There\u2019s lots to love about the earthy beach wedding of photographer and graphic designer Emma Hill and hubby Joe Strangio. Starting with the proposal.<\/p>\n
Six years after they met and another five before they said I do, Emma, now 36, defied convention by proposing to Joe, 45, in a handwritten message on her midriff that read, \u201cWill you marry us?\u201d\u2026 the ‘us’ referring to Emma and her then five-year-old son Dylan.<\/p>\n
Evidently, he said yes!<\/p>\n
With creativity coursing through her veins, Emma revelled in designing much of the summer event. She chose a natural yet sophisticated black, ivory and grey colour palette, and designed and sourced the stationery, bridal party outfits, and even the ceremony at McCrae Foreshore on Victoria\u2019s Mornington Peninsula.<\/p>\n
Exchanging vows under two giant balloons, one of the more poignant moments of the day was when 16-year-old Dylan stood before 100 guests to read the words of a song written about Emma and Joe by his late musician aunty – Emma’s sister.<\/p>\n
Music continued as a strong theme throughout the celebrations, with the couple\u2019s good friends and up-and-coming artists performing acoustic tunes during the nuptials, and Dylan again making his mum and new step-dad proud singing a song just for them at the cocktail reception \u201cthat left barely a dry eye in the house,\u201d smiles Emma.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen for our bridal waltz,” she adds, “we started off with a beautiful melody by Adele, then broke into \u2018Gangnam Style\u2019 with the bridal party, much to the surprise of our guests.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great intro to a night filled with dancing and loads of laughs.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Emma’s son Dylan was one of Joe’s groomsmen, wearing a light grey suit, white shirt and black bow tie from Roger David.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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“I just LOVED my gown!” gushes Emma of her d’Italia<\/a> silk taffeta wedding dress. “An awesome experience.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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Melbourne artists Jessica Fairley and Alison Ainsworth, who have recently started touring with Kate Ceberano as back-up singers, sang for the couple during their beach wedding ceremony. “They are both very talented young artists,” says Emma.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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A laid back cocktail reception for 100 guests was held a McCrae Pavillion, Emma injecting more of her creativity into handmade items such as the jam jar favours (jam made by Joe’s mum), kids’ corner and a DIY photobooth.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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The self-designed lolly buffet was “the biggest and most beautiful, taste tantalising array of treats I have ever seen!” laughs Emma.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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