VOGUE // REAL BRIDE WEDDING: The Private Estate Wedding of Sophie and Sam
classic hollywood meets estate elegance
Sophie’s love story with Sam began on their first day at law school and blossomed during trips to his hometown in picturesque Scone, located in the Upper Hunter Valley. Since “falling in love with Scone coincided with falling in love with Sam”, there was never any doubt that the couple would return home to marry on the family property. Sophie conceived of a timeless and classic event, with the spectacular views of the rolling hills of Sam’s family estate providing a verdant background for the marquee reception.
We loved creating the couture gown for Sophie’s wedding, which was featured in Vogue.
Hybrook provided a breathtaking backdrop for the reception
“We wanted our wedding to feel like a destination wedding, where people escaped the city for a country weekend getaway. ”
The couple got married on the family property
A Showstopping gown
The fourth-great-grandaughter of David Jones, Sophie wanted an Australian made and designed wedding dress. “My dream dress was from Moira Hughes,” says Sophie who “needed a designer that understood my classic Hollywood brief.”
Our signature seaming gives Sophie a sculpted silhouette
After falling in love with the Bianca dress with its elegant strapless silhouette and crinoline hem, the Moira Hughes team helped Sophie to create two signature looks for her day.
For a showstopping look at the ceremony, the mikado silk dress featured a grand bow flowing into a dramatic train. The bow was removed for the black-tie reception for a simpler look that revealed the signature ‘Moira Hughes’ sculpted skirt beneath.
“I wanted a dress with a grand bow and the Bianca dress did not disappoint”
Handcrafting memories
Sophie and Sam curated highly personal touches throughout the wedding. From a handbuilt eight-meter long bar, to a gorgeously commissioned watercolour map sent as invitations, no detail was overlooked in providing their guests a memorable escape from the city. These sentimental elements were an important part of Sophie’s dress as well. The team at Moira Hughes Couture worked with Sophie to include the fragile lace from her late mother’s cherished dress into her handcrafted gown, providing a way to keep her close on Sophie’s special day.
Every detail considered
“Moira knows how to create a wow-factor without compromising on fit and fabric” says Sophie on working with the team to create her couture gown. “The mikado silk was perfectly fitted to me, and the care and craftsmanship is second-to-none.”
A corset bodice with internal structure gives Sophie a perfect fit
Bringing a vision to life
Sophie worked with the Moira Hughes team to bring to life the dream dress that fit perfectly with her vision for her wedding day. “We constantly had the aisle of white roses in our minds when I worked with the team to create the gown, and I would send pictures of the garden back to the team in Sydney for inspiration.”
The aisle of white roses provided inspiration in creating the gown
“Moira caters to the modern bride. Her designs are classic with a hint of opulence”
Bride’s Little Black Book:
Photography - @Joeyandjase / @josephwillis
Videography - @edhasey / @hayseyproductions
HMUP Bride - @sarahlaidlaw
HMUP Bridesmaid - @shelleylia
Jewellery - @nicholashaywodjewellery
Groom’s Suit - @tomford
Bride’s Dress - @moriahughescouture
Stationary - @ambermadestudio
Planning & co-ordination / marquee / styling / furniture - @whitetopvenues
Catering - @TheHuntedGourmet
Flowers (staircase and table) - @kashayaco
Flowers (ceremony and bar arrangements) - @rosesonlygroup / @rosesonlynewcastle
Ceremony Venue - Vinery Stud
Reception Venue - Hybrook