Surrounded by the stunning 200-year-old Heritage Yarras Homestead, Ally and Jack invited their loved ones to join them in celebrating their marriage. Their beautiful classic wedding was filled with handmade structures, timeless design choices and the adorable livestock found throughout the property.
Tilly Roberts did an amazing job as the photographer, capturing all the little moments that these newlyweds can flick through for years to come.
Jack’s family owns the Homestead, and after falling in love with the property, they moved into the house across the road, originally built as one of the homestead worker’s cottages. “We had just moved into our dream property and lit a bonfire one afternoon. We had music playing and a cheese board enjoying the starry night when Jack got down and asked the question!”
Jack and his wedding party (consisting of his brothers) wore timeless black MJ Bale suits paired with black ties and belts. The outfits were finished with some RM Williams boots as a nod to the country landscape.
The classic ivory off-the-shoulder gown from Grace Loves Lace that Ally chose perfectly flowed off her figure and contrasted beautifully with the Homestead’s rustic decor. “I went to one bridal showroom and chose the second dress I tried on! I was going for timeless and classic yet still modern all in one, and the dress I found ticked all of my boxes! I loved it!”
Her bridal party included her sister, cousin and Jack’s cousin. They each wore a different style Bec + Bridge dress in the same ‘sage’ colour. “Our bridal party are very special; they are our family, and we were so glad to have them by our sides on the day.”
When it came to choosing the venue for the day – there was no competition. The ceremony was held on the lawns of Yarras Homestead, with the reception located in the shearing shed. “The beautiful property is owned by Jack’s family. It was so special, and now we have lifelong memories of our beautiful day on the property.”
Walking down the aisle, Ally had her brother on her arm as their musician Belle Whitwell sang an acoustic version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”.
Kris Rose, Love Celebrant, led Ally, Jack and their guests through a short ceremony. “Our ceremony was short and sweet.” Ally described. “We wanted it to include all the traditional/legal parts required, but we didn’t want to be up there longer than necessary! It was so lovely overlooking the property and very special, just perfect.”
Throughout the day, you could find handmade elements, big and small. One of the larger items was the arbour that Jack built himself. “I love a little DIY! Being a heritage family property, we did all the setting up of furniture on the day! It was a busy morning for sure, but when I see all the photos and the amazing work we all put in, I feel so happy that we were able to contribute to it.”
Planning an event of this scale takes a lot of time and dedication, but for Ally and Jack, it was a walk in the park with their dream venue. “I’m not always the best decision maker, but once we knew the style and vibe we wanted for our day, it made it so much easier. I don’t think I have a favourite part of wedding planning. I enjoyed planning it, but I was so glad once the planning was finished because some parts and decisions are a little stressful!”
The flowers from Ivory Rose Botanicals were simple and timeless. “I chose a very simple floral theme for the day, tying into the timeless, classic vibe. Tones of white and soft sage that matched the bridesmaid’s dresses and our surroundings. White roses for my bouquet. White cut flowers for the table setting. White roses and magnolia leaves for the arbour.”
After the ceremony, the wedding party took off around the property to take portraits with their photographer. “Tilly did an amazing job photographing and capturing our day to perfection! She made us feel so comfortable, and it was so much fun getting all the shots we did! I love all the photos we got back and live the day again by looking through them.”
Ally tried to pick her favourite part of the day – but couldn’t narrow it down, saying: “I loved the whole day. Getting up early (because I couldn’t sleep) and dancing with my bridesmaids, getting ready, all the nerves, excitement and anticipation, being introduced as Mr and Mrs, having a husband! First dance. Being with all our loved ones. It was all a favourite!”
The wedding moved to the shearing shed on the property for the reception, which had been set up by Ally and her family that morning.
With so many vendors working to bring this classic country wedding to life, it’s important to appreciate their hard work. “They were all wonderful and amazing to work with. Our caterers were fabulous, cooking such beautiful, amazing meals. Our gorgeous celebrant. My wonderful hairdresser and make-up artist that got us all ready for the day!”
And soon after, the newlyweds had their first dance to “Into The Mystic” by Van Morrison. “We were in the shearing shed under all the twinkling fairy lights with our nearest and dearest gathered around, and this beautiful song was playing.”
Thanks again to Tilly Roberts for capturing these beautiful photos and sending them our way! And a HUGE congratulations to Ally and Jack on your stunning country wedding at the Heritage Yarras Homestead – and may you enjoy looking across the road to relieve these beautiful memories!
