Lisa & Vanessa

There are so few places as beautiful as Margaret River and for today’s brides, the decision to tie the knot there was made as soon as they walked into the stunning rose garden of Robert Oatley Vineyard. Their dream for a rustic, romantic wedding soon unfolded, packed with beautiful blush and marsala blooms by Miriam Avery.

You’d think that it’s the details that make this day so romantic, and while they’re to die for, it’s actually the moments that are the very best part. A first look with the most gorgeous flower girls, a sunset portrait session, a beautiful ceremony – this s where the heart lies. Luckily for us, Lisa and Vanessa enlisted Shannon Stent Images to join them on their day, and today, we’re sharing every beautiful moment.

Any strong relationship requires teamwork, so it is apt that Lisa and Vanessa first met as basketball teammates, they share their story. “Originally teammates at basketball where we became friends and spent time getting to know each other at team catch-ups. Over time the friendship grew and a spark ignited one Australia Day when we both went out of our way to find each other on the South Perth Foreshore. From there Lisa invited Ness to a ‘pre-shoulder surgery’ guitar hero & drinks night, which lead to Lisa cancelling her date the next night.”

Vanessa found her lace wedding gown at Hobnob Bridal, the design much to her surprise! She shares “The experience was umm…interesting. The dress was everything I said I didn’t want. A sweetheart neckline, strapless, fishtail style. But then it was everything that I wanted as well. A low backline, beautiful lace without too much bling, a gorgeous lace train. I had almost exhausted all of my options and thankfully saved the best until last.”

Lisa found her lace, mermaid style gown at Tuscany Bridal telling “Wedding dress shopping was hilarious. I went in thinking a certain style and walked out with more lace than I could imagine. Be open to trying everything on! I loved my dress – open back, great v-neck and a comfortable bodice. I think it accentuated my body type while still being elegant.”

The couple got ready with their daughters at Caves Road Guest Houses, separating before they dressed, so they could see each other for a “First Look” and of course, they included their daughters!

Margaret River is all about wine, so naturally, Vanessa and Lisa chose a vineyard setting at Robert Oatley Vineyard for their wedding, noting “Robert Oatley was our wedding venue for both the ceremony and reception. The minute we arrived to check it out we fell in love. The rose garden was exquisite & immediately reminded us of loved ones who had passed. The venue itself had a rustic feel with exposed stone walls, a gorgeous long wooden bar, a fire crackling & wine barrels scattered around. The grounds were lush & green & surrounded by vineyards. It was everything we wanted.”

Lisa and Vanessa both walked down the aisle, choosing two very special songs to play. “We chose two songs – both of our favourite artists and songs we love hearing (and our girls too). The bridesmaids and our daughters walked down to “A Million Dreams” by Pink and we walked down the aisle with our fathers to “Latch” by Sam Smith. Our ceremony was so lovely. Walking in through the rose garden aisle with our bridal party was spectacular. Our youngest daughter decided after her walk she would return back and help us walk down with our fathers. It was so cute and a beautiful moment. ”

Lisa and Vanessa were married by Nathanael Ditchburn. “Our ceremony was filled with laughs, tears and impromptu cuddles from our girls.”

“Rustic, roses and relaxed” tell Lisa and Vanessa of their dream for the day. “We wanted the day to be an opportunity for everyone to leave behind the hustle and bustle of reality and take the weekend to enjoy good food, drinks, family and friends.”

And they celebrated with a sunset portrait session, brought to life by their photographers, who come with a great recommendation. “We used the ultra-talented and amazing Shannon and Jayde Stent. Professional, relaxed, great communicators and just cool people. We were drawn to their body of work immediately when searching for photographers and choosing them was up there with one of the best decisions we made for our special day!”

The brides chose floral designer Miriam Avery to create their lush floral details for the day, explaining “We gave our designer creative freedom based on colours and a small amount of greenery. We wanted our bouquets to be similar but not the same (two bride dilemma). We were thrilled with the results. She also gave creative flair with flowers on the arbour and also our girl’s flower crowns which we loved.”

And then it was time for dinner – long tables set inside the cellar door for the reception to begin.

Tell the brides “The best part about our wedding planning was an excuse to visit our wedding location and indulge in the local wine!!”

The brides took to the dance floor for a first dance, surrounded by their guests, they remember “After wonderful speeches, our guests created a circle where we danced to another of our favourite artists, Adele. Her song Remedy is beautiful. Our dads joined us halfway through the song to cut in which we both just loved.”

A big congratulations to you both Lisa and Vanessa! Thank you for sharing your stunner of a day with us. Thank you also, to Shannon Stent Images, for today’s beautiful photography.