February 27, 2021

By Julie Butt, Marriage Celebrant

On the last balmy day of summer, beneath two ancient riverside trees and framed by the surrounding hills, Riley and Penny were married with their closest family and friends surrounding them in the high country of Victoria at Dargo. It was simply magical.

Penny and the entire bridal party arrived on the back of a vintage ute while Riley stood waiting on a grassy riverbank. When Penny wound her way through the trees on her dad’s arm to join Riley, she was radiant.

Seated on simple wooden bench seats were the people that mattered most to Riley and Penny. Amongst them were their grandparents who had celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary that month!! It was such a great celebration. The family and friends gave a resounding ‘We Do’ when asked to love and support them in their marriage in the years ahead.

Penny and Riley’s love story was familiar to me as I had personally known them for many years, sharing this sweet love story which included Riley’s incredibly romantic proposal made the guests visibly teary eyed.

They exchanged their vows and wedding rings and finally sealed their marriage with an unforgettable first kiss as husband and wife.

Marrying Penny and Riley was wonderful as I have known them both since they were young teenagers; they are both so easy to love. Following their riverside wedding ceremony, guests celebrated into the night at the historic and atmospheric Dargo Hotel.

I loved being their celebrant and as I drove the winding road back down the mountain I reflected on their happiness and joy and how much promise there was in their future together. I was still smiling the next day.

Celebrant: Julie Butt

Photographer: Elly Jade Photography

Venue: Dargo High Plains – Lind River Bridge Dargo – Dargo Hotel

Florals: Made with love by their family

Decorating: With love by their family