Few moments in life are as beautiful and unforgettable as a summer garden wedding. Lucy and Chris' special day was a perfect example of this magic.
Held at the charming Ripponlea Estate, a heritage-listed venue in Melbourne, their wedding was a celebration of love, family, and nature. With radiant summer weather, gorgeous floral arrangements, and every detail thoughtfully planned, it was truly a day that Lucy, Chris, and their guests will remember forever.
The Venue: Ripponlea Estate
Lucy and Chris chose the stunning Ripponlea Estate for their wedding - a classic garden-style venue that perfectly matched their vision of an elegant and timeless celebration. With its Victorian gardens, historic architecture, and serene ambiance, Ripponlea Estate set a beautiful backdrop for their Melbourne wedding, enhancing the romantic atmosphere of the day.
The Ceremony
Guests were welcomed to the main lawn for the ceremony with refreshing drinks from a whimsical Woofsy's bar. The ceremony space, just a short walk from the reception area, featured a breathtaking 2.4-meter green archway and grand urns overflowing with seasonal flowers. The team from Weddings of Distinction styled the garden setting beautifully with chic furniture, market umbrellas, a premium ivory carpet runner, and comfortable provincial lounge chairs, all perfectly reflecting the couple’s style.
As the ceremony began, Lucy looked absolutely stunning in her classic white ivory gown, radiating elegance and grace. Her bouquet, a beautiful arrangement of long-stemmed white ivory reflexed roses, seemed effortlessly put together, adding to her natural beauty. Chris, dapper in a sharp black-tie suit, couldn't take his eyes off his bride—or their adorable flower girl, Ava.
Just before Lucy's grand entrance, little Ava, their three-year-old daughter, decided to have a moment of her own and darted off, adding a touch of spontaneity to the day. In a true "back-up mom to the rescue" moment, I gently picked Ava up and carried her down the aisle, ensuring she felt comfortable and secure. It was a heartwarming moment that added an extra layer of love to the ceremony, and one that I will cherish forever.
The ceremony itself was filled with emotion, as Lucy and Chris exchanged heartfelt vows that brought tears, laughter, and smiles to all in attendance. When they sealed their promises with a kiss, the crowd erupted in applause, celebrating the union of two souls deeply in love.
The Reception
Following the ceremony, guests moved to the undercover reception area as a light rain began to fall—adding a unique charm to the day. The reception was held in a beautifully styled ballroom, where the couple, with the help of myself, had created a unique floor plan that featured a long table seating 30 guests, flanked by ten round guest tables on either side.
Each round table was adorned with a contemporary white footed vase filled with seasonal flowers in white, lemon, and green hues, accented with fresh summer fruits like figs, green grapes, and limes. The variety in the table settings added an element of surprise and elegance. Meanwhile, the upper level was transformed into a lounge area, providing a relaxing space for guests, complete with a dessert station featuring the couple's favourite treats.
Once the formalities were over, the evening became a lively celebration filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and plenty of dancing. Ripponlea, managed by Showtime Event Group, provided the perfect setting for a night of fun and festivities.
Floral Beauty by Kate Hill Flowers
At Kate Hill Flowers, we were truly honoured to be part of Lucy and Chris' day as both their wedding florist and planner. Working closely with the couple, we brought their floral vision to life, creating arrangements that perfectly matched their style and the natural elegance of their garden wedding. Our focus on classic yet contemporary seasonal flowers and fruits gave each piece a unique flair, enhancing the beauty of the venue while reflecting Lucy and Chris' sophistication.
A Day to Remember
Lucy and Chris' wedding was filled with love, laughter, and countless unforgettable moments. From the stunning garden setting to the elegant floral arrangements, every detail came together to create a truly magical experience. Even a surprise sun shower couldn’t dampen the joy of the day; if anything, it added to its charm.
Reflecting on Lucy and Chris' wedding, we’re reminded of the beauty of love and the strength it brings. It was an honour to be part of their journey and help create a day they’ll cherish forever. At Kate Hill Flowers, we believe every wedding is unique, and we're committed to helping couples bring their dream day to life with our passion for flowers.
Congratulations to Lucy and Chris on their beautiful Melbourne wedding. May your lives together be filled with love, joy, and many more magical moments. If you're planning a Melbourne wedding, especially at Ripponlea Estate, we’d love to help make your day just as special.
Big thanks to all the incredible suppliers who helped make this wedding unforgettable, including Stori Films and Mia Sara Photography, who captured the day beautifully despite the changing weather. It was a pleasure working with such a talented team!
Kate x
