Love is a quiet kind of power – sacred, steady and softly spoken. It doesn’t need to shout – focusing only on what matters and blurring everything else out. So, it’s no surprise that today’s weddings are embracing smaller guest lists and more intentional moments, celebrating the intimacy that is at the core of love. Join Melbourne Wedding & Bride’s Hannah McDonald as she sits down with Aisling Love, wedding and event coordinator at Russo Estate Winery, to explore how venues are adapting to the rise of micro weddings – crafting close-knit ceremonies and intimate receptions for those who want to cut the crowds but keep the wow.
As Russo Estate’s event coordinator, Love takes immense joy from guiding each couple through every step of their wedding journey. “From the moment they first walk through our wooden doors to the moment they say, ‘I do’, I take care of every detail. Our venue specialises in intimate gatherings, offering elegant sit-down receptions, lively cocktail-style celebrations and beautifully curated micro weddings and elopements. Surrounded by panoramic views, our estate provides a seamless, all-inclusive wedding experience with multiple picturesque ceremony locations for every couple’s intimate affair,” she says.
With the rise of small-scale weddings that centralise intimacy and connection, venues are becoming more flexible and creative to meet this growing demand. “Many venues are adapting their spaces by creating more intimate layouts, offering tailored micro wedding packages and introducing versatile styling options that allow couples to personalise every detail. With smaller guest lists, there’s more opportunity for immersive design elements such as layered lighting, bespoke décor and curated menus, which most venues are supporting and even encouraging,” Love expands.
Photography by Dave Green.
THE SPACE
To create unforgettable moments with your innermost circle, the space you choose needs to be tailored for togetherness. “Tucked away in the heart of Diggers Rest, Russo Estate Winery is a true hidden gem in Melbourne’s west. With sweeping vineyard views and a warm, rustic elegance, the estate offers a setting that feels both breathtaking and personal. For couples seeking an unforgettable micro wedding, the Outlook Marquee has become the ultimate canvas. This light-filled, marquee-style space transforms with ease, whether styled into a romantic dinner for a handful of loved ones or dressed to capture the intimacy of a private celebration. Surrounded by the estate’s natural charm, it provides not only an inviting atmosphere but also the perfect backdrop for timeless photographs,” Love ensures.
With a more intimate guest list, the team can work with each couple to design the space in a way that fosters genuine connection. Love sees this as an incredible opportunity to create a harmonious and relaxed affair, right from the beginning. “We focus on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere through thoughtful seating arrangements and intentional table styling that encourages conversation. By bringing everyone closer we help the couple and their guests feel more present, engaged and connected throughout the celebration,” she explains.
THE MOMENTS
Compared with large spaces of grandeur and opulence, guests interact very differently in a space designed for smaller gatherings. “In intimate settings like our Outlook Marquee, the scale encourages people to engage more naturally, since everyone is close enough to share in conversations, laughter and special moments without feeling spread out. This closeness often leads to deeper connections between guests who might not otherwise have interacted at a larger event. The overall flow feels more relaxed and personal, inviting genuine conversations and shared experiences rather than just passing encounters,” Love details.
Micro weddings and elopements naturally invite more emotional and interactive moments during both the ceremony and reception. “We help cultivate this atmosphere by thoughtfully tailoring every element to reflect the couple’s vision for their intimate celebration. Whether it’s through a customised ceremony layout that brings everyone closer, a shared meal that feels like a family gathering, or personalised cocktails that tell a story, it’s these small, meaningful details that create unforgettable moments for the couple and their guests alike,” she implores.
THE DETAILS
Some couples go the extra mile to make each guest feel truly included by incorporating thoughtful touches that enhance comfort and connection. After bearing witness to so many weddings, Love has seen her fair share of heartfelt details. “Whether it’s offering handheld fans on a warm summer day or providing cosy blankets during a winter dinner, couples have the opportunity to make everyone feel like a truly welcomed and considered guest. To get the party started, some couples will incorporate ‘his and hers’ cocktails on arrival or open up the dancefloor before dinner is served. These small but meaningful details show just how much care has gone into planning the day, not just for the couple but for all who are part of the celebration,” she says.
When planning a micro wedding, it’s the intimate details within the venue – not just guest-focused touches – that bring greater meaning to a celebration shared with fewer.
“At our Outlook Marquee, lighting, sound and spatial flow are all about intimacy and subtle detail. Soft, warm lighting highlights the couple and their guests, while sound is kept gentle to allow conversation and connection. The flow of the space is designed to feel cosy and seamless, encouraging closeness. From customised menus and wine pairings to personalised ceremony layouts and entertainment, the flexibility of our venue allows every celebration to feel like a true expression of the couple’s story,” Love guarantees.
In a world where less is becoming more, venues like Russo Estate are celebrating a gentle and intimate form of love through thoughtful spaces, personalised details and a focus on connection. For couples seeking a small but mighty celebration of love, micro weddings are the perfect way to tie the knot.