This Sydney celebration by Nerida McMurray Photography is a true rockabilly wedding with the funkiest, mid-century modern vibe. Not only do the bride, groom and their wedding party look incredibly chic and dapper in their 50s attire but the ALL the guests are arrived in the coolest, classic cars and rocking the most fabulous vintage threads. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more stylish looking group all in one place. See them all in the full gallery!
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From the Bride… We live and breathe the 1950’s era, and I guess that was the underlying “theme” throughout the day, even though for us it’s not a theme, it’s our lifestyle. We met 25 years ago through the rockabilly scene in Sydney. We were just friends then and both went our separate ways until meeting up again six years ago. Marc had promised to take me to Kiama for a few days over Christmas, however when I openend my Christmas present there were two tickets to Paris and a French phrase book! When we were over there, he waited until we were at the top of the Eiffel Tower and then pulled out the engagement ring (which he had been carrying in his pocket since Sydney, terrified he would get searched at the airport and I’d see it) and proposed. I burst into tears and my hands were shaking so much I thought I would drop the ring and it would land somewhere down on the Champs Elysee! He said he wanted to make sure I would say “yes” and figured that was the best way to do it.
A most memorable moment was standing at the entrance and seeing the church filled with family and friends, all looking at me and laughing and smiling and crying. The whole church was filled with love and happiness. It was 30 degrees Celsius on our wedding day, and there is no air conditioning in the vintage cars. Luckily Robyn (co-owner of the Cadillac) had brought a glamorous, feathered fan for me to fan myself with so my makeup didn’t melt in the heat! Arriving at the house and seeing all our friends and family spilling out onto the front lawn and all laughing and talking in the sunshine was a wonderful moment — the caterer’s marquee was all set up, and the whole scene looked really joyous and festive.
I designed a fifties cartoon graphic that was emailed to everyone to announce the engagement, so then I though I would continue the vintage comic theme for the rest of the stationery. The save-the-date and thank-you cards were done as vintage postcards, and the wedding invitation was like a small comic book. My gown was a 1950’s/early ’60s-era style sheath dress made from ice blue, Italian polyester shantung shot with a pale ochre thread. There was hand-worked glass beading around the neckline and a matching, short-sleeved bolero for going-away.
The reception, a 1950’s style, stand-up cocktail party, was held in our restored 1950’s home, which is decorated from top to bottom in that era. One of the features I love about the fifties is in fact the bright, happy colours. Most of our friends also live the same lifestyle, so for us, getting dressed up in our best outfits means breaking out the finest and most collectable vintage outfits. Music was played from our own collection of ’50s rockabilly, doo wop, jump rhythm and blues and rock and roll music. We basically left Lou to her own devices and she came up with the tropical theme for the reception (the house name is “The Palms”) and the soft vintage-y look for the church. She has impeccable taste and judgement, and we were thrilled with the results! I particularly liked the large flower arrangements at the entrance to the house (under the Palms sign) and the little mini pineapple arrangements decorating the entertainment area.
Wedding Photography: Nerida McMurray Photography / Ceremony: Holy Name Church in Wahroonga, New South Wales (02 9489 3221) / Reception: The Bride & Groom’s Home in Thornleigh, New South Wales / Floral Design: Lou Vacher (louvacher@gmail.com) / Officiant: Fr. Clem Hill / Catering: Etiquette Catering / Wedding Croquembouche: Andrew’s Patisserie in Pennant Hills (02 9481 0950) / Wedding Stationery: Red Pepper Graphics (The Bride) / Wedding Dress + Bridesmaids’ Dresses: DIY by the Bride / Wedding Dress Fabric Source: Tessuti Fabrics / Bride’s Shoes: Vintage Spring-o-lators / Bride’s Hair Barrette: Vintage via Etsy / Bride’s Earrings: Vintage, Borrowed from a Friend / Hair: Sterling Hairdressing Parlour and Barber Shop / Makeup: DIY / Groom’s Suit: Vintage 1952 Grey Wool Pinstriped Suit via Ken Neale Twentieth Century Modern in Darlinghurst (0410 463 121) / Rings: Saffo Jewellers in Sydney (02 9232 8411)