We might not all be in Europe right now (as much as it feels like it), so a wedding inspired by all the summer vibe of the Mediterranean? Might just cure those winter blues. The wedding of Sophie and Matt captured every bit of summer bliss. Photographed by Matt Ashton Photography, this day embraces it all from the beautiful blue skies to the rolling green hills, the fresh colour palette of soft blue, white and lemon yellow and the sophisticated black tie dress code.

You might not be able to pour your limoncello shot in Italy today and join the party, but this day? Makes you feel like you can just about taste it.

The couple first met after Matthew had finished a game of rugby at the Bayview Hotel. Remembers Sophie “He came up dancing to me and introduced himself with his full name – Matthew Barton Lane.”

And the proposal story? As much as the rest of this wedding, it was filled with plenty of thought and careful consideration. “Matthew took me for a picnic at my late sister’s memorial chair at Kirribilli” remembers Sophie, “It was our five-year anniversary and he had everyone’s permission to marry me, except my best friend, so thought the closer to her the better. We popped a bottle of Bollinger and spent the night in the city after I said yes!”

The couple chose Above Below Visuals to capture a film of their day, a decision these two well and truly recommend, says Sophie “Tim from Above Below Visuals was so kind, and easygoing and made the best wedding video!!!!”

In a classic black tie, Matt wore an Egyptian white jacket and black pants from Calibre, paired with his trusty RM Williams boots.

Sophie found her two-piece duchess satin gown by Marquise Bridal at The Ivory Room Bridal. The gown featured a dramatic overskirt, that she removed for the reception.

Sophie and Matt chose the seaside venue of Seacliff House for their summer vibe wedding, enlisting the help of floral designer Rainy Sunday to bring their vision to life. “We chose a DIY venue that allowed us to create exactly what we envisioned” explains Sophie. “With the help of Frith, owner of Rainy Sunday,  We went with blue whites and touch of lemon flowers and we created exactly the look we wanted.”

Sophie was escorted down the aisle by her father to Vinko Juresic walked down the aisle, to Callum Scott’s “You Are The Reason”. Matt’s favourite moment of the day? “My beautiful wife walking down the aisle with a smile I want to see every day!”

The couple chose Married by Adam (who wore an amazing powder blue suit to match!) for their ceremony. Remembers Sophie “We had a quick, friendly amazing ceremony. With the amazing Adam, we had laughs & tears the whole way through. Our readings were from my sister-in-law, and Matthew’s groomsman, Matthew O’Brien who wrote his reading/poem about us!”

The couple had their wedding party embrace the vibe. “The boys wore black tie suits from Italy & the girls wore a shade of blue, with all different dresses.”

“Amazingly casual” notes Sophie about the couple’s photographer Matt, “He pretty much was just a guest at the wedding. Not the photographer.”

The reception was filled with all the Mediterranean touches. “We brought it all to the decor with the help of our amazing vendors!!! From plates and forks and knives! ”

Guests were welcome inside to the reception with a fancy feast, a delicious dinner catered by Garnish Catering (and a Cheese Celebrations cake of cheese!). “Garnish Catering made a menu that was perfect for our guests and Matt and I” explains Sophie. “All shared food, with a Mediterranean twist! Jo was sensational.”

The reception was filled with incredibly special moments, remembers Sophie. “The love in the room was felt by all and everyone had a great time. We loved being surrounded by our families and friends’ smiles and energy. There was a beautiful speech said by my  brother with a toast to our late sister, with limoncello shots. There was even dancing on the chairs to “Sweet Caroline” in the middle of dinner!”

Sophie’s wedding day advice? “Have fun!!! You aren’t there to make the best event, you are there to enjoy it and fall in love all over again. Get involved & don’t stress about the small stuff. Enjoy every moment.”

Sophie and Matthew enlisted the help of Sophie’s best friend, Natalie of The Dance Hub to learn their first dance to “Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. “Yes, Matthew did pick me up with the famous dirty dancing move!” laughs Sophie.

Congratulations to you both Sophie and Matthew! What a beautiful day to be able to share. Thank you both and to Matt Ashton Photography and Above Below Visuals for sharing this one!