Some couples spend months chasing trends. Others focus on creating a day that feels completely like them.
For Peta and Jake, the priority was simple:
“Our biggest priority for the day was to just have lots of fun!” Peta told me afterwards.
And honestly, that decision shaped every part of their wedding day.
From a private Yarra Valley venue (Big Fella Cherries/The Shed) where guests could settle in for the entire celebration, to woodfired pizza by Southies, limoncello spritzes, an incredible grazing table (thanks to Peta’s Aunties hard work!) and a dance floor that didn’t stop all night, everything about their wedding felt relaxed, welcoming and completely authentic to who they are as a couple.
A Private Yarra Valley Wedding Venue That Felt Like One Big Celebration
When it came to choosing a venue, Big Fella Cherries ticked every box for Peta & Jake.
“We loved how private it was and that we could do the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception all at the one property. We wanted to create a fun but relaxed atmosphere that lasted the entire day and our venue made that easy.”
Rather than moving guests between multiple locations, everyone could settle in, relax and enjoy the day together.
The natural beauty of the property did most of the heavy lifting too.
“We also wanted to highlight the natural beauty of the venue, so we tried to keep everything very fresh and bright feeling for the day.”
the post-ceremony confetti toss
The Quiet Moments Together During Couple Portraits
One thing that surprised Peta most wasn’t a particular event or unexpected moment.
It was how relaxed they felt.
“I was surprised by how relaxed we were. Everything felt exactly right for us.”
Like so many couples, they expected the day to fly by. What they didn’t expect was how much they would enjoy stepping away together for portraits.
“I was also surprised at how much fun we had during our couple photos. We look back and talk about how nice it was to have those quiet moments together.”
Those little pockets of calm often become some of the most treasured parts of a wedding day. A chance to pause, breathe, and actually take in what is happening.
We look back and talk about how nice it was to have those quiet moments together.”
Enquire About Your Yarra Valley Wedding Today
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The Photos They’ll Treasure Forever
When I asked Peta what she loved most about her wedding photos, her answer perfectly summed up what I hope every couple feels when they receive their gallery.
“We love that they perfectly capture how the day felt.”
She continued:
“We especially love how Emma was able to capture the smallest of moments and turn them into an amazing photo.”
Some of their favourite images were the drone photographs on the jetty and their champagne spray portraits, but it was the candid moments woven throughout the gallery that brought the whole story of the day back to life.
A Dance Floor Fuelled By Limoncello Spritz… and a Late Night Macca’s Run
As the sun set, the party kicked into full swing.
Guests sipped limoncello spritzes, devoured woodfired pizza and packed the dance floor from the very first song.
The song that got everyone moving?
“Without Me” by Eminem.
An iconic choice.
When I asked Peta if there was one part of the day she’d relive, her answer was simple.
“So hard to pick, but that freshly married feeling on the dance floor is pretty hard to beat.”
Now I think if I’d asked Jake which part of the reception he’d relive, he’d probably say the sneaky late-night Macca’s delivery that kept everyone dancing late into the night!
Peta’s Advice For Future Couples
If there’s one takeaway from Peta and Jake’s wedding, it’s this:
“It is your day so make it exactly what you want. The best weddings are those that feel authentic to the couple.”
Their wedding wasn’t about following a formula.
It was about creating a day that felt relaxed, welcoming and full of joy.
And judging by the smiles on every face, they absolutely nailed it.
Enquire About Your Yarra Valley Wedding Today
Click Here to Instantly Receive my Pricing Guide & Availability
Their Wedding Day Dream Team
Photographer & Content Creation: Emma Hawkins Photography Makeup: Skye Mazalin Celebrant: Daniel Harrison Hair: Glam Theory Studios Catering: Southies Woodfire Pizza Florist: Little Gem Florist Wedding Planner: Darcy – Easy WeddingsGear 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
- Drone: DJI Mini 5 Pro
- Coverage: 8 hours, one photographer, one content creator
Planning a Big Fella Cherries Wedding? I’d Love to Photograph It.
Let’s bring your Yarra Valley wedding dreams to life.
Whether it’s editorial portraits post-ceremony or dancing at golden hour with vineyards in the distance, 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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