When Marco (a project manager) and Alyssa (an assistant fashion designer) began looking for their dream venue, they knew they wanted something in the countryside, envisioning rolling hills and quiet serenity. “Scrub Hill immediately felt like the perfect fit,” the couple of eight years told us. “It’s in a small country town not too far from Daylesford, and we loved the idea of it being a beautiful little getaway for our family and friends.”
A forest ceremony and glass marquee reception were on the agenda, with the old bluestone chapel a charming wet weather option. As fate (and Mother Nature) would have it, this backup plan became the perfect setting for their ‘I do’s. As the happy couple shared, it was all meant to be. “Although the forest was our first choice, it truly felt like the ceremony was always meant to be in the bluestone chapel,” says the bride. “Afterward, Marco and I looked at each other and knew everything had fallen into place exactly as it should.”
Captured by the incredibly talented Meleah of Lovegood Images, take a squiz at this wholesome day below, brimming with tradition-challenging choices and sentimental details.
STAYING TOGETHER THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING | PRIVATE VOWS
“The night before the wedding, we stayed together. It was so special waking up side by side, just like any other morning, but with the excitement of knowing we were about to get married. We shared private vows, just the two of us, and then invited our immediate family and bridal party over for lunch and a few bubbles before the ceremony. It gave us extra time with the people closest to us.”
THE PERKS OF PRE-CEREMONY PHOTOS
“One thing we did really well was make sure we could spend time with all our guests instead of being pulled away for photos. We organised our couple and immediate family photos before the ceremony, which meant that once the ceremony was over, we could be fully present and enjoy every moment with everyone.”
A FROCK MADE BY FAMILY | INTERCHANGEABLE BRIDAL SKIRTS
“Marco’s aunty, who is a talented wedding dress maker—and who, surprisingly, had also taught me at RMIT—made my dress. I designed it and asked her to bring it to life, and she did an absolutely beautiful job, with every detail falling perfectly into place. I chose to have two skirts: one with a train for the ceremony, and a shorter, 1920s-inspired godet skirt that didn’t touch the floor. It was truly everything I had dreamed of.”
SENTIMENTAL WEDDING CARS FIT FOR A COUNTRY WEDDING
“For our wedding cars, we used our own Toyota Land Cruiser – our mustard Troopie. The Marino boys have always loved their Land Cruisers, and this one has been part of so many milestones in our lives, including the proposal. It carries twelve people, so Marco drove, I sat in the front, and our bridal party rode in the back on the way to the venue.”
BUILDING THE BOUQUET RITUAL | SPECIAL CEREMONY MOMENT
“One of the most special moments of the ceremony was how we created my bouquet. With the help of our florist Elissa (Larkspur Flowers), we placed a single stem calla lily on ten guests’ chairs. As I walked down the aisle, I collected one from each of them, building the bouquet as I went. When I reached the altar, Marco’s mum handed me the final stem, my mum gave Marco the ribbon, and he tied it all together. It felt like a beautiful symbol of everyone who had played a part in our journey.”
DIY DETAILS | CUSTOM STATIONERY | FOODIE FAVOURS
“I painted all of our wedding stationery myself, including the invitations, to give everything a personal touch. For our party favours, we wanted something that reflected us. Marco loves gardening and sharing his tomatoes and chillies with family and friends, so we chose tomato and chilli seeds paired with a mini shovel. I designed the packaging myself, adding a fun, cheeky touch to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.”
MORE GOOD STUFF
Looking for a lens legend to immortalise your day? Get in touch with Lovegood Images (Meleah is based in Melbourne, but always up for an adventure further afield!) Then, let us help you narrow down your venue search with this round-up of rural wedding spaces you’re sure to love.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Lovegood Images Cinematographer Frizzante Films Event Planner, Stylist, Stationery, Signage & Wedding Favours Alyssa – Insieme (Bride) Florist Larkspur Flowers Venue Scrub Hill Accommodation The Bayleaf Country House via Discover Daylesford Catering Carboni’s Italian Kitchen Cake Leuccia’s cucina dolce Dance Floor Alex & Co Event Hire Entertainment Velvet Arches Celebrant Brooke Brodie Rings Garen Jewellery THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Bespoke Creations Shoes Nelson Made, KG Kurt Geiger Hair Zoe Karlis Makeup Kasey Holmes MUA Fragrance BYREDO via MECCA Bridesmaid Dresses Shona Joy, House of CB, Billy J, Gingham & Heels Bridesmaid Shoes Novo Shoes Bridesmaid Gifts MECCA THE GROOM Suit & Groomsmen Suits Mens Suit Warehouse Tie Dyonsu Shoes Betts Watch Daniel Wellington
