Min & Eric's Rustic Spring Yarra Valley Wedding

Min & Eric

Eric and I met through a mutual friend. We had dinner and caught a local stage production, ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come’. The first date led to many others. We soon discovered that we already met when we were seven years old – at art class at his school! We also have many mutual friends. He even went to school with my cousin and one of my oldest friends ever!

I slept early the night before the wedding and even managed a lie in as I only started hair and makeup at noon. Though I was nervous, I managed to eat a few sushi rolls which helped calm the nerves. Miss Aimmey did an amazing job with the bridal party as well as both moms. We exchanged love notes which were hand-delivered by our bestman Daniel.

My dress was a customized capped sleeve trumpet style dress with a sweetheart neckline and Guipure lace bodice with handsewn crystals and beading by a local Malaysian Designer – Cammi from the Bliss Chamber. The skirt was made out of tulle and satin. The veil was floor length tulle with handsewn corded french lace. My parents helped me put on the veil as well as the diamond earrings and bracelet. We were all in tears when that happened. In fact, Dad was crying more than I did through out the whole ceremony!

The first gift to my parents and in laws were customized hangers with their names and date laser engraved on it.

We decided to get married in October 2015 – in Spring which is our favourite season of the year. Eric and I opted for an intimate ceremony at Stones of the Yarra Valley. We decided not to have a typical hotel ballroom reception (very common in Malaysia where we live due to the weather and the ability of ballrooms to cater up to 1,000 guests!)

We LOVE the Yarra Valley especially Stones as it is just SO beautiful. The natural light allows for amazing photos.With all the wonderful reviews, we were able to entrust the organizing to them since this was a destination wedding for us. We took the leap of faith and paid the deposit even before viewing the venue.

Many thought that we were mad but it was a risk well paid off! We only flew to Melbourne seven months before to meet with and finalize our vendors.

The day of the wedding was perfect; the weather was an amazing a sunny 28 degrees, and since Melbourne can have four seasons in one day, it was such a blessing.

Eddie from Always Classic Cars picked us up from the city where we were staying in a dark grey 1961 Rolls Royce Phantom named Bella. He put out the red carpet for us to walk on and even served us champange on the way to the Yarra Valley. Many passer bys stopped to look and some even congratulated us. Dad was holding my hand most of the way and it was truly an emotional time for us both.

I started to cry before getting out of the car. My Maid of Honour and best friend Rachel held my veil and wiped the tears before they ran down my cheeks.

Our colour theme was blush and silver. Our flowers were done by the amazing ladies at Victoria Whitelaw Beautiful Flowers. My bouquet was made out of David Austen and garden style roses as well as seasonal blooms paired with dusty millers in shades of blush, soft pink , mauve and silver. The stems were bound in ivory and finished with pearl detailing.

My heart was beating so fast and I was weeping before walking down to the aisle to a harp playing Pachelbel’s Canon in D. I was overwhelmed by the beautiful floral arrangement at the altar.

I held on so tight to Dad’s arm and kept smiling as I saw Eric waiting for me. I tried very hard not to cry when Dad gave me away to Eric.

We had our close friend Sarah read a passage from ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ by Margery Williams before a worship session led by Pastor Victor. The Senior Leader of our church – Pastor Mark Varughese – preached a short message before solemnizing our marriage.

After our vows we lit the unity candle and had communion before signing the registry. There was a petal shower when we exited the Chapel.

John Warren of warrenphotography and Michael Dalla Rosa of Allure Productions did a PHENOMENAL job in capturing all the significant moments of that day! In fact, the short clip was awarded a Finalist Certificate at the 2015 AVPA Awards!

At our reception, both our parents, maid of honour, best man and my brothers gave heart warming speeches. After dancing to our band, Orlando Combo, we ended the night with an arch farewell – where all our guests joined hands to send us off. What was most meaningful to Eric and me was we had our closest and dearest family and friends come from near and far to celebrate our special day with us.