I'd tell you that I am completely smitten with this Melbourne soiree by Lara Luz, but that wouldn't quite be truthful. No, I am more than smitten, more than enamored and even more than head over heels in love. I have most definitely reached an entirely new level of obsession with this gem of an affair... and with its vintage chic meets sleek and sophisticated vibe, breathtaking gown, beautiful DIY bouquet and one very yummy cupcake display by Sophisticakes, you can most certainly see why. I'll be in the gallery soaking up all of this lovely. Join me there for even more!
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From the Bride... I'm not sure our wedding was particularly unique, more that it was a gathering of all of our closest friends, immediate family and was just about the things we like. I guess it was just small things that meant a lot to us like the Instax camera (new version of Polaroid), the mulled wine, and wedding photos of our grandparents (all of whom have passed away).
Our colors were black and cream. I had originally wanted an accent colour of red. This got thrown out the window in one of my very few bridezilla moments, when I announced two weeks before the wedding that red was out. As for DIY projects, what didn't we end up crafting? I never expected to be the bride that was completely hands on! I made all of the invitations which were hand-stamped and tied with twine to make little love letters to our guests. I ended up doing something very similar for the thank you notes as well. My trusty team of helpers (my friends) and I made all of the flowers for the reception and ceremony decorations, the cake toppers, boy's buttonholes and bridesmaid's bouquets. It was about 3 weeks of paper napkin folding, hot gluing to get there but I think it paid off. They really did look amazing and our guests took quite a few home. I op-shopped for all the china tea sets for our table decorations. Also I made my bridal bouquet but it was pretty easy since they were lilies.
My dress was purchased from Fashionlande.com which was ultra budget but surprisingly well made. I had wanted something with a vintage twist so I searched through about 100 dresses online before narrowing it down to 5. The train was what sold me. Lara Luz was our photographer extraordinaire. Barbara Dickinson of Sofisticakes made the most amazing cupcakes on the planet. Macaron de Paris made awesome macarons! And Emma the function co-ordinator went above and beyond for us.
Organizing a wedding in only 10 weeks was a challenge! We got engaged at the end of May and were married on the 13th August. We thought that we were moving overseas at the time and both desperately wanted to be married in Melbourne. As it turns out, our plans have subsequently changed but I wouldn't want to plan a wedding for any longer than 6 months. It was also hard to organize the bridal party. Only one bridesmaid lived in Melbourne during the planning for the wedding and most of the bridal party arrived the night before the actual wedding.
The best part of the day was the reception! For the last 4 weeks all I can think about is a do-over because it was so much fun. I loved that it was all about our friends rather than mostly family or family friends. Also the wedding night - Geoff had organized for us to stay in a suite at the Windsor Hotel on Spring St., which he planned to fit in with our vintage theme. It was beyond amazing!
My advice, be true to what you as a couple want, although I made some pretty big concessions at the last minute, it totally reflected our personalities.
Wedding Photography: Lara Luz / Make-up: Sarah Lea Cross / Wedding Venue: The Beach / Photo Locations: Albert Park Beach & The Sun Theatre / Wedding Dress: Fashion Lande / Cupcakes: Barbara Dickinson of Sophisticakes / Macarons: Macaron de Paris