Some couples leave things to chance.
Claire is not one of those people.
Before we even talk about the architecture, the styling, or the dance floor that stayed packed all night, we need to talk about the fact that Claire hired not one, but THREE different Etsy witches to cast a very specific weather spell for her wedding day.
The brief? No rain. Partly sunny. Somewhere between 22 and 27 degrees.
And quite surprisingly, it worked.
Claire and John’s wedding unfolded exactly as planned in the relaxed way that only happens when you’ve thought things through and then trusted the people around you to do their thing.
Getting Ready: Thoughtful, Calm, and Very Claire
The morning started quietly, with Claire getting ready surrounded by calm energy and a clear plan. From the very beginning, it was obvious that every choice had been made with intention.
Claire put it perfectly when she reflected later:
“Everything was important to me and I poured over details in the months leading up to the day. I wanted everything to run smoothly and to even be able to enjoy the day whilst knowing I had professionals in my corner at every turn.”
That mindset shaped the whole experience.
There was no rushing, no second-guessing, just space to actually enjoy what was happening.
Georgia Young Couture
A Church Ceremony That Felt Like the Heart of the Day
Claire and John were married at St Joan of Arc, and the ceremony was exactly what they pictured it to be.
For Claire, this moment stood out above everything else:
“Walking down the aisle to John and saying our vows was absolutely a highlight which in the end is why we were all there, and I know I will cherish that feeling for the rest of our lives.”
It was grounding in the best way.
A reminder that no matter how beautiful the styling or how good the weather spell may have been, this is the reason everyone gathered.
Why Quat Quatta Was the One
After the ceremony, everyone moved to Quat Quatta in Ripponlea, a venue Claire and John chose very deliberately.
Claire summed it up simply:
“The architecture, greenery and absolute professionalism of their team.”
Quat Quatta’s Victorian architecture, paired with lush gardens, became the foundation for the entire aesthetic.
Which, for Claire who works in property, was very important.
“The Victorian architecture was why we chose Quat Quatta, paired seamlessly with manicured gardens and lush greenery, so all design elements were chosen to complement the incredible back drop that the venue offered.”
Modern Styling, Bold Choices, and Personal Details
While the venue set the tone, the styling brought Claire and John’s personality into the space.
“In contrast to the period setting, we wanted a modern aesthetic with soft and romantic florals, as well as some other more bold choices such as our black and white monogram projected on the wall.”
Their stationery, designed by Event Wanderer Co., tied everything together beautifully:
“Our stationary was created by the fabulous Tania Hall… who used a sketch of our venue on our invitations and a heritage frame that ran throughout the menus and place cards, tying the venue in with the decor perfectly.”
It was thoughtful, simple and elegant.
Portraits That Felt Natural, Not Forced
One of the biggest things Claire noticed when she received her photos was how real everything felt.
“All the photos are truly incredible, and we haven’t even seen the final gallery yet. The main take away for me is that we just look really happy and very in love, which we were.”
And this is exactly how she described envisioning her photos. Before the wedding when Daniel and I had a pre-wedding planning call with Claire and John, Claire described her ideal photos as candid and in the moment, showing the couple looking their best but enjoying their day.
“Emma and Daniel were also amazing at making us feel comfortable and like we were somehow professional models enjoying a shoot which amped up vibes and resulted in some epic shots!”
She also mentioned how helpful it was having a team that already knew the venue inside and out:
“Using photographers and videographers who knew the venue was a plus as well, as they came up with angles I hadn’t necessarily seen before or thought of myself.”
That familiarity meant Claire and John didn’t have to think about where to stand or what to do, they could just be together and let us handle the plan of attack for their portrait session!
Claire’s Take on Working With Emma & Daniel: A Very Kind Review (Thank You, Claire!)
Claire’s journey to choosing her photo/video team came full circle.
“Emma’s photography was one of the first I had seen when I started looking at photographers for the day… I had found her organically through work she had done at our venue, Quat Quatta.”
After being reminded again by Daniel Turner Weddings — who she already trusted after he was the photographer at her maid of honours wedding — everything clicked:
“After a quick phone chat and a solid recommendation from a trusted professional, Emma was at the top of the list and booked immediately alongside Daniel.”
I do remember this initial phone call with Claire, it was only three days before my own wedding and I remember hanging up thinking I probably sounded manic – I’m sure she now relates after being at the pointy end of the process herself now!
On the day, Claire said:
“Emma and Daniel were so great on the day, we absolutely loved hanging out with them both. Their vibe was exceptional, the professionalism, knowledge and genuine care made all the difference.”
And the feedback didn’t stop there:
“Our guests are continuing to comment on how great they were too which is amazing to hear. 10/10 would recommend, no notes.”
Truly, no notes is the highest praise.
A Reception That Delivered on Every Front
The reception at Quat Quatta was exactly what Claire and John hoped for: fun, relaxed, and full of energy.
“The entire day went so well and each element from the church ceremony to the many moments at Quat Quatta were so memorable for us and our guests.”
The dance floor? Non-stop.
“Fortunately, our dance floor was pumping for every song which was exactly what we wanted.”
And yes, Aperol Spritz made an appearance, whether it was on theme or not:
“Aperol Spritz which was my husbands choice and therefore not on the colour theme but alas, people seemed to like them and I did in fact have one myself…”
Just one Claire?
A Favourite Detail: Live Fashion Illustration
One of the most talked-about details of the night was the live fashion illustrator.
“We booked Eugeine Zhang who beautifully hand sketched guests at the reception on the day, capturing everyone’s outfits in a unique spin on bonbonniere for guests to take home and a memento.”
A detail that felt personal, unexpected, and completely unforgettable.
Final Thoughts (and Some Very Solid Advice for Future Brides)
When asked what she’d tell couples currently planning their wedding, Claire didn’t hesitate:
“Hire people who know what they are doing and trust them to do it. Book people early, like, as soon as you know your date.”
And if she could do one part over again?
”Seriously all of it. The ceremony was short, sweet and heart felt and our entire reception was so much fun. I’d love to attend the entire day again – although as a guest… it was 10/10!”
Honestly, it’s hard to argue with that. Especially when the weather spell worked.
Vendor Team
This day came together with an incredible team:
• Photographer: Emma Hawkins Photography
• Venue: Quat Quatta
• Ceremony: St Joan of Arc
• Stationery: Event Wanderer Co.
• Videography: Daniel Turner Weddings
• Makeup: CASSANDRA RENEE MakeupArtistry
• Florist: Pash Flowers
• Styling and on the day co-ordination: Confetti Society
• Saxophone: Getmaxonsax
• Hair: Leah Hanson
• Dress: Georgia Young Couture
•Entertainment: Hey Jack and Keidan Morley Music
•Fashion Illustration: Eugiene Zhang
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, one photographer, one videographer
Planning a Quat Quatta Wedding? 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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