Weddings

Jade & Joel’s DIY Wedding at Stones of the Yarra Valley

Words by Hannah Pronesti / Images by Sayher Heffernan
April 25, 2016

It was smiles all round for Jade and Joel’s special day and every emotion was captured thanks to Sayher Heffernan and Golden Tree Films. The rustic surroundings of Stones of the Yarra Valley was a stunning spot for this happy couple to get hitched and we can’t help but crush on their picture perfect wedding.

When swapping vows, these sweethearts stuck to tradition and according to Jade, it made for quite an emotional experience. “We had our ceremony in The Chapel at Stones of The Yarra Valley,” she tells us. “Joel wanted his first-look of the dress to be when I walked down the aisle and we kept to this no-peeking rule till the chapel doors. We both wrote our own personal vows and tried very hard not to burst into tears during the exchange.”

Post-ceremony, guests headed to the Stone’s Barn, a gorge refurbished space with exposed beams and a rustic tin roof. Youki of Sugar Bee Flowers crafted a lush hanging floral installation, that looked right at home amongst the fairy lights and origami lanterns courtesy of the groom, but the DIY didn’t stop there…

“I picked up skills I never thought I would have,” says Jade of her DIY efforts, “from making millinery silk flowers, to calligraphy and conquering my fears of watercolours.” Between them, this bride and groom had a hand in it all – invitations, decor, corsages, silk flower hair pieces, the ring box, hand painted cake toppers – the list goes on. We’re officially impressed!

Stones of the Yarra Valley wedding - photography by Sayher Heffernan

Jade’s posse of bridesmaids lucked out when it came to their dresses, “The bridesmaids had the privilege of designing their own dresses.” Says Jade. “I bought the silk cloth from a bridal textile warehouse sale and the dresses were then sewn in Malaysia by a home seamstress.”

“Youki from Sugar Bee Flowers is a little powerhouse.” Jade says of their florist. “She went above and beyond for us, accommodating every little request within budget. We exchanged about 50 emails, every one of them full of passion and excitement. Highly, highly recommend!”

A one of a kind dress was never the goal but that’s exactly what Jade got when she stumbled upon the trunk show of Israeli designer, Yaki Ravid in Sydney, “I was looking for a lace dress that was elegant, feminine and yet conservative.” The beautiful hand-beaded creation was made in Israel and the only dress of this design made, so I am blessed to be the only one in the world with it!”

Jade and Joel aren’t shy when it comes to singing Sayher Heffernan’s praises and they felt blessed to have him behind the lens on their day. “Sayher was like a ninja throughout the day and night and his photos are a testament to the amazing day we had.”

The Cake Co crafted 3 tiers of semi-nude heaven! Chocolate mud, salted caramel and almond orange. No wonder these guys look so excited.

Wanting to ensure the memories of their day wouldn’t fade, Jade and Joel enlisted the duo behind Golden Tree Films to capture the highlights and they come highly recommend – “The video is packed full with details. They’ve even managed to catch Joel’s tear as I walked down the aisle. They’re just starting up their videography business and I highly recommend more brides and grooms to tap into their amazing talents before they become famous!”