REAL WEDDING
JESSICA + BEN
PHOTOGRAPHY | JACOB HESTON
Jess and Ben met at 20 and 21 on Tinder – where, as they joke, all true love stories begin! With plenty of mutual friends, it didn’t take long for the connection to feel natural. Their first date was along the Geelong Waterfront and they quickly realised they had found something special. They began dating soon after and the rest, as they say, is history.
In 2024 the couple headed off on a much-anticipated European summer adventure. On their very first stop in Paris, after a full day exploring the city, Ben suggested they return to the gardens near the Louvre. With wine and cheese in hand, they settled into the gardens, where Ben completely surprised Jess with a proposal. She had absolutely no idea it was coming. Against the backdrop of Paris, it was the perfect beginning to an unforgettable trip.
When it came to planning their wedding, finding the right venue was the couple’s first priority. They wanted somewhere that would take care of the details, guide them through the process and make the entire experience feel easy and stress-free. After touring Mt Duneed Estate, they were immediately sold. In fact it was the only venue they viewed in person. Jess fell instantly for the ceremony space, the seamless flow of the day and, most importantly, the incredible team.
From there they booked the vendors they already had in mind, discovering others through social media and recommendations. The planning process felt surprisingly effortless, with each vendor making the experience easy and accommodating. As the wedding approached, the pace naturally picked up but everyone guided them through exactly what was needed. On the day itself, everything unfolded perfectly, allowing Jess and Ben to simply relax and enjoy it all.
With 110 guests, the couple embraced a classic black-tie aesthetic, pairing the natural beauty of Mt Duneed Estate with an understated, timeless style. The Barrel Hall was elevated with beautiful florals and a blackboard timeline, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that felt both romantic and unmistakably them.
Jess chose a simple, slimline Kyha Bridal gown that reflected her personal style, wearing her hair down, classic bridal makeup and jewellery that included rings made by her grandfather. Ben complemented her with a timeless black tuxedo from InStitchu.
The ceremony was the standout moment of the day. Celebrant Kahani perfectly captured their relationship with a ceremony that was funny, heartfelt and genuine, bringing plenty of laughter and happy tears. Including the certificate signing also allowed them to involve more family members in the celebration.
Above all, Jess and Ben wanted to be present, have fun and soak up the love. Their advice to other couples is simple. Enjoy being engaged, don’t stress the tiny details, make decisions together and remember that the whole point is marrying your favourite person.
Dress: KYHA Studios
Suits: InStitchu
Shoes: Tony Bianco
Hair: Gloss and Glow Bridal
Make up: Josie Lewis
Tan: The Beauty Basement
Teeth Whitening: Lume Whitening Studio
Skin Care: Vitality Laser and Skin Clinic
Nails: Eliza Jane Studio
Brows: Arela Studio
Rings: Engagement Ring – Temple and Grace. Wedding bands – Opal Diamond Factory
Celebrant: Kahani Celebrant
Ceremony & Reception: Mount Duneed Estate
Flowers: Emma Lane Flowers
Cake: Julia Makes Cakes
Photography: Jacob Heston
Music/DJ: We are Paper Hearts
Signage/Blackboard Timeline: Lovers Letter Co
First Dance: Alyssa – Love Steps Bridal
Dog Sitter: The Wedding Sitter
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