STORY: KELLY LUCAS-CARMODY // PHOTOGRAPHY: PRUE PETERS PHOTOGRAPHY
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NOVEMBER 1, 2025 // OLIVEHOUSE AT GREENDALE GROVE, KIALLA
Rebecca Finger and Sedat Ciftci’s love story began when they were just teenagers at school.
Introduced by friends, the pair moved through different seasons of life, but Rebecca said she always had a feeling from the very beginning that Sedat was “the one.”
“There was this undeniable pull that always drew us back to each other,” she said.
“No matter where we were or what we were doing, it became clear that he was the person I was always meant to return to.”
Sedat proposed in May 2023 during a day trip to Marysville, popping the question on a waterfall walk.
Unaware of what he had planned, Rebecca had invited friends along — and, as fate would have it, they were there to capture the special moment when Sedat got down on one knee.
After two and a half years of planning, and following their engagement party on the November long weekend, the couple chose to marry on the same long weekend two years later.
Opting for a full outdoor sit-down wedding at Olivehouse at Greendale Grove in Kialla, their special day showcased minimal styling and modern romance, with a subtle Vogue-inspired edge.
“On the day, my vision came to life, and it was so much more spectacular than I even imagined,” Rebecca said.
“It was the perfect backdrop for a love story years in the making — a modern garden romance filled with heart, energy and unforgettable moments.”
Having been together for close to 14 years, the couple chose to skip tradition the night before and stay together, waking up side by side, excited for the day ahead.
Rebecca said it didn’t feel like their wedding marked the beginning of their future, but rather a celebration of a love already well established, shared with their closest family and friends.
The couple organised a special reveal with their family and bridal party, giving them the chance to complete formal photos before the ceremony.
“Sedat definitely understood the assignment, with an over-the-top reaction when he turned around — it made for great photos,” Rebecca said.
“It was so special to share that moment with our family and bridal party, and having our formal photos done early meant we could spend more time with our guests.”
Like every wedding, there were plenty of standout moments.
Rebecca laughed recalling placing Sedat’s ring on the wrong finger, while the emotional highlights came from being surrounded by loved ones — and, of course, dancing the night away.
“Another favourite memory was taking our night portraits as we were so relaxed by then, with all the formalities out of the way, and we could just have fun with it,” she said.
“Sedat is Turkish, so he made a spectacular entrance with his friends and family, walking down the long driveway with drums and flares.
“It was incredible to watch, and so many guests commented on how amazing it was.
“We also had drummers and Turkish instruments at the reception, which really lifted the energy and created a party atmosphere.”
After the wedding, the couple enjoyed a relaxing getaway to the Gold Coast following months of planning.
Later this year, they plan to travel to Europe for their official honeymoon, with dreams of exploring more of the world together while growing their family.
CONTRIBUTORS:
Parents of the bride: Amanda and Terry Finger
Parents of the groom: Leyla Ciftci
Bridal party: Rachel Finger, Asya Jong, Skye Dipace, Evelin Costa (Bridesmaids) Dave Holm, Matthew Varapodio, Xhemil Hasan, Jaymon Jong (Groomsmen)
Florist: Maya Plant
Venue/Caterer: Olive House at Greendale Grove
Cake maker: Tegan’s Custom Cakes
Hair stylist: Emma at Hair Central, Shepparton
Celebrant: Carolyn Steward (Celebrant Collective)
Make-up artist: Bride’s Make-up – Makeup by Evelin, Bridesmaides Make-up – Grace Sartori
Band/DJ/Entertainment: Melbourne Davul Zurna
Bride’s dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal