The enchanting Yarra Valley has left many Melbournians awash with memories of romantic escapes. The same could be said for Georgie Cahill and Simon Ward. After sharing their first date over Pinot Noir in the picturesque wine country, it seemed only fitting that this gorgeous couple return to the idyllic region for their wedding.
Still fresh from celebrating their engagement, a romantic lunch ended with Georgie and Simon securing their ideal venue. "In the weeks after Simon's proposal we enjoyed lunch at Stones at the Yarra Valley and fell in love with it immediately. The venue was booked there and then for our Spring wedding, when the vines would be in full bloom. It was the only reception venue we looked at!"
From that moment on, everything fell into place for Georgie. From sourcing the most resplendent navy Grecian style dresses for her four bridesmaids, to securing the all important photographer, videographer and hair and make-up artist, in what is considered to be a traditionally busy season!
The only real thing this stunning bride-to-be could not control was the weather. According to Georgie, "In the lead up to the wedding there had been unprecedented levels of rain forecast for November in Melbourne. It became almost inevitable, particularly given the torrential downpour one week earlier, that it was destined to be a very rainy day."
But fortune smiled on the happy couple by delivering a magnificent sun-filled day; "the only nice Saturday that month!" laughed Georgie. And it was in that sunshine that the bride arrived at the chapel. Escorted by her Dad, Georgie's walk down the aisle could only be described by Simon as being "...too gorgeous to look at!"
After a touching ceremony, Georgie's brother in-law and Simon's oldest friend treated guests to a stirring operatic rendition of the Righteous Brothers' classic ‘Unchained Melody' in Italian. It was a highlight that predicated the kind of fun that lay ahead, as the newlyweds had indeed planned a festive night, "We wanted our night to have a real party atmosphere." said Georgie.
And party they did! Guests, welcomed into The Barn, were greeted by a dreamy pallet of Springtime colour enhanced only by the rustic charm of exposed timber beams and soaring ceilings. Entertaining guests with everything from Michael Buble through to the Blues Brothers, a seven piece brass band ensured things got off to a good start, with the happy couple and their friends spilling out through the French doors onto the patio where they danced the night away.
Finer Details
In keeping with the surrounds of the venue, Georgie worked with a fresh spring palette of creams and pinks with a hint of green. Tables were beautifully decorated with flowers including garden picked roses and tulips whilst two cream urns filled with hydrangeas perfectly matched the rustic décor.
Featuring a stunning peacock illustration, the couple's stationery complemented the French navy of the Grecian style bridesmaids' dresses.
Georgie carried a pretty bouquet of fragrant stephanotis whilst her bridesmaids all carried different bouquets of white blooms including sweetpeas, chincherinchee, roses and freesias.
During the signing of the registry Georgie's brother in law, Tony, and Simon's oldest friend Richard, both trained opera singers, sang The Righteous Brothers' classic ‘Unchained Melody' in Italian. "It was truly a highlight and such a special memory," said Georgie.
