Fortuna Villa Wedding:

Jimmy + Pippa

 

Pip came to me back in May 2017 through Facebook (Gosh I love my social media community!) and the minute she said her and Jim owned the Belmont Hotel I knew their wedding would be so fun!

We went back and forth with dates, until they locked down 20th January 2018. Little did we know it would be the hottest day that summer!

The ceremony was moved indoors due to the 43 degree day scheduled, and with all air conditioners on full-boar, it was still such an amazing day!

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First I headed over to Jimmy at their family home in Quarry Hill where he was getting ready with his mates, and his Mum and Dad.

And after taking some pics of these good looking lads, I headed up the road (literally, in the same street!) to see Pip and her Bridesmaids at her Mum’s house.

Pip and Jim have a beautiful baby boy named Ted too, and he was having a good old snooze when I arrived. Perfectly timed for his Mumma to get dressed and focus on her.
Despite the heat, everyone was so chilled out.
You could tell what a tight, lovely bunch of people Pip had chosen to spend her wedding day with her.

Once everyone was ready, it was time to head to the stunning Fortuna Villa for the ceremony.

Jimmy waited patiently as the temperature increased by the minute. And then we saw everyone’s faces light up.
It was because beautiful baby Teddy was driving down the aisle in his new Mercedes car he’d gotten for christmas!
Pip’s brother behind him with the remote control to ensure a safe and smooth entry into his Mum and Dad’s wedding!

It was such a highlight!

But, Pip was not out-staged. She walked in on her Dad’s arm looking so beautiful and radiant. While everyone else was sweating it up, Pip looked like she’d hardly broken a sweat. No easy feat!

The ceremony was lovely.
At one point I had tears running down my cheeks (Not sure if it was the sunscreen sweating into my eyes or actual emotions, ha!)

And as the ceremony ended, and the newlyweds walked back up the aisle, they were greeted by their other baby.
Their fur baby, that is.
Looking so gorgeous in her floral collar!

Once we had taken the family photos, it was off to wander around the historic grounds of Fortuna, to find some perfect places to capture some love!

Between the stained glass windows, the spiral staircase, the roman baths and the secret tunnels under Bendigo.. we had plenty to choose from!

Pip and Jim and their whole bridal party were such troopers, especially the boys in their full suits! It was the hottest I have ever been in my life.
Making sure we stayed hydrated was a must, so once we finished up with some quick photos at Fortuna, we all headed to The Belmont Hotel where the reception was being held.

These guys went to SO much effort to transform their pub into a beautiful wedding venue. With florals dripping everywhere, to even changing the name of the pub for the night to ‘Phillipa and James’ on the signage outside.
No detail was spared.
And the avid foodies, made sure they had the most beautiful, fresh eats on offer.

As the night cooled down, all the doors were opened and everyone had a ball.
It was so nice to see Pip + Jim surrounded by their loved ones, all whom clearly care about them so so much.

Guys, it was such an amazing day!
Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of it all – It was so nice reminiscing while writing this!!

Big Love, Leah
~ xoxo ~

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Wedding Vendors:

Photography: Me! (Click here to see other rad weddings)
Ceremony venue: Fortuna Villa Bendigo
Reception Venue: The Belmont Hotel
Dress: Made with Love
Millinery/Head Piece: Angie Jackman
Suits: Roger David
Makeup: Jack Cail
Hair: Luxe Hair Lounge
Floral Bouquets and Puppy’s Flower Collar – The Eternal Vase
Styling and fresh florals – Style by Ashleigh K
Cake tower: Chef Clark
Celebrant: Anita Dickins
Band: Toli Wanefalea
Signs: Mark Weragoda Signs
Arbor: Handmade by Jim’s Dad, Kev (Onya, Kev!!)
Videography: Paper Lion Co
Personalised beer glasses: The Chef’s Hat