We love to see a sprinkle of tradition, especially one as old as a Celtic hand-fasting ceremony. Not only tying themselves together in marriage, but the rope physically represents the couple’s spiritual connection. But the fun didn’t end there, with Irish dancers, an incredible sunset and bucket loads of love.

Welcome to Linda and Sarah’s intimate winery wedding! From the next-level rustic styling to the two stunning gowns, this wedding was a dream brought to life. With everything captured by the dream team of Anne from White Shutter Photography and Ben from Wildbird Films. Let’s dive into their story!

In November 2015, Linda and Sarah swiped an enthusiastic yes to each other on Tinder. After matching, they realised they only lived about 10 minutes away but had somehow never crossed paths at the bars, shops or supermarkets they both regularly visited. “We chatted for weeks about absolutely everything, and it became normal to start sending a good morning & good night message. We took our connection off the Tinder platform when Linda asked for my phone number,” Sarah explained. “After a few weeks of texting, we made plans to meet up at “The Townie” pub in Newtown. We instantly connected when we started chatting via Tinder and messaging, but it grew so much stronger when we met that night. We were inseparable and absolutely loved each other’s company as we still feel today eight years later.”

Flash forward six years to 2021, when Sarah and Linda were on a date in the Yarra Valley, soaking up the 36-degree sunshine. In preparation for the surprise, Sarah told Linda to dress up for their lunch date at Riverstone Estate. The beautiful winery is located on a hill that overlooks the nearby mountains. “Sarah was abnormally quiet on this drive while Linda was all chats and full of energy. It makes sense now to know that Sarah was super nervous! As we parked in the car park, Linda commented that there were no other cars around and the winery looked closed, and Sarah said, “We’re just really early,” which later thinking about didn’t make sense but was a good try in deterring Linda from what was about to happen! As we walked around the corner of the building, we were greeted by a lady who said she would take us to our booking. This lady was the one who was setting everything up for the proposal,” they described.

“As we walked around the corner, another lady came into view, except she was taking photos of us walking up. There was furniture set out under a beautiful tree, with flowers, white rose petals and an arbour, a table with wine and cheese platter and an incredible view of rolling hills. Linda initially thought this was a very elaborate date or something else was going on. Her heart started to race, as she could see it in Sarah’s eyes at that point. Sarah was so nervous; she had never been so quiet as we walked up the hill. As we got to the tree, we put our handbags down, and Sarah took Linda’s hands. She started saying some heartfelt words, and Linda was overcome with emotion, understanding that this was the moment the love of her life would propose. Sarah asked Linda to close her eyes as she went into her handbag to retrieve the ring. Sarah got the ring, got down on one knee and proposed. Linda replied, “Of course, I’ll marry you!!!!” Happiest moment of our lives (until our wedding day, of course). Turns out that this winery was closed for Christmas break, but Sarah rented out the whole winery for the proposal. She also got a photographer to capture the whole experience. It was the most incredible day and in the most beautiful surroundings.”

Linda wore this stunning lace mermaid-cut gown from Fairytales Bridal Boutique in the Maribyrnong boutique. Linda and Sarah got their dresses from the boutique—and both were made by the same designer! Each with its own unique spin. “It wasn’t until the day that we realised how perfectly they complimented each other!”

Unlike Linda’s fitted dress, Sarah wore this beautiful lace A-line gown—exactly the gown she had always imagined she would wear on her wedding day. Both brides had their own Maid of Honour, who wore sleek infinity dresses in a gorgeous olive green tone to match the rustic theme of the day.

The ceremony and reception took place at Warrawong Estate in Melbourne’s west. The outdoor ceremony space was perfect, overlooking the beautiful grasslands and surrounded by the luscious greenery. For their reception, the Stone Woolshed had the exact rustic, intimate vibe they had dreamed of.

The flowers for the day were from Harper & Grace Designs, filled with soft pinks, bright whites and deep burgundy tones, framed with luxurious greenery.

Prior to the ceremony, Linda and Sarah had a first look and reconnected before seeing their guests. “When we saw each other for the first time at the first look, it was so incredibly special.”

The couple chose “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Elton John as their entrance and aisle song. Their flower girls walked down the aisle first, followed by the Maids of Honour. Sarah walked with her dad, and Linda followed soon after with her dad.

Their goal for the ceremony was to capture their relationship and abundance of love for each other. Their celebrant, Hitched by Heidi, led them through their personal vows and a traditional Celtic hand-fasting knot.

Anne from White Shutter Photography was this couple’s photographer for the day and absolutely smashed their vision out of the park. “She was amazing, to say the least! The way she organised and helped run the day and the results of her photography were beyond what we ever imagined!”

Sarah’s favourite part of planning their gorgeous winery wedding was “sharing the experience with my beautiful (now) wife by my side. With everything there is in wedding planning, we were such a team and tackled everything together!”

At their reception, Sarah and Linda had plenty of entertainment. From the Irish dancers to a DJ and a saxophone player, guests had endless fun.

The most memorable part of the day for Linda was the unmeasurable amount of love that flowed throughout and how everyone came together for this event – many people just meeting for the first time! And “walking down the aisle to my bride, saying our vows and tying the knot with the Celtic hand fast. The joy we had taking our photos running and dancing down the gravel drive, to standing in the most beautiful field with the sun setting. Seeing and sharing our special day with so many amazing friends and family who travelled across the world and interstate to be there with us.”

Joining their guests back at the reception, Sarah and Linda had their first dance. They swayed, twirled, and laughed together as Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love” played in the background.

A huge thanks to Anne from White Shutter Photography for capturing and submitting this stunning wedding! Congratulations, Linda and Sarah, on your intimate winery wedding – we wish you the happiest years to come!