Any man who thinks to propose in Italy with a plastic gelato spoon melted in the shape of a ring is a keeper in our eyes. But it’s a proposal that almost didn’t happen at all as bride Jacqui tells us “I nearly blew it due to my hungry stomach. I love food and whilst walking Cinque Terre we stopped several times to take in the amazing views. At one stop, Scott went to get down on one knee, only to turn around and see I was already way ahead as I wanted to get to the next town for lunch!!”
Scott finally got Jacqui to slow down, dropped to one knee and popped the question. Jacqui said yes and before she knew it they were celebrating over that lunch she was so eager to get to!
She goes on to tell us” We chose a ring from an Italian Jewellers called Pomellato in Rome. It was very special and touching getting engaged in Italy, as my parents got engaged in Italy too and my mother is first generation Italian. They also bought their engagement ring in Italy.”
But the European adventures stopped there. Jacqui, who wore a free flowing gown by Grace Loves Lace, is a country girl at heart and tells us “For as long as we’ve been together (which is eight years) we always said we wanted a relaxed, country wedding as that’s who we are.”
Deciding that neither of their parents’ properties would do, Jacqui and Scott approached their neighbours and asked to borrow their 110 year-old barn located near St Georges Anglican Church in Balliang, Victoria, where they would eventually marry. “The barn was literally an empty shed”, says Jacqui who with the help of friends and family, completed a list of DIY jobs as long as Rapunzel’s hair. You name it they did it. Jacqui and her band of merry helpers made 100m of bunting made from old bed sheets and linen, bottled 150 lemon cordial’s for wedding favours and made all of the signage, table runners and decorations.
Amidst all the excitement, legendary photographer Eric Ronald (whose work we’ve featured here and here), was around to capture every moment and detail, including all of the dancing. Jacqui says “Oh the dancing!!!!! I love dancing! Scott not so much, ha!”
CREDITS Photos Eric Ronald // Bridal gown Grace Loves Lace // Shoes Kmart // Flowers Smellies and Geelong Flower Farm // Rings Pomellato and Michael Hill Jewellers // Bridesmaids dresses Forever New // Bridesmaids shoes Dotti // Groom and groomsmen suits Roger David // Ties Myer // Ceremony St Georges Anglican Church, VIC // Reception private property // Catering Sandy Baker // Stationery WrittenInDetail via Etsy // Hair Soho Bridal // Makeup Bush Makeup Artistry // Celebrant Elizabeth Bufton // Music Geelong Entertainment Services // Robes SilkAndMore via Etsy // Cinematographer Roost Film Co