Bianca & Aaron’s Acacia Ridge Winery Wedding

6 Apr

Couple on their way to their reception in the evening at Acacia Ridge Yarra Valley

Bianca & Aaron’s wedding day was one of those days you just will the weather to be great and we were rewarded with epic autumn conditions at the always spectacular Acacia Ridge Winery in the Yarra Valley. I was preparing for cloudy and cold so I layered up, but was rewarded with sunny conditions at a nice 17 degrees, but feels like 25. This set the tone for a raging party later in the night and incredible food. Make sure you check out the extensive range of suppliers that made this wedding come together with meticulous planning from Bianca and Aaron.

Tell me about the beginning!

We met playing social netball - I (Bianca) filled in for a friend's mixed netball team and Aaron (and Liam and Ashlee!) were on the team. I was with a different partner at the time but knew that Aaron had a thing for me pretty quickly, and I thought he was seriously cute . When that relationship ended, and we all used to hang out regularly as a team, I was too hesitant to pursue anything with Aaron in case it fell apart and then subsequently so did the team. However Aaron, ever persistent, used to message me with physio-related questions (anything to get me to continue talking to him) and continued to be his ever charming self. Then one day I mistakenly messaged Aaron a text that was meant for my best friend regarding Tinder, and later found out that this immediately prompted Aaron to hop on Tinder and try to find me (though he was never able to!). This led to smaller group hang outs with Aaron (and Liam and Ashlee), and eventually Aaron asked me out on a date - a football match (Richmond vs. Sydney). The rest is history!

When and where did you get engaged?

November 25th 2023.

It was a Friday afternoon and I (Bianca) was on my way home from work after a particularly terrible work day (one of those days where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong), and then of course proceeded to get stuck in terrible traffic driving home from the city. As I pulled up home, Aaron messaged to tell me to go through the front door rather than the garage like we usually did because the power was out, further adding to the terrible-ness of the day. At this point all I could think of was getting home, opening a bottle of wine and flopping on the couch. When I got to the front door, there was signs on the door saying - 'Can I ask you a question, and be honest'.

This immediately made me smile as I knew this to be a quote from one of Aaron's favourite movies, Austin Powers. Given Aaron's penchant for a bad joke and his endless quest to get me to laugh at them, I assumed this to be his way of trying to make my terrible day better. I'd hedged my bets on there being a glass of wine ready to go on the kitchen bench for me, along with his signature dish of butter chicken (the first meal he'd ever cooked for me). Instead I'd opened the door to find the hallway covered in roses and tea-light candles, as well as the all-too-noticeable absence of our two giant golden retrievers barreling down the hallway to meet me. I remember tearing up instantly, my brain immediately piecing together what was happening - cue Michael Scott from the Office telling everyone to stay f***ing calm! I walked the ten steps down the hallway to find Aaron on one knee and looking more nervous than I'd ever seen him before (and that's saying something given Aaron rarely shows emotion - he's allergic to it in my opinion). I don't actually remember what he said then, or even him asking me to marry him - I just remember my vision being blurry from tears and me being lost for words.

What style/theme have you chosen for your Wedding Day? Feel free to elaborate about your choices and venue.

The venue was a no brainer after we happened to stop by for a visit - it's hard to say no to Acacia Ridge when you see it all dressed up for a wedding! We knew we wanted a place that was largely outdoors, envisioning us and our guests milling about with drinks in an outdoor area under the stars. Acacia Ridge offered the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor - with their clear marquee and sprawling alfresco area the perfect combination that suited us perfectly!

The theme is relaxed but elegant, with pops of bright, beautiful colour! We have requested no black at the wedding except for the bridal party, wanting our guests to show us their most vibrant colours. We think people are happier when they wear colour and the world just seems brighter when they do - and we can't think of anything we want more for our wedding day than for people to just enjoy themselves and radiate happiness. To smile too much, to sing too loud, to dance too hard, to eat too much (as you should at a wedding!) and to drink...just enough?

What are you most looking forward to on the day?

For me (Bianca), it's a definite tie between seeing Aaron and the dogs at the end of the aisle (and finally answering the question of whether or not he'll cry when he sees me), and getting to finish all the formalities and throw the biggest, most epic party with all my nearest and dearest.

For Aaron, it's having his first drink after the formalities are over and finally being done with wedding planning (because he's done so much of it, HAHA).

Top Tips for planning your day!

- If you're an organised person and are realistic with your timelines, wedding planning doesn't have to be as stressful as they say it is. Though having done this now, I can absolutely see why some people opt for wedding planners.

- If you're as lucky as I am to have an amazing bridal party, lean on them where you can.

- Remember that it's your day and you'll look back on this day for the rest of your life - you're throwing probably the biggest, most epic party you ever will to celebrate the love of you and your partner, so don't forget the why!

The Dream Team

Venue: acaciaridgeyarravalley.com.au

Celebrant: www.marriedbykevin.com

Florist: www.botanicaltheory.com.au

Dress Boutique: www.madewithlovebridal.com

Suit Designer: https://institchu.com/

MUA: https://www.instagram.com/zee_makeupartistry/

Hair Stylist: www.melbourneglamour.com.au

Live Music: www.unpluggedentertainment.com.au

DJ: www.unpluggedentertainment.com.au

Videographer: https://www.murphyfilm.co/

Signage: www.bluebirdeventprinting.com.au