Episode 08: Weddings
With the royal wedding in a few weeks time, several of the Postcards presenters have been reminiscing about their wedding days. This week Rebecca Judd, Glen Moriarty, Brodie Harper, Pia Miller and Giaan Rooney take us through the planning the most romantic day of your life.
Willow Creek
Even with the many gorgeous venue options on the Mornington Peninsula, Brodie and her hubby chose was Willow Creek Vineyard in Merricks North, around a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Willow Creek is home to some of the oldest vines on the peninsula and countless couples have tied the knot here over the years. It's also easy to fall in love with the wine at Willow Creek, with its 5-star rating from James Halliday, since 2006, and winemaker Geraldine Mcfaul's award-winning union with the vineyard and Terroir.
Salix Restaurant is next to the vineyard and won a number of awards in 2010. Here happy couple Bernard and Rachael Mcarthy take all the stress out of weddings to help everyone celebrate in style.
Willow Creek Vineyard
166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North
Ph 03 5989 7448
www.willow-creek.com.au
Salix Restaurant and Bistro
Ph 03 5989 7640
Stones of the Yarra Valley
Stones of the Yarra Valley in Coldsteam has been the wedding venue choice of many famous names including Channel 9's Jules Lund, tennis star Alicia Molik and Aussie cricketer David Hussey. The Chapel offers a picture perfect landscape for your ceremony and has seating for 150 guests, high ceilings, stained glass windows and views of the vineyard that you'll treasure in your wedding album. Outside guests can mingle under the 150-year-old oak trees before enjoying the magnificent food and wine from head chef Dale Prentice at the Stones Restaurant or Mezze Wine Bar, which you can also visit for a spectatcular lunch
Stones of the Yarra Valley
14 St Huberts Road, Coldstream
Ph 03 9739 0900
www.stonesoftheyarravalley.com
St John's, Como House and Stokehouse
St John's Anglican Church in Toorak is regarded as one of the architectural gems of Melbourne and has been classified by the National Trust. In additional to its outstanding beauty, the long aisle provides a spectacular walk to the altar.
If a garden wedding is your style, Como House has two hectares of stunning landscaped gardens and the Fountain Terrace has hosted many grand parties, ceremonies and receptions.
For a perfect seaside wedding, the iconic Stokehouse restaurant has recently been refurbished and head chef Oliver Gould has a new menu to go with the fresh fit out. What about South Australian Kingfish with salted grapes or sunflower seeds and fish roe, or veal tenderloin saltimbocca with autumn mushrooms and glazed shallot pie, coffee and truffle cream.
St John's Anglican Church
86 Clendon Road, Toorak
Ph 03 9826 1765
www.saintjohnstoorak.org
Como House and Garden
Corner Williams Road and Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra
Ph 03 9827 2500
www.comohouse.com.au
Stokehouse Restaurant
30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda
Ph 03 9525 5555
www.stokehouse.com.au
Invitations, Flowers and The Dress
Once the date is set, it's time to get the all important invitations. The colour and design can set the theme for the whole wedding, so Where a Girl Goes is the place everyone is talking about. In Collingwood, you'll find Cristina Ra's concept store, which includes a paper parlour with over 300 products, and you can take a class to learn how to make your own cards and invitations.
Say It With Flowers has been in the bridal business since they opened in 1983, abut you can pop in any day of the week to pick up flowers for home or a special occasion.
Of course you can't forget finding your dream dress and Baccini & Hill is a Melbourne favourite. The intricate detail of their elegant gowns includes textured fabrics, elaborate embroidery and fine silks. They even have you covered for something blue with a hand-stitched bow on every gown.
Where a Girl Goes
www.cristinare.com
Say it With Flowers
www.sayitwithflowers.com.au
Baccini & Hill
bacciniandhill.com.au
J'aton, Carousel and Paul Bram
Rebecca takes us through the preparations for her wedding to Carlton star Chris Judd. She starts with Melbourne's favourite fashion duo, J'aton. Designers Jacob Luppino and Anthony Pittorino have been designing gowns for 15 years and continue to make women look sensational.
Paul Bram jewellers has been selling diamonds in the city for over 80 years and was Rebecca's choice for her gorgeous engagement and wedding ring.
Rebecca and Chris chose Carousel for their ceremony and the celebration. With its waterfront position on Albert Park Lake and a simple decor that can be decorated to suit, it's an ideal spot for any special occasion. And the Judds and their guests had an amazing view of the New Year's Eve fireworks.
J'Aton
Ph 03 9533 8666
jatoncouture.com
Paul Bram Jewellers
Ph 03 9654 6900
www.paulbram.com.au
Carousel
Ph 03 8646 6000
foodanddesire.com.au
Katie Marx Florist
Ph 0405 703 262
Alison Louise Designer Cakes
Ph 0413 535 294
alisonlouise.com.au
The Style Co(Marie Cruz)
Ph 03 9942 3417
thestyleco.com.au
Postcards diary
Apollo Bay Music Festival
Head down the Great Ocean Road for this year's festival.
Where: Apollo Bay
When: 8–10 April 2011
More: apollobaymusicfestival.com
Southern Grampians Promenade of Sacred Music
If you're passionate about classical and sacred music, join renowned artists in the Grampians.
Where: Hamilton
When: 7–10 April 2011
More: promenadeofsacredmusic.com.au
Show Us Your Boat
The Merrigum Football Ground hosts the first Show Us Your Boat fishing and water sport expo.
Where: Morrissey Street, Merrigum
When: 10 April 2011