Hansani & Mahesh


Eloping, Then Gathering 70 Family and Friends for an Unforgettable Reception


The intimate wedding reception at Mornington Peninsula’s beautiful Red Hill winery, Montalto, was the perfect setting for Dona and Mahesh. They blended tradition with a touch of modern romance — eloping in dreamy Lake Como before hosting a joyful reception for their family and friends back home in Australia. For couples wondering if you can truly have it all, keep reading — because this celebration is proof that yes, you absolutely can.

 


Why did you choose your wedding venue & How many guests did you have?



After eloping in Lake Como, Italy, the last thing we wanted was to plan a grand reception back home, but we still wanted to celebrate with our friends and family. We discovered Montalto during a wine tour and instantly fell in love with its incredible food, wine, and rolling views. It became the perfect backdrop for an intimate celebration with 70 of our closest friends and family — on our 9-year anniversary, no less!


Rolling green hills and vineyards stretch across a scenic Australian landscape under blue skies.
Panoramic view of outdoor event space with tents and buildings spread across a grassy hillside at dusk.
A wedding dress flows elegantly across a sunlit grassy field during golden hour at an outdoor venue.
What did you wear?


The reception dress was hand made by our talented friend Nicole using beaded fabric from Sri Lanka.

A couple in formal wedding attire poses against a white wall with dark plants in the background.
Close-up detail shots of a white strapless wedding dress bodice and midsection with delicate beading and ruching details.
A couple in formal attire, with the woman in a white dress and man in black suit, posing together in multiple shots.
Close-up details of a white wedding dress with button closures down the back.
A sequence of black and white wedding photos showing a couple playfully posing together in formal attire.
Playful couple poses in formal attire on a grassy field at a vineyard during sunset.
What was most important to you in the planning process & Were there any meaningful details you included?


So many talented loved ones made the day feel uniquely ours. Our friends Josh and Liana embroidered the seating chart and stationery,  and speeches were done by our respective childhood friends- who happen to be married to each other!

Styling was expertly curated by the talented team at Saint Valley Studio.  We had a clear vision of something moody yet modern, with lots of fresh Lillie’s, Romantic draping and Japandi influence.



Elegant wedding reception venue with draped red curtains, round tables, and natural light streaming through large windows.
Red curtains drape elegantly in an empty restaurant dining room with wooden chairs and white tablecloths.
Modern restaurant interior with wooden walls, red ceiling drapes, and bar area visible in the background.
Elegant table settings with white napkins, silverware, and burgundy menu cards arranged on a gray linen tablecloth.
Champagne tower setup with burgundy satin draping on a table overlooking vineyard views at sunset.
Wedding reception party with champagne glasses arranged in pyramid formation on pink tablecloth at dusk.
Pink lilies and greenery arranged against a deep red velvet backdrop create an elegant floral display.
Elegant restaurant table settings with wine glasses and white napkins on gray tablecloths in black and white photography.
A sequence of photos shows someone in a white dress cutting and serving a wedding cake at a reception.
Would you like to thank any of your vendors?


Photography and content were beautifully captured by Sanni Karin and Emma from Cinemmasocials, who used a mix of film, digital, and camcorder to organically document the day.

All in all, it was the natural, heartfelt celebration we had hoped for and we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing it all together.



Best,

Hansani and Mahesh

A romantic couple shares an intimate moment at sunset in a vineyard setting.
A couple shares romantic moments in a vineyard as they pose for wedding photos on a grassy field at sunset.
A couple in formal attire embraces during an outdoor photo session in a garden setting.
Elegant wedding couple in formal attire share champagne and laughter in a warmly lit indoor setting.
A group of wedding guests share joyful laughter during a celebration.
Two people in formal attire having a conversation at an elegant restaurant with red curtains and window views.
Couple in formal attire sharing a candid moment at an outdoor event with a red dress standing out against green scenery.
Wedding guests in formal attire gather outdoors for a celebration.
Guests in black tie attire share appetizers at an elegant reception.
Bridesmaid in vibrant pink dress poses outdoors at vineyard wedding venue on wooden deck.
Wedding party pours champagne into tower of crystal glasses stacked on pink tablecloth outdoors.
Guests enjoy a formal dining experience under elegant red curtains at an upscale venue.
Guests seated at a formal dining table with panoramic window views of rolling hills.
Elegant reception dinner scene viewed through reflective glass windows.
Friends share intimate conversations at a dimly lit formal dinner table.
A series of dining table photos showing empty plates, menus, and table settings at an upscale restaurant.
Guests in black tie tuxedos share laughs at an evening celebration.
A sequence of photos showing two people dancing together at a wedding reception, one in a white dress and one in black.

Vendors

Florals and styling- Saint Valley Studio

Content creation - Cinemmasocials

Suit - InStitchu

Dress - Nicole Coelho

Stationary - Allium_Luna & No64Apparel

Venue - Red Hill winery, Montalto