Sunnyside Estate Wedding: Bringing a Slice of Italy to the Mornington Peninsula
“With our story beginning in the backstreets of Barcelona, Spain. And both of us sharing strong Italian heritage, it felt only natural to bring a touch of Europe to Melbourne. Expressing our love story through a refined, European-inspired lens.” – Kiara
Sunnyside Estate provided the perfect backdrop for the couple’s vision. More than simply a beautiful venue, the estate was intentionally chosen to echo the setting of Kiara and Sam’s proposal at Miramare Castle in Trieste, Italy. A breathtaking cliffside castle with an immaculately kept garden.
With its vineyard views and coastal setting, Sunnyside Estate captured the same romance that inspired them. Blending the charm of the Tuscan countryside with the beauty of southern Italy. From there, the vision naturally unfolded: to bring a slice of an Italian summer to the Mornington Peninsula.
An Italian Dinner Party Meets Old Hollywood
Kiara and Sam had a clear vision for the atmosphere they wanted to create for their Sunnyside estate wedding. Italian dinner party meets old-school Hollywood. Quiet glamour and effortless sophistication.
Working alongside Said Studio, every detail was thoughtfully curated to strike a balance between structured luxury and delicate romance. With intentional details like silver trays and soft white lace signage-elements that evoke legacy, femininity, and intimacy. The styling was designed to feel cinematic yet natural. Florals by Rose Studio complemented the vision beautifully, bringing softness and movement to the space.
Where Dessert Became the Main Event
One of the most important elements to Kiara and Sam was dessert. Inspired by their parents weddings and those of their friends in the 80’s they chose an iconic giant domed bombe alaska set alight with sparklers. Brought to life by Kiara’s bridesmaid at Pelligra Cakes, it was the perfect blend of Italian nostalgia and old Hollywood drama.
Alongside roaming tiramisu, custom Italian coffee cups, live portrait experiences, every detail was designed to evoke the feeling of a long, leisurely dinner party along the Italian coast.
Two Holly Butler Gowns for a Modern Romantic Bride
“Both of us have always loved fashion, and that naturally carried into the day,” says Kiara.
The bride’s first look, a custom gown designed by Holly Butler featured an asymmetric basque waist and soft draped detailing. Drawing inspiration from 70’s runway silhouettes with dupion fabric as the hero – feminine, but with a subtle edge.
This transitioned into a timeless full lace halter neck gown, another custom Holly Butler gown. Paired with the groom in a tailored suit with suspenders from Oscar Hunt – an unmistakable nod to old Hollywood.
Captured Through the Lens of Maegan Brown
A wedding this thoughtfully curated deserved to be documented with equal intention. Luxury wedding photographer Maegan Brown approached the celebration with an editorial eye. Documenting the quiet moments, thoughtful styling, and genuine emotion that defined Kiara and Sam’s wedding.
If you’re planning a European-inspired Sunnyside Estate Wedding and you’re drawn to timeless, editorial imagery that feels effortless and authentically you, Get in touch to begin planning your own story.
Sunnyside Estate Wedding: Bringing a Slice of Italy to the Mornington Peninsula
“With our story beginning in the backstreets of Barcelona, Spain. And both of us sharing strong Italian heritage, it felt only natural to bring a touch of Europe to Melbourne. Expressing our love story through a refined, European-inspired lens.” – Kiara
Sunnyside Estate provided the perfect backdrop for the couple’s vision. More than simply a beautiful venue, the estate was intentionally chosen to echo the setting of Kiara and Sam’s proposal at Miramare Castle in Trieste, Italy. A breathtaking cliffside castle with an immaculately kept garden.
With its vineyard views and coastal setting, Sunnyside Estate captured the same romance that inspired them. Blending the charm of the Tuscan countryside with the beauty of southern Italy. From there, the vision naturally unfolded: to bring a slice of an Italian summer to the Mornington Peninsula.
An Italian Dinner Party Meets Old Hollywood
Kiara and Sam had a clear vision for the atmosphere they wanted to create for their Sunnyside estate wedding. Italian dinner party meets old-school Hollywood. Quiet glamour and effortless sophistication.
Working alongside Said Studio, every detail was thoughtfully curated to strike a balance between structured luxury and delicate romance. With intentional details like silver trays and soft white lace signage-elements that evoke legacy, femininity, and intimacy. The styling was designed to feel cinematic yet natural. Florals by Rose Studio complemented the vision beautifully, bringing softness and movement to the space.
Where Dessert Became the Main Event
One of the most important elements to Kiara and Sam was dessert. Inspired by their parents weddings and those of their friends in the 80’s they chose an iconic giant domed bombe alaska set alight with sparklers. Brought to life by Kiara’s bridesmaid at Pelligra Cakes, it was the perfect blend of Italian nostalgia and old Hollywood drama.
Alongside roaming tiramisu, custom Italian coffee cups, live portrait experiences, every detail was designed to evoke the feeling of a long, leisurely dinner party along the Italian coast.
Two Holly Butler Gowns for a Modern Romantic Bride
“Both of us have always loved fashion, and that naturally carried into the day,” says Kiara.
The bride’s first look, a custom gown designed by Holly Butler featured an asymmetric basque waist and soft draped detailing. Drawing inspiration from 70’s runway silhouettes with dupion fabric as the hero – feminine, but with a subtle edge.
This transitioned into a timeless full lace halter neck gown, another custom Holly Butler gown. Paired with the groom in a tailored suit with suspenders from Oscar Hunt – an unmistakable nod to old Hollywood.
Captured Through the Lens of Maegan Brown
A wedding this thoughtfully curated deserved to be documented with equal intention. Luxury wedding photographer Maegan Brown approached the celebration with an editorial eye. Documenting the quiet moments, thoughtful styling, and genuine emotion that defined Kiara and Sam’s wedding.
If you’re planning a European-inspired Sunnyside Estate Wedding and you’re drawn to timeless, editorial imagery that feels effortless and authentically you, Get in touch to begin planning your own story.
