Some love stories take a little longer to unfold.
For Shilpa and Patrick, it started with a dating app, but it was years of phone calls, video chats and long-distance love that built the foundation for everything that followed.
Patrick was living in the UK while Shilpa was in Australia when the Covid pandemic changed the world. Instead of letting the distance end their story before it began, they spent years getting to know each other from opposite sides of the globe.
When they were finally able to meet in person in 2023, everything just clicked.
A year later, Patrick moved to Australia, and in June 2025, during a quiet sunrise walk overlooking Melbourne from the Wurundjeri Spur Trail in Kew, he proposed.
Their wedding at Boat O’Craigo in the Yarra Valley was the perfect reflection of that journey: elegant, heartfelt, and centred around bringing two families, two cultures, and two countries together.
Why Boat O’Craigo Was the Perfect Yarra Valley Wedding Venue
When you’re welcoming guests from all over the world, choosing the right venue becomes about so much more than beautiful views.
Shilpa and Patrick wanted somewhere that would introduce their international guests to one of Victoria’s most beautiful regions while still feeling warm and relaxed.
“We chose Boat O’Craigo because we wanted our international guests to experience the beauty of an Australian vineyard, and the Yarra Valley felt like the perfect setting.”
From the moment they first visited, they knew they’d found it.
“We loved that it wasn’t overly commercialised and had a warm, family-friendly feel that immediately put us at ease.”
With vineyards stretching towards Mt Riddell, beautiful autumn colours beginning to settle across the landscape, and one of the Yarra Valley’s newest wedding venues looking absolutely spectacular, it couldn’t have been a better setting.
What stood out even more than the scenery was the team behind it.
“The exceptional staff… were welcoming, genuine, and passionate about helping us create a memorable day, which made our decision an easy one.”
A Wedding That Brought Two Cultures Together
One of my favourite things about this wedding was how naturally every part of the day reflected who Shilpa and Patrick are.
Nothing felt like it had been included simply because tradition expected it.
Instead, every choice felt intentional.
“We wanted our wedding to feel timeless, elegant, and warm, with a relaxed atmosphere where our family and friends could celebrate together.”
Their rich autumn colour palette of greens, ivory and gold complemented the vineyard beautifully, while Indian and Western Christian traditions were thoughtfully woven throughout the celebration.
“A big part of the day was bringing together our Indian and Western Christian traditions in a way that felt authentic to us.”
As someone photographing the day, it was incredibly special to witness both families embracing each other’s traditions with so much warmth and enthusiasm.
A Boat O’Craigo Wedding Ceremony Surrounded by Vineyards
Standing at the ceremony overlooking the vineyards, it was impossible not to appreciate just how peaceful Boat O’Craigo feels.
Family and friends had travelled from across Australia and overseas to be there.
After years of distance, flights, time zones and FaceTime calls, this was finally the moment everything had been leading towards.
“The most important thing for us was creating a day that felt authentic to who we are and brought together our families, friends, cultures, and faith.”
You could genuinely feel that throughout the entire day.
Autumn Portraits Around Boat O’Craigo
One of the biggest highlights for me was heading out for portraits while the autumn colours were putting on an incredible show.
Boat O’Craigo is already stunning, but in autumn it becomes something else entirely.
Shilpa already knew exactly which photographs would become her favourites.
“One of our favourite photo moments was taking portraits in front of the venue surrounded by the beautiful autumn leaves.”
“We also love the photos taken amongst the vineyards and especially the ones overlooking Mt Riddell.”
It was such a dream to photograph.
The combination of golden leaves, rows of vines and the mountain backdrop gave us endless opportunities to create images that felt timeless without ever feeling overly posed.
Reading what Shilpa wrote about her gallery genuinely meant so much.
“Emma’s editorial style is something we absolutely loved. Her photos are crisp, timeless, and beautifully composed.”
“Together, these photos reflect everything we envisioned for our wedding. An elegant autumn celebration in a beautiful vineyard setting, surrounded by the people we love.”
A Reception Full of Surprises
Just when everyone thought the reception couldn’t get any better, Patrick completely surprised Shilpa.
Without warning, he stood up and performed So High by The Hoosiers before seamlessly moving into a Hindi song.
“Seeing him embrace both of our cultures in such a personal way meant so much to me.”
By the time he finished, every guest was on their feet.
“He received a standing ovation from the entire room.”
It was one of those moments nobody saw coming, and one that everyone will remember.
Then, somehow, the surprises continued.
A Donald Trump impersonator made a completely unexpected appearance during the reception.
“It was completely unexpected and brought so much laughter and energy to the reception.”
Safe to say, it’s not something you see at every wedding.
Two Incredible Bridal Looks
One thing I absolutely loved was seeing Shilpa celebrate different parts of her heritage through her outfits.
“My favourite outfit moments were definitely my custom-designed saree by DB Ceylon and my beautiful gold reception outfit created by Rajashree Bridal Studio.”
Seeing so many guests also embrace Indian attire made the celebration feel even more vibrant.
“It added so much colour, warmth, and joy to the day.”
Looking Back on Their Wedding Photos
When I asked Shilpa about her wedding photos, one thing really stood out to me and that was about what the photographs mean to them now.
“What we love most about our wedding photos is how beautifully they tell the story of the day.”
“Emma captured not only the big moments, but also the little details and candid interactions that we might have otherwise missed.”
That’s always exactly what I’m hoping couples will feel when they receive their gallery.
Wedding photographs shouldn’t just remind you what your day looked like.
They should remind you exactly how it felt.
Enquire about your Boat O’Craigo Wedding Today
Click Here to Instantly Receive my Pricing Guide & Availability
Shilpa’s Advice for Future Couples Planning Their Wedding
If there was one piece of advice Shilpa wanted every engaged couple to hear, it was this.
“Take moments to pause, look around, and soak it all in.”
“Seeing all your favourite people together in one place is incredibly special.”
“Trust the plans you’ve made, be present, and enjoy every moment.”
It’s such simple advice, but after photographing so many weddings, I couldn’t agree more.
Tim from Together in Time Films created a beautiful wedding video for Shilpa and Patrick that perfectly captured their day, watch the highlights shared above.
A Day They Wouldn’t Change
When I asked whether they’d do anything differently, the answer was immediate.
“We’re incredibly happy with how everything came together and wouldn’t change a thing.”
And when I asked which part they’d relive?
“It would definitely have to be marrying Patrick and having all of our family and friends together again.”
After everything it took for these two to finally end up in the same country, surrounded by the people they love most, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting ending to their story.
Enquire about your Boat O’Craigo Wedding Today
Click Here to Instantly Receive my Pricing Guide & Availability
Enquire about your Boat O’Craigo Wedding Today
Click Here to Instantly Receive my Pricing Guide & Availability
Wedding Vendor Dream Team
- Photographer: Emma Hawkins Photography
- Venue: Boat O’Craigo Weddings
- Videographer: Together in Time Films
- Florist: Asfleur
- DJ & MC: Tom Monagle Entertainment
- Hair Stylist: Andrea Takagi Hair
- Make Up Artist: Livia Samudera
- Bridal Nails: New Creation Nails
- Reception Lehenga: Rajashree Bridal Studio
- Ceremony Saree: DB Ceylon
- Saree Styling & Blouse: Seda Silk
- Live Music: Jakeyy Music
- Wedding Cake: Simply Cakes Melbourne
- Entertainment: Ben Price Comedy (Donald Trump Impersonator)
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: Canon EOS 1V & Canon 50mm f1.4, Olympus MJU II
- Film stocks: Mr Negative Same Same but Different & Fuji 400
- Flash: Godox V860III, Godox AD100Pro, Godox iT32
- Drone: DJI Mini 5 Pro
- Coverage: 8 hours, one photographer, one videographer
Planning a Boat O’Craigo Wedding? I’d Love to Photograph It.
Boat O’Craigo is one of the Yarra Valley’s most beautiful wedding venues, offering stunning vineyard views, golden autumn colours, and the perfect backdrop for timeless wedding photographs.
If you’re planning your own celebration here, I’d love to help capture every moment in a way that feels authentic to you.
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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