NAME

Lara Stephens

WEDDING DATE

31.03.23

NUMBER OF GUESTS

105

LOCATION

Barunah Plains

YOUR LOVE STORY

It started as fellow, fresh-faced students at school. Separated by a year level and not friends just yet, he still made an impression on me, nonetheless. Fast forward a few years post school and we found ourselves in Europe together with friends. Our friendship quickly grew into something more when we got back to Melbourne, and after about a year of playing it cool first. We became inseparable best friends who did everything together and loving each other was completely effortless. Fast forward a few more years and he gave me the biggest surprise of my life, a beautiful ring in the most beautiful setting. Of course, my answer was yes.

FINDING YOUR DRESS

I spotted the dress on Instagram by chance well before we were even engaged - I loved it! Years went by and I came across the dress again after our engagement. I tried on several more, but nothing could compete with the first one I saw. Trust your gut, always - and go with what you loved first.

THE INSPIRATION AND AESTHETIC FOR THE DAY

Simple and elegant! We didnt want to overdo the ceremony or canapes, as the venue was beautiful enough in itself. For the reception, it was all about romance in the unique location of a wool shed with dark wooden chairs, candles down each table, beautiful handwritten calligraphy, and some chandeliers to top it all off.

THE NON-NEGOTIABLES

Finding suppliers who compliment you as a couple - oh, and a wedding planner!!!

A HIGHLIGHT

Our ceremony was perfect. Wedged between two rain patches, walking down the aisle with both mum & dad by my side, with a celebrant who is so authentically brilliant, listening to the love of my life read the vows he wrote... simply magic.

HONEYMOONING

Noosa

A WORD OF ADVICE

It's not often in life you get a moment like this, with all the people that matter most around you to celebrate your love. Make sure you stop to smell the roses. And don't sweat the small stuff!

THE DETAILS

Shoes: Ultra by Badgley Mischka

Hair + Makeup: Katia of @katia_makeupartist

Bridesmaids Dresses: Karina Tuck Midi Dress in powder blue by Bec & Bridge.

Wedding Planner: Laura of @wanderlust_creative

Location: Hesse, Victoria

Venue: Barunah Plains

Florist: Torquay Florist

Photographer: Bianca Virtue

Videographer: Moon and Back

Celebrant: Kahani of @kahanicelebrant

Caterer: Truffleduck

Cake: Kates Speciality Cakes, Geelong

Stationary: Ally Blease of @blease.creative

Other special mentions: Our beautiful families for allowing us to celebrate our love in the way we did.