Stephanie & Rocco

A feast for the eyes, for the senses, is exactly what this flower-filled Quat Quatta wedding is all about. A beautiful historic mansion (oh there is nothing quite like you Quat Quatta), an abundance of romantically styled blooms (coral pink peonies, always a winner) and am embroidered wedding gown that’s an explosion fo colour. Oh, we are so delighted to share the wedding of Stephanie and Rocco captured by Ashley K Wedding Photographer to you today.

Every good story has a beginning, and we’re stealing the words written just for Stephanie and Rocco by celebrant Shannon Jeans (Cloud 9 Celebrations) to share theirs.

“Statistics say that the most common way to meet a romantic partner is through mutual friends. Unfortunately, for them, their friends are absolutely no help to these two, what so ever. So instead, they met through the second most popular method. Technology.
Elite Singles was the platform, and Steph conveniently appeared on Rocco’s screen as a WILDCARD (given she was outside his stringent age search criteria by a year!) So, I guess fate played a huge part too! The way the platform works, basically if he didn’t make contact, she’d be lost forever to him. He took the punt, reached out and contacted Steph and a first date was arranged for that very night (no wasting time here!) Rocco suggested Mr Myagi’s. Steph promptly shut that down and got her way (nothing has changed here!) suggesting Japanese in St Kilda.
But Rocco …. You were 15 mins late weren’t you? Not an ideal start! Thankfully, according to Steph, you looked better in real life than in your profile, so you were quickly forgiven!
From that very first date, there really was no looking back! So much so, that after just 4 weeks of knowing each other, Steph invited Rocco along to China for a business trip she had to go on, and he jumped right out of his comfort zone and went along!”

And is it no surprise that Rocco proposed in the most romantic city of all? Right at the Eiffel Tower? Of course not! Says Stephanie “Rocco had his man-bag (which he rarely uses – cause he had the ring box in it!). Amongst the hoards of tourists, he found an empty bench and before Rocco could launch into the pre-prepared proposal speech, I started giggling and blurted out “I know what you’re going to say!” Rocco forfeited the speech and instead presented the ring. Spoiler alert!!! I obviously said “YES”. ”

Rocco chose a smart suit from Oscar Hunt, his pocket square an offcut of the fabric from Stephanie’s wedding gown. “Rocco opted for a locally made-to-order suit, a suit that would get him down the aisle and beyond” notes Stephanie. “Timeless, elegant yet casual. He would need to dance and lift me during our 1st dance.”

The bride worked with Suzanne Harward on her coloured wedding gown, a gown she knew was for her from the get-go. She explains “I fell in love when I first came across the Havana gown by Suzanne Harward several years back (in 2016). It was displayed in the shop front of her studio, and I said to myself that would be THE DRESS if I ever get married. Simply beautiful!

When the time came for wedding dress shopping (in early 2019), The Havana was also the first and last dress I tried.

The Havana is super light/comfortable and easy to move around in as it’s made from hand-embroidered tulle with a fitted bodice, fluted sleeve detail and circular skirt with leg split. Great for dancing too. The perfect dress for a summer wedding.”

Ivy and Eve styled the utterly stunning floral arrangements for the day, with Stephanie’s own inspiration. She shares “I learn Ikeban floral arrangements and appreciate clean lines and sculptural arrangements. And on this occasion FULL of colours (Mocha, greens, whites, dusty pink). Flowers like amaranthus, anthuriums, orchids, smoke bush and peonies were part of the floral on the day.

I am still obsessed with my bridal bouquet!!!”

Stephanie walked down the aisle on the arms of her parents to Melbourne Harp Piano performing Pachelbel’s Canon in D live.

“We wanted a ceremony that was light-hearted, relatable, relaxed and uniquely “US”! ” explains Stephanie of the couple’s wedding ceremony, which was officiated by Shannon Jeans (Cloud 9 Celebrations), adding “One filled with overflowing love, joy and gratitude.”

“I came across Ashley’s work from a wedding blog” remembers Stephanie of the couple’s chosen photographer .”And fell in love with how she manages to capture special moments with such great eyes and lighting. Each snap tells that moment in time! And she is indeed a lover for LOVE! Thanks, Ash… I’m not sure how we can select ONE favourite photo!!! “

It was love at first sight for Stephanie and Rocco when they laid eyes on the historic house of Quat Quatta. “We fell in love with the venue instantly. It is a boutique venue with a magical space of soaring ceilings, a parquet dance floor, a sweeping staircase and hand-painted windows. Glamorous and spacious.”

One of the bride’s favourite memories of the day “Rocco happily (hiding) stuffing himself with pork belly buns in the bridal suite (after the ceremony and in between photos)!!”

Inside, as guests gathered for dinner, they were seated at two long tables, topped with fresh blooms. Little special touches were added throughout the night- including a whiskey bar complete with chocolate cigars.

“I have a very special memory of the band singing Ave Maria before our meal” remembers Stephanie. “A moment to reflect and be grateful for all present and joining us in spirit!”

Guests were each gifted personalised luggage tags as their wedding favours made by Sketch & Etch. The children were gifted macarons in the shapes of teddy bears and polaroid cameras to capture all the moments.

The reception kicked off with a traditional tea ceremony.

For their first dance, Stephanie and Rocco chose a modern waltz to “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott & Leona Lewis before switching it up to a fun salsa to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. The couple working with Fisica Dance & Fitness to learn their dances, and noting “oh oh…and the dancing lessons that was a time for us to bond/trust/have FUN!”

A big congratulations Stephanie and Rocco! Thank you for sharing your beautiful stories and your day with us. Thank you also to Ashley K Wedding Photographer for today’s beauty!