Sasha & Michael | Trofeo Estate Wedding Film

"Jess captured the true essence of our day in such a beautiful, authentic way."

Sasha and Michael celebrated their beautiful Russian Orthodox wedding at Trofeo Estate in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Blending rich cultural traditions with a relaxed, joyful atmosphere, their day was heartfelt, vibrant, and completely centred around celebrating with family and friends. Their wedding film brings those traditions to life through cinematic documentary storytelling, preserving not only the moments themselves, but also the culture, emotion, and meaning behind them.

The Venue

Located in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula, Trofeo Estate provided a stunning backdrop for Sasha and Michael's wedding. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside, the venue paired elegant indoor spaces with picturesque outdoor scenery, creating the perfect setting for both portraits and a lively reception. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful landscape complemented the couple's vision of a wedding focused on spending quality time with the people they love.

The Couple

Sasha and Michael are incredibly down-to-earth and easy-going. From the beginning, they told me they simply wanted to be present on their wedding day rather than spending it posing for the camera. They embraced a candid, go-with-the-flow approach, making every moment feel genuine and effortless. They were even prepared to skip sunset portraits because they didn't want to leave the dancefloor, but after stealing just a few quiet moments together, they were back celebrating with their guests before anyone even noticed they were gone.

One tradition I especially loved learning about takes place the day after the wedding, when family and friends gather at the couple's home and jokingly put their new marriage to the test by ringing a bell whenever they need something. Whether it's asking for more ice or another drink, it's a light-hearted tradition that celebrates teamwork and gives the newlyweds their first challenge as a married couple.

The Wedding

As my first Russian Orthodox wedding, it was incredibly special to witness traditions that were both visually beautiful and deeply meaningful. Their ceremony was filled with symbolism, from the ceremonial crowns and candles to the sacred rituals shared throughout the service, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone present. Sasha and Michael thoughtfully planned their day around their guests, building in a break between the ceremony and reception so everyone could head home and escape the summer heat while we captured portraits. This meant they could return in time to enjoy every moment of cocktail hour alongside their family and friends.

The reception was full of personality from the moment guests arrived. A playful "Take a Shot, Take a Seat" homemade seating chart immediately set the tone, while live saxophone music had guests dancing before the dancefloor had even officially opened. One of my favourite traditions was watching guests tap their cutlery against their plates throughout the evening, signalling for the newlyweds to stand up and kiss. It happened so often that eventually the venue had to ask everyone to stop for the sake of the plates. From beginning to end, their wedding was a beautiful celebration of culture, family, laughter, and love, perfectly balancing meaningful tradition with a fun, energetic atmosphere.

The Video

When I spoke with Sasha before the wedding, she told me she wanted their film to feel candid, fun, while also celebrating their Russian culture and Orthodox faith. Because an Orthodox ceremony doesn't traditionally include personal vows, I knew I needed to tell their story differently, relying on carefully chosen music and heartfelt speeches to carry the narrative.

I opened the film with Kalinka, a traditional Russian love song that begins gently before building into something bold and energetic. During the ceremony, I transitioned into Korobeiniki, allowing the slower, more symbolic moments to unfold naturally while highlighting details that meant so much to the couple, including Sasha's grandmother quietly making the sign of the cross. Keeping the soundtrack rooted in traditional Russian music gave the entire film a cohesive identity before naturally building into the upbeat celebration that followed.

Without vows to guide the story, I leaned into showing rather than telling. Every piece of music, every speech excerpt, and every visual transition was chosen with intention so the emotions could be felt rather than simply explained. The result is a wedding highlight film that feels cinematic, immersive, and deeply personal, allowing Sasha and Michael to relive not only the events of the day, but the emotion, culture, and atmosphere that made it uniquely theirs.

Vendors

Venue: Trofeo Estate

Photography: Brendan Creaser Photography

DJ & Saxophone: Get Harry on Sax

Florals: Woops A Daisy Florist

Makeup: Makeup by Sophie Knox

Hair: Melbourne Glamour

Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal