the day started with the invitations and continued to the flowers, Mitchell telling, “We bought flowers from the market ourselves, constructed the bouquets and boutonnieres the night before. We used little jars with handles for the flower girls to spread the petals. We hand crafted the place cards and holders, extra flowers for table decor, music playlists for the canapés, during dinner and dancing.”
Emily chose a gown designed by Luci Di Bella, Mitchell tells, “It was a vintage Hollywood style, Luci di Bella, Italian lace, with a heart shaped neckline and lace capped sleeves. It was chosen because of its vintage Hollywood style and elegance. She fell in love with the detail of the lace. She said it felt like wearing a piece of art work.” Emily’s bridesmaids chose different dresses in shades of apricot.
Emily and Mitchell chose Stones Of The Yarra Valley as their wedding venue, Mitchell noting, “Amazing venue that has restored an array of winery and farming facilities for the specific use of functions, bar and restaurant. We fell in love with the venue when we visited, and found a way to bypass the waiting list by picking a non conventional wedding date – Monday. The venue represents our love of Melbourne, country Victoria, food and wine.”
Emily walked down the aisle with her father to Jeff Buckley, ‘If You Knew’.
Shannon McGregor, Cloud 9 Celebrations officiated the ceremony, Mitchell telling, “It was outside in the garden in the shade of giant oak trees. We wanted it to be relaxed, outside to appreciate the beauty of the site. We had a reading from a favourite musician of ours, Jack Johnson, a wine box ceremony which included letters to each other to be read on our 5th anniversary, a statement of hope for marriage equality, and our own written vows.
Our celebrant, Shannon McGregor, was outstanding and we have recommended her to others already. She made everyone feel relaxed, she brought humour to the ceremony and she supported us when Em started to get emotional.”
Of their photographers, Mitchell notes, “Peta and Matt (then Maho + Pea, now We are Alchemy) are excellent people and stand out photographers, they were originally recommended to us through a family member who recently used the duo. When we met them for our initial catch up neither Em or I needed to discuss anything further, we asked them on the spot to be apart of it. As for the day, we have only love and respect for those two. They blended in when they needed to, they joined the party when we wanted them to, they produced beautiful photos, had creative flair and captured all the moments we were hoping to.”
For dinner, guests were seated in The Stables. Mitchell remembers, “We let the beauty of the venue speak for itself and left the decor up to the professionals at Stones – all we provided were the market bought flowers. We wanted a laid back, small and cosy atmosphere.” Guests received wedding favors of cork handled cheese knives found on Etsy.
Of their first dance, Mitchell remembers, “Neither of us were keen on a formal dance, and I am a terrible dancer. We tried to learn something from home, gave up and decided to wing it on the night. We did a ‘stand and wobble’ as our MC put it, to Ben Folds, ‘the Luckiest’.”
Mitchell notes, “We made sure we’d have small moments of time together and for ourselves, the occasional kiss and reference. We wanted a relaxed and casual atmosphere, so we made sure there would be areas and moments for our guests to chill out and do their thing uninterrupted by schedule or traditions. A moonlit photography session, a dance, and a quiet moment to toast with a cigar and whisky.”
Mitchell notes, “Everyone who was involved in our day was amazing. We were careful in selecting professionals to do the jobs that we couldn’t and wouldn’t want to do, people who represented our dream, and people who clearly have a passion in their field.”
Congratulations on your marriage Emily and Mitchell! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Thank you also to We Are Alchemy for sharing today’s wedding.
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