SHANNESSY+ LUKE

Shannessy and Luke knew exactly what they wanted for their big day. They wanted it to be in Victoria so they could spend their special day surrounded by their loved ones. They started with a rough budget and a guest list. The couple decided to stay calm with the wedding planning, keep things simple, focus on what they could control – and just remember to have fun.

After looking at a few venues along the Bellarine Peninsula they chose Baie Wines after falling head over heels for it.

After seeing the venue, Shan created a style board with all the wedding logistics. They wanted a classic wedding theme of white florals, greenery, light linens, and minimal décor. Shannessy wanted the day to be simple and classic, capturing beauty and timelessness.

The wedding hosted 150 guests with a large bridal party of six bridesmaids and groomsmen. According to them, that made their wedding, and they loved it.

Shannessy’ chose a custom-designed dress from Cappellazzo Couture in Melbourne, just like her sister-in-law Carly had. It was important for Shannessy to work with someone who would be passionate about their work and the outcome of her dress and Sonia from Cappellazzo Couture did precisely that. Her dress was everything she wanted – simple yet elegant and timeless and perfectly matched the wedding theme.

Her bridesmaids wore sage-colored dresses from Shona Joy that worked beautifully against the rustic elements of the venue while the groom’s party was classically dressed in black suits with black bow ties. Luke wanted to look different from his groomsmen and wore a velvet jacket and bow tie, which Shannessy loved.

Luke’s most memorable moment from the day was seeing Shan for the first time at the altar while Shannessy loved walking down the aisle and seeing everyone dear to her in the same space and the fact that she was about to marry her best friend.

The couple’s advice to the newly-engaged is to not get too overwhelmed by the process and to remember to have fun in the moment because it goes by so fast. Once the day ends, you will wish you could relive the day again. Take a few moments throughout your special day to admire everything and everyone enjoying themselves because it is not often that you are surrounded by all your loved ones in one place.