Phil + Sarah - The Epicurean Emu Bottom

Let's talk about The Dress - a Khya masterpiece that Sarah was born to wear. It was a bold statement and she certainly pulled it off. Like the rest of their wedding, it felt preordained. Their venue - the oldest homestead in Victoria - also felt right. As Sarah explained, "Phil being from a Greek family we were pretty much sold the moment they said food was served family style and no one would go home hungry! But we did also fall in love with the relaxed vibe, the gardens and gum trees, the rustic charm of the homestead itself and the easy-going and kind staff."

Captured by Scott Horsburgh it was perfect in so many ways (their first dance being The Zorba with all the entire wedding party included). Check it out below.

How did you and Phil meet? We met whilst we were both briefly living in Cairns for work - we only had a crossover of a few weeks, but between camping trips in Cape York and boat trips out on the reef, we became good friends very quickly.

Phil then moved back to Perth and me to Brisbane and so we agreed to meet up again for some island hopping with friends in Thailand and we’ve pretty much been inseparable ever since!

The venue: Emu Bottom Homestead, Sunbury VIC - Phil being from a Greek family we were pretty much sold the moment they said food was served family style and no one would go home hungry! But we did also fall in love with the relaxed vibe, the gardens and gum trees, the rustic charm of the homestead itself and the easy-going and kind staff.

The vibe: Playful but meaningful / heartfelt but a hell of a party: we are both very silly people who love a proper party and so we wanted to embrace that whilst also ensuring we didn’t minimise the significance of the commitment that we were there to celebrate.

Best wedding planning resource? When you get married you acquire a huge amount of very specific knowledge that you, likely, will never need again, so people (complete strangers included) seemed delighted to be able to share their recommendations, so we’d say word of mouth was probably how we gathered most information!

Hit (or near) miss: My big reveal (of my very big dress) almost being ruined by the automatic door on the minivan opening at exactly the time as a bus full of guests started disembarking directly in front. Only saved by Phil’s quick thinking sister who threw herself and her baby’s blanket in front of the door!

Best thing you did? We didn’t get fixated on wedding traditions - from bridesmaids in Ganni leopard print outfits to a first dance of the Zorba with the entire wedding party, we did the day our way and it was perfect.

Rapid Fire Questions

Wedding save?

Our incredible stationery and signage designed by Phil’s insanely talented cousin!

First look?

No.

Best thing you ate or drank on the day?

The risotto and the limoncello spritzes!

Aisle song?

"8 Circle", by Bon Iver.

Party starter track?

"Freed From Desire", by Gala.

Ceremony or reception (which won)?

Ceremony - our celebrant created a wonderful story of us, and getting to say our own vows to each other in front of everyone we love in the world was pretty special (although the speeches by our family and friends at the reception were an absolute highlight as well!).

On-budget or over-budget?

Loosely within a loose budget.

Honeymoon destination?

Hiking in Patagonia (followed by cocktails in Mexico… all about balance)

CREDITS: Photos Scott Horsburgh // Video Axel Tuohy // Venue and catering Epicurean Emu Bottom // Celebrant Married by Meghan // Florist Raven and the Rose // Bridal gown Chosen by Kyha // Bride's shoes Alaia // Accessories Sarah and Sebastian, Mayol and Simone Rocha // Bridesmaid dresses Ganni // Grooms suit and ties The Bespoke Corner Tailor // Groomsmen suits InStitchu // Rings Cushla Whiting // Hair and makeup Tonic // PJs/Robes Sleeper and Mommy // Furniture hire Celebrate Event Hire // Music The White Tree