Natalie & Sam's Sweet Winery Wedding at Yarra Ranges Estate

Wineries truly lend themselves as such an elegant and romantic venue choice for a wedding. Today’s wedding from Mike & Amy Photographers of Natalie & Sam’s Sweet Winery Wedding at Yarra Ranges Estate is perfectly simple and beautiful. Bride Natalie remembers their love story and their day…

We met at high school and dated twice in the early years, then a third time in year 11. I always say third time lucky! Then over 10 years later we got married! Sam proposed to me on our ten-year anniversary. I would describe our wedding as relaxed and simple.

Sam went to David Jones and found his outfit in about 10 minutes. Everything was from Politix and RM Williams! I am very jealous of how easy it was for him! He always wanted to go a more smart casual look and ended up choosing a tan blazer with navy pants – I must say he looked handsome!

I chose a dress from Always and Forever Bridal. I found it hard to find a dress as I didn’t know what style I was after. I kept trying on sweetheart dresses and it wasn’t until I tried on this shoulder a-line dress I thought, “This looks like a wedding dress!” I also loved the beading on the bodice.

Our flowers were from The Willow Branch. My sister had chosen this florist for her wedding, so it was an easy choice for me to have them as well, as they were so beautiful for her wedding! They were a native, colorful arrangement but not too over the top! I received a heap of compliments about them on my day.

My Dad walked me down the aisle, and Sam chose the song – the Hayley Reinhart version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.”

We wanted a short, sweet, not too serious ceremony. Our celebrant Annie Johnstone made it fun and loving at the same time. We had no readings during the ceremony, however, I received applause after my vows – must have been pretty good!

Mike and Amy Photographers were brilliant. I found them on the Melbourne Brides Facebook page. So many great reviews there and now another one from me too! We are a chilled couple and didn’t want photographers who were going to be in our face so thank god for Mike and Amy! They were both relaxed, loved a chat, and were able to get the perfect photo without being over the top. I have two favourite photos from the day! The first is Sam kissing me on the cheek in the vineyard, and the second is the black and white photo of him lifting me up in our first dance.

One of my favourite details from the day was the big LOVE signs – especially when they were lit up at night. During the day they were set-up at the top of the vineyard so the photos were amazing with the vines and hills in the background.
Thank you to Lush Us Events!

Yarra Ranges Estate was the absolute best venue! The amazing views, beautiful set-up, the best food, and great owners!
We loved the simplistic yet beautiful set-up of fresh white flowers that were included in our day. No extra fuss of setting up our own table arrangements, and it was all included in the cost! Amazing! Anna and Anton were also very helpful and accommodating when we needed a few last-minute changes. I cannot wait to go back for a Sunday lunch or a friend’s wedding.

We chose Vance Joy “I’m With You” for our first dance. We are massive Vance fans, so it was only fitting! Our friend Marissa choreographed a little dance for us as we are both a little uncoordinated and she made us look so good!

The day goes so fast so definitely try to take a moment to breathe during the day, take it all in, and eat, especially the wedding cake! Sam said of the day – “it was all a blur” and that’s why I think it’s so important to take a moment to breath and take it all in!! It does go too fast!