It was an all-day party with lots of dancing for James Fennessy and Ella Murray, who threw a fun-filled ceremony and dinner reception at The Convent Daylesford. Refurbished from a 19th century mansion once known as 'Blarney Castle', it is also one of the top 10 wedding venues in Australia.
"We didn't really have a theme, but we were going with something colourful, light-hearted and a little bit rustic," Ella revealed. "The Convent was artistic, vibrant and fun, everything we could want under one roof including a penthouse."
The couple held their solemnisation in the historic chapel, decorated with wild flowers and foliage in a blue and purple palette by Arnie from Flowers in a Vase Woodend. They turned the restaurant into a rustic wonderland of recycled glass bottles, wooden blocks, bunting made from jute, hanging wooden hearts and a wooden wall of framed photos.
Ella was understatedly beautiful in a white beaded Mori Lee dress while James suited up in white and navy from Hugo Boss. Exchanging their vows and sealing it with a kiss, the blissful couple was all smiles surrounded by family and friends, intricately captured by Sayher Heffernan.
The newlyweds then danced out of the chapel and into the reception, setting the mood for a joyous dinner party. "All of the dancing was one of my favourite highlights," Ella shared. "We also attended dancing lessons and practiced for our first dance, so it was a bit special."
