volume 3 the secret garden
host a unique reception
rise of the intimate wedding
creating the perfect bouquet beautiful real weddings
editor’s letter...
It’s surprising how similar planning a wedding is to creating a magazine. You spend time coming up with a concept that reflects your personal style that you know your guests will love too, and work for many a month toward that vision. You add little details here and there that you hope they’ll appreciate and get butterflies of excitement when it all comes together on the day. This issue is filled with the loveliest couples hosting heartfelt weddings in pastel hues, earthy tones, metallics and modern monochrome. There’s an engagement shoot straight out of an old Hollywood film, an interview with couture jewellery
designer Nomiki Glynatsis and a secret garden rich in colour and inspiration. Keep an eye out for moving stories scattered throughout. Each of our magazines is designed so the ideas stay fresh long after the next volume hits digital shelves. If you want even more beautiful stories and helpful advice, don’t forget to become a Playbook VIP! You can do that by clicking here. That’s it from us for now – it’s time to get reading!
Danielle & Kathy xx
features
20 The Perfect Bouquet 37 Pets at Weddings 56 Intimate Weddings 60 Style Guide 74 Nomiki Glynatsis 84 David & Taneal 92 Secret Garden 114 Do Things Differently 140 Carla & Geoff 152 Typo’s Wedding Tips
weddings
04 Renee & Cheyenne 26 Candace & Adam 42 Justine & Adam 62 Kristi & Ashley 118 Christina & Lucius 130 Liz & Kris
Cover Photography Evernew Studio Venue Hillstone St Lucia Styling The Wedding Playbook Flowers Green & Bloom Furniture Hodgepodge Hire Lighting AVIdeas Dress George Wu Hair & Makeup Hair & Makeup by Ashley Rose Jewellery Wedding Bling Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Models Miranda & Jared, Que Models
Renee & Cheyenne
Renee met Cheyenne through her work as a television reporter, with a mutual friend playing cupid to help their budding romance! For their fifth anniversary, Cheyenne organised a surprise getaway and proposed in a beautiful room filled with flowers and candlelight. This gorgeous couple knew they wanted a wedding that was natural, elegant and unique in a location they both loved. With a stunning tropical resort as the setting, they certainly met the brief!
Location, location “When we started planning we had a few false starts in finding the location. Once we decided on the resort, the rest of the details just flowed. “We wanted the ceremony and reception to be at the same venue and were after a relaxed, holiday vibe, especially for guests who had travelled a long way. We both work long hours, so it was also important to find a venue that did all the planning and organising for us! We booked the entire resort privately and organised a three day package that included meals on days before and after the wedding, which was great as it meant that we could spend a long weekend with all of our guests.”
Most important “We wanted a day where we would both feel comfortable and truly focussed on our love and commitment to each other, to have elements of tradition but with a modern twist. We didn’t want to do anything just because it’s what ‘everybody does’.”
The bouquet Renee wanted her bouquet to have a modern, structured look to compliment her gown, so opted for a combination of white roses, Hypericum berries & green Chrysanthemums.
The ceremony “Due to the spectacular view, we didn’t feel the need to have a colour theme - we let the location speak for itself. I was very conscious of not over-styling as the setting was already magical. We had the ceremony in the entrance to the resort foyer, which provided a high cathedral style roof with a stunning timber chandelier. We draped sheer white fabric over the beams to soften the space, scatted rose petals down the aisle and kept it very simple.”
Loved ones Renee enjoyed sharing the experience with her family and friends. “My mum and girlfriends were godsends in the lead up to the wedding and listened to all the nitty-gritty details. We chose to have two of my good friends do readings as well as Chey’s sister, which really added a personal touch and emotion to the ceremony.”
The reception The couple made the most of the beautiful weather and private location. “Our reception was held outside around the resort pool with views over the ocean and Dunk Island. I had a combination of long and round tables, which were decorated with fresh white flowers, gold votives and candles.”
Handmade details “I’ve always been passionate about calligraphy and hand wrote each guests name on the table settings. I also used an opulent gold frame for a blackboard seating chart. We commissioned a very talented local artist, Caroline Mudge, to do a caricature of us as bride and groom, which doubled as our guest book.”
The dress One of Renee’s favourite moments was when her mum and dad saw her in her dress for the first time, but finding the perfect gown was a bit of a challenge. “I tried on a lot of ‘big frocks’! It wasn’t until my mum and I went to Sydney, walked into Rachel Gilbert and immediately found ‘The One.’ I wanted my dress to be classic with a fashion edge, and something I would feel like ‘me’ in. The dress didn’t need to be altered and basically sat in my cupboard for six months before the wedding. It was too easy!” Her look was complete with a romantic veil and elegant pearl earrings.
Bridal party Paired with nude heels and white rose bouquets, Renee’s bridesmaids looked glamourous in mismatched metallic gowns. “We nearly had a meltdown trying to find four different sequin dresses!” Their beautiful styling was the perfect complement to the groomsmen’s classic black suits and bow ties.
“Chey referring to me as his wife for the first time was the best feeling.�
The cake Renee and Cheyenne’s three tiered cake featured layers of chocolate ganache, white raspberry crush and orange almond and was topped with delicate succulents.
Best advice 1. Embrace every moment - kiss, laugh and smile because it is over before you know it. 2. Take a moment just for the two of you on the day. Chey kept whisking me away from the reception to look back on all the people we love having a great time and celebrating us as a couple. 3. It’s cliché but don’t sweat the small stuff! No one on the day will notice.
Photography Coast Wedding Photography Venue The Elandra Mission Beach, QLD Celebrant Coleene Quinn Styling Sharon Muir & Jenny Rick Flowers Jenny Rick Cake Cairns Wedding Cakes by James Saunders Gown Rachel Gilbert Hair Norman’s Hair & Make Up Makeup Finesse Make Up Bridesmaids Rachel Gilbert & Coast
8 tips to the Perfect Bouquet
We receive flowers on any number of occasions, as a demonstration of love, to congratulate us or cheer us up when things aren’t going our way. Your wedding bouquet is not only a gorgeous accessory but a reflection of your personal style. Florists are artisans well versed in the language of flowers here they share their tips on creating and caring for your perfect posy.
1.
Create a modern look by introducing texture into your arrangement. Foliage is a simple way to add interest and make your budget go further. Incorporating unique, sculptural stems such as berries, succulents or lotus pods is also a great option that will make your bouquet pop.
Tap into your florist’s creativity by requesting a general colour palette or aesthetic rather than specific stems. Working with seasonal blooms not only ensures they are suited to the climate, but will help save on costs.
2.
You’ll be carrying and posing with your bouquet for quite a few hours on the day. Ask your florist to give an indication of how heavy your arrangement will be, as different floral choices and designs can change the weight and stem thickness substantially.
3.
“Have some water filled vessels ready to receive your bouquets at the reception to ensure they look sensational throughout the evening. Your blooms housed in gorgeous vases on the bridal table will make for lovely flower displays and save you more money in decorating the table. That way you get to enjoy them all night long!”
5.
4.
“If your flowers are delivered without a water source, ask for a flower food sachet and stand them in at least an inch of water as soon as possible. Some blooms benefit from a light misting, such as Hydrangea and Lily of the Valley, but others are too sensitive, so be sure to check with your florist. If possible, store your bouquet in an air-conditioned room don’t put them in a standard refrigerator as this, along with food sources, can deteriorate your blooms rather quickly.” Chris Campbell Wild At Heart Flowers
“There are so many highly scented blooms which I love to use in our bridal bouquets such as hyacinths, peonies, David Austen roses and garden roses. We often have brides who remember the beautiful fragrance used in their bouquets. It takes them back to that day and rekindles those happy memories from the wedding! I particularly love to use sweetly scented blooms such as freesias and sweet peas as they have a mild, lingering fragrance that cannot be mistaken...� Lina Bteddini Chanele Rose Flowers
6.
7.
There are so many options for wrapping and embellishing your bouquet. Satin ribbon or rusticlook wraps like burlap or twine; attaching mini photo frames or lockets for remembering loved ones; or something sentimental, old or borrowed tucked into the wrap that only you know is there.
Fresh idea... Tie your wedding rings to your bouquet and carry them down the aisle to symbolise walking toward your future together. Your bridesmaids then untie and present the rings at the appropriate time during the ceremony.
“Choose flowers that will look stunning when held in front of your wedding dress, considering style, fabric and shape. For example, larger blooms would work beautifully in front of an elaborate dress, and simple satin lends itself to a bouquet with lots of texture, for contrast.� Nicole Cooper Stem Design
8.
Photography (1) Casey Jane Photography, (2) Cam Neville, (3) Silk Truffle Photography, (4) Heart and Colour Flowers (1) Elyssium Blooms, (2) Wild at Heart Flowers, (3) Chanele Rose Flowers, (4) Stem Design
Candace & Adam “We first met at a Brisbane nightclub – I walked up the stairs and there he was. It was the strangest feeling. We exchanged glances all evening and eventually he signalled me over to him. I scoffed, trying to be all Miss Independent, and signalled him over to me instead. Next thing as I twirled around, I turned right into his chest. “Hi, I’m Adam” he said. We began speaking every day, but both had some issues from previous relationships to deal with and thought it best to stop. I deleted his number and continued with life. Four months later I received a message from someone asking if I was at a music festival. I asked who it was – “It’s Adam.” I told him at our first meeting that I was attending and although I couldn’t make it due to work, we started speaking again. As fate would have it, I moved into a place around the corner from his best friend, and the next week he asked me out for ice cream. My mother actually said when I told her, “Well, that must be it then.” My love for ice cream is well known in my family and coincidentally so is Adam’s. We made our relationship official the day before my 21st birthday. Six years later, we were at home one evening and I was making béarnaise sauce for a steak dinner. Whisking furiously at the stove top, Adam and I were talking about plans for the year ahead. He made the comment, “I’m going to do it, this is the year for doing things”, to which I responded, “Yeah right, like what, marry me?” The next thing our daughter Farrah said to me, “Mummy, what’s Daddy doing? Look at Daddy!” I turned around and there was Adam on one knee. He said to me the most beautiful words and of course I accepted. Now, it may not be the most romantic proposal, but Adam is simple and sincere. In his words he felt that there was no better place to do it in than in the home we had created, with our daughter present. Family and friends actually found the proposal amusing as Adam is a cabinet maker by trade, so it was funny that ‘kitchen boy’ proposed in the kitchen. It was such a special moment for us.”
The bouquet Candace’s bouquet was a free form arrangement of Columbian white chocolate roses, ‘wedding day’ heirloom roses, white anemones, Queen Anne’s lace, white Andromeda, white sweet pea, jasmine vine, ivy, bridal fern and hellebores, finished with an ivory French taffeta ribbon bow and free flowing tails.
The dress “I fell in love with a dress at a wedding expo but it was out of my price range so I let it go, looking for something similar online with no luck. Six months before the day I finally went shopping, and in the last store, there it was again. My Mum pointed it out straight away, not knowing it was ‘The One’. She asked me to try it on – I didn’t even get the second part of the dress done up before I knew. I actually welled up a little. They drew back the curtains, and all my mother could manage was a, “Yep”. We were told it was on sale and the rest is history.”
Remembering loved ones “The choice of venue was because Adam’s family had planted a tree in his mother’s honour on the property, where a beautiful sign with a poem was placed. As a surprise, I had a locket prepared for Adam containing a photo of her and asked his brother to attach it to Adam’s buttonhole so she could be with him on the day. We also had a candle lighting ceremony to acknowledge our memory of her - that was really beautiful.”
The ceremony “Adam and I both agreed that our ceremony was pretty perfect. Our celebrant was so professional and eloquent and did everything with a beautiful smile. She prepared a ‘family certificate’ for Farrah to sign after we had signed our marriage certificate which was very sweet as it gave her a special role and made her feel part of the day.”
Special moment Besides the ceremony, my stepfather chose a song for our first dance called “The Daddy Song” by Ryan St. Louis. It’s about the special relationship between a stepfather and daughter, even though not biological. My real father passed away before I was born so it was such a beautiful gift.
The creative process “Adam and I worked together to establish a clear vision for how we wanted the day to look and our guests to feel. In our first meeting with Chelsea, our stylist, we reviewed her inventory for pieces to match my concept sketches. We shared ideas throughout the planning process and Chelsea often sent us photos of new pieces that she thought would be perfect. She is so creative and truly cared about what we were trying to achieve. “We then met with Julia to discuss the florals. Initially I didn’t look to use so many fresh flowers, but nothing else could add the sense of luxury and elegance we were looking for. I presented concepts for the chair posies and preferred colour scheme and let Julia work her magic! During the day, our guests would look around and say, ‘That’s Candace’ and, ‘That’s very Adam’ and I’m glad. I didn’t want it to be a day that I had just planned. Whatever Adam and I do, we do it together as team.”
Best advice 1. It is never too early – your vendors are likely to book out sooner than you think. You don’t have to know exactly what you want right away, they will work on that with you along the way. Getting quotes early helps you understand real costs for things and once your suppliers are booked in, you have more time to pay things off which alleviates stress and pressure in the long run. 2. If you are planning a wedding at a private residence, at the least hire an on the day planner. We were very fortunate to have a family member as our on-site liaison, but this ends up not being much fun for them – he didn’t stop until 10pm! This wasn’t something we initially considered but I would have happily handed over every cent. 3. It is your wedding! ‘Your’ being you and your fiancé. It doesn’t matter that a bridesmaid doesn’t like her dress, Aunt Mavis said you shouldn’t have a wishing well or Grandad said you should invite Uncle Jo that you haven’t seen in five years because he’s family. Establish a vision early and stick to your guns, because those that want to be a part of that special day will be there and support you.
Photography AA Photography Venue ‘Malakita’, the private residence of Adam’s brother in Montville, QLD Celebrant Merlin Coughlan Styling Simply Style Co. Flowers Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio Gown Gowns of Elegance Suits Roger David Hair Pout Hair Salon Makeup Blissful Makeup Jewellery Allan Thuredct Jewellery
Pets at Weddings
the bridal party Alyce and Nathan’s two gorgeous rescue dogs, a Staffy Cross Foxy called Aurora and Australian Cattle Dog named Dex, added plenty of personality to this couple’s country sunflower celebration.
what roles did aurora and dex play on the day? Aurora was our flower girl, wearing a beautiful lace harness that my mum made. Dex played the role of page boy, however we didn’t quite trust him with the rings – the Best Man got those. He was dressed in a tux featuring a sunflower buttonhole to match the groomsmen. We also got them embroidered collars that said ‘Aurora Flower Girl’ and ‘Dex Page Boy’ which they are still wearing now. I think it surprised everyone how seamless and possible it was to have our dogs there as part of the wedding.
how did their personalities shine? Dex was absolutely amazing on the day. He posed for photos, shook hands and sat when asked, and was just great. Aurora recently underwent major spinal surgery so it meant everything to us that she was able to walk down the aisle.
what are some practical things you had to consider? It had to be considered that they may not sit still for the entire ceremony. We invested in a big bag of treats and someone had to be on dog duty. We tied their leads to a stake rather than needing someone to hold onto them and made sure there was a water bowl available. Our lovely hairdresser also dropped them at a pet hotel on her way home.
your best advice for other brides? Don’t let anyone else’s opinions get to you – if you want your pets to be a part of your day make sure that they are. You should always be prepared with food and have someone there who is in charge of looking after them for the ceremony.
Photography Lily & Grace Bridal Photography
something 'blue' Riding him competitively for over two years, Shannen shares a special connection with her 16 year old thoroughbred Blue. Entertaining guests and posing for photos, he was the perfect addition to her wedding day.
how did blue become part of the family? I was looking for my new horse and after our first ride I knew he was the one for me. The previous owner picked me out of four other interested people as she thought we had the best bond. Blue is a huge part of my life and I had always wanted my horse in our wedding.
what role did he play on the day? He was there for guests to pat and feed carrots and featured in the background of the ceremony. He was so well behaved which made it very easy to get some great photos. He did however want to eat the bouquets! He was also my something ‘Blue’.
how did you decide on his wedding day look? My photographer and I sent each other photos of what we liked and both agreed a floral wreath and natural look would be best. Pinterest was great for finding photos and looking at blogs that had horses in their weddings also helped.
what are some practical things you had to consider? He had two baths the week leading up the wedding and we made sure he was fed before he came - if he was hungry he wouldn’t have been as well behaved! I also had two experienced horse people hold him during the ceremony which helped a lot. We didn’t want Blue to get stressed out on the day, so we made sure the photos were done quickly and away from most people.
your best advice for other brides? Absolutely do it! It makes it very personalised and all the guests really enjoyed seeing him there. The photos of Blue look amazing and I am so glad he was there to help us celebrate.
Photography Stirling Photography Flowers Fabulous Functions
Justine + Adam Featuring a striking autumn palette, magnificent floral chandelier and plenty of thoughtful details, Justine and Adam’s wedding is the epitome of stylish celebration.
The proposal After two and a half years together and a romantic European holiday, it was the perfect time to take the next step. During her 30th birthday party, held on the rooftop of their new apartment, Adam surprised Justine with a proposal and beautiful Tiffany ring in front of ecstatic friends and family. “Justine was in absolute shock and after a moment to comprehend the situation, it was an emphatic “YES”. The energy was immense and the celebrations kicked on into the night.”
Bridal styling “The search for the perfect dress was an exciting yet time consuming process! Having only tried a few bridal gowns on, I knew I had found the one when I was constantly comparing every dress I tried on to it.” When it came to her bridesmaids, Justine chose elegant, blush toned gowns, “I realised one dress style was never going to suit three different girls, so we chose three similar dresses to complement each of the bridesmaids.” The look was completed with bouquets of mixed seasonal ivory blooms finished with pearl detailing.
The ceremony Arriving by helicopter for the ceremony was a highlight for Adam, and for Justine, “Adam’s face when I first entered the chapel - he welled up and his best man dabbed a few tears with a hanky.” This stunning, light-filled space featured a simple altar framed by tall floral vases, mixed seasonal blooms tied to pew ends with trailing ivy, and a large bowl of peach flower petals to be thrown by the guests after the ceremony.
“The day was very relaxed, light hearted and full of laughs, which reflects us as a couple.”
The reception “We were happy we decided on a lunch wedding as it allowed us to enjoy the whole day and night. We were told how quickly the day gets away, so for us we really wanted to make the most of it.” Ensuring guests were well looked after was a priority. “Ultimately it was important that our guests had an enjoyable time. We organised a bus to transport them to and from each location and with the early start, we also provided a breakfast pack.” Fresh florals were the star of the reception, with long tables, crisp white linens and votive candles allowing the gorgeous orange and peach toned blooms to shine.
Handmade details Justine chose two projects to DIY for her day, “The brown paper bags for the breakfast packs were stamped with ‘Justine and Adam’s Wedding’, and the bonbonnieres were boxed chocolates – I spent many hours assembling boxes and attaching the twine and swing tags!”
Cake flavours “Three tiers of vanilla pound cake with coconut, fresh lime zest and butter cream filling, and chocolate mud cake with vanilla toffee crunch filling.”
Best advice “Sometimes too many opinions can make decisions harder, but don’t stress about the little things as everything comes together in the end.”
Click to play...
Photography Love Katie + Sarah Film Humdrum Films Venue Stones of the Yarra Valley (Chapel, Dairy & Barn), VIC Celebrant John McCullough Styling Venue & florist Flowers Victoria Whitelaw Cake Sweet By Nature Bonbonnieres Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Gown Mariana Hardwick Hair Toni and Guy Makeup Gorjess Bridesmaids Camilla and Marc Suit Calibre Groomsmen Formal Red Transport Melbourne Classic Car Hire, Microflite Helicopter Services & Triple Hummer Limos After Party Club 23 at Crown Stationery The Little Paper Pantry
Intimate Weddings You’ve announced your engagement, shown everyone the ring and now talk is turning to the big day. Where and when become the questions, answerable only after deciding one not-so-simple thing – the size of your guest list. The dream of a table amongst the vines of your favourite winery can start to crumble when you realise just how many people you need to seat! More and more couples are opting for smaller celebrations, and not just as a way of reducing costs. From unique locations to planning priorities and styling advice, we take a closer look at why intimate weddings are on the rise and how to take advantage of the opportunities they offer.
Weddings for under 75 guests are wonderfully open to interpretation, providing a freedom of choice which falls far from the word ‘package’. Whether it’s just the two of you and a mountain top, an exotic island resort or backyard celebration, the options are many and only limited by your imagination.
Couples opting for smaller weddings are also looking to plan more of what they truly want. Celebrating with your nearest and dearest without having to compromise on the details can mean a personalised event with less stress - except when it comes to letting someone know they haven’t made the guest list.
Hotels and restaurants are now taking a fresh look at what’s possible, offering private dining experiences and intimate ceremony spaces. Other less conventional locations, such as art galleries and converted warehouses, are also new options. Think outside the box and your event may be the first in that space - just be sure the venue has all the necessary approvals to host catered functions. A greater variety of venues to choose from may also mean more flexibility for your wedding date and the opportunity to book out an entire location.
Unfortunately, this is one of the downsides of fewer numbers. It can be surprising to find out how many people would love to be part of your wedding, and no matter how gently you try to break the news, someone will always be disappointed. Our best advice? Bite the bullet, be upfront and let them know you never want anyone to feel excluded, but it just isn’t possible to invite everyone you would like.
One of the biggest motivations for scaling back the size of your wedding is to create more time. With fewer logistics to manage before and during the wedding, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the occasion with friends and family, without the worry of making sure you ‘get around everybody’.
The simplest way to find out if an intimate wedding is right for you is to list what is most important to both you and your partner. What are your top priorities? Is it a couture gown, top quality meal, luxurious honeymoon or a nightclub style reception? This will help determine how you want to spend your budget and what kind of atmosphere you would like on the day. If you do decide on an intimate wedding, enjoy the freedom in style, cost and timing it allows!
The Style Guide Kelly Starr from Amini Concepts is the creative mind behind our blush and gold reception setting. Here she shares her quick tips for styling an intimate wedding.
what are some easy ways to add wow factor? Rather than spreading everything out, find one or two key focal points in a space and style those areas. Otherwise you will lose the strength of the look you are trying to achieve. My best advice is don’t overdo it - less is more!
what styling idea is perfect for a smaller wedding? One sweet idea is to have the bride and groom sitting at a table with their guests – this embodies the nature of the intimate wedding. Their chairs can be beautifully styled with ‘Mr & Mrs’ signs to suit their theme.
how can you make a larger venue feel more intimate? Play with lighting. Don’t feel like you have to turn on all the lights in the reception space you have hired. Instead, you can dim the ceiling lighting and incorporate uplights to lessen the focus on other areas and create ambience and mood.
Coordination The Wedding Playbook Venue Tattersall’s Function Centre, QLD Photography Vivid Photography Styling Amini Concepts Furniture Epic Empire Flowers Bouquet Boutique Stationery Urban Weddings Cake Baked Cakes and Cupcakery Gown Darb Bridal Couture Jewellery Hardy Brothers Jewellers Hair & Makeup The Gloss Bar Model Madeline, Que Models
Kristi & Ashley Kristi and Ash’s lovely waterfront wedding was planned in only four months! Their vintage, woodland themed celebration is a beautiful mix of old and new with touches of blue‌
The venue Kristi and Ash didn’t want to worry about weather on the day, so planned for an indoor ceremony and reception. Their only requirement - that the space be interesting! The local museum provided the perfect solution, offering plenty of historical charm. “The venue was very spacious, and there were indoor activities for guests to do if it rained. Our location was ideal in regards to transport - we walked to the wedding!”
the dress With her short timeframe, Kristi opted to purchase her dress online. “My friend recommended a site to me. I found my dream dress on there for a fraction of the price and it arrived within eight weeks! It was so perfect!” Kristi’s mum was on hand to help, “My mum is a dress maker so she did all the hemming and adjustments. She made my veil and hand stitched all of the beads onto it. She’s so talented, making her sister’s and friend’s wedding dresses, but I didn’t want her to be too stressed out as mother of the bride making mine!”
highlights “Ash enjoyed searching for the perfect bowties - he chose wooden ones from the US - and I enjoyed spending more time with family.”
Styling Inspiration “I gathered lots of photos of what I wanted, and emailed them all to our stylist. I met with them a few times to discuss themes and look through the photos - they let me know what would work and came up with so many great ideas. The final product was so amazing and they helped make my day perfect!”
DIY projects Kristi decided what projects she wanted to take on and outsourced the rest. “I designed and hand made all the invitations - you could say I’m a little bit more patient with slow, crafty chores like that because I enjoy artsy things.” A clever tip if you want to share the workload? “I gave a sample of the invitation to my stylist and they made up all the programs, table name cards and menus to match.”
“I liked getting our photos taken because I had an excuse to give ash lots of hugs and kisses!�
The reception “We had a long banquet style table set-up for the three course reception dinner. It gave a warm atmosphere and everyone was able to enjoy each other’s company more than they would have been able to with round tables. There was a real sense of family and friendship.”
the getaway “We used a hire car for our getaway which worked out really well we could just leave it at the airport before flying off to Italy for our honeymoon!”
the ‘cake’ “I’ve never heard anyone say, ‘I love wedding cake’, so we had something a little different. The six tiered tower of cheeses worked really well for winter, and it was decorated with three different types of grapes, strawberries and fresh figs. I chose and designed my wedding cheese and fruit, and our stylist assembled it nicely on the day.”
Photography Little Black Bow Photography Venue Newcastle Museum, NSW Celebrant Darren Tappouras Styling The Wedding Designer Flowers Lovely Rita Design Cake The bride Gown Landy Bridal Hair Jess Martin Makeup Kristy Handsaker Bridesmaids Review Suits Oxford Bowties Two Guys Bowties Catering Sprout Catering
an interview with
Nomiki Glynatsis
The first time we met Nomiki Glynatsis, she was unwrapping piece after piece of incredibly intricate and infinitely beautiful jewellery for a photo shoot. With her innate sense of style and diverse experience - from studying in Paris, to working at Colette Dinnigan and Queensland’s theatre and ballet companies - Nomiki is one talented designer. Here she shares her take on the latest style trends, tips on how best to accessorise your wedding gown, and what it’s like to create your own custom piece.
what do you enjoy most about creating jewellery? I’ve always had a close attention to detail and an eye for finishing touches, so to me the construction, complexity and textures of an embellished or intricately hand-wired jewellery piece are my absolute love. It’s almost like an obsession or what makes me ‘tick’ - the combination of all the little details is so much a part of who I am, it’s become my signature and I couldn’t imagine being me without it. Jewellery brings together the signature traits that are featured in my gowns; my jewellery pieces are the purest and most concentrated form of my style.
how would you define your design style? Beauty - I hope to capture the femininity of a woman and showcase her unique charm and gracefulness, as well as exhibit an intricate decadence of hand-craftsmanship, reminiscent of the art deco detailing and embellishments of the 1920’s. Elegance - I want to capture the style, manner and sophistication of a woman that was so strongly portrayed during the 1950’s, the golden age of couture. Timelessness - the combination of all these qualities creates a product which stands the test of time. Its beauty doesn’t fade nor its style. The quality and craftsmanship are not cemented into one era or trend, but rather transcend into an heirloom-like preciousness.
where do you seek inspiration for new designs? I am personally heavily inspired by nature and in particular flowers. They have such incredible shapes, subtle tones and silhouettes as well as tiny details which makes each species unique from the other. Impressionism is another influence, I feel very moved by the gentle brush strokes and colour palettes prominent in that genre of art. Researching bygone eras like the 1920’s and 1950’s as well as watching old films set in those styles is another helpful resource. I’m also fond of poetic phrases, quotes and poems, as I always write a short descriptive story which introduces the collection themes for each new range.
how long does it take for a design to develop from concept to final piece? Each piece will have its own journey, as all my pieces are custom made to order and tailored to the individual, it will depend on the size and complexity of the piece. Some could take just a couple of hours whilst other major pieces could take up to 100 hours. In terms of editing, my highest priority will always be, “is this what the client really wants”.
is there a different emphasis when designing to compliment a wedding dress as opposed to a gown for another occasion? There is definitely a different approach when designing for weddings, especially in terms of colour choice. Unless there is someone who specifically requests colour, designing bridal pieces follows a more traditional scheme of cream or white with pearls and/or crystals using silver or gold to set the crystals in. What can be really exciting though is to add texture and if possible to use the same lace being used in the wedding dress to incorporate into the jewellery pieces. This adds a whole other sentimental element in the design process, which is very special and unique to each bride. I absolutely love hand-beading lace then finishing off the piece with traditional couture techniques and hand-stitches. Creating pieces for a wedding is also a personally esteemed role I enjoy as it’s such a momentous occasion for the couple. I feel honoured to be chosen to make pieces that will be worn on the big day.
what are your picks for future bridal styling trends? There seems to be a big shift towards incorporating natural elements like fresh flowers in the overall bridal look and décor setup as well as handmade touches giving a slightly nostalgic feel. I really like these movements as I think they give the day a lovely ambience. I would hope and like to see this push further into a demand for more unique handmade options and bridal styling, embracing the tradition of handing down a precious piece or wedding gown from parents or grandparents, or at least re-creating those styles and using them as inspiration to create a modern twist for the current bride.
how do you make the custom design experience special for brides? Working with each bride in creating a beautiful, tailored piece is the most rewarding experience. Throughout the process in meeting and getting to know them, the choices made together come to life in the finished product. I think it’s rare these days to be able to have that opportunity of giving input and having a creation made specifically for you that no other person would have. At the end you can look at the piece and see the individual in it, their tastes, inspiration and see them wearing that piece down the aisle. Ultimately that is my role in the whole process, to have all this meaning come out in the creation and the biggest gratification is seeing their joy when they see the finished product for the very first time. That is the beauty of the bespoke service, creating that magic with each client.
“I hope to capture the femininity of a woman and showcase her unique charm.�
do you have any ‘golden rules’ for pairing couture jewellery with a wedding gown? It’s important to consider everything together, what your wedding dress is like, bridesmaid dresses, wedding theme as well as any personal requests or tastes. If you stay true to all these elements then the craft of making the jewellery happens naturally.
what is your best advice for brides considering statement accessories for their wedding day? With each bride, I always advise them to follow their own heart. Many times people are almost afraid to say what they really like, being intimidated by what others will think of their choices on the big day. A wedding should be about the celebration of the couple and the bride should be able to take the opportunity to create a piece she’s always dreamed about irrespective of others’ opinions. Don’t be afraid to go for the larger statement earrings should you want something different to what you’d normally wear. At the same time, there’s nothing wrong with knowing what you do like, so if that is a delicate pair of embellished studs, it can be just as spectacular. What matters is how you will feel wearing it and as long as you are happy and love the piece, you’ll look beautiful and smile radiantly on the big day.
“You can look at the piece and see the individual in it.�
Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography
Taneal + David
This gorgeous couple met three and a half years ago at the Gold Coast Titans, where David plays professional football. Here they celebrate their engagement with a relaxed, picnic style photo shoot featuring romantic purple hues.
how did david propose? After a big year in both our careers we booked a trip to Hawaii. Once we had soaked up enough sun, we decided to do a bit of shopping in Waikiki Beach. Dave, being ever so clever, suggested we window shop for any particular future engagement rings I might like. We walked into Tiffany and Co and had a browse for about 30 minutes, me being none the wiser about a certain very important upcoming question. I found the perfect ring, it was beautiful and exactly what I would want if I was choosing an engagement ring. Dave turned to me, my fingers still in the hand of the helpful ring assistant, and asked if I was 100% sure if this would be the ring. I was certain, and so was he, he looked at the ring then turned to me and asked me to marry him. Completely shocked and overwhelmed, I started to cry and of course said a big YES.
why did you decide to have an engagement shoot? I’ve always loved the idea of an engagement shoot. I love having pictures that capture special moments and I think it’s important to get to know your photographer before the big day and their style of work.
what was your experience like on the day? It was amazing, Rach from Atomicbutterfly Photography made us feel so comfortable. She had arranged with David and I what our favourite fruits, chocolates and colours were. When we arrived, she had a picnic set up that was personal and set the scene.
how have you found the wedding planning so far? I’ve really enjoyed planning the wedding. It really helps when the venue has a wedding coordinator who arranges everything that needs to be done and keeps you on track. I think the key is to be organized, which eliminates the stress. I wanted to enjoy being engaged and enjoy the process with David so I’ve been relaxed throughout.
any tips for couples considering a shoot? I would definitely say it’s a must. It’s a special moment being engaged so it’s nice to have those memories captured.
Enjoy a sneak peek of Taneal and David ’s beautiful wedding day...
Film Save the Date Cinematography Photography Atomicbutterfly Photography
Secret Garden A breathtaking designer gown fresh off the runway, gorgeous outdoor space just waiting to be styled and a palette of vibrant colour this is a celebration of luxury and simplicity, where natural beauty does all the talking.
The Ceremony Featuring an arbour aged to silver, jasmine encircled beams and beautiful blooms suspended above, the ceremony feels both sophisticated and relaxed, setting the perfect tone for the party to follow. A stone fountain filled with flowers enhances this serene space, creating an intricate mosaic of petals and light.
The Flowers Strawflower, delphinium, lisianthus, basil, David Austin roses, Queen Anne’s lace, sim carnations, cordifolium, andromeda, boronia, Arab’s Eyes and Sweet William.
The Reception The high hedged walls of a secluded courtyard provide a dramatic backdrop for the reception. Watercolour infused stationery, bright linens, silver bonbonnieres, vintage crystal glasses and abundant florals create an elegant look. As the sun sets, draped festoons cast a romantic glow over this garden soirĂŠe.
Concept, Coordination, Styling & Stationery The Wedding Playbook Photography Evernew Studio Venue Hillstone St Lucia, QLD Flowers Green and Bloom Decor Prop it Pretty Lighting AVIdeas Napiery Covered
Furniture & Glassware Hodgepodge Hire Cake Gillian Bell Gown George Wu Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Jewellery & Bonbonniere Wedding Bling Hair & Makeup Hair & Makeup by Ashley Rose Models Miranda & Jared, Que Models
do things differently
There are three things every bride and groom must do at their wedding reception – according to tradition, of course! But what if cutting the cake, performing a first dance or tossing the garter or bouquet just isn’t your thing? No need to worry about missing out on a great party atmosphere with these fun alternatives.
cake cutting Let’s take a moment to appreciate that convention has moved on from breaking the wedding cake over the bride’s head to merely - cutting it. Considered the first task of a couple’s married life, the cake cutting is actually a sweet tradition (pun intended!) where feeding each other a piece is a way to show your dedication to providing for one another. For a perfect nod to this custom, choose any activity that involves you, your partner and some food or drink. If you’re a sweet tooth like me, you can celebrate with a sugar hit of stacked donuts, macarons, cookies, profiteroles, pies or even a chocolate fountain! If you want to do away with desserts altogether, why not consider mixing a signature cocktail to serve to your guests, or get the party started with a champagne tower poured by you and your beloved. Finally, what about a cake-shaped piñata? It’s instant entertainment and a unique way to say thank you to your guests with some take-home sweets!
the toss As the tradition goes, unmarried guests wanting to share in the good fortune of the bride need to get their hands on either her bouquet or a piece of her clothing. If you don’t know any single ladies, or just don’t want to single anyone out, you can present your bouquet to the oldest married couple, the person who introduced you to your partner or the couple next to be married. If you do still want to do a toss, you could throw a small posy and reward the catcher with a pampering gift or release a breakaway bouquet so everyone receives a flower! Not keen on showing some leg for the garter removal? Your groom can throw his boutonniere instead which the catcher can exchange for a bottle of alcohol. A ‘Little Black Book’ containing lottery tickets or a gift card is also a fun (and cheeky!) option for the guys. If you want to get all of your guests involved, consider a lucky door ‘gift bouquet’ of flowers, chocolates and movie passes. And, so no one is left out, you can also organise a lolly toss for the kids!
the dance Performed at formal balls for hundreds of years, the guests of honour complete a first dance to encourage others to join them on the dance floor. Now it’s an opportunity to share a special moment with your partner, taking the first of many steps as a married couple. There’s no need to choreograph a showstopping routine, but if you’re not a fan of the spotlight, a live band, DJ, comedian or karaoke station are great ways to kick off the post-dinner party instead. You can also reverse the order of events and hold an official ‘Last Dance’, where all of your family and friends are invited to the floor for one final song before your getaway. All anyone will be thinking about is enjoying the moment with you! And, to make sure you don’t miss out on some one-on-one time, consider organising a private room for some drinks and canapés which you and your partner can enjoy before the reception. For some, a wedding isn’t a wedding without these traditions, and for others, they are just a sample of the many great activities you can plan for your reception. So what’s the only thing you must do? Have the confidence to do your day differently!
Photography Michelle Fleur Photography Gown Jordanna Regan Couture Hair & Makeup Bella Brides Model Mallory Van Noort
Christina & Lucius From whirlwind romance to fairytale wedding, Christina and Lucius planned a Tuscan inspired event featuring plenty of sweet DIY details and a wholehearted focus on enjoying the moment.
Planning process Christina and Lucius wanted to be very involved in planning their day, working on projects that were close to their hearts. “The music was very important to Lucius so he put together songs that were meaningful to us both and represented the feelings we wanted to inspire in our guests on the day. I’m very creative, so I worked with my grandfather, who constructed props which I painted and styled myself. Our least favourite part was trying to bring everything together for the day as it’s such an overwhelming task, particularly in the beginning. We managed to break down each component and work on one at a time to make sure we didn’t get too stressed. The wedding allowed us to invite our close family and friends in to see all the things we love most about love, life and one another. It was like a true Tuscan fairytale - everyone could feel the emotion that was not only present on the day, but that had gone into putting the wedding together.”
Special moments “My favourite moment was right before my mother walked me down the aisle. It was the first time alone I had managed to have with her all day. She held my hand and smiled at me as we prepared to walk down the aisle - I turned to my mum and told her that just a couple of days before, Lucius and I had found out we were expecting our first baby and she was going to be a grandmother!” Christina also planned a lovely moment for her grandparents at the reception. “Having their wedding song come on as they stepped onto the dance floor and seeing the look on their faces when they realised it was playing was very special.”
The dress
Flower menu
Finding the dress was a wonderful experience. “I had known for a long time what kind of wedding dress I had always dreamed of, but worried it would not look as I had expected. I found a gorgeous dress but wanted something that wasn’t strapless. After discussing this with the bridal assistant, she was able to contact the dress designer and have a custom made strap complete with crystals and pearls to finish the dress.”
David Austin roses, lisianthus, ranunculus, baby’s breath, lamb’s ears, cream and pink roses.
Best advice “Enjoy the planning stage and involve your partner too. The day belongs to the two of you and there is nothing like building that moment together. Stick to what you love, not what’s in fashion. Your wedding should be about you and your story, not what a celebrity happened to put together for their day. Contact all of your suppliers two weeks beforehand and provide them with a contact list and run sheet of times and how the day will go. Communication when you’re involving this many people is paramount.”
Including family Family was a big influence and inspiration in the couple’s wedding planning. “We wanted to share the moment with those closest to us and felt that by involving them with special events throughout the planning stage and on the day, made it even better. My grandparents were very helpful with setting up and constructing props for the day. My brother and Lucius’s sister both prepared readings for the ceremony. We each had our closest sibling as our best man and maid of honour and our best friend as our bridesmaid and groomsman. One of my relatives came all the way from England and arranged to play a version of pass the parcel at the reception after the speeches as this was a family tradition back in England - it was very special and quite amusing!”
Styling details “Our ceremony had Tuscan vases, which would one day be used in our newly built home, filled with flowers matching our bouquets. The aisle was scattered with rose petals collected from my brother in law’s garden, we had old music paper rolled into cones filled with petals and tied ceremony programs with vintage ribbon on each chair. There were signs placed around the property directing guests which were made by my grandfather and hand painted by Lucius and myself. For the reception, our seating chart was made from an old door that we found. We brushed it down and nailed small picture frames to the door with guest tables printed in each frame. We collected old Fowlers jars from my father in law’s property in the country and placed candles in each one to light the stairway to the marquee for our guests. Tables had small French inspired glass bottles and miniature bird cages placed around large candelabras with cascading floral arrangements. In the marquee, we hung fairy lights and artificial ivy around each post surrounding the dance floor to enhance the space.”
“ The most important thing to us was to create our own signature on the day.�
Photography B Captured by Ky Luu Venue Kingsbrook Estate (Orangerie and Marquee), SA Celebrant Chris Steele Styling Bride & Groom Flowers Illume Flowers Cake Angel Wedding Cakes Gown Brides Desire (Sasha), with custom French lace strap Hair Anita Johns Makeup Lauren Parkinson Suit Rodd & Gunn Bridesmaids Light in the Box Groomsmen Roger David
Liz & Kris After six years together, Kris proposed to Liz during his grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations with a beautiful diamond and platinum ring. This modern wedding, with its simple palette of black and white, is both timeless and chic.
Planning process As busy medical professionals, Liz and Kris decided to hire a wedding planner to ease the load. “I’m so, so glad we did! It made the whole process smooth and practically stress-free, and allowed us to enjoy the process of planning as well as the wedding day itself, without stressing about the small details.”
Pre-wedding fun The pre-wedding festivities were highlights for Liz and Kris. “For the Bucks night the boys hired a houseboat on the Murray River for the weekend. The Hens was a surprise weekend away in Sydney, with a day out on a yacht in Sydney Harbour, followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing!”
The dress Liz wanted something simple, modern but unique. She tried on a few different silhouettes, fabrics and styles just to be sure! “In the end I worked on my design with Anne from Rapsimo. She is so talented, and she captured my style perfectly. There is always an element of risk having a dress made from scratch, as it’s impossible to know how it will look until it is finished. But I was so happy with every detail of the dress down to the last little pleat- it was even better than I had envisaged.�
“Walking down the aisle and seeing my gorgeous groom at the other end, and seeing all our family and friends together in the one place was a highlight.�
The reception Liz and Kris loved the pared back style they could achieve in their old theatre building, “It had such a beautiful warehouse feel to it that we really wanted to play with and highlight, rather than hide it with draped fabric. We kept the walls and the rafters bare, with dropdown exposed light globes to keep with the warehouse feel, but had a pressed metal bar, and Louis ghost chairs to keep it looking modern. We had lots of white flowers placed on mirrors along the tables and hired some gorgeous big trees that were up lit to make the room look beautiful.” The couple also provided a cute, cost effective activity to add to their guest book, “We had a polaroid camera next to the guest book so that guests could stick a selfie next to their message. We ended up with some great pics!” Liz says they were glad they took the time to step back. “Towards the end of the night we stole a moment by ourselves to look at the beautiful room and at all our friends and family dancing, drinking, and having a great time. It was such a magical night!”
Most important As self-confessed foodies, it was important that the food and wine were also high quality, “While we were having our photos taken, guests were served champagne and canapes. This was followed by alternate-drop entree, and a choice of main meal. For dessert, we served the wedding cake along with cheese platters, scotch and port.” They also prioritised quality photography. “As we didn’t hire a videographer, it was important to us to have a great photographer who we trusted to capture all the important moments of the day. “The day goes so fast, it’s wonderful to have beautiful pictures to look back on.”
Personal touch Liz created something unique and beautiful for the day, “Our wedding dance was to a song composed and performed by me, which was recorded onto CDs and given to the guests as a memento of the day.”
Best advice Don’t be afraid to delegate! It’s impossible to do everything yourself and trying to do so takes the enjoyment out of planning. Friends and family are generally more than happy to help out and are excited to be involved. Have the wedding you, as a couple want to have. Don’t feel you have to cater to everyone else’s vision of how your wedding should be. Keep things in perspective. In all likelihood, your wedding won’t be perfect, but keep in mind that your wedding is just one day in your marriage, and every day after is just as important.
Photography Luke Simon Photography Ceremony Holy Trinity Church Adelaide, SA Reception Queens Theatre Planner OnCue Events Styling Atmosphere Events Gown Rapsimo
Carla & Geoff This stunning engagement shoot has us wishing for our own Notebook moment. Guest starring Alana, the yellow Torana, there’s no doubt Carla and Geoff have serious on-screen chemistry. Cue music and enjoy this golden afternoon‌
Photography The Gehrmanns Hair & Makeup Elisse Lancaster
tell us a bit about your story so far. Geoff and I met at a dinner party through mutual friends, and eventually our two share houses formed a pub trivia team. After a few months of trivia nights, it became obvious that we were both very committed to keeping our Tuesday night plans. When he picked me up for our first date, I was so impressed with his beautiful car! Geoff proposed at sunset during a weekend away to celebrate our second anniversary. We were enjoying a cheese and champagne picnic and I suspected something must be up, because it was all just TOO romantic! After a sneaky look at the slim fit pants he was wearing, it was obvious he couldn’t possibly be concealing any surprises, so I relaxed and enjoyed the moment. Of course that’s when he popped the question, revealing the ring inside a miniature box that he had been hiding in the palm of his hand!
“When he picked me up for our first date, i was so impressed with his beautiful car.�
how did you decide on a vintage inspired shoot? We had actually decided not to do engagement photos, as the concept didn’t feel very natural to us. Sam, our photographer, came up with the brilliant idea of doing a styled shoot around the car, with a retro look to tie it all together. She designed a Pinterest board to share some inspiration, and I wore my own vintage dress that I thought would suit the style of the shoot. Hair and makeup completed the look perfectly - it was much easier to get dolled up and play around in front of the camera when we were “acting”. Geoff absolutely loved using the car in the shoot!
what was your experience like on the day of the shoot? We were looking forward to meeting our photographers for the first time, and also a little nervous about what to expect from the session. Sam and Ben welcomed us into their home and spoilt us with home cooked gourmet treats and wine! When my hair and makeup was finished, we drove the car to a nearby field for some sunset shooting. After dark, we returned to Sam and Ben’s for a delicious BBQ dinner and some cuddles with their three gorgeous canines, before travelling a little further out to play with long exposure shots. We experimented with the Torana’s headlights, glow sticks and sparklers, with amazing results!
how have you found the wedding planning? Mostly we are doing the planning ourselves. Geoff is the project manager, I am the event co-ordinator! We have found most of our suppliers through word of mouth, as well as looking a little outside the box. There are so many great free online resources available! So far we have managed by: 1. Keeping to our budget 2. Not getting stressed out by unforeseen circumstances 3. Listening to everyone’s kind advice, and ultimately finding our own groove
what is your best advice for other couples? We initially thought an engagement shoot wasn’t for us, but now we are thrilled that we decided to give it a go. The most important element to the experience is finding a photographer that you feel a good connection with and who understands what your expectations are. We know that on our wedding day we can simply enjoy the moment together, instead of worrying about how the photos will turn out.
Typo’s Wedding Tips Love the idea of DIY but need some inspiration? Typo’s Alpna Ghedia shares her best tips for introducing some personal touches into your day.
1. Find your unique style Every woman has thought about her wedding day, so when it comes down to choosing the right style, it’s a very personal thing. Whether you are planning a rustic, outdoor-inspired soirée or a sophisticated black, white and gold affair, you can get a complete look or mix and match pieces from Typo’s collections your way.
2. Create instant atmosphere Lanterns and bunting – Paper lanterns or fairy lights create an amazing ambiance for the evening, and bunting is a simple but effective decoration that is easy to personalise using stencils and paint. Photo booth props – Guests need to have fun and what better way to do so than with party props? (Don’t forget the guest book album and camera to capture the moment!) Large wooden crates – These are fantastic for holding drinks, cupcakes, flowers and many other things. Even just stacking them up looks fantastic, or using smaller ones as table centrepieces.
3. Keep it budget friendly Create your own favours by packing some sweet treats into one of our favour bags. Tie a bow with some twine and a tag and voila! For your centrepieces, fake flowers go a long way when bunched together with some twine or ribbon, and jars and bottles can act as vases for a cheap and effective look.
4. Play with colour Pick your colour palette and stick with it. Most brides go for a subtle, traditional palette but you can add a pop of colour or glitter to make it your own - even if it’s just in the party favours or food, such as sprinkles on cupcakes! Also, don’t be shy to ask friends and family for help to DIY, you’ll be surprised how creative everyone can get.
Typo’s All That Glitters, Candy Buffet and Vintage Wedding collections are now available. Click here to check them out!