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Event Imagery: Flowers, Prunella. Stylist, Wanderlust.
Photography, Ali Bailey.
Provincial Home Living are lucky enough to travel to gorgeous homes and locations across Victoria to create inspirational images for you. In 2021 we visited the vibrant rural hamlet of Taradale, located one hour from Melbourne. Nestled in a picturesque valley of verdant farmland and surrounded by native forests, this idyllic town has a significant historic legacy dating back to the Gold Rush.
Surrounded by two acres of romantic gardens and featuring spectacular views over Taradale countryside, is the beautiful Gothic Church and Sunday School Hall that became the backdrop of our photoshoot. The charming hall, constructed in 1856, features beautiful, weathered casement windows, and exposed cross beams. While the Church, designed by Thomas Turner and constructed in 1859 (as the area became more prosperous) boasts grand timber ceilings, detailed stained glass windows, a carved pulpit and choir-loft.
In 2014 the creative duo behind Prunella, Caris Haughan and Vanessa Partridge, jumped at the opportunity to transform the property into a remarkable event space. Expertly blending European rural charm with luxe interior details, Churchill Weddings & Events was brought to life. Caris and Vanessa host amazing weddings and receptions at Churchill, making the most of the location, seasonal flowers, local produce and of course the features of Gothic architecture.
The blend of impressive European architecture and the stunning rural Victoria landscape is a marriage made in heaven. The stained-glass windows, high ceilings and the distressed finish on the walls gave a really romantic feel to our Winter 2021 catalogue.
Provincial Home Living just had to find out what inspired them to create Prunella Weddings + Events.
What initially attracted you to the Church and what was your vision for it as an event space?
We thought the Church was a really beautiful, authentic space and we felt like we’d been transported to a church in Europe with the patina and character of the building and surrounding European deciduous trees, but then the unmistakable Australian Eucalyptus trees in the landscape beyond. We love to host beautiful, seamless weddings and events at the property and take care of all the details for our clients.
You have another venue at Cadella Park. Can you tell us about it?
Cadella Park is a working farm rich with history, situated in one of the oldest settled areas in the verdant Macedon Ranges. It again blends rustic European decadence with modern, high functioning design for a flexible space. The extensive 1845 property features a beautifully updated century-old barn set amongst rolling farmland, hemmed by manicured hedges and stately post-and-rail wooden fences, from beyond which the odd neigh or moo floats across the paddock. Again, there is a distinctive mix of European architecture and Australian landscape.
How would you describe Prunella’s signature style?
European, wild, romantic, lush, classic. Each event is unique, designed to best reflect the personality of the bridge and groom. Whether it’s at Churchill or Cadella Park, every element is planned in detail and successfully executed by the team everyone can relax and enjoy the moment.
What foliage/flowers would be included in your perfect floral design?
We love to use what’s in season - in Spring the vibrant green of the new foliage, the crisp whites and delicate pastels of sweet peas, viburnum, dogwood, lily of the valley, delphinium. Moving into Summer the blousy beauty and scent of garden roses is magical. In Autumn the antiquing hydrangea, giant dahlias, tiny chocolate cosmos and the dramatic rich palette of colours from burgundy to reds, oranges and yellows. In Winter camellia and rhododendron, tulips, hellebores, cymbidium orchids and anemones.
Your attention to detail is legendary. What 5 elements are most important to the success of an event?
The venue, flavourful catering focusing on seasonal and local produce, a delicious drinks list, a highly experienced team of bar and waiting staff and of course, Prunella’s signature styling of decadent and lush botanicals.
