Michelle and Piero

What a beautiful celebration today’s couple had – an exquisite gown, a beautiful venue and plenty of nods to the couple’s love of writing!

Michelle tells their story. “First laid eyes on each other twelve years ago – I used to perve on Piero DJ-ing and  he would sneak me free drinks – but we both had respective partners and went our separate ways – our paths crossed again in 2005 – initial feelings of attraction rekindled – the rest is history!”

Images today are by Thorson Photography who capture beautiful images with a sense of humor.

Michelle wore a gown from Anaessia  with blue suede shoes from Sole Searching.

The groom and his groomsmen wore outfitted by P Johnson .

The couple met before the ceremony.

Michelle’s bridesmaid wore a stunning red Lisa Ho gown and shoes from Peeptoe Shoes.

Of their photographer, Michelle says “Amanda was fabulous – had an engagement shoot with her before had which made us more relaxed. She is a true professional – creative but fast, gets the shot done and moves on, while taking inspiration from what’s around her.”

Michelle and Piero held their ceremony and reception at Poachers Pantry and Wily Trout Vineyard. Michelle explains “We both love prosciutto – and all smoked goods –  so it seemed fitting to have our wedding in a smoke house!  Good food and booze was extremely important to us as we are both mad foodies. Poachers Pantry offered that, on a beautiful country homestead. We got married under a giant tree on the property then walked over to the reception. Poachers were fantastic in allowing us to add our own touches – we set up quoits and petanque in the garden, plus a lolly buffet inside.”

 

Michelle walked down the aisle to the Jackson Five’s “I’ll Be There.”

Michelle remarks “Having a destination wedding really contributed to the day – everyone got together for a meet and greet at the local pub on Friday, then we had the wedding on Saturday, then we hosted a breakfast barbecue the next day at Redbrow Gardens, where we were staying. Made it such a special weekend. ”

The couple were married by a dear friend. Michelle explains “Our celebrant was a old friend of Piero’s – they used to work together at a bar – Piero was cocktail waiter and DJ and Monty was bouncer –  aside from being a celebrant and bouncer Monty also is an anthropologist, JP, jazz singer, tai chi instructor and youth worker! Such an amazing person! ”

“As we both from a writing background we thought it was important to write our own vows, which made the day really personal and special.”

Michelle describes the day as “A gorgeous, love-filled romp in the Canberra country-side that tipped its top hat to vintage cool.”

The day had many nods to the couple’s love of the written word. Including a cake made by Sugar and Slice Cakes. Michelle explains We were going for a ‘vintage country writing theme’ (I am a journalist and Piero a copywriter) – each table named after our favourite authors. Also had typewriter on our cake as well as one for people to use to leave a note”

Michelle and Piero handmade plenty of their wedding details. “We made the garden games and signs (we collected old driftwood and painted them),  decorated the trees with Chinese paper lanterns, made our own lolly buffet that had vintage toys from my parents, stamped our own table settings (each serviette wrapped in twine and stamps used to say ‘bon appetite’ with picture of cutlery) , used old books for table settings passed down from Piero’s deceased father (each book had a handwritten message inside for each guest), bought a vintage typewriter for people to leave us  a note, made our own rose petal confetti holders, had a dress-up box and props.”

Michelle notes “Having SO MANY people pitch in help out – one friend did my make-up, another the flowers and cheese cake, another the lolly buffet – so much love was felt off all our friends, it was incredible.”

The couple’s first dance was to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”.

The night didn’t stop there, Michelle explains “On the wedding night Piero and I stayed on a working alpaca farm which was amazing! They had an outdoor spa so after the wedding we went back, cracked a bottle of champagne and sat under the stars in the spa. It was magical.”

Congratulations Michelle and Piero. Thank you for sharing your wedding day on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to Thorson Photography for sharing today’s images!