Stefan + Alex by Tess Follett

We met through mutual friends when we were both living and working in Copenhagen. Caring about each other as friends before starting our relationship means we are friends first, husband and wife second.

We’re now both consultants in Melbourne. We love the outdoors, travelling, good food, good wine and have an unhealthy obsession with our cat. We’ve really enjoyed the new experiences that come with sharing your life with someone else: Stef has gotten to enjoy new things like the theatre and cooking, while Al is experiencing all the ups and downs of following a perenially disappointing football team.

Stefan proposed at Polperro Winery on the Mornington Peninsula where we had a beautiful picnic amongst the vines. He was very nervous but everything was perfect. It was really important that our wedding was as sustainable as possible. It was single-use plastic-free, the vast majority of food and wine was locally sourced, and we also offset the emissions for our guests to join us at the event.

Alex found dress shopping nerve-wracking. There’s still a lot of pressure out there for brides to look and feel a certain way on the big day. Alex knew she wanted something modern and by a female designer who would be able to share details on where the fabric was sourced and how it was made. She discovered Prea James on Instagram by searching the hashtag #modernbride. The ‘Cara’ gown stood out straight away. When she tried the dress on in Melbourne, her bridesmaid Ash said, “You could get married in that today”. Alex was thrilled, as she didn’t feel like she had to change anything about herself to feel beautiful. 

We got really lucky with the timing of our wedding. Having met in Denmark, being able to have friends from overseas there was really important, so we are so grateful they could join us. It’s been so lovely to reflect on those memories during lockdown. Our wedding day was also in the middle of the bushfires. The day prior was scorching hot and the day after was raining with smoke, so we were extremely lucky to get perfect weather on the day. We were genuinely surprised at how seamlessly things came together on the day. But let’s be honest, a kick-ass wedding planner doesn’t go astray either. When it comes to marriage, you’ve got to be prepared for anything. We’ve spent six of our first nine months as a married couple in lockdown and it’s made us realise how lucky we are to have each other. There’s a real sense of fulfilment when you and another person want to spend the rest of your lives together.

photographer Tess Follett / bride’s attire Prea James / groom’s attire Hugo Boss / venue La Serre, Langwarrin South / bride’s sunglasses Poms Eyewear / styling, hire & planning Georgia Harvey / flora XX Flos / ring Natalie Marie Jewellery / makeup Simone Lee Brennan / hair Teagan Cousins / fragrance Ombré Leather by Tom Ford / entertainment 6am at the Garage / celebrant Peter Nordern / marquee Stretched Events / cake The bride’s sister, Tash / bonbonniere One tree planted for each guest 15trees.com.au / shoes Gucci / bridesmaids’ daisy necklaces & bride’s daisy bracelet Georg Jensen / catering & beverages Emma and Kevin Cerquiglini and Holly from The Healthy Hunter Blog