By Jed Lanyon
While last month’s Shortest Lunch in the Yarra Valley has long passed, the day will forever hold a special place in the hearts of one Yarra Glen couple who held their wedding alongside the event.
Sophie Todorov and Paul Tirant first met by chance at the Shortest Lunch in 2016.
Three years later they hosted their wedding at the Shortest Lunch on 22 June in front of friends and family.
“It was a really fun day, everyone enjoyed themselves,” Ms Todorov said.
The pair held a private ceremony at Olinda Yarra before boarding two coaches with their 85 guests to visit Coldstream’s Tokar Estate and Seville’s Payne’s Rise wineries.
Ms Todorov recalled that first meeting between the couple back in 2016.
“We just sort of connected during the day and haven’t looked back.
“I actually had brought mum along for the day and at the second winery she said ‘I sense a vibe here’.”
Mum’s words proved true, and Sophie and Paul had stickers featuring those words for their wedding guests’ wine glasses.
Ms Todorov shared what the Shortest Lunch means to her.
“It’s a fantastic day out to hang out friends supporting a worthy cause.
“We both live in the Yarra Valley and are connected to people who work as volunteers.
“It’s a great day to sample fantastic wine and food and to enjoy some good company and music.
“A lot of my friends hadn’t been before and I had a couple friends come from interstate who said they’d be going again.”
The proceeds of the Shortest Lunch entry fee go to local CFA brigades.
Since 2009 the Shortest Lunch has raised more than $75,000 for local CFA brigades and SES.
