For Farah and Ray, the spark of love ignited at first sight. As they exchanged vows, their loved ones gathered to celebrate this new chapter in their lives. The ceremony was infused with whimsy and romance, as lush blooms and twinkling accents brought the ‘new beginnings’ theme to life. A poignant release of butterflies further solidified the notion that their love had taken flight.
At First Sight…
In a twist of fate that would put even the most romantic of movies to shame, Ray and Farah’s love story began in a quirky Melbourne bar called Magic Mountain. It was here that their eyes met, and as Farah so aptly puts it, ‘it was literally love at first sight.’ The chemistry between them was palpable, and before parting ways, they exchanged numbers with a promise of meeting again soon. But little did they know that their whirlwind romance would unfold like a fairytale come true.
Just as the clock struck midnight, Farah left the bar, only to wake up the next morning to a beautiful text from her future husband, sealing their love story as one for the ages.
Love At The Lake…
Ray whisked Farah away for a surprise birthday celebration at the Lake House in Daylesford, September 2017. As they settled into a romantic evening, the ambiance was set by a sumptuous dinner followed by a cozy night in front of a crackling fire in the library room. It was there that Ray popped the question, taking Farah by surprise and sending their relationship soaring to new heights.
Looking back, Farah recalls the moment with a beaming smile: ‘We were both absolutely thrilled and completely swept up in the romance of it all.’ Since then, the Lake House has remained an integral part of their love story, a special place where cherished memories continue to unfold.
A Taste Of Heaven…
Farah and Ray’s dream wedding unfolded at Lake House, where they brought their whimsical and romantic vision to life. The couple worked closely with the venue’s internal team to bring their theme of ‘new beginnings’ to reality. For them, butterflies represented hope, joy, and fresh starts.
With a colour palette featuring antique blush pinks, sage green, and ivory tones, and subtle touches of sparkly silver butterflies scattered throughout the decor, the day was transformed into an ethereal haven.
Boys In Blue…
As Ray exchanged vows with his beloved, he was flanked by three trusted companions: Fraser, his dashing son, and two of his closest friends. The trio cut a stylish figure in their bespoke blue Hugo Boss suits, elevated by intricately crafted buttonholes featuring an assortment of champagne and wine corks, freesias, rosemary spikes, and foliage. This thoughtful touch held great significance for the couple, as Ray’s passion for gourmet food and wine is well-known.
It was a personal and meaningful nod to their shared love of fine cuisine, making the day all the more special.
Sparkly Bride Tribe…
Farah’s wedding entourage was a delightful combination of family and friends. Her two closest friends took on bridesmaid roles, while her elegant mother shone as maid of honour. Aryana, Farah’s daughter, stole the show as the flower girl, looking like a tiny fairy in her tulle dress adorned with intricate hand-beading that transformed into sparkly butterfly wings at the back.
The bridesmaids’ Thurley gowns perfectly harmonized with the wedding colour palette, while the maid of honour’s custom-designed Tanya Didenko gown shimmered with added sparkle. Rounding out the group was Levi, Farah and Ray’s son, who made a dashing page boy with his adorable charm.
Butterfly Queen…
As Farah descended the aisle, she radiated elegance in her custom-designed wedding gown, a masterpiece that perfectly captured her whimsical love of sparkles. The collaboration with designer Tanya Didenko resulted in a dress that was at once ethereal, sexy, and exquisitely detailed. According to Farah, her design inspiration came from late-night browsing through Modern Wedding magazines and scrolling through Pinterest.
Her vision was brought to life by an ocean of sequins and a delicate train flowing down the back of the gown, hand-beaded with the sweet phrase ‘Ray & Farah Happily Ever After’. For Farah, the moment she slipped into her wedding dress was like all her dreams converging into one enchanting reality.
The loose, natural bouquet that complemented her look featured white peony roses, dusty pink roses and astilbe, white hydrangeas, and sage green foliage – a stunning arrangement that only added to Farah’s effortless charm.
Real-Life Fairytale…
Farah and Ray’s love story came alive in a picturesque ceremony, beautifully captured by Lost In Love Photography. The couple was enamored with the studio’s romantic photography style, which resulted in stunning images that perfectly blended fairytale charm with natural, in-the-moment moments. Farah praised the photos, saying they have ‘a divine, whimsical feel.
‘ The ceremony decor further enhanced this enchanting atmosphere, featuring a majestic wooden archway at the aisle’s end, adorned with ethereal sheer drapes and an awe-inspiring floral installation that evoked a luxurious, dreamlike quality. As a result, their celebration looked like a page straight out of a romantic fairytale book, come to life.
Butterfly Fly Away…
As a poignant moment in the ceremony, Farah and Ray’s butterfly release into the radiant Daylesford sky still shines vividly in memory. In harmony with their bridal party, guests, and the newlyweds’ own vows, these monarch butterflies were set free to symbolize ‘new beginnings’, aligning with the couple’s cherished theme. The experience was nothing short of enchanting for Farah, who fondly recalls watching the delicate creatures dance and alight upon the landscape as they saw fit.
Sparkle And Shine…
As the sun-kissed wedding ceremony came to a close, the festivities seamlessly transitioned to the enchanting Terrace Room at the Lake House. The expert team transformed the space into a whimsical wonderland of romance and sparkle. Soft ivory drapes cascaded from the ceiling, suspended amidst a canopy of twinkling fairy lights. Delicate centerpieces featured a lush arrangement of roses, peonies, lisianthus, freesias, and the added touch of dainty silver butterflies that shimmered in the light.
To further personalize the experience for each guest, small silver glitter photo frames served as place card settings, while a sparkly memento from the night’s celebration awaited them.
Beaded Butterfly…
As the reception festivities got underway, Farah made another stunning transformation, shedding her earlier ensemble in favor of a second, equally glamorous look for the evening.
This time around, she donned an outfit that perfectly captured the party atmosphere, teaming a sophisticated yet playful dress with a one-of-a-kind pink denim jacket adorned with intricately beaded sequin butterfly wings – a deliberate nod to Aryana’s flower girl dress and a testament to the attention to detail that defined this special day.
Magical Music…
As the sun shone brightly on the special day, the enchanting atmosphere was further elevated by the divine sounds that filled the air. Tobi Tobi’s playlist featured all of Renae and Jamie’s beloved tunes, including a reworked ‘Here Comes The Sun’ as Farah made her way down the aisle, with the lyrics adapted to ‘here comes the bride’. According to Farah, the newlyweds’ infectious energy added to the day’s magic, making everyone feel loved up and sparkling.
As the night drew to a close, the dance floor was abuzz with excitement, as glitter bombs burst forth in a dazzling display that kept the celebratory vibe going.
For The Love Of Love…
As the newlyweds, Farah and Ray, embarked on their dreamy honeymoon in the breathtaking Maldives, they shared valuable insights for couples planning their big day. According to Farah, the key is to make it all about you and your love. She advises: ‘Plan your wedding uniquely for the two of you. This is your day, and it’s all about your love, happiness, and what makes you both feel special.’ The bride also stressed the importance of curating a meaningful guest list.
‘Don’t feel obligated to invite people you barely see or aren’t a part of your life as a couple,’ she said. ‘Make the day all about love – who you love, and who you love to be around!’ For more inspiring real weddings, check out our stunning gallery!