Emily & Evan

Married on a crisp Autumn day at a winery overlooking the Murray River, Emily and Evan celebrated their elegant wedding with their nearest and dearest. Peach and burgundy dahlias and orchids set off the bridesmaids rose pink gowns, while the bride wore a custom made gown with stunning bell sleeves. Georgie James Photography captured the day.

Both bride and groom grew up in the same small country town, only meeting when they were grown up. Emily shares of the proposal, ”It was the morning of the Berrigan Cup. While I was getting ready, Evan was sitting outside in the sun with our two pet dogs. I went outside to see what he was doing, sat down with him and noticed he was shaking. I assumed it was the result of too many beers the night before but then he proposed! We had a great day celebrating with family and friends at the races.”

Emily’s elegant wedding dress was custom made by Jessica Lauren. She shares, ”I went to her with an image in my mind of what I wanted and she created the most magical dress. I love everything about it. The fabric, an embossed jersey knit was different but subtly beautiful. Working with Jessica was just the most stress free and relaxing experience. Being a new mum (and still breastfeeding) it was so great to feel beautiful and comfortable in my dress.” The bride wore her grandmother’s antique ring, while the bride and groom’s daughter wore a dress in the same fabric as the brides. The groom wore a black suit, ivory shirt, black vest and black bow tie by Mentha’s.

The entire bridal party enjoyed a first look in front of the lush blooms put together by Wren Floralista. Emily remembers, ”The flowers. Wow! Karen is an absolute gem and was a hidden talent in the region. The florals suited our style perfectly, with the dark and deep autumnal tones and a burst of burnt orange and pinks. We couldn’t have been any more impressed or in love with how the florals and arrangements turned out and we can honestly say our day would not have been the same without her amazing works of art.”

Including their daughter was a must on the day, as well as keeping the ceremony meaningful but informal. The newlyweds share, ”Our celebrant was Abi Archer and she was perfect for us. Light hearted but also heartfelt. We didn’t have any readings but both of us personalised our vows. Our baby girl was seven and a half months old at our wedding and it was very important to us that she be included in our day. After exchanging our rings, we gave to her a rose gold bracelet with her name engraved on it. I wanted my Mum and daughter, Hazel to be involved as well so they were also walked up the aisle by my Uncle Jim, who lived with us growing up.” The bride walked down the aisle with her father to ‘All My Life’ by Thirsty Merc.

St Leonards Vineyard was the venue for both ceremony and reception, providing a beautiful backdrop for the day. Emily tells, ”It was the first venue we looked at and despite visiting other venues, we just knew it was the one. The beautiful location on the Murray River, the gorgeous building set within the lawn and surrounded by vineyards, we just knew this was the place we could celebrate with family and friends whilst maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. With no set theme, we wanted the atmosphere to be totally relaxed and easy going. The style for the day was classic with deep autumnal tones and a subtle burst of colour.”

On hand to capture the day was Georgie James Photography. The bride and groom share, ”Could we have picked a more bubbly, kind or dedicated person to work with? No. She was amazing, professional and I love every single photo she captured.” Emily also worked hard to add a personal touch to the styling of the day, with hand lettered marble coasters used as place cards and gifts for the guests.

Flowers and fairy lights hung from the beams and created a warm and inviting atmosphere for the newlywed’s reception. They remember, ”Our first dance was to ‘Never Let You Go’ by Evermore. Evermore is one band that Evan and I both liked when we were younger and the song felt right for us. Our favourite detail would have to have been the stunning flowers and our drinks and canapes out on the lawn overlooking the river prior to the reception.”

Congratulations to our bride and groom on your gorgeous wedding, and thank you so much for sharing it with us! Thank you also to Georgie James Photography for sharing your beautiful images.