Linda + Julian’s Italian-Inspired Wedding | Redleaf Wollombi, Hunter Valley | Anemotion Photography
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When you’re lucky enough to stand at the top of the aisle with couples like Jules + Linda at Redleaf Wollombi, you get a front-row seat to something pretty special. Their wedding was the perfect mix of fun and feels—the ceremony was ceremony filled with laughter, leg pops, and even a ring-bearing dog named Bonnie. It was equal parts stylish and sentimental, relaxed and romantic—just like them. Here’s a little peek into their day and the ceremony that told their story their way.
Marriage, But Make It Modern
Gone are the days of “two becoming one.”
These days, most couples don’t see marriage as losing themselves in each other, but as two whole humans teaming up —supporting one another as they chase both their individual dreams and their shared ones.
And I bloody love that.
That’s why, when I write a ceremony, I don’t just talk about the couple as a unit—I take time to celebrate who they are as individuals, and what makes them absolute magic together.
It’s kind of ironic when you think about it…
Out of everyone at the wedding, I’m often the one who’s known them the least amount of time.
But that’s one of my superpowers—asking the right questions, listening, reading between the lines, and describing them in a way that feels real, heartfelt, and with a sprinkle of my signature Irish humour on top. ☘️
Here’s a little snippet from Linda + Julian’s ceremony that shows how I do just that…
Nothing seems to ruffle Jules’ feathers- you can always count on him for reliability and stability. If patience were an Olympic sport, Jules would take home the gold, silver, and bronze – that’s how good he is at keeping his cool. Jules is like a walking checklist of all things awesome – he’s hard-working, humble, kind and loyalty is his middle name. His emotional radar is spot on. He is always there with a kind and caring word for anyone that needs it. He’s a one-of-a-kind gem, leaving everyone around him utterly charmed and constantly cared for. And he makes a mean chilli mussel linguini.
Linda is a dynamo wrapped in a charming package. With her caring and compassionate heart, she can turn a tough day into a soft landing – and while she has an incredibly nurturing side, she is also a force to be reckoned with. Linda is a strong, independent woman who stands up for what she believes in. She is the embodiment of grit and determination. Passion flows through her veins like a double shot of espresso– she is unstoppable and infectious. Linda is the kind of person who adds that spicy sprinkle to life’s conversations. Adventure is practically her middle name; she doesn’t just dip her toes in the pool of life – she dives headfirst into the deep end, ready for whatever wild currents come her way. Thankfully Jules has taught her how to swim!
Linda and Julian’s wedding was a perfect reflection of this modern love dynamic—where they celebrated their own identities while also embracing the beautiful synergy they share.
Shots, Shavasana, or Both? at Redleaf Wollombi
I try not to stereotype, but this job has shown me a pattern for my hetero couples… 👀
When I offer a pre-ceremony meditation 🧘♀️ and a cheeky shot of whiskey 🥃 to my couples, it’s usually the bride who says “yes please” to the calm, and the groom who’s all in for the whiskey.
But not always.
Linda wanted the shot.
Julian meditated with his groomsmen.
And honestly, after getting to know them, it made perfect sense.
There’s no one-size-fits-all in my ceremonies. Whether it’s whiskey all ‘round, meditation for everyone, or none of the above – it’s completely up to you.
(Note: I’ll always be having a shot of whiskey 😏)
Forget the Arbour—Say Hello to the Couple’s Nest, Perfect for Redleaf Wollombi
When you see Ash from Film & Foliage on the run sheet, you know the florals are going to be something special. 🌿💐✨
Ash was one of the first in the Hunter to really popularise the couple’s nest—a lush, grounded floral arrangement that wraps around the couple like a big ol’ botanical hug. 🤗🌸 It’s whimsical, romantic, and just that little bit different.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a classic arbour (they’re timeless for a reason!) but it’s always good to know you’ve got options. Whether you’re into soft and sculptural, bold and dramatic, or anything in between, your ceremony space can be a reflection of you. And flowers are one of the best ways to bring that to life. 🌺💫
These blooms were next-level and added so much to the Wow factor of the day. Half the guests were already tearing up before the ceremony even started—just from the setup alone! 😍🌷
And just when everyone thought it couldn’t get any better at this Tuscan-inspired wedding… 🇮🇹🍋I let the guests know there’d be a limoncello spritz and My Goaty’s famous gelato waiting for them after the ceremony—if they followed me in wishing the couple a life full of love and laughter… in Italian, of course! 😄
Stunning, stylish, and delicious.
What a wedding! 💫
Tails, Tiffany Blue, and True Love
Bonnie was the ring bearer for Jules + Linda’s wedding, and honestly, she stole the show 🐾.
Dressed to impress with the rings in a Tiffany pouch tied to her collar, she ran down the aisle to greet Julian—tail wagging, ears flopping, and heart-melting everyone in sight.
Meet Bonnie: a three-year-old English Springer Spaniel with an unshakable obsession with her ball and an endless love for all things water. The mere mention of the beach sends her into a tailspin of excitement. Whether she’s frolicking in the surf or hopping into the kayak or SUP with Julian and Linda, Bonnie is their furry first mate on every adventure.
Which also explains why she was definitely eyeing up the pond during the ceremony… 👀🐶💦
She added such a warm and playful note to the day—and the moment she curled up on Linda’s dress? Pure magic.
Serving Looks at Redleaf Wollombi
Linda’s thigh-high split was giving main character energy and I was HERE for it. 🔥
Now, I usually steer clear of commenting on bodies, but I reckon Linda won’t mind me saying… she looked absolutely stunning.
That toned leg popping out? Iconic. Cinematic. Basically its own character in the love story.
There were so many jaw-dropping shots of her working that dress like she was strutting a red carpet instead of heading down the aisle.
Safe to say—this bride knew her angles and served.
Review from Linda + Julian
“Julie was the ultimate professional, mixed with a splash of humour, charm and a dash of whisky! She very patiently guided us step by step through what she needed from us to prepare a ceremony that was both entertaining as well as sincere. We were both pretty time poor in the lead up to our wedding but Julie took us by the hand and guided us through our homework providing invaluable feedback along the way, assisting with the flow of the ceremony, our personalised vows as well as the formalities. The flexibility of having both zoom meetings and an on-site rehearsal was also very convenient and accommodating.
The end result was a ceremony that that was filled with love, laughter and maybe the odd tear! The feedback from our guests was great in relation to the ceremony and the way Julie subtly guided us through until the little handcuffs were applied… Thanks so much Julie for making our day so memorable! We both highly recommend Julie for your wedding, you won’t regret it!
Thank you Julie.
– Linda + Julian
Wedding Vendors at Redleaf Wollombi, Hunter Valley
Redleaf Wollombi Wedding Venue | Anemotion Photography | Austin Mackay Music | Film & Foliage | Your Day by Chloe | Cakes by Han | Airlie + Co | Simply Seated | Grape Experience
If you enjoyed this blog and are looking for more NSW wedding inspo, check out these real couples I married at different wedding venues around the state.
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