It took five different wedding dates and an elopement before Steph and Hector finally got to celebrate their wedding surrounded by family and friends. And while we don’t really want to say the stress was worthwhile (nobody needs that in their wedding plans!), we do want to say, that after all of that? That this was a day that we are so well and truly glad, got to finally happen.

With Ashleigh Haase Photography behind the camera and an elegant, historic venue filled with vibes of Old Hollywood glamour Steph and Hector said their vows, surrounded by family and friends before celebrating with an evening of cocktails, dancing and plenty of merriment.

Turns out, doing things in multiples is kind of a theme for these two. “We met on three different online dating apps!” admits Steph “The story goes that I “ghosted” him several times before finally replying on Bumble and the rest is history!”

Honouring Steph’s love of wine, Hector decided to propose over a winery luncheon, Steph fills us in, “Hector knew I loved wine and wineries so booked Stones in the Yarra Valley for a lovely lunch and then took me into the vines (for a walk) to propose! It was our two year anniversary.”

Let’s kick off their story with their beautiful wedding film, captured by Ena Weddings Films.

“Hector wore a full three-piece black tie suit and looked so handsome!” remembers Steph of Hector’s attire for the day.

Steph went for all the glitter on her gown, choosing a beauty from Karen Willis Holmes. She tells  “I wanted a different dress from my elopement (a year before) and it was just that! It was a beautiful sequinned/beaded dress with a lovely train and a veil! Certainly suited the venue 🙂 old Hollywood glam!”

The couple chose the historic venue The George Ballroom for both their ceremony and cocktail reception. “So classic and so romantic and unique,” remarked Steph.

Remembers Steph “Even though we’d already eloped, I still walked down the aisle with my dad.  Our harpist Deon of Melbourne Harp Piano, played “1000 years” by Christina Perri. Was very special!”

Steph and Hector have endless praise for their photographer, but particularly for the candid moments captured. “I loved our portraits but there was one of my mum and dad laughing hysterically at our ceremony which really was the best!! Ashleigh Haase was amazing.”

After already eloping, the couple wanted a particular mood for their ceremony, enlisting Pete the Celebrant to make it happen. Shares Steph  “Pete the Celebrant brought such a fun and funny vibe that was very personal to us! His telling of our story was spot on! We just wanted everyone to feel the love and know we were thankful they were there after five postponements!! Covid fun!”

Fox and Mae styled beautiful floral details for the ceremony, reception and wedding party. “Angela of Fox and Mae did such an amazing job” remembers Steph, “My brief was romantic, soft, blush, whites, dusty rose with only silvery green foliage to match the space!”

The couple and their guests enjoyed a stunning two-tier cake from Ladybird Cakes. “We really wanted everything to feel beautiful, romantic and special,” tells Steph “And I think with florals, signage, cake and hire furniture along with the beautiful George ballroom and the suits that the staff wore made it so so special and old school Hollywood glam!!”

 

The newlyweds opted for a first dance mash-up, adding to the celebration! “We chose “You & I” by John Legend just for the first 2 minutes which was lovely and romantic (our slow dance) ” remembers Steph “then it suddenly switched to “Levitating” by Dua Lipa where we invited everyone to dance joyfully with us! Was so fun.”

Congratulations to you both Steph and Hector! How wonderful to see you finally be able to celebrate your marriage, Thank you to you both and thank you to Ashleigh Haase Photography for sharing this beauty with us.