Rhys Haag and Simone Kelly met at university, and several years later, their friendship was sealed with a kiss at Mount Buller. Any opportunity for romance was short-lived however, when the pair headed off on separate overseas adventures; Rhys’ professional snowboarding career saw him follow the winters, while Simone travelled the world in pursuit of surf and snow during a series of amazing work assignments
In a modern love story, their paths crossed five years later with help from the internet, and Rhys presented Simone with an antique engagement ring during a holiday in Utah. The couple married on Phillip Island in a gorgeous cliff top chapel overlooking the ocean.
Simone wore a Paris-designed gown made from a delicate French lace with vintage trim detailing and a pleated silk chiffon train. “It encapsulated everything I wanted –beautifully crafted yet simple, a bit sexy, and also relevant to the beach location and vintage theme,” she said.
Carrying a simple yet elegant bouquet arranged by Melbourne florist Fleur McHarg, a rose gold cuff and oversized hoop earrings specifically requested by Rhys completed Simone’s exquisite look. “Fleur went above and beyond; she jumped in the car and hand-delivered the bouquets to Phillip Island to make sure they looked beautiful – and they did,” Simone said.
Award-winning boutique caterer Ed Dixon Food Design supplied the delicious food for both the celebratory dinner and a recovery breakfast the following day. “Dinner was a ‘gourmet posh BBQ’, said Simone. “All our guests just raved about it!” The Beatles’ classic ‘All You Need Is Love’ filled the air as the newlyweds said their goodbyes beneath the light of a full moon. Earlier in the night, during his speech, Rhys said: “a wise person once said that if you have to invite your best friend to your wedding, you are marrying the wrong girl”.
Gown: Caroline Seikaly | Photographer: Goldsmith & Co | Ceremony location: Trenavin Chapel | Reception Venue: Sunset Hill available through Ed Dixon Food Design | Reception Caterer: Ed Dixon Food Design | Shoes: Versace from net-a-porter.com | Bridal accessories: Lara Bohinc Rose gold cuff from Grace | Wedding rings: Georg Jensen | Groom’s attire: Ralph Lauren, Zegna | Ceremony flowers, bouquets, wreaths: Fleur | Celebrant: John Murphy | Stationery: Blackbird Letterpress | Hair & Make up: Trudy Joyce | Cake: Addicted to Cake | Music: Top Dog Entertainment | Gift Registry: My Wedding Registry | First Night: Glen Isla House | Honeymoon: Nihiwatu Resort, Sumba, Indonesia | Additional suppliers: Kristen Hyder – stylist. Scott Round – signage. Event Company – The Greatest Show On Earth.
