High school sweethearts Maddie and Ian have been inseparable since they were 17. Now in their early twenties, they’re starting a new chapter in Melbourne after their wedding. Their story has already spanned Europe—last year, Ian proposed on a balcony in Positano as a live band played below.

For their wedding, they envisioned a modern yet timeless celebration—elegant, bold, and full of heartfelt moments where connection took center stage.

Timeless Meets Modern: A Sophisticated Contemporary Wedding Design

Rather than keeping their celebration to a single day, Maddie and Ian curated an entire wedding weekend. It began with a rehearsal dinner captured on film and digital, followed by relaxed pre-wedding bridal portraits around their villa and gardens. An intimate alfresco dinner set the tone—beautiful, effortless, and deeply personal.

A Statement Wedding Gown

On the wedding day, Maddie stunned in a Vera Wang gown, her look perfectly complementing the refined aesthetic they had envisioned. Guests dressed in all black-tie, creating a striking look against contemporary floral arrangements of deep burgundy and green. Designed with sculptural structure and originality, the florals were modern, dramatic, and unforgettable.

The garden ceremony carried a romantic Italian influence, complete with a petal toss using Maddie’s mum’s favourite flowers—a heartfelt tribute that ensured her presence was woven into the day.

To welcome guests after the ceremony, a champagne fountain overflowed with bubbles, setting the tone for a cocktail hour filled with laughter, signature drinks, and the warm buzz of celebration—a fitting prelude to an evening they, and their guests, will never forget.

The marquee reception space exuded classic elegance. A sweeping white tent with a high, peaked roof and open sides created an airy, light-filled atmosphere, while manicured shrubs, potted plants, and a candle-lit pathway added romance and structure. Inside, long wooden tables and a formal dining setup struck the perfect balance between natural charm and refined sophistication.

The tables featured an unexpected and playful twist: vegetable arrangements as centrepieces, paired with soft baby blue napkins. The combination of bold blooms, organic textures, and delicate details reflected Maddie and Ian’s vision for a celebration that was both deeply personal and visually striking. A statement floral installation at the bar tied it all together, with cascading blooms and greenery adding movement and depth.

A Mother’s Legacy

One of the most touching details of the day was Maddie’s second bridal look—a mini dress created from her late mother’s wedding gown. This wasn’t simply fabric; it was memory, love, and legacy woven together.

Maddie had always dreamed of incorporating her mum’s dress into her own day, and transforming it into a playful, celebratory mini was the perfect way to honour her. The gown’s bubble skirt, lace detailing, chic scarf, and preserved bows tied Maddie’s look to her mum’s spirit in the most beautiful way.

Real Moments Over Perfection

For Maddie, photography was one of the most important elements. Drawn to the luminous film aesthetic and the natural, effortless way my couples appeared in front of the camera. She adored how film felt—organic, timeless, and deeply emotive.

More than posed perfection, Maddie & Ian wanted their story captured as it truly unfolded—the joy, the emotion, and the little moments that matter most. From their first look to their first dance, the father-daughter moment, and the presence of their beloved pup Alfie, their day was overflowing with emotion and authenticity.

A Celebration of Love & Legacy

For a couple who has grown up together, this day was not just a wedding but a celebration of their history and their future. It was modern and elegant, filled with personality and soul.

From champagne fountains to sculptural florals, from the heartfelt touches to Maddie’s mum to the black-tie style that set the tone, Maddie & Ian’s wedding was a masterclass in meaningful modern design. But at its core, it was what they wanted most: a true reflection of their love story.