A Queer Wedding at Coombe in the Yarra Valley

Tell us about the proposal on Hayman Island.

Mel planned a surprise proposal on Hayman Island for Rach’s birthday, which also became their honeymoon destination. After a romantic beachfront dinner, they took a stroll along the water’s edge at dusk. Mel launched into a heartfelt speech, but Rach (completely oblivious) kept cheerfully interrupting with, “I know babe, I love you too!”

It wasn’t until Mel handed Rach her poodle to hold while kneeling in the water – trying hard not to lose the ring in the ocean – that Rach realized what was happening. The Coral Sea surrounded them, and in that magical moment, Mel proposed. It was romantic, chaotic, and perfectly them.

What made Coombe in the Yarra Valley your dream wedding venue?

We explored venues across Victoria, from Daylesford to Bellarine and beyond, but nothing felt quite right. That all changed when we walked into Coombe and through their gorgeous gardens. We felt an instant connection – it just felt like home. Coombe’s outdoor setup suited us perfectly as nature lovers. It didn’t hurt that their wedding planner was incredibly supportive, especially when we wanted to incorporate non-traditional elements.

The venue’s history also deeply resonated with us. The homestead was owned by Dame Nellie Melba, an extraordinary woman who broke barriers in her time, which felt empowering. Plus, Mel (an ex-opera singer) loved this personal connection. Coombe wasn’t just beautiful; it felt meaningful.

Did you face any challenges during your wedding planning?

The biggest hiccup was finding the right suit for Rach. She initially worked with a designer known for creating androgynous suits, but the experience was disappointing, to say the least – poor fit, no proper final adjustments, and no follow-up care. After a stressful period of back-and-forth alterations, Rach had to scrap it entirely.

At the last minute, she found Oscar Hunt, who delivered the perfect tailored suit just two days before the wedding. Rach looked incredible, and the team treated her with the care and respect every bride deserves. This experience highlighted how some designers don’t always prioritize suit-wearing women, so it was a relief to find someone who got it right.

How did you personalize the vibe of your wedding?

We wanted the whole day to feel warm, joyful, and totally us. From writing our own vows to a feast-style reception, everything reflected who we are as a couple. Food and wine were a big focus – we’re huge foodies! Coombe’s seasonal menu wowed us, with dishes like a melt-in-your-mouth lamb as the centerpiece. Since we’re not big on desserts, we opted for petit fours instead of a traditional cake.Music was another way we brought in our vibe. Our close friend Josh Dearaugo serenaded guests during cocktail hour and even performed our entrance song, “Beyond” by Leon Bridges. Later, our celebrant then turned DJ Renee had everyone dancing to iconic gay anthems. It was such a celebration of love, community, and joy.

Your ceremony sounded so emotional – how did you make it special?

Our celebrant Renee the Celebrant was phenomenal. We’d met her a couple of years earlier at the Chillout Pride Festival in Daylesford, and when we asked her to “bring the gay” to our wedding, she delivered! She captured our love story perfectly, blending humor and heartfelt moments that had everyone laughing and crying. Walking down the aisle to “Bloom” by The Paper Kites was unforgettable.

We wrote our own vows, which was challenging but so worth it. Despite being overwhelmed with emotion, we made it through without crying (well, almost). That walk back down the aisle with petals flying and all our guests cheering is something we’ll never forget.

What were some of your favorite wedding day moments?

There were so many! Seeing each other during our first look, driving vintage Rolls Royces to Coombe, and having sunset photos taken by the baths at the venue were just a few highlights. The rooftop sunset shots were extra special – they reflect Rach’s obsession with capturing every sunset.

Another standout was the champagne tower. It didn’t quite go as planned (we definitely needed more champagne) but it added to the fun. Ending the night with gay bangers on the dance floor, surrounded by friends and family of all ages, was the perfect way to wrap up the celebration.

Do you have any advice for future couples planning their weddings?

First, stay true to yourselves. A wedding should reflect who you are as a couple – whether it’s your style, music, or food choices. We chose to skip some traditional elements and focus on things that sparked joy for us.

Second, invest in the right vendors. Everyone from our photographer Dan Brannan to our celebrant Renee Thompson went above and beyond to make our day special. They made the process feel effortless and captured every moment beautifully. Plus, don’t be afraid to book last minute! Our content creator Alex was a game-changer, even though we decided to hire her just weeks before the wedding.

Lastly, take a moment for yourselves during the day. Weddings can be overwhelming, so steal a few quiet minutes with your partner to soak it all in.

Bonus Question – What made your wedding feel like a full-circle moment?

A few years ago, we met Renee at the Chillout Pride Festival and told her, one day, we wanted her to officiate our wedding. Flash forward to our ceremony at Coombe, and there she was, dressed as a queer cowboi, bringing everything full circle. The day started with laughter and tears and ended with dancing to queer anthems on the d-floor. It was everything we dreamed of and more.