For most brides, once the groom has popped the question, they pose one themselves: Where do I begin? But for Melbourne bride Penelope Gunst, she knew exactly where to begin.

The story of her fairytale wedding to Nathan Marom, 35, first began two decades ago at Vue Grand Hotel in Victorian seaside town, Queenscliff.

“I spent many childhood summers exploring the hotel,” remembers Penelope, 31. “I would watch from the grand staircase as beautiful brides and handsome grooms waltzed through the lobby.”

She adds, “It was there my passion for weddings flourished and I decided to dedicate my future career to the wedding and events industry.”

Penelope did pursue her childhood dream, gaining experience as a bridal consultant, wedding coordinator and most recently, an event manager for Peter Rowland Catering.

“The Vue Grand was destined to play host to my dream wedding reception,” says Penelope, and so, on February 15, 2014, she was joined by 134 guests – where it all began.

Years in the industry meant Penelope had “given great thought to the finer details I would one day wish to include,” choosing a marigold yellow colour theme, a dove release in honour of loved ones lost, a six-ukulele group to play ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and the magnificent architecture of the Grand’s dining room.

“We were also lucky enough to have a rainbow shine over Queenscliff just prior to the reception,” smiles the bride.

Penelope and Nathan wed at St George The Matyr Anglican Church fulfilling another of Penelope’s childhood dreams.

To make a feature of the room’s architecture, the walls and ceiling were lit up. Ghost chairs combined with perspex and glass provided a fresh take on the yellow fairytale theme.

Meant to bee: pots of golden honey were placed at each setting.

The five-tier ivory wedding cake was topped with a family heirloom from 1930.

Photos courtesy of Brett Jacques Photographer.

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