String Quartets, Souvlaki, and a Cozy Lilydale Wedding
A first date during COVID lockdown came with one unexpected complication: figuring out how to kiss someone when you’re both wearing masks. Jen (she/her) remembers wanting to kiss Dani (she/her), but having no idea how to ask her to take hers off without making the whole thing awkward. Clearly, they figured it out. Six months later they were living together with a cat, and before long, they were engaged and planning an intimate winter wedding in Lilydale.
How did your story begin?
We initially met on Hinge during COVID lockdown. For our first date, we were in masks, and I remember wanting to kiss Dani but not knowing how to initiate it without awkwardly asking her to take her mask off so I could kiss her.
Things progressed quickly. We moved in together after six months and got a cat, then spent lots of time holidaying and adventuring together. We got engaged after 18 months and had our wedding the following year. We are now expecting the arrival of our first child and are so excited to meet him.
How long were you engaged?
We were engaged for just over a year. My mum passed away unexpectedly, and then my dad was diagnosed with cancer not long after. We did not want to risk having another parent missing from our wedding, so we were incredibly grateful that Dad got to be part of our special day.
What was the wedding planning experience like?
I must admit, Dani did the majority of the wedding planning. Similarly, Dani has done most of the preparation for the baby as well. I’m carrying the baby, and Dani is carrying the team.
How did you find your wedding venue in Lilydale?
We stumbled across Harrow And Harvest Cafe when we were out for lunch. We had just looked at another venue but felt it was a little too fancy for us, so we went for lunch at a cute cafe afterwards and fell in love with it.
The first thing we did was lock in the venue, followed by our celebrant and photographer. The rest just fell into place.
What made you want a smaller wedding?
We had an engagement party that was amazing fun, but it made us realise that we wanted a smaller, more intimate wedding. It made cutting back the guest list a little trickier, though.
At the end of the day, we knew our people would understand that we wanted a smaller wedding, and if they didn’t, they obviously weren’t our people. Everyone was very supportive and understanding.
What inspired the winter feel of your wedding?
Our inspiration was very much based on the vibe of our venue. We loved the winter setting, open wood fire, exposed beam roof and Australian natives, so we continued with that.
We’re pretty chill, simple people and tried not to get too engrossed in the little things. We figured that if something was going to have a big impact on our day, then it deserved our attention.
What was it like writing your own vows?
We both wrote our own vows and had our celebrant check them over. Dani is a much more concise person, and I ramble something shocking, so it was good to have our celebrant look over them.
We surprised each other with our vows on the day. I found it difficult to put into words what Dani meant to me because it felt like words could never be enough, but I was happy with the end result.
Talk us through your wedding day.
We stayed together in an Airbnb nearby for a couple of days before the wedding. We got ready there together with our immediate family and fur babies, had our hair and makeup done, and took photos before heading to the venue.
Our ceremony was at around 5.30pm. We didn’t want our guests waiting around while we had photos taken, so we decided to do them beforehand. We made our way to the venue together and both walked down the aisle to Invictus Quartet.
It was important to us to get the formalities done first, so we had our first dance and cut the cake shortly after the ceremony. Then we could let our hair down and properly enjoy the night.
We had a beautiful grazing platter and a souvlaki van because we wanted our guests to be well fed, and they did not disappoint! We finished the night dancing and enjoying quite a few cocktails.
Were there any special ways you included your family?
We had a photo of my mum on a table, which was really special. Dani had also organised a little pendant with Mum’s photo and her handwriting, which we attached to my flowers. It was a nice way to include her in a day we wished she could have been part of.
Dani had both of her parents walk her down the aisle, and I had my dad walk with me. We both have brothers, so our brothers witnessed our marriage on the certificate.
What was one of your favourite moments from the wedding?
Finding some time to go off together during the wedding was really special. We enjoyed each other’s company, had dinner and watched our guests. We couldn’t recommend making time for this more. The day goes so fast, and it was nice to have that moment together.
Captured by Daisy + Pine
Caterer Greek on the Street
Celebrant Stan By Me Ceremonies
Ceremony Venue Harrow And Harvest Cafe
Dress Boutique Bernice Fashions
Dress Designer Justin Alexander
Hair & Makeup Rachel A & Rachael Claire Makeup And Brows
Live Music Invictus Quartet
Stationery Beckingsale Designs
Venue Harrow And Harvest Cafe
