Sharnie & Matt

Sharnie and Matt celebrated their nuptials at The Pier Geelong on a stunning Winter’s Day in July. Mother Nature was on their side with a clear, crisp day and guests were welcomed to the venue out over the water following a gorgeous ceremony at the Sacred Heart College Chapel, Geelong.

Of how they met, Sharnie tells “We meet at Edge (a venue in Geelong) many years ago through mutual friends and we often ran into each other at different events. But it wasn’t until several years ago that we ran into each other again, out in Geelong one night, that we began chatting and then organised to go out for dinner a few days later.”

Matt proposed to Sharnie at their home, on Mother’s Day and Sharnie described the proposal as “unexpected, but totally perfect”

When deciding on their wedding venue, Sharnie and Matt knew that they both wanted to get married in their hometown of Geelong, and set out to find their perfect venue. Deciding on a Winter wedding, their main desire was finding a venue that was warm and inviting for their guests, but still beautiful and breathtaking. After visiting a few other venues with no success, Sharnie and Matt described their initial feeling about the venue. As soon as we walked into The Pier Geelong both Matt and I looked at each other and said this is it! It just felt right as soon as we walked in. The huge glass windows and the views are amazing. We knew that at night on a cold winters night it would look stunning.”

With the venue decided upon, the couple moved on to theming and styling, calling on the creative mind of stylist Laura Wills of Wanderlust Creative. Sharnie knew the elements she wanted incorporated into the wedding styling – elements of copper and blooms in berry hues – both perfect for a Winter wedding. “Laura is a wedding stylist/planner extraordinaire. I can’t even express how amazing Laura is. I just really said to her that I would like copper, berry hues and lots of candles to create a moody setting. I let Laura work her magic and create whatever she envisaged,” tells Sharnie. Laura teamed up with local florist Daisy, from As Daisy Does and together they created a reception beyond words. Both Matt and Sharnie were blown away; speechless at what the creatives had designed and brought to life. “Laura and Daisy created everything and more that we wanted”.

On finding the right photographer, Sharnie explains what was important to her and Matt “It was important that we used trusted and reputable suppliers and vendors for our wedding, so I spent a lot of time researching, looking and talking to different photographers. Photos are something you don’t want to get wrong. You can’t go back if you don’t get them right. So I felt it was important to take the time to find the right photographer for us. Elisha Lindsay is an amazing photographer and I had seen a lot of Elisha’s work before we were even engaged and loved it”. Sharnie and Matt met Elisha at a wedding expo at The Pier Geelong and immediately felt comfortable and relaxed with her and after discussing her style, felt there was no better person to photograph their day.

The handsome Groom and his groomsmen were dressed by Peter Jackson and the beautiful bridesmaids wore dresses by Shona Joy. Sharnie’s stunning bridal gown was a custom made piece by One Day Bridal, featuring a low back design, sheer sleeves and was paired with the ‘billowiest’ of veils. Bright blooms complemented the gown and the darker hue of the bridesmaid’s dresses.

Guests were treated to canapes on arrival at the reception and a gourmet 2 course meal, followed by the couple’s wedding cake and a gourmet dessert board – all accompanied by Australian wines and Italian Prosecco. Sharnie and Matt decided on a candy buffet as their bonbonniere – steering away from the traditional bonbonniere after seeing so many left on tables at other weddings they had attended. It turned out to be a hit, with many of the jars empty when Sharnie decided to treat herself!

Festoon lighting twinkled on The Terrace and guests danced the night away to music by sensational local band Trojan. The couple has the following advice for those planning a wedding: “Use trusted and well known suppliers then you can’t go wrong”. Sharnie is quick to point out the golden rule: Be organised! “I can’t emphasize this enough”, she tells, “Do whatever you can well in advance to make things run as smoothly as possible, which avoids any unnecessary stress. No matter how little it may be, just do it whenever you think of it and have a spare minute. Just when you think you are on top of everything, something else will pop up”. Above all, the couple recommend pausing to enjoy the night and to appreciate the day/night you have created.

“Relax, breathe and enjoy every moment” says Sharnie, “Take the time to sit quietly at the reception and just look around and take it all in. The day/night is over before you know it”.

Congratulations once again Sharnie & Matt from all of the team at The Pier Geelong. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day. We wish you all the very best for a future full of love and happiness.

Vendor Role Call:

Ceremony: Sacred Heart College Chapel, Geelong

Reception Venue: The Pier Geelong

Stylist: Laura Wills – Wanderlust Creative

Photographer: Elisha Lindsay Photography

Caterer: The Pier Geelong

Cake: Bell’s Cakes for all Occasions

Flowers: As Daisy Does

Props: All custom made

Music: Trojan

Brides Gown: One Day Bridal

Bride Shoes: Tony Bianco