Stef and Tim recently wed in a stunning Immerse Yarra Valley Wedding ceremony, with Melbourne Celebrant Julie guiding them to “I Do”.
Immerse Yarra Valley Wedding Venue is the perfect place to marry. With a stunning chapel, gorgeous outdoor garden chapel, beautiful reception area, accommodation, and endless photo opportunities, it has everything you need. And this is why Tim and Stef chose this venue to wed. They also wanted a fun and relaxed ceremony, so they chose me, Melbourne Celebrant Julie to make it official.
It was one year after their initial wedding date that Stef and Tim finally married in the chapel. With 4 bridesmaids, 4 groomsmen, and a flower girl, the couple was certainly surrounded by much love and they all looked stunning. The day was captured so beautifully by one of the best in the business, Sharne from Aria Photography, and the floral styling was just divine from Yarra Valley Blooms.
Throughout the whole postponement process, I certainly know that Tim and Stef couldn’t wait to be married. And their day did not disappoint! For this blog, I am going to let the photos do most of the talking, BUT, if you’re looking for a celebrant to do the talking at your ceremony, contact me HERE.
The Review
‘We cannot thank you enough for being the best celebrant ever!! So many of our guests commented on how great you were – my mum said she was particularly impressed how you untucked Tim’s jacket that had folded up, so discreetly haha!’
The Love Story of Stef and Tim
The year was 2009, and Stef agreed to go on a date with Tim. Tim thought Stef was cute and cheeky, but she made it very clear this date was just as friends! He came and picked her up in his old commodore, Tim driving so cautiously and slowly whilst blasting ‘Jewel’ through the speakers.
They went to Eastland and to the movies, as friends, but Tim managed to do the whole ‘yawn and arm over the shoulder trick’! At the Pancake Parlour, Tim ordered pancakes, Stef nothing. She, apparently, wasn’t hungry. This is the first lesson Tim learned about being with Stef as she ended up eating most of his meal when it came out.
Love won out!
In these early stages of dating, Tim had to work hard to break down a wall Stef had built regarding relationships. He was very persistent and patient at the same time. He was a real gentleman. She was impressed with how he didn’t give up and how incredibly sweet he was. He kept her wondering “what is the catch?” Tim liked that Stef was a bit cheeky and fun spirited. And she worked at Subway – that was a bonus. Stef and Tim started to think about each other all the time with butterflies and smiles on their faces. They knew it was something special.
And it was Tim who proposed in 2019 and they were on their last holiday; he did so well to hide it, Stef did not suspect a thing, even with all the bag searches at airports. Upon travelling around Vancouver, they were introduced to a restaurant popular for engagements and weddings. Tim suggested they make a reservation before their camping trip. With a beautiful view and sunset, Tim was ready to propose. That was, until a quick bathroom trip of Stef’s allowed a busload of tourists to infiltrate the area. This rendered Tim too nervous.
Popping the big question…
A walk along the water ensued, Tim in a puffer jacket on a warm evening to hide the ring box. Dragging his feet Stef turned around and he dropped down to one knee and asked Stef to marry him. She remembers grabbing the ring and putting it straight onto her finger asking him ‘are you sure?’
Stef describes Tim as loyal and extremely trustworthy and hardworking. She loves how selfless he is, doing so much for everyone around him without expecting anything in return. Tim has taught Stef to try not to stress about things out of her control, and to stop and take a deep breath and be grateful for the wonderful life they have created and for each other. Tim has a very calming presence and is so good with advice, he can calm her down, make her feel like everything is ok and that she is safe, loved and supported.
Tim describes Stef as honest, loyal and a little bit fiery! He loves how caring she can be and puts his needs before her own. Stef has taught Tim to step outside his comfort zone.
Travelling is what they love doing together as well as spending time at the beach, fishing and water sports and cuddled up on the couch watching movies with their fur baby, Lacey. Open communication, trust, keeping things fun and always having something to look forward to as a couple are important aspects for their marriage.
Stef looks forward to officially being a part of Tim’s family and she’s just really excited. After all this time, to be able to call him her husband. And, Tim, likewise, referring to Stef as his wife and to officially join their families. They can’t wait for the next chapter in their life as husband and wife.
The Wedding Vows
Tim
Stef, who would have ever thought that when we went on our first date as ”just friends” over 12 years ago it would have led us to this day.
You didn’t order anything and just stole food off my plate!
But I am so grateful for that first date, where it all started, and for what we have achieved, together, to be here today.
To say that I love you is not nearly enough. I doubt that I will ever be able to express what you mean to me using words, so I plan to spend the rest of our lives showing you.
I vow to love, cherish, and respect you each and every day until the end of our days.
Stef
You are my best friend and one of my favourite pests. You are my strength, and you are kind-hearted. You have always managed to help me through bad times, and I cannot imagine my life without you.
To say I love you is not enough. I appreciate how tender and caring you are. I appreciate the strength you give when I need it. But if to say I love you means all these things, then let me say, I love you more each day.
Today, I want to make a promise to you and to myself, in front of our friends and family, to love, honour and protect you for all the days of my life.
Suppliers
Photography: Aria Photography
Flowers: Yarra Valley Blooms
Bridal Gown: Luci Di Bella
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The Iconic
Menswear: Menz Club
Music: Something Borrowed Duo
Hair: Rae Hair Stylist
Makeup: Jacqui Ward Makeup