I just can’t get enough of Sophie & Luca’s wedding at Bendooley Estate. Listed as one of my all-time favourite wedding venues in my Bendooley Estate Venue Guide in the Southern Highlands, it’s just a venue that offers so much!

In our chat together, Sophie & Luca share their wedding inspirations, favourite vendors and wedding planning planning journey. So what happens when two engineers meet at work, fall in love and decide to get married? Clearly one epic wedding and a story to tell!

How did you find the wedding planning process and where did you get your wedding inspirations from?

We ended up doing most of the wedding planning in two big lots. First of course was the venue, closely followed by booking some of the key vendors like florist, videographer and photographer. Started looking for my dress. Then about 6 months out we did the rest: hair and makeup, music, celebrant, and Luca and the boys' suits. Bridesmaid dresses were last as Shelby was only going to give birth 3 months before the wedding.

I got a lot of inspo from Instagram, some from Pinterest. I also loved the suggested vendor lists from other vendors - they were a big help when I was starting my search from scratch. That's how we found Tim from Above Below Visuals! He was recommended our photographer, and they ended up being a phenomenal duo. I can’t even explain how well these two work together! We had a lot of comments from family and friends and even our bridal party how fun, yet comfortable and confident they were to be around.

What were some of your favourite wedding details and why you chose them?

I didn't want to go overboard with the flowers, but I did have a vision of big colours. Something that was a little more unexpected in the combination. Mel at The Flower Wonderer was amazing to work with. We went back and forth with ideas, and once the palettes and theme was locked in I left in her hands and she really delivered. The flowers really became such a vivid element throughout my memories of the day.

What's some of the key stand out moments you will cherish forever?

Walking out to Luca at the ceremony. The emotions were intense for both of us. The music from Oberon Lane. The surrounds were so vibrant: the lush green of the gardens, our colourfully dressed friends and family, and our flowers. The Bendooley gardens are just stunning - by the lake, under the big trees. It was magic.

What were your thoughts when you watched your wedding film for the first time?

We loved the films!! We loved how much we got to see of the day and our guests that we didn't get to see on the day. The highlight film was the perfect vibe and really captured us and the day well. You absolutely exceeded all expectations. You helped us feel so relaxed but also directed us where we needed it. None of the filming ended up feeling unnatural or like a chore to get through. Then the end result of the films was just fabulous!

Let’s chat about your vendors, how did they all do?

They were all amazing! All so wonderful in their own way, and I would recommend them all. Tim and Matt (photographer) made the whole filming/photographing procedure so fun, relaxed and easy. Luca and I were very worried we would be too awkward and unnatural but clearly from the photos and videos, we look amazing! Mel (The Flower Wonderer) did an insane job with the flowers. Bendooley Estate are like a well oiled machine of magic. Incredible grounds, amazing food, amazing people.

What would you say to couples who are on the fence about booking a videographer for their wedding?

We think it has to be done. As everyone always says, the day goes so quick! Why risk not seeing or remembering enough of it? The wedding photographs are always going to be more focused on the bride and groom, and those photos of yourselves are typically going to be the ones you look at most. But the wedding film captures more of the vibe of the day which is largely due to your family and friends. Also, so much effort goes into a wedding day - make sure you book a videographer to make it last forever.

Vendors:

Photographer: Matt Ashton Photography
Celebrant: Lynda Leith
Venue: Bendooley Estate
Florist: The Flower Wonderer
Make Up and Hair Stylist: Airlie & Co
Dress Designer: Milla Nova from Luv Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Sophia Webster
Bridesmaids Dress: Bec and Bridge
Groom and Groomsman Suit: Bentex Suits
Musician: Oberon Lane
Cake: Applemire Cakery
Fairy Lights: Event Pro Shop Bowral

KIND WORDS

‘Tim was amazing! So relaxed and confident, made everything a breeze. The films we then received were magic. Absolutely loved them. His shown our personality and love to a level we didn’t even know was possible. Highly recommend choosing Tim.'