Marianne & Guy
“We remember hearing that Bunnings had run out of sandbags due to the severe weather warnings approaching all of Melbourne.” It was predicted to be the most rain Victoria would have in 100 years on the wedding day of Marianne and Guy. But somehow, as it always seems to, it turned out to make the day even more magical. The rain bucketed down and the stunning story, captured by Sarah Godenzi Photography was set in motion.
It was in a somewhat sunnier location, Bali, that Guy popped the question and the couple share their (somewhat dramatic!) story. “In December 2016 a trip was planned to Bali. Guy had it all planned to propose at the top of the ‘Agung’. He booked a private tour to go up the tallest mountain in Bali – 3000 metres to be exact. But his sunrise proposal didn’t quite go to plan.
We started our trek at midnight. Our private tour becoming a group expedition as the weather started to change. The weather continued to deteriorate with fierce winds and the temperature dropping. Obviously, shorts and t-shirts were a bad call. So this first attempt stalled close to the summit, as Marianne made the announcement “get me off this mountain”. Guy was devastated, but this didn’t stop him from using his initiative to create a magical and memorable experience.
So to plan ‘B’. Guy booked a private dinner overlooking the jungle canopy in their own little birdcage. He had candles and flower petals arranged to make it feel like a romantic treehouse. He told Marianne it was a special Christmas dinner so she was none the wiser. Guy took the opportunity to go down on one knee and ask the all-important question and of course, there was a resounding ‘yes’.”
The groom dressed in a traditional kilt ensemble from Kinloch Anderson in his family tartan.
As promised, the rain bucketed down, Marianne remembers, “Getting ready was fun but slightly scary as the rain wouldn’t stop and my visions of having outdoor photos seemed to be disappearing second by second. But as with all good stories, as we walked out of the church, the rain stopped.”
The bride found her elegant Hayley Paige gown at Petticoat Lane Bridal in Ireland after a fruitless local hunt. She remembers, “Unlike some brides, I had no defined idea of what I wanted for my dress, which to be honest made the initial process probably a little more stressful, as I had to research brands, and get up to speed on timelines etc as I naively thought you could just go into a shop and pick up a dress – I soon found out appointments, wait-lists and delivery timelines come into the equation.
During a trip back to Ireland, I went shopping with my mum, and in the first shop we went to I found my dress and randomly it was in the same bridal shop that my cousin had bought her dress the year before!”
The couple chose the sweet chapel at Tanglewood Estate for their ceremony, noting, “We stumbled across Tanglewood while doing research online. It seemed too good to be true, but when we visited the property it was everything we could have wanted.
The little church at Tanglewood has a magical feeling and is set in the most stunning location – with views of the ocean and is surrounded by hundreds of trees.”
Tim&Lisa performed a version of “Real Lovr Baby” by Father John Misty as the bride walked down the aisle. Marianne reminisces, “Walking down the aisle was a very emotional feeling and something unique that will stay with you forever.”
As part of their ceremony, officiated by Robin Mayer, Marianne and Guy decided to perform a hand-fasting ritual. The bride explains, “We decided to do a traditional hand fastening ceremony and the words and symbols were very powerful.” The couple tied their hands together with the traditional tartan of Guy’s nana and mother. Each colour in the tartan presented something special:
* Blue – patience, devotion and peace
* Black – wisdom and vision for the future
* Yellow – joy and harmony
* Green – prosperity
* Orange – warmth and optimism
* Navy Blue – trust, loyalty and sincerity.
Ross Bates welcomed guests on the bagpipes and also serenaded the newlyweds. The bride remembers, “Ross braved the torrential rain to welcome the guests to our ceremony and also played as we exited the church.”
Of their photographer, Marianne remembers, “She made us feel at ease, captured our day brilliantly and was so enjoyable throughout the whole process. Her images speak for themselves!”
Guests gathered at Polperro for the evening reception. Marianne remarks, “You really can’t look past Polperro when celebrating in Red Hill – it allowed us accommodation options onsite – while indulging in the finest local food and wine to honour our special day.”
Guests received boxes of a very special port from the couple, who tell, “We love exploring country Victoria and trying the produce from each region. Rutherglen is a special place for us, and sourcing a supplier that allowed us to personalize bottles of regional Tawny Port allowed us to give our guests a unique and personalised gift.”
It was to Paul McCartney’s “Band On The Run” that the happy couple took to the dance floor.
Congratulations to the newlyweds Marianne and Guy! Thank you for taking the time to share your wedding day stories with us. Thank you also to Will & Jac and Sarah Godenzi Photography for sharing today’s celebration with us.
Join the conversation