Issuu

Welcome to hitched . . . your ultimate wedding guide. We’re so excited you’re here!

A letter from the Editor

Aissa

Welcome to HITCHED!

Well, here it is . . . our very first issue! And honestly? We couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

Born from Coast Magazine, HITCHED is all about celebrating love in this wildly beautiful part of the world we’re lucky enough to call home. From rugged coastlines to dreamy country and mountain escapes, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to get hitched!

The best part of getting married these days is that there are no rules. You can go big, bold and glamorous, or low key with sandy feet, a sea breeze and your favourite people gathered close.

Because weddings today are about telling your story. The real, messy, joyful, completely unique version of it. The kind that’s filled with personality, unplanned moments, and a whole lot of heart.

Inside this issue, you’ll meet five couples who did exactly that. Arthur and Kathryn (our cover couple) traded tradition for snow-capped magic, eloping to the alpine region for a ceremony that feels straight out of Frozen. Lachlan and Stephanie got their toes sandy at their relaxed South Gippsland beach wedding – complete with their fourlegged ring bearer, Anakin, and a party that definitely didn’t end early. And Lisa and Craig? Their Māori–Scottish celebration is a reminder that love isn’t just seen – it’s felt, honoured, and in their case, permanently inked over three unforgettable days.

We’ve also filled these pages with ideas to spark your imagination –stunning native florals, beautiful locations, gorgeous gowns and even a few hen’s party games to get the party started.

So, whether you’re newly engaged, deep in planning mode, or just here for a little romantic escapism, we hope this issue inspires you to do things your way.

No rules. No pressure. Just love.

PUBLISHER Annette Spinks

EDITOR Aissa Reed

SUB EDITOR Chloe Kent

WORDS Katie Cincotta, Aissa Reed, Sally O’Neill, Taylor Hammond

PHOTOGRAPHY Warren Reed, Andrew Harrison, Genelle Bevan, Donna Lee, Kristy Visscher

DESIGN Casey Bourekas

SOCIAL MEDIA Coast Media

PRINT MANAGER Nigel Quirk

ADVERTISING MANAGER Trudy Mantell 0491 337 188 ads@hitchedmagazine.com.au

SUBMISSIONS ARE WELCOME

Love stories and photographic submissions are welcome for our 2027 issue

editorial@hitchedmagazine.com.au

Cover image - Arthur & Kathyrn by Genelle Bevan

Capturing unforgettable moments as epic as your Love.

Elisha & Dean

Elisha and Dean’s wedding was one big, joy-filled celebration - sundrenched, relaxed, and full of love. From the start, they focused on what really mattered: being present, having fun, and sharing the day with the people they love most.

Their story started back in 2008 at a local netball and football club - over dish duty, of all things - where Dean’s charm clearly did its job. Nine years later, he brought things full circle by recreating their first date before proposing. It was thoughtful, genuine, and a little bit nostalgic. Planning their wedding followed that same energy. No overthinking, no unnecessary stress - just an idea of a day that felt like them. Saltwater Phillip Island, was an easy choice for their reception: close to home, right on the water, and perfect for a laid-back celebration. Their late afternoon ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, with vows that were short, sweet, and full of meaning.

words aissa reed photos genelle bevan

One of the clever choices they made was capturing their wedding shots a few days before The Big Day. It meant no rushing around on the day - just time to laugh, mingle, and soak up the day. Their photo’s were natural, candid, and completely full of love.

With their three daughters, they headed to the clifftops of Phillip Island at sunset, creating the kind of dreamy, windswept photos you can feel. Then, they headed on to a local carnival, where the playful spontaneity took centre stage. Elisha leaned right into the fun, swapping her bridal gown for a mini dress made for movement, laughter, and a few twirls.

When the wedding day rolled around, everything just flowed. Soft, cream flowers and baby’s breath gave the space a light, effortless feel, while fairy lights added a warm, magical glow as the sun went down. It was romantic, and never overdone.

Looking back, it’s the in-between moments that stand out most - the laughter during their prewedding shoot, the chaos of nearly forgetting the cake (and somehow pulling it off last-minute), and just being surrounded by their girls and their people.

For them, marriage is simple: choosing each other, every day. And their advice? Don’t get caught up in perfection. Be present and enjoy it all!

"ALL THAT YOU ARE IS ALL THAT I’LL EVER NEED. "

ED SHEERAN

design

model lillian liberg hair & makeup bernice

location villa alba museum videography dave lepage

shehzarin batha couture photography kinship by kristy

mansfield

Arthur & Kathryn

The bride is standing on a snow-top mountain, gazing adoringly at her groom – a moment frozen in time, from Kathryn and Arthur’s poignant union on Mount Hotham. Like the iconic animation Frozen, this story too has a rocky start but a happy ending.

Kathryn often looks at the photos and video, recalling the romance of their private snow wedding – away from the crowds of a traditional ‘big day,’ where the recovery nurses drove overnight for the eight-hour trek to the glorious skyline of Australia’s highest alpine village.

“We got engaged in Leukerbad in Switzerland in the snowy Alps. Hotham was technically not our legal wedding ceremony, but our personal commitment to each other before we were legally married in Sydney with family in September 2024. It was just us and our promises, intimate and without the pressure of the big day,” she says.

It wasn’t all movie-style magic behind the scenes of their panoramic nuptials at Hotham, as she recalls the bitter effect of the wild elements.

“It was ridiculously cold in that dress! The wind just went through it,” she says.

She won the gown as part of an insurance sale, alongside five other wedding dresses, in an auction. Choosing one transformed her living room into a fashion show with family and friends, where she paraded each of the dresses, finally picking the Allure Bridals (9652) for its lace detail and comfort.

“I liked how fluffy it was as the movement made me think of snow flurries up in the Alps where we got engaged,” she says.

The effect was exquisite – a whimsical bride on a rugged mountain in early winter, the promise of spring ahead.

The wedding portrait may be perfectly curated, but the couple’s first date was anything but seamless.

words katie cincotta photos genelle bevan

“Our story started with a very awkward first date. For context, at the time I was working as a Senior Practice Nurse for a medical centre. We were hiring for a junior nurse, and Arthur applied. I missed the interview as I was sick that day. We didn’t proceed with the hire as my old co-worker decided to stay.”

The awkward part came when Kathryn matched with Arthur on Bumble, and he arrived to meet the woman who had crushed his hopes of a job.

Is this the part like Elsa using her ice powers to plunge her kingdom into an eternal winter? Kind of.

“I had to explain on the first date why we didn’t hire him. I didn’t realise who he was until we met, making it as awkward as anything.”

But as you’d expect, nurses are compassionate by nature, so the two health workers decided not to harbour hard feelings about the employment mismatch and focus instead on things that they had in common. And there were many. Gaming. Music. Nursing.

“We bonded over shared hobbies – video games, music and general geeky stuff, and our careers as we are both nurses. Arthur moved in with me eight weeks later (he was minding my cats while I was on holiday in Germany), never left, and the rest is history! We were practically inseparable as our love grew more and more.”

As a couple, they have supported each other’s passions and goals, reassuring each other through the stressful demands of being a healthcare worker. Arthur unwinds on Final Fantasy 16; Kathryn has just finished Pokopia.

“I liked how fluffy it was as the movement made me think of snow flurries up in the Alps where we got engaged.”

The effect was exquisite – a whimsical bride on a rugged mountain in early winter, the promise of spring ahead.

When it comes to watching medical shows together, they both love The Pitt, but Kathryn admits that Grey’s Anatomy gives her high blood pressure from yelling at the screen – frustrated by the inaccuracies – so that one is definitely off the watch list.

Now they have a new addition to the family, sixmonth old baby Belle, who it seems lived the hospital experience in utero, preferring the white noise of medical machines.

“We both work as recovery nurses, so the monitors beeping are our lullaby. Not kidding – the kid falls asleep to the sound of hospital call bells at home, as that’s all she heard while I was pregnant. She can sleep through alarms going off because of it.”

The couple hope to retake their wedding photos in Hotham’s gorgeous white snow when Belle is older, perhaps an occasion to renew their vows.

Kathryn has kept her dress in case her daughter would like to wear it in the future, laying the path for a second-generation snow princess to take her place on high, perched at 1,750m like a modern-day Elsa letting go of singledom, ready to forgive a rocky start, and embrace the true love that can thaw a frozen heart.

Elope to the slopes

High in Victoria’s alpine wonderland, where the wind carries a bit of magic, and the views seem to go on forever, weddings look a little different. There are no crowded ballrooms or strict timelines – just fresh mountain air, incredible scenery, and that feeling that anything could happen.

Enter the Slope Elope team. Meet Genelle from Immerse Photography, Ange and Michael from Allure Productions, Melanie from Mellyrain Creative and celebrant Shannon Jeans. This dynamic crew offers photography, videography, wedding planning and celebrant services, all tailored to you, to make your day memorable.

words aissa reed photos genelle bevan and slope elope

slopeelope.com | immersephotography.com.au

Think of them as your behind-the-scenes adventure crew – the kind of people who swap clipboards for snow boots and know the mountains like an old friend. They’re not into cookie-cutter weddings or rigid schedules. Instead, they create elopements and micro weddings that feel personal, relaxed, and a little bit wild (in the best possible way).

From the moment a couple decides to skip tradition, Slope Elope starts shaping something that feels more like an experience than an event. Sunrise vows over snow-covered peaks? Easy. Golden-hour ceremonies with sweeping alpine views? They’ve got the perfect spot. Hidden lookouts, quiet ridge lines, those blink-and-youmiss-it pockets of magic light – they know them all.

And while it all feels effortless, there’s plenty going on behind the scenes.

The team are pros when it comes to alpine logistics. They keep an eye on ever-changing weather, sort permits, coordinate vendors, and plan for all the “just in case” moments – because mountains love to keep things interesting! From snow access to perfect timing, to getting everyone safely to those remote ceremony spots – they’ve got it covered.

What couples get in return is something beautifully simple.

Their elopements focus on what really matters –an incredible location, a meaningful ceremony, and talented photographers and videographers there to capture every laugh, happy tear, and windswept moment. It’s intimate, easy, and completely centred on the two of you.

If you want to bring a few loved ones along, their micro weddings add just enough structure without losing that sense of adventure. The team handles all the moving parts, so the day still feels relaxed, natural, and full of joy.

But what really makes Slope Elope special is their energy.

They bring a sense of fun to everything – cheering you on during the hike, fixing your dress in the wind, or turning unexpected weather into something memorable. They stay calm when things get tricky and roll with whatever the mountain throws their way.

By the time the day arrives, it doesn’t feel like a big production. It feels like an adventure you get to share with your favourite person.

And somewhere between the laughter, the views, and those quiet in-between moments, you realise – it’s not just a wedding.

It’s a story you’ll be telling for the rest of your life.

Ginni gown from the Modeca Collection - available from mariasbridalstudio.com.au | inverloch

Gitte gown from the Modeca Collection - available from mariasbridalstudio.com.au | inverloch

from the Modeca Collection - available from mariasbridalstudio.com.au | inverloch

Gunilla gown

Gyda gown from the Modeca Collection - available from mariasbridalstudio.com.au | inverloch

Hekla gown from the Modeca Collection - available from mariasbridalstudio.com.au | inverloch

Grace gown from the Modeca Collection - available from mariasbridalstudio.com.au | inverloch

Ghada gown from the Modeca Collection - available from mariasbridalstudio.com.au | inverloch

Gia gown from the Modeca Collection - available from mariasbridalstudio.com.au | inverloch

Galaxy gown from the Modeca Collection - available from mariasbridalstudio.com.au | inverloch

Genesis gown from the Modeca Collection - available from mariasbridalstudio.com.au | inverloch

words aissa reed

© serdar aksoy

Hen’s party games

If you’re planning a hen’s party that delivers stories people will still be laughing about years from now, you want games that are just a little bit wrong (but so right) in the best possible way.

Start the night with Mystery Shots. No one knows what they’re drinking until it’s gone. It could be juice, champers or tabasco in a glass. Either way, the reactions alone will be worth it.

Have you tried Ex Charades, where the bride’s past dating life becomes a hilarious performance piece? Hens act out ex relationships by giving vague hints and funny interpretations – this will get the party going.

Another classic – Confession Cards. Everyone writes down an anonymous confession – something scandalous, ridiculous, or entirely fabricated for pure entertainment. The bride has to guess who wrote what, which is usually far more difficult than it sounds once the stories start rolling in.

And to finish – Truth or Dare – the Public Edition. Spin the wheel, accept your fate, and take the chaos outside. Expect dares like fake proposals to strangers, spontaneous dance routines, or loudly committing to something you’ll definitely be reminded of later.

The best hens’ moments are the ones that don’t quite go to plan – when everyone is laughing too hard to speak, and someone eventually says, “We probably shouldn’t be doing this.” That’s when you know you’ve nailed it.

Pink Paloma mocktail

This signature mocktail is the perfect combination of tart, salty and sweet. Guaranteed to start your hen’s party off on the right foot!

Cin Cin.

Ingredients:

60 mls freshly squeezed grapefruit

20 mls freshly squeezed lime

Pinch of salt

Splash of bitters

Pink sparkling grapefruit soda

Method:

Add all of the above ingredients in a coupe glass and top with pink sparkling grapefruit soda. Rim the glass with a little chilli and salt.

Need more fun & games?

Bridal Drinking Game

For example, "Take a drink whenever someone mentions the word ‘love’.”

Wedding Dress Relay

Divide guests into teams and have them race to put on and take off a wedding dress and veil.

Bridal Beer Pong

Like Champagne Pong, but with beer and red cups.

Bridal Trivia Scavenger Hunt

Guests must search for items related to the bride and groom's relationship history and answer trivia questions about them.

Celebrity Couples Game

Guests must match famous celebrity couples and their wedding dates.

photo & recipe kara williams

Avoid the FOMO: stay together for the build-up, the big day, and beyond.

Gather your bridal party and family together with exclusive use of our 1.5-acre coastal estate. Bordering picturesque farmland and a short stroll to the beach, Longboarders accommodates up to 23 guests across a modern-farmhouse style residence and three luxury cabins. Stay, get ready, take photos and unwind together in your own private bayside sanctuary.

love bites

BITE-SIZED STORIES OF LOVE

How did you meet?

MR: We met on Tinder and had our first date at a local pub, but the more we found out about each other, the more surprised we were that we hadn't met sooner. We'd been to heaps of the same gigs and had quite a few mutual friends.

MRS: Not looking for anything serious on Tinder . . . things didn't really go according to plan.

What were your first impressions of each other?

MR: On Tinder, "Cool music taste, she looks like fun". In person, "Yep, I was right!"

MRS: Honestly, confusion. His first Tinder photo was like 15 dudes squished into a spa bath. It was chaotic, but I had to know the story.

Who

fell first?

MR: Hard to say, I think we were both pretty smitten from the start, even if we didn't want to admit it.

MRS: I think we both realised we weren't doing a great job at keeping things casual when we bumped into each other at a gig. I'd just been gushing about him to a close friend, so got all awkward thinking he'd heard me talking about him. Meanwhile, he thought I got awkward because he'd busted me on a date, he then proceeded to get jealous about me being on a date with someone else. We stopped pretending we were just casual a day or so later.

If your relationship was summed up in a song, what would it be?

MR: Don't have a particular one in mind, but you can bet it'd be something you could mosh to.

MRS: I don't think there's one song that’s our song; it's more so a very large playlist of songs I associate with different memories.

What’s your funniest memory of each other?

MR: Probably the ceremony on our wedding day. It was raining, and the wind was so strong that it blew over the wedding arch on the beach, but we were both so happy, we just laughed the whole way through it.

MRS: I can't even pick just one thing. I feel like I'm constantly laughing at the silliest things with him.

What’s a challenge you’ve faced together that made you stronger?

MR: Figuring out the train system in Istanbul, delirious from jet lag, carrying 20+ kilograms of luggage on our backs and overheating in the Turkish summer. Despite a very confusing ticketing system and route to our hotel, we both kept so calm and level-headed.

MRS: Buying a house was such a stressful process, but it further showed me how supportive and calming he is. I don't think I could've done it without him.

words aissa reed photos donna lee

How have you changed since being together?

MR: I still think we're both pretty similar, but the biggest change has probably been just growing with each other and understanding the other even more deeply. I'm also probably calmer, and I stop and think about things more.

MRS: I have more acceptance towards myself because the things I used to criticise myself about are some of the things he loves about me.

Tell us about the proposal.

MR: I actually made her cry on the day! Not in a good way . . . It was a surprise, and to keep up the facade, I had to tell a few white lies, which included asking her to wear a little bit of makeup. The day I popped the question, we had an Airbnb at Barwon Heads and went for a walk at the river with our fluffy man, Anakin. I ran down the beach and, of course, he followed, I had a little piece of paper that read, "Can he be my dad forever?", I tied it to his collar, sent him back to Steph and asked her to take off that "rubbish that got stuck to his collar", got down on my knee and popped the question.

MRS: We'd talked about figuring out my ring size first, but we hadn't done that yet, so proposal wasn't on the radar. I thought we were just going for a walk along the beach until our dog ran up to me with a note popping the question.

Tell us about your wedding day.

MR: We didn't want anything too formal or traditional. All we wanted was a massive party with all of our friends, so that's what we did. We're both such water babies, so we had the ceremony on the beach in Inverloch, then had the reception at my family's property in Tarwin Lower. I spent most weekends there when I was a kid, so it was really special. Having it at our home also meant that we could do everything our way, including doing the bouquet toss with a trebuchet.

MRS: Our ceremony was at Inverloch beach, and it was so windy; we had to help hold each other’s vows so they couldn't blow away, and our rings nearly got blown away when the wind ripped open the pouch our dog/ring-bearer was carrying. All we could do was laugh, but I really liked that we had the same reaction to the weather.

What’s a dream you’re building together?

MR: We've just bought our first house together, and it's been really wonderful making that into our home. I'm just super excited to grow old and do life with her.

MRS: I know it's cliché, but I'm so excited to grow old together, and to hopefully gain some siblings for our fur-baby somewhere along the way.

Finish the sentence: “I knew I loved you when . . . “

MR: I don't know if there was a specific moment when it happened the first time, but I definitely get those "damn, I love this woman" moments almost daily.

MRS: I don't think I could pinpoint just one moment. The more time I spent with him and the more experiences we shared together, I just sort of knew.

What makes them your forever person?

MR: Not only does she let me be myself, she loves me for it and lifts me up every day. She reminds me that life is fun and brings light into my little world.

MRS: He's my safe space, someone I can laugh about anything and everything with. I don't know how to explain it, but I just can't picture my life without him.

Mr + Mrs Hodge xo

Alex & Leigh

Meeting Alex and Leigh, you know they were just meant to be. A distinct energy surrounds them, the kind you feel in the presence of absolute, authentic love.

That same energy was felt by every guest during their wedding ceremony; their celebrant never before experiencing a whole wedding party cry.

Alex and Leigh’s origins evoke imaginings of two souls setting a challenge to find each other in this life – a Venn diagram of overlapping people, places and events: destined for a long, beautiful life together.

“We’re both from the same area, and we realised we’d been at the same venue at the same time - more than once!” Leigh smiles. Alex adds, “The day we met, we ran into my brother Nick, and it turned out they’d actually worked together for about six years.”

Fittingly, it was a mutual friend inviting them on a winery tour that finally captured their attention, and within the confines of a bus, they became each other’s person.

Marriage was a confirmation of their already solid commitment – it levelled up their love. “It has a weird calming effect . . . like an acceptance,” Leigh reflects. Alex adds, “It’s a nice feeling. An assurance that someone has sworn to love you forever.”

Riding life’s rollercoaster together, most poignantly losing Leigh’s mother to cancer, Alex acknowledged, “The worst times make you appreciate each other. Love doesn’t hurt; it heals.”

“When their everything is more important than yourself – that’s love.”

Leigh believes their quirky reference best describes their love . . . the ‘Ham and Egg’ code for having each other’s backs. “When one person is feeling down, the other steps up to help out and create the space needed. To us, carrying the load means Ham and Egg.”

The desire for complete freedom to express their personalities was the reason they chose to design and plan the wedding themselves. A ceremony that celebrated not only their love for each other, but their mother, and every single member of their tribe – each guest receiving an individually designed personal note on why Alex and Leigh adored them.

Albeit overwhelming, planning the wedding together ultimately made the whole experience more enjoyable. Their saving grace was project manager Leigh’s organisational skills – every logistic detailed in a work breakdown structure, coordinated via scheduled focus meetings. Their most important advice for friends planning their big day: “Weekly meetings! Trust us – it seems to work!”

Alex and Leigh were all about the personal touches, relying heavily on their own skill and creativity, expressing their love through every detail and choice.

Success was sealed during one of their covert guestspying missions, when they witnessed their Yiayia’s subtle nod of approval to the all-important food. Alex’s face beaming with happiness at the memory, “We put our heart and soul into it, and it felt like us. True to us. Exactly what we manifested.”

Incredible photography perfectly encapsulated everyone’s mutual love, laughter and genuine comfort . . . as natural as the backdrop of their surroundings.

“It was important to us to be able to enjoy everyone’s company, and their venue, Eight Acres (Lakes Entrance) offered three days where we could all truly relax, engage, and most importantly, party freely,” Alex and Leigh both agreed.

Vows were Alex’s favourite part of the ceremony. Presenting their creative hearts and joy in the power of words, they foretold their futures in homage to their passions . . . storytelling and golf metaphors – Alex vowing to be Leigh’s “Caddy for Life.”

“Love to me is finding someone you can do all stages of life together. Someone you can just exist and breathe with. A witness to your life,” smiles Alex.

photos

Here comes the bride . . . but what about the groom?

Men’s style is getting a lot more attention in modern weddings, and it’s a great way for grooms to show off their personality. If you’re going formal, go for a welltailored suit with clean lines and a few subtle details to make it your own. For more laid-back weddings, you’re free to go your own way - think chinos, leather boots, a smart shirt . . . even some suspenders.

At the end of the day, there are no real limits. Just pick colours and fabrics that suit the season and feel like you.

Wanting to look sharp on your wedding day? Modern or traditional, Panthers Menswear have all the latest styles to create the perfect look for your wedding day.

Why do brides carry flowers?

It’s a tradition that dates back to ancient times. Greeks, Romans, and even Egyptians carried fragrant herbs and spices to ward off bad luck during weddings. These early bunches were far smaller than the bouquets we see today, but they carried deep meaning – symbolising new beginnings and bringing hopes of fertility, fidelity, and happiness.

Uniquely Australian, native flowers are making a statement at modern weddings with their bold colours and sculptural forms. Floral designer Tash from BUSH florists loves this shift. “We’re incredibly passionate about Australia’s native flora – the quality, diversity, and sustainability are at the heart of what we do. Creating native arrangements is our love song to the Australian bush.”

BUSH florists have noticed a shift over the years; couples are more relaxed, focusing on ethos over trends and opting to trust them – and nature – to provide stunning, native designs that truly reflect who they are.

Perhaps that’s why the tradition endures. Flowers represent everything a wedding embodies: beauty, emotion, and the promise of a fresh start.

words aissa reed photos supplied by bush

FROZEN MOMENTS

DESIGNER STYLE

REBEL HEARTS

The beauty of B&W

Black and white wedding photography distils a moment into its purest form – light, emotion, and depth. It tells us a story. By removing colour, it takes away distractions and invites us to see more. Composition, texture and contrast become the focus.

This simplicity is what makes black and white so powerful and timeless. While colour trends shift, black and white endures and adds a cinematic quality that just doesn’t date. A wedding captured in black and white could belong to any time, giving images a sense of nostalgia.

Light tells the story. Shadows add depth, highlights add emotion, and tones create atmosphere. Every glance and touch becomes more meaningful.

Most of all, black and white heightens emotion. Without colour, the focus is on connection – expressions, gestures, and fleeting moments. It reveals something deeper, more human.

When woven into a wedding gallery, black and white images don’t just document a day; they preserve a feeling, one that lasts long after the day has passed.

words aissa reed photos genelle bevan

words supplied photo eugene hyland

Rebel Heart

State Library Victoria's latest exhibition celebrates handwritten mementos and the messy humanness of love.

In 2009, an unsent letter was found tucked behind a painting on display in State Library Victoria's Cowen Gallery during a routine clean.

The unclaimed letter, addressed to Shi Man, is handwritten in Chinese by a young woman named XiangYa and details the heartbreak of unrequited love – a star-crossed connection she describes as spanning past lives and other dimensions.

"This story carries a sorrowful melody," XiangYa writes. "Yet still, it is a beautiful story. Have you ever wondered – perhaps I’ve been waiting for you for many years, and maybe across many lifetimes?"

The heart-rending letter is currently on display in the Library’s new exhibition, Rebel Heart: Love letters and other declarations, accompanied by a sparse, haunting and plaintive composition by musician Mindy Meng Wang.

The free exhibition is a revelatory deep dive into rebellious love throughout Australian history, charting centuries of connection and courage, resilience and romance through the Library’s archive of soul-baring letters, intimate diaries and rare manuscripts.

"It's a bit of an antidote to our current world, where we're outsourcing our most intimate expressions, including wedding vows and wedding proposals, to AI," says Rebel Heart curator Georgia Goud.

Today, AI can draft our letters, craft our texts, curate our dating profiles, and even act as a substitute for our real-life relationships. The scribbly, imperfect messages in Rebel Heart – revealing all 'the messy humanness of love' – contrast with these tidy, homogenised scripts, says Goud.

"It's an homage to the handwritten and homemade –these very personalised expressions of love might be mistake-laden, but they have an integrity to them.

"In design trends, too, there's a return to homemade and wonkiness. It's an antidote for a digital generation who, from our understanding and research, are also wary of how online everything is.

"When we're in love, we feel it physically, and when we write it down, it's a translation of that physical sensation of love."

Alongside XiangYa's letter are handwritten lyrics by Australian music icons Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter,

members of the Stolen Generations who met as teenagers sleeping rough and went on to become industry stalwarts. Their first meeting – at a Salvation Army drop-in centre in Adelaide in 1973 – was the beginning of a deep love that spanned 35 years.

Their music was a true collaboration, too; many of the couple's lyrics are love letters to family, community and each other. A new piece of music by their son Amos Roach, an award-winning musician, dancer and director in his own right, features in the exhibition as a response to his parents' legacy. The instrumental song features Amos on didjeridu and his dad's guitar, which is also on display in the exhibition.

"We can only learn so much from a letter – the creative responses offer new ways of thinking and engaging with these stories and shows how the Library's collection remains relevant," says Goud. "It's a source of creative inspiration."

The exhibition also spotlights a special piece of realia – a mourning brooch from 1853 – made of the woven hair of the ‘gentlewoman farmers’ Anne Drysdale and Caroline Newcomb, whose story inspired a beautiful music commission by ARIA-award-winning singersongwriter Angie McMahon; and the relationship between bushrangers Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt, who met in Pentridge Prison and remained together until Nesbitt died in Moonlite’s arms in a shoot-out with police.

"There's a lot of social history in these letters that tells us about the time they were written in," says Goud.

The display dives into modern expressions of the rebel heart, too, from mixtapes and DMs to AI relationships, exploring how our search for connection is evolving in today’s age of digital intimacy and algorithmic matchmaking. Declarations of love can also be seen in items collected from fandom communities, like Star Trek fanfic and Taylor Swift friendship bracelets from the Melbourne leg of the 2024 Eras Tour.

As the exhibition wall text states, the rebel heart is 'not bound by what is convenient, realistic or expected'. It refuses to follow the rules.

The exhibition is a defiant celebration of love’s power to connect us, challenge us and remind us that the heart wants what it wants – no matter the century.

Rebel Heart is free and open daily at State Library Victoria until 27 January, 2027. Visit slv.vic.gov.au/ whats-on/rebel-heart for more information.

Gippsland’s Premier Wedding Destination

The Grove rises above Gippsland venues, offering a world of your own for weddings, parties and life’s milestone celebrations.

High on a hill, amidst picturesque farmland and views that stretch forever, The Grove Gippsland’s natural setting radiates love from the moment you enter the private estate. Behind this picturesque scene is the dream team to guide your every step to a one-of-akind celebration that will last in your hearts forever.

Josh Erlich and the team have decades of combined experience in weddings and events. They share a passion about ensuring your wedding or precious life moment is elegant, effortless, inclusive and truly reflects your vibe and style – dogs even welcome.

The Grove has tailored a complete step-by-step process borne from their combined wealth of experience. Front of House Manager Lilian Grey and critical team member Sarah Davies will be your first port of call and set you on the right path with their flexible, expert guidance. They will then introduce the expertise of the entire team to ensure the ceremony and reception exactly reflect your theme – right down to the romance of scented candles and flowers picked from the surrounding gardens.

“It starts with a genuine conversation. We really

encourage couples to put their stamp on the venue. We really can do anything – just ask – that's our mantra,” says Josh.

Shimmering silver olive groves, native forest and carefully manicured spaces, along with the indoor function centre, are yours exclusively to capture breathtaking photos amidst the natural backdrop. Select from the range of outdoor spaces, including helipad, lake, terrace, dam, shining gum forest, truffle orchard and the olive grove – all maintained to picture perfection by Grounds Manager Ash Rutjens.

Indoors, the reception centre boasts expansive views over rolling green hills and distant mountains. On the day, this space will be styled just for you – perhaps elegant tables and the team serving your personalised cocktail. Head Chef Tara Burns and Chef Luke Jessup will create a menu from the abundance of Gippsland’s local wines and produce. Then the dance floor and funky bar will ensure a fun and relaxed vibe where lifelong memories are made.

“We create the whole package for you. Some couples think they may be able to do it in a simpler, less expensive way, but in the end, we’re the experts and words sally o’neill photos warren reed

help create a pathway to the day. Wedding days are just magical, I know that sounds cliché, but we try to make everything for you to remember your special day,” says Lilian.

Event Manager Sarah Oliver will ensure the day completely matches your vision. “I take a lot of stress away and help couples to focus and plan. Minimal is best, and I'm always thinking two steps ahead of where I can help,” says Sarah.

Each couple is guided to think about adding personal touches, meaningful details, and ideas that reflect who they are and what they love. It’s where the personality of the wedding really starts to take shape.

With Sarah’s guidance and The Grove’s magic, couples are always amazed at how the whole day flows effortlessly and that they find time to enjoy it.

“It’s how we bring it all together, the food, the views, the venue and the service. It exceeds everyone's expectations,” says Sarah.

Consistently delivering excellence is down to The Grove’s stellar team of professionals, all working behind the scenes to make each event look effortless.

“What we do is genuine, and it works – each wedding day comes together seamlessly and beautifully. To be part of that entire journey, from the very beginning to the moment it all unfolds, is something we never take for granted. It’s what makes what we do so special,” concludes Josh.

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“By the time the day arrived, the beautiful staff felt less like coordinators and more like part of our bridal party – calm, intuitive, and completely invested.”

Lisa & Craig

In choosing the pain of a consecutive three-day tattoo, you come to understand the depth of love between this Scottish groom and his Māori bride.

He has that imposing Scottish physique, the kind that made the romantic time travellers of Outlander such a runaway success. Sporty and broad, doing justice to his Scottish ancestors, Craig committed not just to wearing a full tartan kilt for the big day, but to three days of sharp skin-needling ink across his leg to honour his marriage to longtime friend turned life partner, Lisa.

The couple flew to New Zealand for their storytelling tattoos, with Lisa deciding on a hand tattoo Māori design that entails her ‘Iwi’ (Tribe –Parihuka) and Whenua (Land – Taranaki) in its intricate scrolls.

“He took it like a champ. I assisted with giving him snacks and drinks,” says Lisa.

The couple decided to entwine their Scottish and Māori roots as they moved forward as husband and wife. Like the evolution of their relationship, the cultural research was slow and thoughtful.

“Craig and I started off as work colleagues and soon became best friends. We became inseparable, we worked together, studied together, did things outside of work and on weekends.”

Craig would often ask Lisa, “How did you get into my bubble?”, as his friendship group was small. He remained baffled for a long time at how well they got along.

“I never questioned our friendship as it always felt right,” says Lisa.

As the pair navigated breakups, house moves and becoming single parents, the relationship status started to shift.

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“Craig opened my eyes to the world with how I deserved to be loved and that I deserved to be happy. I’ve always lived for others and always put others first. He’s shown me that I can still be there for people, but I too matter, and it’s not selfish to put myself first.”

“In 2021, we finally decided to give a relationship a go, staying over at each other’s homes a few times a week but living separately.”

As the months went by, they decided they were ready to move in and plan for a shared future. To live off-grid, grow their own food, have farm animals and become sustainable. That sounds very much like Jamie and Claire Fraser craving the simple life in Lallybroch, save for those pesky wars, meddling family and timeshifting standing stones.

For Lisa and Craig, family was willing them forward. Craig proposed before an overnight experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo Safari, with the help of their youngest daughters.

“After dinner, we went back to our cabin at the setting of the sun to get ready for our night walk in the zoo. Whilst standing on the deck, Craig got on one knee and asked me to marry him. Our girls were standing behind me with a sign they had made, ‘Lisa Marry Me’.”

They celebrated their love with family and friends at an engagement party at Little Prince in Traralgon, asked their friends to join their bridal party, and began the creative journey for a wedding that would blend two powerful warrior cultures.

For Lisa, the prospect of wearing a bridal dress scared her, but she eventually found the perfect fit at the Twelve South Bridal in Yarragon, who spent time with her to discuss her vision. She added a Korowai (Māori cloak) to represent her heritage, with her sister Shirley in the bridal party also wearing the traditional feather cloak.

For Craig, a Scottish kilt honouring the Clan Campbell of Argyle arrived four days before the wedding, with a matching tartan scarf worn by Craig’s daughter Paige.

“The bridal party enthusiastically performed the haka as a group, which remains a highlight of their wedding at The Chapter Barn.”

The bridal party enthusiastically performed the haka as a group, which remains a highlight of their wedding at The Chapter Barn.

“This still gives us goosebumps when watching the videos and seeing the photos.”

Lisa walked down the aisle to Kei Wareware i a Tātou by Te Matatini and Te Kuru Marutea, and the couple left as Mr and Mrs to the bagpipes of Flower of Scotland by Spirit of Scotland.

Together, they have supported and challenged each other. With Craig’s encouragement and patience, Lisa finally got her scuba diving licence. With Lisa’s calm strength, Craig conquered his fear of heights and did the Treetop Walk and Zipline at Otway Fly.

Craig admires Lisa’s kindness and empathy and feels like she provides him with the perfect balance.

“I am truly blessed to have met her and have this time with her as her loving and devoted husband.”

Their ceremony included a greenstone statue in the shape of ‘Koru’ (loop or coil) – as a symbol of new growth and the eternal cycle of renewal.

“We asked the guests to touch it and put their love, connection and wishes into it for us, it’s now called ‘Our love stone’.”

But it’s not one of those unpredictable time opening portal stones. This Koru for Lisa and Craig seems grounded in a love that’s very much in the present.

Hitched Magazine E1 2026