Some venues have a reputation for being beautiful. Then there are venues that make you feel something the moment you walk through the door.
Stones of the Yarra Valley is definitely the second kind.
When Kimberly and Raphael first visited the venue, they hadn’t even started picturing their wedding day in detail yet. But the second Kimberly stepped into the chapel, everything changed.
“The first time I stepped into the chapel I started crying, it had such a special, spiritual feeling and I knew this is where I wanted to be united as a couple in front of our loved ones.”
From that moment on, the vision for their day was clear: Elegant, intimate, and pared back.
A celebration that felt thoughtful rather than overdone, surrounded by the rolling vineyards and greenery that make Stones of the Yarra Valley such an iconic place to get married.
Ghost Booth Events
Winton Dress
How Kimberly & Raphael Met
Like a lot of modern love stories, Kim and Raph’s began with a bit of chance and a little persistence.
“We met at a bar in the city (Garden State) just as Covid lockdowns were easing. Raphs friend told them that there was a girl that he just had to see. Raph offered to buy me a drink but I declined.”
At that point most people would probably have given up.
Raphael didn’t.
“Raph and his friends then decided to leave and ordered an Uber. As he sat in the Uber he changed his mind, he got up out of the car to give it another crack. And the rest is history.”
Safe to say that decision worked out pretty well. Good choice Raph!
A Thoughtfully Minimalistic Wedding at Stones of the Yarra Valley
One thing Kim was very clear about when planning the wedding was keeping the styling intentional and minimal.
“Elegant, intimate, and pared back. Stones is just gorgeous the way it is, so I simply wanted to highlight the greenery and freshness of the venue and season by choosing Callalilies and hydrangeas – lots of greens and whites.”
The approach worked beautifully with the natural character of the venue. The stone chapel, the gardens, and the vineyard views already carry so much atmosphere that a lighter touch with styling lets the setting shine.
“I love that we look like us, just elevated.”
A Ceremony in the Stones Chapel
A deeply personal moment conducted by Kim’s best friend, Jess.
Ceremonies at Stones always feel special, but Kimberly and Raphael’s had an extra layer of meaning.
They made the decision to keep things incredibly personal, including having Kimberly’s best friend officiate the ceremony.
“Getting married by my best friend Jess in the chapel was by far the most special and memorable moment.”
Jess had never officiated a wedding before, which made the moment even more meaningful.
“It exceeded all of our hopes and was an appreciated surprise for our guests. We didn’t do any rehearsals, and a lot of the service and vows were kept as a surprise, it was also Jess’ first attempt at being a celebrant and she was just amazing!”
Another deeply intentional choice was Kimberly walking down the aisle alone.
“It was very important to me to walk down the aisle in the church alone as that space next to me was saved for my late father.”
Moments like that are a quiet reminder that weddings are about much more than the styling or the schedule.
They’re about the meaning behind every choice.
Wedding Portraits at Stones of the Yarra Valley
After the ceremony we stepped outside for portraits around the grounds, taking advantage of the beautiful gardens and stone architecture that make this venue so iconic.
Kim later said something about the photos that I absolutely loved:
“I love that we look like us, just elevated.”
That’s always the goal.
Not to make couples look like someone else, but simply the best version of themselves.
She also shared how the experience felt on the day.
“She was very easy to work with during the day and gave gentle but confident direction. We had to adjust plans and pivot on the spot a few times as you do on a wedding day but she took it in stride.”
Those little pivots are normal on wedding days. The key is just rolling with it and keeping the energy relaxed.
We had to adjust plans and pivot on the spot a few times as you do on a wedding day but she took it in stride.”
A Greek Wedding Reception
If there’s one thing Kimberly and Raphael’s reception had plenty of, it was energy.
With 150 guests and a live band, the dance floor came alive very quickly.
“We had a Greek wedding which needed a Greek entrance song and lots of handkerchief twirling!”
Live music only amplified the atmosphere and of course, encouraged the traditional Greek dancing.
“We also had a live band which heightened the energy.”
The night was full of laughter, dancing, and the kind of celebration that only happens when two big families and groups of friends come together.
They’re about the meaning behind every choice.
A Surprise Outfit Change That Turned Out Perfect
Kim hadn’t planned on changing dresses during the reception, but weddings have a way of throwing a few surprises your way.
“I wasn’t really planning on changing into a second dress, but when the bustle of my train broke I had to do a quick outfit change into a back up dress and it ended up working really well!”
Sometimes those unexpected moments end up being the best decisions of the night.
“It allowed me to dance and eat freely for the rest of the night.”
Choosing the Right Wedding Vendors
Kimberly was very thoughtful about the team she surrounded herself with on the day, and she had some lovely words about that experience.
“I knew Emma was the photographer for us very early on. I loved her previous wedding at Stones and her soft editorial style of shooting. Her communication was just spot on from day one, she earned our full trust.”
She also shared a few other vendors that stood out to her.
“Emma of course, is way up there in our best decisions made.
My Winton dress from Kyha also made me feel like a princess and looked gorgeous in every angle.
Our wedding cake from The Cake Club was just as delicious as it was gorgeous and got lots of compliments.”
Kimberly’s Advice for Couples Planning Their Wedding
When asked what advice she would give other couples planning their wedding, Kim didn’t hesitate.
“Pick vendors you can trust, then leave all the nitty gritty in their very capable hands and move on.”
And just as importantly:
“Choose the items you want to omit so you can focus on your most important priorities. A wedding isn’t about cramming every single trend into one day.”
Honestly, that’s some of the best advice out there!
Final Thoughts from the Bride
When I asked Kim what part of the day she would relive if she could, her answer was simple:
“Honestly all of it, they really aren’t lying when they say it all goes by so fast. Such a special day surrounded by all of our loved ones and memories we will cherish forever.”
And that really sums up the entire day.
Elegant, heartfelt, and completely centred on the people who mattered most.
Vendor Team
Photographer
Emma Hawkins Photography
Venue
Stones of the Yarra Valley
Florist
Blooms by Cecilia
Dress
KYHA Bride
Makeup
Makeup by MNQE (Makeup by Monique)
Entertainment
Antonis Bouzouki
Signage
Ghost Booth Events
Cake
The Cake Club
Content Creator
Ginger Films
Gear and Details
- Digital Camera & Lenses: Sony A7RIV & Sony A7RIII, 35mm G Master, 24-70 mm G Master (Sony lenses), 85mm Art (Sigma) & 20mm Sigma (for wide dancefloor shots!)
- Film cameras & Lenses: Olympus OM2 & G. Zuiko 50mm f1.4, Olympus MJU II
- Flash: Godox V860III & Godox AD100Pro
- Coverage: 11 hours, two photographers
Planning a Wedding at Stones of the Yarra Valley? I’d Love to Photograph It.
Let’s bring your Italian wedding dreams to life in Melbourne.
Whether it’s editorial portraits in the Parlour or golden hour cocktails in the courtyard, I’m here to capture your love story the way it felt.
Ready to explore dates or see sample timelines?
Click here to get in touch or let’s book a time to chat.
With love,
Emma x
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