It was with hues of terracotta, copper and rosy blush pink that Melanie and Sean tied the knot on the Mornington Peninsula. “We wanted our day to be relaxed, fun, gorgeous” explains  Melanie, who despite the rainy, drizzly day, still describes the end result as pure magic. “Seeing the faces of everyone beaming back at us during the ceremony remains one of my favourite moments”.

Steph Wallis Photography joined this merry crew for the day, capturing the colour, the details (wait until you see Melanie’s clutch, because it is utterly dreamy, and that’s just the beginning) the moments, and the memories of what was a day filled with plenty of stories, but also plenty of love.

Six years ago, while on a Contiki tour, Melanie and Sean first hit it off, so it makes sense that it was on another international holiday that Sean decided to ask Melanie to marry him. “We were in Japan and Sean proposed to me in a hydrangea garden at the base of Mt Fuji!” remembers the bride.

Sean’s look? “He and his groomsmen were dressed by MJ Bale. Says Melanie “Sean wore a black tux with a black bow tie which he tied himself, he took it on as a challenge to make sure he could tie a bow tie for the wedding. He left it a little late and started practising the day before. But nailed it on the day. He looked sophisticated and suave.”

Melanie wore a beautiful lace Enzoani gown, she found her match at Eternal Bridal. “I wore an Enzoani gown – fit to flare with floral motifs. I chose the dress because it was gorgeous and flattering, with a gorgeous backline and silhouette.
I had the most incredible and special day, filled with love and laughter. Even though it rained a lot it didn’t spoil the mood and everyone had the most amazing time.

Melanie’s bridesmaids wore gowns in shades of blush and orange, beautifully coordinating with the stunning florals by Poppy Culture. “I chose flowers that would match the tones of the bridesmaid’s dresses. I wanted pinks, oranges and reds/burgundy and they matched the style of the day so well. I also wanted the venue to look absolutely stunning so we had a hanging floral arrangement in the winery and flower accents on all the signage.”

Melanie and Sean chose Tanglewood Estate for both their ceremony and reception, marrying in the sweet chapel onsite.  “It is the most gorgeous venue I’ve ever seen and fit our style perfectly” raves Melanie. “We wanted to be married in a chapel but at a winery all within the same venue, and it ticked all those boxes. Plus its the location of only being an hour out of Melbourne was also perfect.”

Melanie walked down the aisle arm in arm with her father to Vance Joy’s “I’m With You”. Sean adding “I remember how excited and nervous I was standing at the alter and waiting for Melanie to walk down. But when I saw her my nerves went away, I knew I was marrying my best friend and it would all be perfect.”

“I wanted our ceremony to be funny, light and full of love” remarks Melanie who, along with Sean, chose Emma Tomlinson to officiate the ceremony. “I didn’t want it to be overly religious or lengthy. We didn’t have any readings in our ceremony. We included stories of our relationship and wrote our own vows which were so so special. The ceremony was just beautiful and so romantic, I tear up thinking about it.”

There was one really important guest that Melanie did everything she could to have there. “My Mum had been terminally ill before my wedding and it was uncertain she would make it, it was so special she was there on the day and got to see me get married, she recently passed away. I am so grateful that she was such a big and important part of it.”

Melanie and Sean chose photographer Steph Wallis to capture their day. “Steph did the most incredible job and went above and beyond, she made sure she grabbed every single one of my family and friends to ensure we all had lovely photos together. She also stayed the entire night and photographed the entire thing! She was amazing. The photography was  incredible and captured the joy and love of the entire day.”

When asked what advice she would give couples yet to walk down the aisle, Melanie offers this. “Take a moment or 10 minutes during the night to be with your partner alone and just enjoy one another’s company, it is such an incredible day and goes so quickly, but I remember every second that Sean and I spent together during our sunset photos and I treasure that time so much.”

For their first dance, the newlyweds chose Sam Smith’s “Latch”. “We danced to the acoustic version which then transitioned into the Disclosure remix to get the dance floor moving” explains Melanie.

A big congratulations to the newlyweds! Thank you for sharing the stories of your day with us and thank you to Steph Wallis Photography for sharing today’s beautiful wedding with us!