Some weddings will just stay with you long after the 'i do's' and the editing has been completed... I have a feeling I will long remember the journey of Arryann + Johann and the tremendous team effort it took for them to finally have their celebration... just not the way it was originally planned.

At the beginning of this year, our friends at The Island Wedding Collective - (a curation of vendors based on Phillip Island) - asked us to be part of their amazing giveaway, gifting one lucky couple the chance to live out their wedding day fantasy... the wilder and more bolder the better. After what we all lived through in 2020, we were after the opportunity to give back and do something a bit out of the box from the normal 'wedding'. This was going to be epic.

Arryann and Johann met at Flinders Street tram stop several years prior - she was standing there after being told there was no more trams for the night when along came Johann. They locked eyes and smiled at each other. This was it. They never left each others side again. Johann cancelled his return trip to Germany, taking a leap of faith to stay in Australia alongside Arryann and he wouldn't have done it without having a brave heart.

From this, it makes perfect sense when Arryann + Johann pitched their story and theme concept - a Braveheart inspired union, exchanging vows on a clifftop in the heart of Phillip Island, followed by a clear roof marquee reception styled to the absolute max surrounded by 20 of their closest allies - well, imaginations went running.

Then came Lockdown 5.0. That old chess-nut.

With restrictions in place for private residence gatherings, the initial plans were forced to be changed. Fortunately The Shearing Shed jumped to the rescue to host the celebration, with a total transformation of the barn for the ceremony.

Then came Lockdown 6.0. Holy Moly. The day before Arryann + Johann's wedding - it was announced Victoria was going into a snap lockdown that night at 8PM. Styling had commenced, guests had began to arrive on the island. Marriage paperwork was well underway.

In the space of about 3 hours, a miracle occurred. Entrusting in their incredible vendors (including yours truly who had thankfully arrived at Phillip Island a day prior) - the impossible was made possible and by 7PM that night, Arryann + Johann were exchanging vows. Only a handful of their family and friends were able to be there (some of which had bolted down the highway from Melbourne arriving only moments before cut off) - zoom parties were held all around the world as friends looked on from afar to witness this amazing celebration.

Whilst their wedding was different to what was first planned - Arryann + Johann pulled it off with grace, laughter and a whole lot of love alongside some real remarkable humans in the wedding industry making it all happen at a moments notice.

Congrats and well done to the amazing team that brought their A game at a moments notice:

Imagery: Claire Davie
Collective: The Island Wedding Collective
Concept/Styling/Hire: Over the Top Events
Venue: The Shearing Shed
Celebrant: Lisa Anne Celebrant
Music: The Times Duo
Bouquet: Morrie and Maisie
Cake: Elaines Cakes
Hair: Shima Salon
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Suit: YSG Tailors
Rings: Seahorse Boutique