This iconic Melbourne wedding place is for sale and has been the venue for so many weddings in the Yarra Valley including my beautiful couple, Karen and James who finally nailed down a date after their Covid-interrupted planning. These two lovely humans could not have been more appreciative or excited to finally marry.
Read on to enjoy the beautiful love story of a Chateau Wyuna Wedding…
The Review
‘Julie finally got to marry us on 24th April 2022 after 3 postponements due to COVID! It was the most beautiful ceremony due to Julie’s lovely personality, calm demeanour, professionalism and behind the scenes organisation. A lot of guests commented that they loved Julie’s words and tone of voice as she summed up perfectly our love story that brought us to get married. She kept the ceremony just to the right length and did a fantastic job of highlighting our love for our daughter and family and friends that were also present. Thank-you so much Julie!’
The Ceremony
It was extremely important in Karen’s and James’ wedding ceremony that family and friends were included. Introducing their gorgeous daughter, Ella, into the world in between lockdowns, she proved to be a cute flower girl along with nieces and nephews who were also involved. And, might I say, getting children involved and making them feel comfortable is my specialty! Mates, and a sister rounded out the wedding party and Karen’s mother, Colleen, gave away her daughter with pride. David from at That’s the Shot photography captured the day and we concluded with the obligatory petal toss to farewell our newlyweds down the ailse.
The Karen and James Love Story
Karen and James were set up on a blind date by friend and wing-woman Rose. James had been a bachelor for some time, too long I hear from some. Karen messaged James and their journey began. Karen first noticed how down to earth, warm, honest and caring James was. James was interested in the conversation and was a good listener too! To James, Karen was very confident and ran the show, which he was happy with and inevitably became the norm! Karen was clearly passionate about 4 things from their first meeting and they were Family, Food, Travel and work (in that order), all characteristics that James admired and could work with! Karen was very sweet and funny
Their first date was dinner, with James being 15 minutes late due to the necessity of watching the 3rd day of the Ashes to the close of play. Karen thought she’d been stood up! They had a drink and shared some tapas and began their journey. Over time, they fell in love, appreciating each other’s support, values, aspirations, family and friends.
James proposed in October 2019 whilst sitting on the shoreline of Green Island off the coast of Cairns with Karen about to go for a snorkel. James produced a ring from his boardshort pocket and asked Karen if she would marry him! He was very thoughtful and ensured they were out of the public eye, as was not sure what Karen’s reaction would be.
Karen describes James as thoughtful, caring and kind. Words cannot express the feelings she has for James. He encourages and supports her in her every endeavour, even if sometimes she’s a little too ambitious! He comforts Karen when she is stressed, cares about her and the things she does and is extremely loyal to me, his friends and workmates. James is extremely thoughtful and goes out of the way to help those in need. He sees the positive in everyone. James is Karen’s best friend, soul mate and the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with and raise Ella. James has taught Karen patience, to become more of a rational (rather than emotional) decision maker and to be the best mum to little Ella!
James describes Karen as thorough, kind and simple beautiful. She is a positive influence on him and makes him strive to be a better man, from the moment they first met, not by changing him, but encouraging him to be bold and try new things. Karen is the nicest person that exists, she is driven to succeed in and is passionate about everything she does.
Together, James and Karen love having lots of fun with Ella and experiencing new things with her as she grows. They enjoy cooking, trying out new restaurants, travelling to new places and exploring the outdoors. In their marriage they know that communication, patience, honesty, fun and laughter will be so important.
Karen and James had their original wedding date set for 5th April 2020. During the past 2 years, they not only have weathered the COVID storm together, including a few additional wedding date postponements, but most importantly have welcomed the arrival of Ella into their lives. Ella has brought so much love and joy into James and Karen’s lives. Ella is now 8 months old and is here to celebrate this special day.
Karen looks forward to having a husband that loves and cares for her and Ella, as she for him, and someone to share their adventures and life as a new family. And, to James, all this will be done with his best friend and companion.
They can’t wait to watch Ella grow up and her delight in her new experiences, more travelling, and adventures and more experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. They will appreciate happy and fun times with friends and family and supporting each other’s career aspirations whilst growing old together.
Their Vows
James
You are my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and the life we have created, and I will love you both more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.
Karen
You are every dream I have ever had. I promise to be true to you, to cherish you, and to share my thoughts, hopes and dreams with you. In your eyes, I have found my home. In your heart, I have found love. In your soul, I have found my truest and closest friend. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you. I promise to love, guide and care for you as long as we both shall live. I will love you both forever.
It was an absolute delight to have the opportunity to finally announce Karen and James as husband and wife and see them celebrate the coming together of a family. Other suppliers included Miss Bella Bridal, Hm Allure Hair and Make Up, Heathmont Flowers, AZ Bakes and Audio Entertainment.
If you need an upbeat celebrant for your wedding, then drop me a line…
