Together for over a decade, Steph and Matt both have a background in design and run a ceramics store together, so a little wedding DIY was always on the cards for these creative lovebirds. “We wanted to be involved in making things for the day, growing flowers, making vases – these were projects we could undertake together to help make the day more special,” they tell us.
And special this Yarra Valley wedding certainly was! Having one of our favourite jewellery designers RUUSK in charge of the rings and the incredible Maegan Brown Moments tasked with taking photos made it even more epic. But don’t just take our word for it. Scroll to see…
THE VENUE “The scenery at the Swallowfield Vineyards drew us in as there were so many picturesque spots like the beautiful big oak tree, the pine forest, the lake and the vineyards. We knew that we wanted to do our own wedding styling and add some personal touches so being a DIY venue it was a great fit. The venue allowed us to set up the event two days before the big day which was super helpful.”
THE INSPO “We wanted to create a fun, relaxed experience for guests in a beautiful environment. We really liked the idea of having a spit roast and having lawn games. As well as celebrating our marriage, it was also a special way to celebrate the friends and family around us.”
DIY “We decided on a DIY wedding because we like to make things and had a lot of fun with the projects involved. As well as making ceramics and growing flowers, Steph created an illustration of us and used this for our invites and welcome board. Steph also designed and printed all of the invites, place cards, drinks menus, etc.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Our photographer Maegan Brown Moments was fantastic on the day, she is energetic and made the wedding photos a lot of fun. And Tweed Twigs created a beautiful bouquet and buttonhole for us and gave lots of inspiration and advice for our own floral arrangements.”
THE DRESS “I liked the idea of having a T-shirt style dress and saw the Prea James Bridal dress on Bluebell Bridal’s Instagram. I booked an appointment to try it and it ended up being the only wedding dress I tried, I loved it. It was so beautifully made and comfortable to wear on the day.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Figure out what you really want out of the day and aim for that. Also start planning earlier than we did, it helps with the stress! Have someone with a run sheet that can manage the timing and be a point of contact on the day.”
You’ll find more from RUUSK (who created Steph and Matt’s rings) here – including details and real bride recs on tap. If you’re looking for a bunch more inspiration, get your hands on issue 40!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Maegan Brown Moments Florist Tweed Twigs Stationery & Signage Stephanie Yap Paper supplier Peterkin Ceremony & reception venue Swallowfield Vineyards Catering ASAT Cake Mali Bakes Other desserts Tarts Anon Table Decor & Wedding Favours Ghost Wares Hire Items Table Art Entertainment Heartbreak Hotel DJ Celebrant Nevi Laketa Rings RUUSK Transport Yarra Valley Transfers DIY flower buckets Wild Violet Flower Farm THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Prea James Bridal Bridal Boutique Bluebell Bridal Shoes Dolce Vita Accessories FemperialOfficial Hair & Makeup Pheny Soecitra THE GROOM Suit Oscar Hunt Shoes Rodd & Gunn Watch Uniform Wares
