Sophie and Troy’s special day was a vibrant celebration of love, much like the picturesque Italian countryside that served as its muse. The radiant sunshine and lush greenery of their setting perfectly complemented the warm, inviting atmosphere they wanted to create for their guests.
With Troy’s effortlessly cool groom style and Sophie’s stunning ivory ballgown shimmering in the light, this Italian-inspired wedding was a true masterpiece, evoking the same sense of joy and beauty as the Amalfi Coast at its most breathtaking.
London Boy…
Sophie and Troy’s romance began in London, where they lived together in a flatshare. Their connection was instant, but their relationship soon faced its first hurdle when Sophie’s work visa expired, forcing her to return to Sydney. Despite the distance, Troy proved his devotion by following her halfway around the world just two weeks later.
For Sophie, this marked a turning point – she knew they had found something truly special when Troy seamlessly integrated into her social circle in Australia.
Grand Gesture…
Troy’s romantic overture to Sophie was nothing short of spectacular! He orchestrated a series of whirlwind gestures that left her breathless. The first surprise came when he convinced her they were simply meeting friends for drinks, only to reveal a sleek Maserati waiting to whisk them away to the picturesque Cottage Point Inn. As if that wasn’t enough, Troy proposed to Sophie amidst the pouring rain on their suite’s balcony, rekindling memories of ‘The Notebook’ in the process.
Sophie recalls it was her own ‘fairytale moment.’ But even that wasn’t the final act – the next morning, Troy arranged for them to return to Sydney via a luxurious private seaplane ride, leaving Sophie feeling utterly bewitched and still trying to wrap her head around the surreal experience.
Italian Romance…
As soon as Sophie and her partner became engaged, the excitement was palpable – their minds instantly shifted into high gear for wedding planning mode! According to Sophie, her vision for the special day was to create an atmosphere that was both elegant and relaxed, with a rustic Italian flair. This aesthetic was brought to life through a harmonious blend of white, olive green, and terracotta hues.
In her words, ‘I wanted our big day to reflect our carefree lifestyle with a touch of country charm.’
Keeping It Casual…
As the wedding approached, Troy and Sophie threw a pre-wedding bash at Crooked River Winery in Gerringong. The ‘Welcome White Party’ proved an ideal setting for the Australian and English families to mingle and get acquainted before the big day. According to Sophie, the gathering allowed both sides to bond and create lasting memories. Among the British contingent were Troy’s four closest friends, who traveled from the UK to serve as his groomsmen.
Dressed in stylish MJ Bale navy jackets paired with crisp white shirts and chinos, the gentlemen opted for a laid-back, casual vibe by eschewing ties altogether, mirroring the relaxed atmosphere of the event.
White Doves…
When it came time to ask her closest friends to stand by her side on her big day, Sophie knew exactly what she wanted. She decided to surprise her four favorite Aussie companions – who would become her trusted bridesmaids and bridesman – by gifting them a special box filled with treats. The result was a memorable ‘proposal’ that set the tone for their special roles in the wedding party.
For the ceremony, Sophie’s bride tribe opted for elegant white dresses from Bec + Bridge, each one carefully chosen to reflect their unique style. Meanwhile, her bridesman blended seamlessly into the groomsmen’s attire, creating a cohesive and stylish look that complemented the overall aesthetic.
Pretty As A Petal…
Sophie’s wedding day look was truly fit for a princess. She stunned in her Suzanne Neville ballgown, which seamlessly blended classic and unique elements. The gown’s intricate petal overlay added a touch of whimsy to the fitted bodice and romantic sweetheart neckline, creating a sense of effortless elegance. For Sophie, it was love at first sight – she knew as soon as she put on the dress that it was meant to be hers.
Completing her bridal look was a gorgeous bouquet featuring a mix of white and blush roses, soft flannel flowers, olive leaf, and Italian jasmine. The overall effect was one of understated luxury and timeless beauty.
Garden Wedding Bliss…
In a picturesque setting at Ooralba Estate’s gardens in Kangaroo Valley, Sophie and Troy exchanged vows amidst lush greenery. Although Sophie’s father and grandfather were unable to be physically present by her side, their absence was felt as she honored their memory by incorporating two blue bows into her wedding dress – a poignant ‘something blue’ gesture that symbolized the enduring love and presence of these significant figures in her life.
A Slice Of Italy…
As the newlywed celebration transitioned to the Sperry tent on the Ooralba Estate’s breathtaking escarpment, the Italian countryside theme unfolded in picturesque glory. The marquee was transformed into a lush oasis, replete with olive branches, flower baskets, oversized lanterns, and potted olive trees that seemed to grow organically from the rustic terracotta pots filled with roses, fresh herbs, and wild fennel.
The atmosphere was further illuminated by lemons and candles of varying shapes, sizes, and hues, artfully entwined among the florals. A delightful touch that particularly stood out to Sophie was the inclusion of a sprig of rosemary, freshly cut from the Ooralba Estate’s herb garden, in each menu.
Outfit No. 2…
In a delightful surprise, Sophie traded in her enchanting ballgown at the ceremony for an equally stunning reception dress, also designed by Suzanne Neville. While maintaining the air of elegance, this new look opted for understated simplicity with a luxurious twist. According to Sophie herself, the inspiration behind this second bridal look was drawn from Italian wedding gowns she had previously discovered on Pinterest.
Sensational Scent…
As a token of appreciation, each guest was given a tangible piece of Italy to take home – a beautiful, handmade candle infused with the aromatic scents of olive leaf and thyme. According to Sophie, the candles were crafted by herself and the bridesmaids, reflecting their dedication to detail. To further enhance the Italian experience, the newlyweds presented their guests with a bottle of premium Kangaroo Valley olive oil, sourced locally to complement the ceremony’s Mediterranean flair.
Tastes Of Heaven…
The sweet tooth of any guest was indulged in the reception, which was a veritable paradise for those with a penchant for all things sugary. The newlyweds’ wedding cake was an awe-inspiring centerpiece, but it wasn’t the only treat on offer. Roaming churros accompanied by salted caramel sauce were available to satisfy any late-night cravings, while a pavlova station allowed guests to sample this beloved Australian dessert in its purest form.
Fun In Fiji…
As the sun rose over Tokoriki Island Resort in Fiji, Sophie and Troy reflected on their whirlwind wedding planning journey. Among the tips they shared with fellow couples was the importance of trusting suppliers and creating a detailed mood board. ‘Your gut instinct will guide you when it comes to choosing vendors,’ Sophie emphasized. ‘And don’t be afraid to get creative with your mood board – include lots of images to give your suppliers a clear understanding of your vision.
‘ As they looked out at the breathtaking Fijian landscape, they acknowledged that having a beautiful venue like Ooralba Estate as the backdrop for their Italian-inspired celebration made it easy to bring their ideas to life. The talented team behind the scenes included Bayleigh Vedelago capturing the magic on camera, Shady Fig bringing elegance with the flowers, and Suzanne Neville designing Sophie’s stunning bridal gown from Helen Rodrigues boutique.
Bec + Bridge added a touch of glamour with the bridesmaids’ dresses, while MJ Bale ensured the groom and his groomsmen looked dashing in their tailored jackets. Willowvale Road created sentimental wedding candle favors, and Catering By Kepos delivered delectable cuisine to fuel the celebrations.