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Summer Dream in Melbourne’s Wine Country
There’s something about January in Victoria that can only be described as cinematic — harsh sun bouncing off heritage stone, heatwaves bending distant gum trees, the scent of eucalyptus thick in the air. But for Sally and Sam, the golden haze of the Yarra Valley set the stage for a wedding that felt more like a sun-drenched indie film than a formal celebration.
Held at Coombe Yarra Valley, the day unfolded within the walls of a venue that felt ripped from the hills of Tuscany. Textures of weathered stone, aged timber, and olive-toned gardens gave the space a rich, timeless patina, styled to perfection, yet never overdone. The Italianate gardens, walled and whimsical, held the late-afternoon ceremony in warm embrace.
Guests gathered under a scorching summer sun, fans in hand, champagne already flowing, the groom’s suit losing its crispness by the second. But it didn’t matter, everyone was in it, drenched in love and sunscreen.
Sally and Sam, both Melbourne-born but now living in London after years working in Hong Kong, brought an international crowd with them. Flights were taken, Airbnbs were booked, and old friendships were rekindled in the name of celebrating these two. It felt like a reunion tour with the main act finally getting married.
Their ceremony was short and sweet, loaded with knowing smiles and barely-holding-it-together parents. But the real party began after the sun dipped below the valley ridges.
Inside Coombe’s reception space, the mood flipped, fairy-lit, high-ceilinged, the kind of romantic cavern where wine is bottomless and everyone looks incredible in low light. Speeches walked the tightrope between sincere and ridiculous, just the way they should. Tears were followed by roars of laughter, toasts came fast and frequent, and Sam’s groomsmen pulled off a choreographed dance so tight it could’ve aired on ‘Top of the Pops.’
The dance floor? Utter chaos. In the best way. Picture a sea of arms in the air, sequins, barefoot guests, and sweat-soaked shirts. The DJ knew the assignment: ’90s bangers, early 2000s throwbacks, a dash of ABBA. By the time the clock hit midnight, the walls of Coombe were echoing with a euphoric chorus of singalongs and espresso martinis were being poured like water.
As far as weddings go, this one was a heart-thumper. Stylish but grounded. Elegant but full of unfiltered energy. Sally and Sam gave their guests a reason to fly across the globe and they returned the favour by throwing a wedding that felt like a warm summer film you never want to end.
"Nathan was so discreet and respectful on the day, we felt totally at ease just being ourselves. You can feel that relaxed vibe in the film, it’s warm, real, and so us." - Sally & Sam
