Elise and Luigi’s Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding

Words by Kristy Kyi
June 25, 2015

In many ways a wedding can be likened to a stage production – all the planning, coordinating and making sure everyone knows their part. Maybe that’s why this couple, both professional actors, managed to pull off their Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding so flawlessly!

Motta Weddings captured Elise and Luigi’s seamless day, from their relaxed preparations to the intimate chapel ceremony featuring the talents of their musician/actor friends, and finally the fun-filled reception where the dashing couple tore up the dance floor to the sounds of Garth Ploog Band.

The pair met during their first professional musical theatre show and became close instantly. When it came time for Luigi to pop the question it started off like a perfect script. Dancing to Elise’s favourite song at their newly renovated home on Christmas Day, he suddenly dropped to the ground. Elise says, “He shuffled backward on his knee to open a box from his jean pocket. He opened the box, upside down, and then fumbled to turn it around. He was crying and then I was crying and he basically yelled at me “I WANT YOU TO BE MY WIFE!” For 2 actors there was nothing smooth about it.”

Maybe not, but the planning of their wedding was very smooth indeed, thanks to this couple’s creativity. To keep costs in check and ensure their day was personal, Elise and Luigi designed and made all their decor. They were particularly proud of their handmade favours – French terracotta pots from La Brocante containing succulents from their garden.

Where they outsourced, they remained as involved as possible, providing succulents to decorate the naked cake by Sweetbakes and even helping their florist, The Road Stall, put together the reception arrangements! The couple credits Stones with ensuring the day flowed perfectly and looked exactly as they had envisaged.

Elise’s advice to others is simple. “Really stay true to what it is that YOU BOTH want from the day. The tizz can get in the way in the lead up. You can lose sight of why you’re really doing it all in the first place. Stay true to the love of each other.”

 

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Terracotta succulent wedding favours

Semi-nude layered chocolate wedding cake by Sweetbakes

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding with a mint vintage Chevy! Photography by Motta Weddings

Mint vintage Chevy wedding car

Mint vintage Chevy wedding car

 

Photography: Motta Weddings | Videography: Andrew Hardy | Venue: Stones of the Yarra Valley | Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero | Bride’s shoes: Diana Ferrari | Groom’s suit: Calibre | Rings: Helen Badge Jewellery | Hair: David Wisken | Makeup: LMK Makeup Artist | Celebrant: John O’Hara | Flowers: The Road Stall | Catering: | Cake: Sweetbakes | Music: Garth Ploog Band | Stationery/invitations: Matthew Backer | Transport: Paradise Chevys

 

Credits


Leave a Reply

Andy 9 years ago

Hey guys! Here is the link for the beautiful couples short film of the day,
Hope you enjoy!

http://www.vimeo.com/andrewhardy/luigiandelise

Sienna Malley 9 years ago

What a beautiful down to earth wedding and some wonderful photos, I especially love the one of where Elise is swept up by Luigi on the dance floor.

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