Kylie & Shaun

There is something beautiful about historic homestead weddings. It’s like the echos of the past become a part of the story. Today’s celebration is such a beautiful occasion, classically elegant with the beauty of the homestead a part of the love story.

Kylie tells of how they met. “We met through mutual friends as teenagers. Shaun left for the army after school finished and I would only see him on the odd occasion he came home for a birthday party. We got together Christmas Eve 2007, and Shaun spent Christmas morning with my family! It developed from there and we were engaged 2 years later. ”

Fennel & Fox Photography captured today’s photography! Sun lit images with a sense of romance and grace to them.

Kylie’s bridesmaids wore oyster coloured gowns from Jayson Brundson.  Kylie chose a strapless gown and accessories from Kylie J Bridal. The floral arrangements were styled by Ame Gaschk of Flowers by Ame in shades of neutral creams and whites.

Kylie recalls, “On the day I woke to breakfast cooked by my sister. We had the whole day to get ready so it was leisurely and fun. Just as we left home it began to rain. I wasn’t fussed by it, but little did I know there was a circus going on at the venue where Shaun was orchestrating the wedding guests and venue staff to move furniture in from the lawn to under the verandah (where the ceremony took place). When it stopped raining, everything was moved back to the lawn, then it would ran again and it would all be moved and so on. They eventually elected to keep it under cover, which turned out to be perfect. I would have liked to have seen all of that – it must’ve been so funny!”

Kylie and Shaun chose Emu Bottom Homestead for their wedding, Kylie explains “Emu Bottom Homestead is the oldest homestead in Victoria. It is situated in Sunbury amid rolling meadows and stunning Australian countryside. It is historic, beautiful and natural and was the perfect backdrop for our evening wedding and the photos. Our original venue burnt down only weeks before the wedding, and we were lucky to secure this perfect alternative! ”

For her walk down the aisle, Kylie explains “I walked down the aisle to a song called ‘Everything’ by Lifehouse. It brings tears to my eyes when I hear it – it such an emotive song with beautiful music and lyrics. I timed the walk to the music, but the intro was so long that Shaun started to think I wasn’t coming! ”

Kylie describes the day as “One of the happiest, most enjoyable and memorable days of our lives! ”

Of their photographers, Kylie says, “Our photographers were brilliant. They knew and understood exactly what we wanted – natural photos that captured the true feeling of the day. Nothing contrived, just pictures that let us see what we couldn’t, and still provide happy, vivid memories when we see them. We hardly noticed they were there, which was perfect! ”

Kylie made the favors herself, explaining “I made the bonbonierres – they were tealight candles in glass holders with rice paper wrapped around the outside with the guest’s names. They were cheap and easy and doubled as place cards and keepsakes. They also gave the room a beautiful ambient glow when lit. I also made my own invitations and did my own hair and prepared the music.”

Jarrod Kalyvas played guitar to entertain guests. Kylie remarks, ” Every detail about the wedding was special! I was happy with everything on the day from the groomsmen’s suits and the bridesmaids’ dresses to the flowers to the acoustic guitarist we hired to play some of our favourite songs. It truly was a perfect day! ”

Cakes by Katrina Willeme created the three tier wedding cake.

For their first dance, Kylie remembers, “Neither of us are natural born dancers. We didn’t have lessons – we elected to keep it simple and within our ability so as not to cause us any stress or embarrassment. It was to another Lifehouse song ‘You and Me’ and it was a nice opportunity for us to spend some time soaking everything in. ”

Congratulations Kylie and Shaun! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to Fennel & Fox Photography for sharing the wedding day with us!