Their engagement began when Mathew took Emily on a surprise drive into Melbourne, to a perfect venue to ask that all important question – the famous Windsor Hotel, where Emily’s grandparents had celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

It was in a gorgeous room in that iconic Melbourne landmark that Mathew knelt down on one knee while Emily discovered a small box hidden in a pair of slippers. Carefully opening the box she found a beautiful antique ring that had been given to Mathew by his beloved grandmother, and Mathew asked those four  magical words – “will you marry me?!”

Emily’s dress suited her perfectly with the white fabric moulding tight to her waist, sparkling with the fine detail of the beading. The two bridesmaids – Emily’s sister, Kate, and sister in law, Katie – were especially elegant in flowing black, holding bouquets of red and white roses.

Bridesmaid and creative all-rounder Katie did Emily’s hair and makeup and, with the help of her friend Elizabeth, created the beautiful full bouquets.

It was on a fine, sunny day amongst the hilly grape vines of the Yarra Valley that Emily and Mathew were married in the enchanting gardens of the Yarra Estate Winery.

Holding a bouquet of crimson roses, Emily was escorted down the aisle by her proud father, David, while the romantic lyrics of Lifehouse sang out through the leaves.

They were married in a beautifully traditional ceremony by Doreen Abel, a family friend who rang a small bell in recognition of those that couldn’t be at the ceremony.

The Yarra Valley has such plentiful and beautiful photographic locations. The vibrant colours of the greenery, the wide and open skies and the hills that endlessly roll along the horizon, provide a perfect backdrop to capture the romance of newly-weds.

I am always interested to see how each couple is connected and how they relate. Emily and Mathew have such a sweet, soft, kind love and a unspoken respect for each other that is hard to miss.

It was such a lovely day, with wonderful company to celebrate a beautiful couple and their new life together. So thank you to Emily and Mathew for allowing me to be a part of your special day.