For Julia and Janaka, marriage means “sharing the ups and downs and everything in between with your best friend” and that, dear readers, is what we call #goals. But the proposal, they tell us, was “probably one of the most awkward moments of our relationship! Although the set up was absolutely perfect – cocktails and charcuterie picnic in our living room – Janaka was so nervous it was like being on an uncomfortable first date with nothing to talk about (poor guy!). After a while, he finally plucked up the courage, got down on one knee and breathed a sigh of relief when I said YES.”
We’re loving hard on this pair’s sleek style, from Julia’s chic and modern Karen Willis Holmes gown to Janaka’s fun Peggy and Finn tie – oh, and the fact their doggo and the groomsmen wore matching Peggy and Finn bow ties, too. Every detail is on point, right down to the Larsen wedding bands.
One of our fave celebrants, Love Leah, was there to bring it all to life (and make it legal!), and another HM favourite, Ashleigh Haase, was on hand to snap pics – and we gotta tell ya, folks, it’s a flippin’ winner. What. A. Day.
THE VENUE “We initially visited Zonzo Estate with Janaka’s family a few years ago for wine tasting and lunch. The moment I walked in, I was taken aback by how beautiful it all was – the big glass windows, outdoor picnic-style tables and a backdrop of gorgeous rolling hills. I remember saying to Janaka, ‘If you were getting married, this is where you would do it!’ When we got engaged three years later, there was no contest in my mind.”
THE VIBE “The most important thing for both of us was to have a fun and relaxed day surrounded by our closest friends and family and full of laughter. Zonzo struck the perfect balance of a gorgeous venue while still having that relaxed feeling we were after.”
THE DRESS “Besides the venue, the dress was the easiest part for me. It was the first dress at the first bridal designer showroom I tried on – it was almost too good to be true! I was initially apprehensive about going to a showroom and thought the whole experience would be pressured and intimidating but I could not have been more wrong. The team at Karen Willis Holmes were so lovely and knowledgeable, and made the entire process seamless.”
REFERENCES “I purchased two issues of Hello May to look at with my nanna and bookmark things we liked. She had a very similar style to me and I knew she would be a good sounding board. I also stalked Instagram like it was my job – it paid off because I found my beauty wizards (Dani Cousens Makeup Artist and Rachael Anne Evans for hair styling) as well as my sidekicks and legends Ashleigh Haase and Leah Brady, aka Love Leah, our bubbly and seasoned celebrant who helped make the whole thing seamless.”
LITTLE LOL “The funniest moment would have to be when Janaka nearly married himself by repeating his own name instead of mine when the celebrant asked! The whole place was laughing as it was just so in character for him – absolutely made the day.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “All our vendors were incredible. Our photographer, Ashleigh Haase, has an incredible eye for capturing the moment. A special mention to the venue – Zonzo Estate was just incredible to deal with all throughout the lead-up and especially on the day. The team were attentive and accommodating, even holding my glass of water for me to drink from before walking down the aisle because I was shaking so much!”
Looking for your own line-up of Vic vendors to make your day? Head on over to our directory to find the best of the best, including lens lady Ashleigh Haase, celebrant extraordinaire Love Leah, Larsen for all things jewellery, Karen Willis Holmes for dress heaven and, of course, Peggy and Finn for some of the sweetest ties, bow ties, socks and more we ever did see.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Ashleigh Haase Florist Sugar Bee Flowers Stationery & Signage Elizabeth McNamara (friend & bridesmaid) Printer Paperlust Ceremony, Reception, Catering & Cheese Wheel Cake Zonzo Estate Wedding favours Calenny Orchard (small pots of honey) Entertainment Hey Jack Celebrant Love Leah Rings Larsen (wedding bands) Transport Enrik Limousines Accommodation The House in the Vines (bride), Gracemont (groom) THE BRIDE Gown Karen Willis Holmes Headband Lovisa Robes Piyama Shoes Dazie via The Iconic Earrings Lovisa Hair Rachael Anne Evans Makeup Dani Cousens Makeup Artist Fragrance Maison Margiela Beach Walk Bridesmaid dresses Bec + Bridge Bridesmaid gifts Piyama (robes), The Iconic (slippers), Koko Black (chocolates), Go-To Skincare (face mask) THE GROOM Suit InStitchu Shirt Uniqlo Tie Peggy and Finn Shoes R.M. Williams Watch Nomos Glashütte Groomsmen suits InStitchu Groomsmen gifts Peggy and Finn (bow tie and socks)