REAL WEDDING
SARAH + ADAM
PHOTOGRAPHY | ALEX SHORE PHOTOGRAPHY
Not long after Adam and Sarah started dating, he headed off on a hiking trip through the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. They hadn’t been together for very long but the trip became an unexpected turning point in their relationship. Before Adam left, Sarah half-jokingly asked him to bring her home a heart-shaped rock. It was a playful request, made without any real expectation that Adam would remember.
While he was away, they kept in touch and Sarah found herself missing him more than she had anticipated. When he became unwell during the trip, Sarah worried about him from home. Yet despite everything, he remembered her little request. When Adam returned he presented Sarah with a beautifully-formed heart-shaped rock he had found along the way.
To anyone else it may have seemed like a simple souvenir but to the couple it represented something much bigger – thoughtfulness, commitment and the growing connection between them. Looking back, it was one of the first signs that their relationship was becoming something lasting.
Over the years, their family grew alongside their relationship. When they met, Sarah already had two young children and Adam embraced family life from the very beginning. Together they navigated the joys and challenges of blending their lives and building a strong family foundation. In 2020, the couple welcomed their son, Eli, completing their family of five.
When Adam eventually proposed, he managed to surprise Sarah completely. At Point Danger, one of their favourite local spots, he enlisted their three children to help. Under the guise of going whale watching, Sarah was busy scanning the horizon when the real surprise unfolded. Each of their children held a ring as part of the proposal – including a Cheezel. Adam then produced Sarah’s mother’s wedding ring, adding an incredibly meaningful family connection to the moment. Holding the ring and knowing its history made the proposal even more emotional.
After taking some time to find the right venue, Runnymede Farm felt like a full-circle choice. Jack, Hayley and their family were a big part of what drew the couple to the property. Their relaxed, welcoming approach and genuine support made Adam and Sarah feel completely at home. They turned the wedding into a weekend celebration, with their wedding party, children and friends all staying together in the house on site.
The Otways delivered a crisp morning but by the time the ceremony began, the sun was shining beneath a brilliant blue sky. The relaxed coastal and bohemian atmosphere continued through every detail. Sarah chose a two-piece silk gown, deliberately stepping outside her comfort zone. She kept thinking about what her 80-year-old self would say – and the answer was always, “Wear the damn dress!” She’s so glad she listened. Adam wore a cream suit with a watercolour-inspired print shirt, perfectly reflecting his personality.
They filled the day with meaningful details and handmade touches. Sarah incorporated the heart-shaped rocks Adam had collected over the years, created a gumleaf ceremony garland using foliage gathered around their Torquay home and included dried flowers from their garden and foliage from Shepparton, where Adam grew up. A friend baked the Persian Love Cake while illustrator Sarah created keepsake portraits for guests. Even her beloved pet canary made an appearance.
The ceremony continued back at the house, where the celebrant joined them to sign the marriage certificate. Having all three children sign as witnesses was incredibly special. Eli also carried that original heart-shaped rock down the aisle, with the wedding rings attached – bringing the story full circle.
The couple’s first dance was to a beautiful acoustic version of Wendy Matthews’ I Don’t Want to Be with Nobody but You, performed by dear friend Mel with Levi Anderson on guitar. The daytime celebration ended with local pizzas before the bridal party continued at the house.
It was exactly what they wanted – sunshine, blue skies, children running around, laughter, family and connection. Their advice to other couples is to look to your own story for inspiration. Family heirlooms, handmade details and meaningful memories bring a sense of soul and authenticity that no trend can replicate – and often become the things everyone remembers most.
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Suits: Eddy Elias Menswear
Makeup and Hair: Blush Bar
Bridesmaid’s gowns: Rat & Boa and Grace Loves Lace
Rings: Parents rings
Photographer: Alex Shore Photography
Venue: Runnymede Farm, Lorne
Musician: Levi Anderson
Marquee and Furniture: Twilight Events
Catering: Paella Pan
Drinks Service: The Cocktail Cart
Celebrant: Annie Mullen-Walsh
Flowers and Styling: Sarah
Wedding Illustrator: Sarah Darby Illustration
< REAL WEDDINGS
SUBMIT YOUR REAL WEDDING ONLINE
NEXT >