Simone and Dave’s modern rustic vow renewal at Collingwood Children’s Farm

After eloping in Las Vegas three years ago, Simone and Dave realised that while their private ceremony was special, they were not quite finished celebrating.

Many couples we see who elope find themselves craving those traditional touchpoints later on, and for Simone, this meant finally sharing the wedding morning with her mum and bridesmaids. Their vow renewal at Collingwood Children’s Farm was a thoughtful pivot from their original elopement, trading the neon lights of Vegas for a warm, rustic celebration in the heart of Melbourne. The day balanced “modern luxe” with farm charm, using a palette of burgundy, sage, and white to complement the paddock’s moody hills and riverbank setting.

The couple prioritised a relaxed atmosphere where their seventy-two guests, including their dog Guinness, could feel truly at home. “We wanted a big open space, safe for kids and room for activities,” Simone says, noting that the farm delivered exactly that with its wandering animals and beautiful gardens. Despite a stressful forecast, the clouds parted for a sun-drenched ceremony followed by a gentle sun shower as they walked back down the aisle. The celebration then moved to the barn for a shared-plate banquet of roast meats and farm-to-table canapés. “Food was a massive factor for us,” Simone explains. “The shared plate menu was right up our alley because our biggest bugbear at other weddings was never being fed enough”.

The success of the day came down to a team of suppliers who understood the couple’s desire to stay present rather than disappearing for hours of posing. Anastasia from Urban Antidote transformed the barn with incredible ceiling florals, while MapleShoots captured the day through a candid lens. “Rachel was so patient and kind,” Simone shares. “We told her we wanted as little photo posing as possible and she nailed it”. After searching for the right fit, Simone found her perfect look at The Sposa Group, opting for a gown with sheer lace and pleated detailing. From the acoustic “Bridgerton vibes” during cocktail hour to the late-night dancing, the day was a seamless blend of everything they missed the first time around. Looking back, Simone is certain the second celebration was worth the wait: “It was genuinely the best day of my life, and I honestly wouldn’t change a single thing.”

"It was genuinely the best day of my life, and I honestly wouldn’t change a single thing."

Simone

This beautiful celebration was captured by MapleShoots.