Paolo + Joanna - 26th November 2016 - Hunter Valley

We first met Paolo and Joanna last year. These two drove the five hours from Sydney just to meet with us and we are so glad they did. Paolo and Joanna are one of the sweetest couples we have ever had sit down with us in our four years at Ivory Lane. The love between them was real, the type that radiates from their faces and their interactions between each other. The excitement and creative vibes we felt when sitting with them was contagious and it was then we decided that their wedding was going to be one of our favourites from 2016.

Paolo and Joanna wed in the stunning Hunter Valley (yes we do travel down there!) and their reception was held in the courtyard at Lindemans Wines. A perfect venue for the young couple, and we absolutely loved styling this unique space and working alongside some brilliant vendors.

Joanna had a distinct vision for their wedding reception, a romantic and textured palette featuring deep green foliage, paired with gold, timber and hints of blush throughout. This combination got us very excited here at IL HQ and we started piecing together signature items to bring Joanna and Paolo's vision to life.

The end result was breathtaking, which you can view in the images below by the talented James Bennett. You will also find some very sound advice from the couple below on planning their wedding which is definitely worth a read.

Scroll down below to see a list of Paolo and Joanna's dream team.

Thank you to Joanna and Paolo for choosing us to be a part of your absolutely breathtaking wedding day. We wish we could do it all again!!

Jane & the IL Team xx

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Paolo & Joanna

How did you two meet?
Young, silly and 15 years old! We had milkshakes and donuts in the morning, before getting the latest possible bus to our different high schools. We grew up together.
 
Proposal deatails:
A weekend stay at Pier One Hotel at the Rocks in Sydney. On our way to dinner. Paolo made me wait for him outside our hotel room, while he went to get 'his wallet' that he forgot. I got impatient waiting for him and went to find out what was taking so long, only to find him holding an engagement ring.
 
What did you envision for your wedding day?
Something that represented us entirely, timeless and a day nobody would forget. 

​Read on below..

Why did you choose your wedding location?
We wanted to have a bush band and bush dancing. We also loved the idea of a night sky and twinkling lights. Lindeman's Courtyard was the perfect match.
 
What was the main reason behind choosing your vendors?
We picked our vendors based on if their aesthetic matched us and vendors who were able to put in their creative input to really complete our vision.
 
What is one thing you wish you knew before you started planning your wedding?
To start planning as early as possible.
 
Best advice for other brides to be on planning a wedding:
Don't worry about what other bride's are doing. Put together a day that completely represents you and your partner's story. And don't leave it to the last minute!

Paolo and Joanna's Dream Team:

• Venue: Lindeman's Winery
• Hire: Ivory Lane Event Styling & Hire @ivorylaneeventstyling
• Stylist: Ivory Lane Event Styling & Hire @ivorylaneeventstyling
• Photography: James Bennett @jamesbennettphoto
• Florist: Desert Born Flowers @desertbornflowers
• Stationery/Invitations: Joanna (the bride) @wethespies
• Entertainment: The Bushfire Band
• Makeup: Thanh Vo @thanhtheman
• Hair: Thanh Avi @thanhtheman
• Cake: Hunter Valley Cakes

Suppliers:
Brides Dress: Babushka Ballerina @babushkaballerina
Groom attire: Brent Wilson @brentwilson25
Grooms Shoes: R M Williams
Jewellery & Accessories: Twigs and Honey @twigsandhoneyofficial