By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant
When I entered the Stones of the Yarra Valley chapel one warm Saturday afternoon earlier this month, I immediately stopped and smiled. It’s not uncommon for me to do this whenever I open the grand timber doors as it’s such a stunning space and couples who choose to marry at the high-end venue often source the most talented of stylists. But Kristina’s romantic vision, so beautifully realised by Stasia Fox , was breathtaking.
Blooms in soft pinks and creams complemented the soft apricot sandstone walls magnificently, as did the golden flames of the candles, carefully placed on the polished concrete floors. The setting for an elegant event had been well and truly established.
But Kristina and John’s marriage ceremony was so much more than that. It was authentic. It was joyful and it was funny, it was emotional and it was loud. The atmosphere we were able to create in that gorgeous space was palpable. As I stood before 194 guests, welcoming them to the most important part of Kristina and John’s day, introducing Kristina and John’s favourite people and recounting memorable relationship events, I observed so much. Parents cried, grandparents nodded in approval, groomsmen commented freely (which gave rise to some hilarious unscripted banter), and Kristina and John, standing hand in hand, looked happier than I had ever seen them.
So, while the setting was exquisite, while Kristina looked flawless and John so very handsome, it was the genuine sense of celebration within that space that impressed me most. I loved the way we were able to honour family and friends, I loved that guests interacted without reservation and I loved that, for all the laughter and spontaneous applause, we immediately hushed to listen to two much loved people, commit to a shared future.
Congratulations Mr and Mrs C. Thanks for inviting me into your lives to ask a ridiculous number of questions, to retell your love story and have an absolute ball along the way. It was such a pleasure. x
Love Note…
My husband and I didn't think we had a love story worth telling - that was until we heard Sally tell it.
Sally is all class and a true professional. She is the best at what she does and that's because she truly loves it. From the moment we met Sally, we knew she was who we wanted to stand in front of our most important people in sharing our biggest day of our lives. She made us feel comfortable and at ease during what is truly a crazy time. She is so down to earth, funny and honestly the most organised person we have ever met. She ran us through every single step, heck - she was even the first person to walk me down the aisle (aka the hallway in her home) and the only thing that kept me remotely calm during our ceremony, was knowing that Sally had it all under control.
I think the thing that sets Sally apart is how genuinely she gets to know her couples. We spent many hours with Sally as she learned about who we are as a couple, as individuals and as part of our broader family and friendship groups. Our ceremony was the most important part of our day and Sally absolutely nailed it! Thank you for making our day incredible.
Kristina + John
Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Venue: Stones of the Yarra Valley // Photographer: Theodore & Co // Videographer: Annette + Dani Films // Floral Stylist: Stasia Fox // Styling: The Small Things Co // Kristina’s Dress: Elly Sofocli // John’s Suit: Adriano Carbone Master Tailor // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Elle Zietoune // Groomsmens’ Suits: Formal Red // Hair: Hair By Neveen // Make Up: Isabella Quinn // Musicians: Adelaide Clarke, DJ Claire Elliott & Rob Muir // Cars: Kristina and John’s friend Bob // Rings: Jewellery By Anita & Arman Jewellery // Cake: Sweet By Nature