S O P H I E A N D T R O Y
Inspired by the rolling Italian countryside, Sophie and Troy’s wedding featured sunshine, good food, and bright colours. With Troy’s laid-back groom style and Sophie’s angelic ivory ballgown, this Italian inspired wedding was as beautiful as the Amalfi Coast in the summer sun.
London Boy…
The first chapter of Sophie and Troy’s love story began in London where the pair met in a flatshare. They quickly fell for each other but their relationship was soon tested when Sophie’s English work visa expired and she had to move back to Sydney. The pair knew they were truly in love when Troy followed her halfway around the world two weeks later! “When Troy moved to Australia, he fitted in perfectly with my family and friends, so I knew we had found something really special,” shares Sophie.
Grand Gesture…
Troy’s proposal to Sophie was an absolute whirlwind of swoon-worthy romantic gestures! First, he led her astray by saying they were just meeting his friends for drinks one evening, and to Sophie’s surprise, a Maserati rolled up to chauffeur the couple to Cottage Point Inn. Later that night, Troy asked Sophie to marry him as they stood on the balcony of their suite in the pouring rain. “It was my ‘The Notebook’ moment,” laughs Sophie. The surprises didn’t end there, though! The following morning, Troy organised for him and his new fiancé to be flown back to Sydney via a private seaplane. “It was such an amazing time and it all felt so surreal,” gushes Sophie.
Italian Romance…
Once the pair were engaged, their brains quickly went into wedding planning overdrive! “My vision for our wedding was for it to be elegant yet relaxed with a rustic Italian theme,” shares Sophie. The colour scheme combined shades of white paired with rustic olive green and charming terracotta tones. “I wanted our big day to reflect our laid back lifestyle with a dash of country cocktail,” says Sophie.
Keeping It Casual…
Prior to the wedding, the bride-and-groom-to-be hosted a Welcome White Party at Crooked River Winery in Gerringong. “It was a great way for both the Australian and English families to meet one another and get to know each other before the wedding,” shares Sophie. Among the British tribe were Troy’s groomsmen gang! Four of Troy’s closest friends flew out from the UK to support their buddy as groomsmen on his big day. The men all wore stylish MJ Bale navy jackets paired with white shirts and chinos. Their look was kept laid back and casual with all the men, including the groom, opting to go tie-less!
White Doves…
Sophie chose four of her closest Aussie pals to stand next to her on the big day. “I gave my bridesmaids and bridesman a box filled with goodies,” says Sophie of her bridesmaid/bridesman proposal. Sophie’s bride tribe all wore crisp white dresses from Bec + Bridge in different styles to match their personal style while her bridesman matched with the groomsmen.
Pretty As A Petal…
Sophie looked absolutely breathtaking on the big day with a bridal look that radiated enchanting princess vibes. The Suzanne Neville ballgown exuded a look that was classic and unique all at once. The intricate petal overlay was paired with a fitted bodice and a romantic sweetheart neckline which created a look of absolute bridal elegance. “The attention to detail on the gown was spectacular and I knew as soon as I tried it on that it was the one,” smiles Sophie. The bridal look was completed with a beautiful bouquet that featured a mix of white and blush roses with a sprinkling of soft flannel flowers, olive leaf, and Italian jasmine.
Garden Wedding Bliss…
Sophie and Troy said “I do” in the gardens of Ooralba Estate in Kangaroo Valley. Sadly, Sophie’s father and grandfather weren’t able to walk her down the aisle but they were still with her on the day. The bride stitched two blue bows into her dress as her ‘something blue’ in memory of the two father figures in her life.
A Slice Of Italy…
After tying the knot, the newlyweds moved their celebrations to a Sperry tent on the estate that overlooked the breathtaking escarpment. The marquee embodied their Italian countryside theme and was adorned with olive branches, flower baskets, oversized lanterns, and pots of olive trees. The venue styling was heightened with rustic terracotta pots filled with roses, fresh herbs, and wild fennel. Sophie and Troy brightened the space with lemons and candles of different shapes, sizes and colours entwined through the florals. “One of my favourite touches were the menus which held a sprig of rosemary, cut freshly from the Ooralba Estate herb garden,” says Sophie.
Outfit No. 2…
But wait…there’s more! While Sophie looked completely enchanting in her ballgown at the ceremony, she opted to change dresses for the reception. Also designed by Suzanne Neville, the second gown boasted elegant simplicity for a second bridal look that was totally luxe. Sophie explains that her second gown was inspired by Italian wedding gowns she had found on Pinterest.
Sensational Scent…
Each guest was able to take a slice of Italy home with them in the form of a delicious candle. “The candles were handmade by myself and the bridesmaids and had a gorgeous olive leaf and thyme scent,” says Sophie. The newlyweds also gifted their guests with a bottle of locally sourced Kangaroo Valley olive oil in keeping with the Italian theme.
Tastes Of Heaven…
The reception was a total dream for any guest with a sweet tooth! Not only did the newlyweds have a drool-worthy wedding cake, but they also had roaming churros with salted caramel sauce. To make the night even sweeter, there was a pavlova station where the Brits could be introduced to the Aussie classic!
Fun In Fiji…
After dancing the night away to a Robbie Williams-dominated playlist (Troy’s favourite), the pair jetted off to Fiji for a romantic getaway at Tokoriki Island Resort. After some glorious days in the sun, they put together some tips for future brides and grooms. “Trust your gut with suppliers,” says Sophie, “and make sure you do a mood board with lots of photos so that your suppliers know exactly what you want”. What’s the perfect place to create your wedding mood board?
If you’ve fallen in love with Sophie and Troy’s Italian inspired wedding, read our tips on how to throw the perfect garden wedding here.
Venue: Ooralba Estate / Photographer: Bayleigh Vedelago / Flowers: Shady Fig / Bridal Gown Designer: Suzanne Neville / Bridal Gown Boutique: Helen Rodrigues / Bridesmaids Dresses: Bec + Bridge / Groom + Groomsmen Jackets: MJ Bale / Wedding Candle Favours: Willowvale Road / Catering: Catering By Kepos