Jess and Michael met at a friend’s house when they were just 14 years old. “I guess you could say it went from there; he asked me out after that in the way that teenagers do – it was very cute,” Jess said. 

Years later the childhood sweethearts were enjoying a trip of a lifetime through Europe. As they watched a majestic sunset together from the balcony of their hotel on the Amalfi Coast, Michael got down on one knee and asked Jess to be his wife. “He did say a speech while down on one knee yet I was in such shock with tears streaming down my face, I couldn’t tell you what he said to this day,” Jess reminisced. 

Fast forward to a glorious autumn day earlier this year. There was both laughter and tears as Jess departed from home to marry her handsome groom in the European-style gardens at Ripponlea Lea Estate where family and friends had gathered under white market umbrellas. 

Dressed in a stunning 1920’s inspired gown, the blonde-haired bride looked the picture of Hollywood style glamour. Jess was with a girlfriend when she found her gown. “When I saw her tears, I knew it was special and suited the art-deco look that I adore so much.” 

Accompanied by four gorgeous bridesmaids including her best friends and sister, Jess wore her grandmothers’ precious ring for ‘something borrowed and blue’. 

All she could think about was maintaining her composure for the ceremony, but the moment she saw Michael, dressed in a classic black suit, the tears flowed freely. ”After our vows we sneaked off for some Champagne and quiet time to take it all in and enjoy our rare and incredible moment.” 

Melbourne’s stunning Ripponlea Lea Estate designed in 1868 in the Lombardic Romanesque style, proved a perfect fit for the ceremony and reception afterwards, given the couple’s love of all things art deco. 

Decorated with stunning flowers from talented Melbourne florist, Fleur, its impressive 19th century architecture and incredible Hollywood style interior provided a gorgeous backdrop for their wedding photographs. 

Gown: Jenny Packham from Le Louvre | Photographer, Videography and Music: The White Tree | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Rippon Lea Estate available through Peter Rowland | Reception Decorations, Flowers and Floral Decorations: Fleur | Groom’s attire: Hugo Boss | Bridesmaids’ Outfits: Willow | Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Witchery | Hair: Nylon Hair | First Night: The Hatton Hotel | Honeymoon: Palm Cove, Eastern Europe