Emma and Matt were engaged for only three months before tying the knot in a private residence in Metung, a small island village off the coast of Victoria, Australia. Despite no access to the island by vehicle, with such incredible lakes and landscape, there was no doubt in the couple’s mind about the location for the event.
After Emma’s mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she gave Matt the diamond that Emma’s father had given her in 1977. Emma explains, ‘After Mum gave him the ring, it was only a few days later that she told me too! Poor Matt had lost most of the ‘surprise’ element.’
Regardless, Matt arranged a different kind of engagement surprise. He surprised Emma with a trip to King Island and even organised a chartered plane so their dog could come too. The pair enjoyed a beautiful couple of days and on the final night of their trip, Matt packed a picnic and drove Emma to a tiny little town, where he popped the question. Of course, she said yes! After returning home the following night, Matt also managed to surprise Emma with an impromptu engagement party with 100 friends and family.
With only three months to plan the wedding of their dreams, the couple enlisted Pollen and Patina to pull their bright, cheerful ‘Island Spectacular’ wedding together. Bright linen from Bonnie and Neil linen injected colour to the celebration, which perfectly complemented a classic green and white colour palette.
And the food? ‘We wanted to really spoil our guests with yummy choices and local produce. Our holiday home sits amongst the Gippsland lakes, so we are very lucky to have brilliant local produce right on the door step,’ says Emma.
‘Dessert was the main event. Our central bridal table was cleared and turned it into the ultimate dessert station right beside the bar. With Gippsland Cheeses, crackers, fruit, brownies, wedding cake, rocky road, slices and so on,’ adds Emma. ‘Everyone was so excited watching the station being created in front of them and couldn’t wait to dig in.’
Photography Sherise Fleming Photographer | Videography C2 Films | Event Styling, Planning + Florals Pollen and Patina | Hire items Pollen and Patina, Design Depot + Otto and Chaise | Location Boole Poole Island | Venue Private Residence | Guest List 220 | Celebrant Rev. Grant Watson | Catering Dick and Flick | Entertainment Rutherford Entertainment