REAL WEDDING

KATHERINE + SAM

PHOTOGRAPHY | LA ESTE FILM

With so many mutual friends and hometown connections, Katherine and Sam were destined to meet.

Out one night in Geelong, Katherine met Bennett and after a few cocktails, asked if Bennett had any single friends. Bennett’s first thought was his co-worker Sam.

It was less than 24 hours later that Katherine received a Snap Chat Add from Sam, which led to a quick Facebook search where his profile said it all – a country guy with two dogs who played footy for her hometown of Lake Bolac and more than 30 mutual Facebook friends. It was meant to be.

As they came to know one another the similarities kept adding up. They were both from the country and their sense of humour, values and goals in life and love for friends and family all aligned. Everything felt easy.

When it came time to propose, Sam took Katherine completely by surprise. Away on a glamping weekend in Daylesford, the couple were enjoying some wine while watching a winter sunset. Knowing her love of a good Insta pic, Sam asked Katherine to stand and pose with her glass of wine so he could capture the moment. Instead of taking out his phone for a photo, Sam knelt down, ring box in hand, and proposed. Katherine was completely taken aback and after shedding many tears of joy said “yes!”

For Katherine, the planning process was easy. After eight turns as a bridesmaid, she was ready to be the bride and had a strong idea of what she wanted for the day. The couple selected Mt Duneed as their reception venue for the large, open spaces and friendly, helpful staff. Opting to marry on a Thursday also made planning easy because all the vendors were available.

Just as it had helped their first meeting, social media played a part in the planning. Etsy, Instagram and Pinterest became Katherine’s source of inspiration and information as she easily found everything she needed to create a day that was elegant and timeless.

Katherine had a clear idea for her wedding dress and knew it would need to be custom made. She wanted statement sleeves, a square cut neckline and simplicity through the fabric and flow of the gown – all of which Jess at Soho Bride was able to create for her.

The team at Eddie Elias took care of Sam with a classic grey jacket, white shirt and black tie and pants.

The couple enjoyed a special First Look together at Mt Duneed Olive Grove, giving them time to embrace and absorb the moment and the journey they were about to embark on. When they joined family and friends for the ceremony and reception, the feeling of love and joy was shared by all, making the day perfect for the couple.

To those in the planning process, Katherine and Sam say don’t make it harder than it needs to be. Trust your decisions and stick to them. Also, Thursday weddings are amazing.

Honourable mentions

< REAL WEDDINGS

SUBMIT YOUR REAL WEDDING ONLINE

NEXT >