Maria + Ryan by Margot Stewart Photography

We wanted the natural beauty and European charm of Montsalvat to set the tone

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re Maria and Ryan. Maria works as a nurse, and I work for the government. Outside of work, one of the biggest parts of our lives is our church, which gives us an opportunity to serve and connect with others. We both really value helping people, and it’s something that flows through not just our jobs, but our everyday lives. Whether it’s through work, faith, or time with family and friends, we love being able to support and care for others. That shared outlook has shaped our relationship and the way we see our future together.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We actually met on a dating app and hit it off straight away. From our very first conversation, it just felt easy and natural, like we had known each other much longer than we had. When we met in person, that feeling only grew stronger. There was an instant connection and comfort between us. What started as a simple swipe quickly turned into something so much more meaningful. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how quickly everything fell into place, but we both knew early on that this was the start of something special.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

Our vision for the wedding was for it to feel relaxed and genuine. We wanted the natural beauty and European charm of Montsalvat to set the tone, so we kept the details simple. In the end, the style reflected who we are as a couple – simple, joyful, and focused on what matters most.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

For us, the styling that worked best was already built into the venue itself. Montsalvat has such a strong European charm, with its stone buildings and beautiful gardens, that we really didn’t need to add much more. The setting created the exact atmosphere we were hoping for, it felt like it could have been somewhere overseas, which made the whole day feel unique and memorable.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

What we enjoyed most about the planning process was seeing all the pieces slowly come together. One tip we’d share with other couples is not to underestimate how long everything takes to plan, even a small wedding. The details add up quickly, and giving yourself more time than you think you’ll need makes the whole process so much easier.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

We feel really lucky with the people who helped make our day so special. Brooke, our celebrant, was incredible – not only on the day itself but in all the lead-up as well. She kept us organised, calm, and made sure everything flowed smoothly, which took so much pressure off us. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better person to guide us through such an important moment. Margot, our photographer, was another standout. She captured the day beautifully without ever feeling intrusive, and the photos are something we’ll treasure forever.

Steph, who has been Maria’s friend for over 20 years, also deserves a mention for her gorgeous flowers. They were not only stunning on the day but were so special to us. Together, all of them made the experience unforgettable.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Maria’s engagement ring is really special to us. It has five diamonds, each one representing something meaningful: God at the centre of our lives, the two of us, and the children we hope to have together. It’s not just a piece of jewellery, but a reminder of the foundation our relationship is built on and the family we’re creating. My wedding band is simple and classic, which felt right for me, but together the rings carry so much meaning to us.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

The one thing we were happy to spend more on was the venue – Montsalvat. From the first time we visited, we felt transported; it reminded us so much of being in Europe with its historic buildings, cobblestone paths, and stunning gardens. We loved that the venue itself has so much character, which meant we didn’t have to add much more to make the day feel special. It created the perfect backdrop for both the ceremony and the photos, and was worth it.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

Our favourite part of the wedding was the ceremony, especially the moment our marriage celebrant asked us to pause and look around at our family and friends. Standing there together, we could really feel the love and support surrounding us.

Seeing all the people who mean the most to us gathered in one place was so special, and it gave us a chance to take everything in.

We will also never forget taking our sunset photos. After the nerves and excitement of the ceremony, it was such a special way to finish the day.