Calèche real bride Olivia and partner Patrick were married at the beautiful Clare Valley Koonowla Wines amongst a backdrop of historic stone buildings, rolling green hillsides and vineyards. The laid back couple enjoyed their wedding planning experience and put together a picturesque winery wedding, surrounded by loved ones. Keep scrolling to see snaps of the happy couple and read more about their day.
Lets start at the beginning, when and how did you and your partner meet?
Patrick and I first met in 2014. We met at Winter Reds at Wicks Wines here in SA. We were both there attending the event with our best friends enjoying a glass or two of nice red of course. It seems funny now, how we met each other through both of our best friends, who are actually still together as well. Not long after we first met at the winery we began talking to each other and we started dating in 2015. We have been together for 7 years now.
Tell us about the proposal ..
The proposal was certainly one to remember. In October 2020 Patrick and I bought our first home together. On the day we were meant to be moving in all our belongings I remember Patty wanting to pick up some takeaway coffees on our way to the house. I was confused as we didn’t have any belongings with us and couldn’t work out what he wanted us at the house for. We arrived at our new home and Pat opened the door and walked me to the empty kitchen and handed me this gift (which did not even look like a ring box by the way). I opened it up and while doing so at the same time he dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Of course I said YES! and burst into happy tears!
The Dress! Tell us about your experience finding the dress .. How did you decide on the one?
Well very surprisingly it did not take me long at all to decide on the perfect dress for me. Leading up to all the wedding plans I had so many people say that the wedding dress is always one of the hardest things to do. So, I thought to myself that I would be looking for a while. For me it was a different experience and something I am actually so glad to talk about. My wedding dress experience did not take long at all. I remember looking at one place at the start and I knew it wasn’t for me. I tried on different styles and fits but not one dress seemed to be right for me. I then came into Calèche Bridal House one day and did not look back. I took one look at my dress, fell in love with it and never changed my mind.
I’m so grateful for Calèche bridal for the most beautiful and stunning wedding dress. I felt like a real princess on my wedding day. The whole experience from when I first stepped foot in the door was an absolute dream. I found the dress of my dreams and the staff were so incredibly friendly and helpful. All the fittings and final adjustments to get the dress absolutely perfect for me was truly unreal. So, thank you to all the team at Calèche for all their hard work leading up to my big day.
Olivia is wearing the Fifi gown with detachable organza bow, Trixie.
Accessories! How did you accessorize your outfit?
I kept my accessories very elegant and simple as that’s what I love. I added some beautiful drop earrings from Kyha and that is all I added for the day.
Can you give us some details on your wedding location?
Our wedding location we fell in love with the moment we saw it and knew this venue would be perfect for our big day. Similar to my dress experience we didn’t look too much. I went back home to the country along with Patty to visit my parents and stay there over the weekend. On Saturday we all went for a drive in the countryside through Clare and then Auburn and not far out we visited the beautiful and stunning location of Koonowla Wines. An absolutely gorgeous spot in the Clare Valley that provided the most spectacular backdrop and views for our special day. It was the most stunning day and we were so blessed to be surrounded by so many of our family and friends.
What was your favourite moment of the day?
So many magical and memorable moments from the day. A moment that is so special to me was after the girls had helped me into my dress and my dad walked in to see me. That moment when seeing my Dad’s face the first time for that day in my dress, was so special. He was so emotionally happy and the first words that he said to me were “WOW ” and how beautiful and stunning I looked. This was so special not only for myself but for my Father too. That first hug and kiss was something I will never forget as my Dad and I have such an incredible bond, it still makes me smile talking about it today.
Another moment was early in the morning – all the bridesmaids and my mother having breakfast and chatting whilst singing and dancing, getting all done up for the day. I suppose this was when I was the most relaxed and not too many nerves had kicked in then. Lastly when I arrived in the car, getting out and going into the house at Koonowla with all the girls and my dad and mum was something I will not forget. Those nerves yet excited feelings that run through you as you’re about to step foot outside, and walk the aisle, with everyone looking at you as you walk down. I enjoyed this moment walking with my Father. It was so special and to get to the end and see Patty with the biggest smile and tears was so beautiful.
Hens Day! If you had one, please tell us all about it!
YES I did have one and it was the most amazing day ever! So much fun with all my family and closest friends. I was so spoiled on this day from my amazing bridesmaids that organized the day. I got picked up from my house not knowing anything we were doing and I didn’t know where I was heading that day. We arrived at Henley beach at Melt and wow, what an entrance. It was all set up privately in Amalfi coast style theme for the day. We enjoyed sitting around with lots of drinks, pizzas of course, and lot’s of photos. After we had eaten we got on a mini bus and again I didn’t know where I was going. We arrived at the Sailing club and set sail on a catamaran. It was the best day and I loved every moment of it.
Lastly, is there any advice or words of wisdom you have for future brides?
It may sound very much the same advice as you have already heard but – with every step of the way planning the wedding try to stay calm throughout the process, and have moments to yourself to relax and not stress too much. The most important advice I can give is to make sure you give time to yourself on the wedding day. To take in everything and remember how lucky you are to be getting married, and doing so with all your family and friends in support of you. This day goes by very quickly so take time if you can to yourself to reflect on those beautiful moments.
Details
Photographer/Videographer: Matthew Dwyer Studio; Location: Koonowla Wines, Auburn SA; Bridesmaids outfits: Shona Joy; Flowers: Daisy Lane Flowers; Makeup: Nicola Burgess Makeup Artist; Hair: Hair Artistry By Kirri; Tans: Goldie Studio; Bride’s earrings: KYHA Studios; Bridesmaids earrings: Jolie & Deen; Cake: Make it yours Cakes and Cupcakes; Caterer: Watervale General Store; Stationary: Oak and Ivory; Event hiring: Auburn Event Hire; Band: B-Sharps.
