VOL. 4 SPRING
2012
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contents
Every Issue
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Editor’s Notes
Contributors
Something Old
Something New
Something Borrowed
Something Blue
Do It Yourself
Real Weddings
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Phillip & Ana By Fego Photography
James & Caitlin By Nectarine Photography
Ryan & Alex By Your Reflexion Photography
Mark & Carlin By Tamara Cadd
Cameron & Celeste By CJ Photography
Melvin & Deborah By Merge Photography
David & Leah By Rob Watson
Cover image: James & Caitlin by Nectarine Photography
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Craig & Kelli By I Heart Weddings
Rob & Lisa By Tracey Incau Photography
Dane & Claire By John Dennis & Joy Lai
Daniel & Kristy By Samm Blake
Malek & Azadeh By Organic Weddings
Robert & Louise By Solas Weddings
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Ben & Nicole By Enrico Bettesworth
Russell & Rhianne By Emma Pointon Photography
Jason & Sheree By Aksent Photography
Jonathon & Stephanie By Dremt
Harrison & Tianna By Ben Yew
Ian & Lucinda By Arlene Bax
Scott & Mel By Eileen Devereaux
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ICONS TO CLICK Takes you to the photographer
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Takes you to the ‘First Dance” song
Takes you to the instructions for the DIY
editor’s note
Pictures of you
For the past six months whilst putting this edition of Kiss the Bride Magazine together I have been looking at many inspirational sites, reading alot of different magazines and following wonderful businesses on Facebook. And I have come to the conclusion that while we love reading the written word what we really love doing is looking at pictures. Lots of them. Which got me to thinking. Now that we are an online magazine we can have as many pages as we want. So we have filled lots, and lots, and lots of pages with stunning imagery, and few words. For me, and for many others, a picture is worth a thousand words.
with tears at the raw emotion shown in some of these photos. Words will never be able to describe what a picture can. And that is why it is so important to choose the right photographer for your special day, because as the years roll on you will want to be able to look at your photos and instantly remember everything you were feeling in that very moment. Kiss the Bride Magazine shares with you the personal world of these beautiful brides and grooms, and the very talented work of some amazing photographers.
Claire xox
As I started selecting photos to show in the following pages I felt my eyes well up
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contributors
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something old
Why not use Scrabble pieces in some of your photos? Get them from {Dew Handmade}
Give the groomsmen the gift of money with these six pence wedding cufflinks from {Subway Cufflinks} How cute would this vintage porcelain bride and groom look on top of your cake? Find it at {A Small Fortune}
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Be inspired by the gorgeous Audrey Hepburn with this 1954 Oscars dress designed by {Silver Sixpence}
Include a family heirloom in your bouquet by {Lilybuds Bespoke Bridal}
Adorn your ring finger with this stunning antique looking wedding band available from {Antique Anniversary Ring}
something new
Dress up a simple wedding gown with this hand made cream lace and pearl necklace made by {Kirsten Keep on top of everything with the perfect planning companion by {Our Wedding Consultant} Dress the groom and his men in an array of different patterned bow ties from the same tones of colour. Find them at {Handmade by Gigi}
Feel like a princess in the stunning Adele gown Beautifully designed by {Jennifer Gifford Designs}
These shoes are perfect for your bridesmaids. Available from {Lee Luck}
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something borrowed
A perfect addition to your bouquet; a collection of wedding photos from your family, past and present, put together by {Perfect Pendants Plus} After the wedding take some time out just for the two of you and hire this luxury houseboat for your honeymoon from {Houseboat for Two}
Perfect for the candy buffet, this fun phrase in a frame is from {Blue Rascal Designs}
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For personal wedding favors for your guests have your favourite family recipe printed on cards designed by {Melia Media}
Have your guests leave a message on a handwritten card and pop them into this suitcase for hire from {Style My Event}
something blue
Ideal for a beach wedding, you can hire this 1962 VW Kombi from {Woody’s Surf Car Hire}
Perfect bridesmaid gift, blue Topaz and Diamond design set by {Estrela Design}
Start off your wedding theme with a touch of blue in your invitations, designed by {Hermia’s Wishes}
Add a bit of vintage glam to your wedding and hire this powder blue velvet lounge from {Lily & Bramwell}
Instead of throwing confetti have your guests wave these gorgeous ribbon wands from {Pink Frosting}
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Do it yourself
Can your guests see in to the future? Have them write where they see you both in 25 years in this guestbook ~ {marthastewartweddings.com}
Save the date reminder fun ~ {marthastewartweddings.com}
Beautiful chiffon and tulle flowers ~ {projectwedding.com}
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Ask your groomsmen to be part of the day with these cool beer bottles ~ {weddingchicks.com}
Help your guests to their seat with this fun escort cards seating chart ~ {greenweddingshoes.com}
How much fun are these delicious wedding favours? ~ {weddingchicks.com}
Scrapbook bunting, perfect for an outdoor wedding ~ {marthastewartweddings.com}
Give your dress the attention it deserves and hang it on a personalised hanger. Great for photos too ~ {greenweddingshoes.com}
What a gorgeous way to dress the wedding chairs up. Simply wrap them in ribbons ~ {weddingchicks.com}
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Blakeney Photography www.blakeneyphotography.com
exclusive wedding planning for stylish brides
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phillip
ana
21 November, Mosman Park, Western Australia
Photography by Fego Photography
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Our Story {How we met} Through mutual friends on a night out. We knew each other for a couple of years before getting together. {Time together} Three and a half years. {First date} We went for a drive along the Swan River in the Nedlands / Claremont area with coffee and cake to finish off. {Proposal} It was at the Champagne Lounge at Must Wine Bar before dinner whilst enjoying a glass of champagne. {Rings} Royal Asscher diamond from Linneys set in an 18 carat white gold band, with a loop under the diamond which is beautiful.
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{ Menu
Entree
Field mushroom and persian feta Risotto cake with fresh rocket and tomato salsa Main Course
Cone Bay barramundi, pesto risoni, woodfired red peppers and salsa verde dressing Black Angus beef fillet with potato pave, caramelised red cabbage and red wine jus, salad with balsamic and olive oil Dessert
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Eton mess mango and passionfruit with vanilla cream and crushed meringue
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{Hen’s & Buck’s} We had a Sex and the City theme with small group of friends who came over for cocktails and pizza and then we took a pink hummer to Subiaco for a night out. The guys had a day at the races followed by a small pub crawl ending up in Leederville. {Planning} We hired Lara from White Events. The most exciting part was on the actual day when you see all the bits and pieces actually come together and create something amazing. {Inspiration} We wanted a small and intimate wedding with our family and closest friends that was simple but elegant. {Theme} Modern sophisticated and not overly traditional. {Gown} It was a simple Collette Dinnigan dress with satin silk that flowed down with a crystal piece in the centre of the v-neck of the dress. .{Decor} White candelabras from Bridal Creations teamed with light green chair covers and tiny flower bowls of La Belle roses and floating candles from Touched by Angels. Our bridal table was a round table in the middle of our four guest tables so we had the opposite to our guests with a tall vase of long stemmed La Belle roses and floating candles with pearls throughout. We also had gorgeous placecards in the shape of a bird that sat on the edge of everyone's glass. The outdoor area was simply decorated with fish bowls of floating pearls and Le Belle rose buds along with two large LED cherry blossom trees which looked great as the sun went down. {Flowers} La Belle Roses {First dance} Stitch by Stitch by Javier Colon. {Honeymoon} Five weeks in New York, Los Vegas, Chicago, Barcelona, Paris and Dubai. {Number of guests} 41 {Cost} $25,000
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On the Day
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Gown Collette Dinnigan Groom Australian Formal Wear Groomsmen Australian Formal Wear Rings Linneys Makeup Thiana Sperry Flowers Zinnia Floral Designs Photographer Fego Photography Cars Showtime Limousine Stationery Lala Designs, Bride + Groom Wedding Coordinator White Events Decor Touched by Angels, Bridal Creations Ceremony Gallows Gallery Celebrant Ann Lord Reception Matilda Bay Restaurant Cake Sweet on Cupcakes
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james
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caitlin
17 March, Brunswick Junction, Western Australia
Photography by Nectarine Photography
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Our Story
{How we met} James and I met on Facebook, I was living in Switzerland at the time (he is Swiss however lives in Perth) and a mutual friend connected us. He told me alot about the country and we hit it off as friends. Upon returning we caught up and within a few weeks we were dating. We both knew from the beginning that there was something pretty special about each other. {Time together} Two years. {First date} It was pretty wonderful! On the beach with lots of chatting and maybe a kiss in there too. {Proposal} We had dinner, then went for a drive past the beach where we met to a lookout point covered in lights. He sung the most beautiful song ever written and and it played over speakers set up in the dunes (I'm still amazed by how he set that all up) I was in such shock I think I stood there frozen for about five minutes just saying yes, yes, yes, yes, over and over. It was so incredible. {Rings} James designed my engagement ring. I love it. It is a low set cushion cut halo with two diamonds in the basket. I adore that he was bold enough to create something himself and it made it all the more unique and treasured to me. {Hen’s & Buck’s} A whole lot of crazy fun for the girls! It involved burlesque dancing, a beautiful dinner with my closest girlfriends and family and some rather awkward dares. What the guys got up to remains a secret! {Planning} I have to say my husband helped a lot. He was a superhero. I am so blessed to have had him so involved. I look back on our day and am so thankful that the entirety represented our collective efforts. The best part was making our vision of a barn wedding come to fruition. In Western Australia wooden barns are a pretty hard to come by but we were a determined couple. {Theme} We wanted our guests to feel relaxed and honoured on the day so we had a lot of little bits and pieces for them to look at and do. One of the most beautiful memories I have of the day is coming back from having photos and seeing our guests drinking champagne and lemonade and eating canapes whilst sitting under the huge tree on the farm. Some guests were playing games and some were at the photo booth we created.
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{Gown} It was a beautiful keyhole low back French Alencen lace, Monique L'huillier creation. I loved every minute in it. My sister surprised me by sewing a beautiful "something blue" phrase in the bottom hem that said "happily ever after" - it was so special I hope someday to pass that part of it on. {Decor} I thrifted vintage items, collected chinaware from family members, used Etsy like a pro and DIY’ed ‘til my heart was content. So there was alot of eclectic vintage wares, refurbished chairs galore, barn doors, chalk boards decorated by my amazing artist of a brother, lemonade stands, a huge photobooth area and a dance floor under the stars. One of the best parts was that We were married under a 200 year old treeI walked through freestanding barn doors that we made and our altar was an old firemantle. I loved the idea of being married outdoors however still wanted my entrance to be a surprise for James so the doors were perfect- I remember them opening and all I could see was him it was beautiful. {Flowers} David Austin's and Peonies, berries and spotted Quail feathers. I collected medicine jars and clay jars for a long time and Rebecca, the amazing mind behind Fox and Rabbit, tied everything together perfectly. {First dance} Our ceremony song was Umbrella’s by Sleeping at Last and our first dance song was sung by a close friend and was written by James for myself and originally sung by him on the night of our engagement. {Honeymoon} Two weeks in Nusa Dua. {Number of guests} 90 {Cost} $40,000
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On the Day Gown Monique L'Huillier Groom Roger David, Etsy Hair Hayley Chapman Makeup Linney Line Flowers Fox and Rabbit Photographer Nectarine Photography Videographer Matthew Bettinaglio Stationery Printable Paperie Decor Etsy Ceremony & Reception Alverstoke Barn Celebrant Robyn Walther Caterer The Singing Chef Cake Food by Emily
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“Take time to relax and enjoy the planning process. Keeping your mind clear is so important to fully enjoy the process.� 51 kiss the bride | Vol. 4
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RYAN
ALEX
16 October, Dunsborough, Western Australia
Photography by Your Reflexion Photography
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Our Story
{How we met} We met through friends but did not start dating until a couple of years later. {Time together} Just over six years; Ryan always said that we had to be together for a minimum of five years before a proposal. {Proposal} It was his birthday and we went out to dinner with his family and after all the presents were opened he asked his mum for the last one. He got down on one knee in front of his family and asked me to make it the best birthday ever, only his mum and dad knew he was going to propose. {Rings} Simple square enclosed diamond with a smaller diamond on either side set in a combination of yellow and white gold. {Hen’s & Buck’s} For the Hen’s we had an Arabian theme with some close friends and family, lots of games and drinking. The boys spent a day in Perth visiting the go-carts and shooting ranges. {Planning} Everybody helped; I wanted to know how other people did their weddings and then decided what I liked the best and went from there. Whilst Ryan helped there is only so many things that men can be interested in when it comes to weddings but all important decisions were made by the both of us. The hardest part was getting started, but once it was underway and I knew what I wanted it became a breeze and very exciting. {Inspiration} The location; we had been to lunches at Wise Winery before and we always said that this would be where we would get married so the hardest decision - where to have it - was already made. {Theme} Simple and lots of fun. I wanted it to be remembered as a really good party that everyone enjoyed rather then being full of too many traditional things. {Gown} Off white chiffon with lace on the shoulders, a fitted bodice flowing down to a small train at the back. {First Dance} Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden. {Flowers} We had pink Oriental Lilies with some greenery and the men’s corsages were white Orchids. {Number of guests} 54 {Cost} $11,000
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On the Day
Gown Tuscany Bridal Rings Michael Hill, Goldmark Hair Lux Hairdressing Makeup The Beauty Shop Flowers Florist Gump Photographer Your Reflexion Photography Cars Gannaways Charters and Tours Busselton Ceremony & Reception Wise Winery Eagle Bay Celebrant Maureen Nicholson Gift Registry Wishing Well
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“Enjoy your day - it is for nobody else but yourselves.� 67 kiss the bride | Vol. 4
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Glamorous statement jewellery and accessories Perfect gifts for your bridesmaids and flowergirls
find us
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mark
&
carlin
30 October, Echuca, Victoria
Photography by Tamara Cadd
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Our Story
{How we met} We were high-school sweethearts! {Time together} 12 years. {First date} It was very unromantic, how we got together is beyond me. I was sick and Mark was running around with a BB gun terrorising the guests at a 16th birthday party. {Proposal} It was following suit and also pretty unromantic. After 12 years I just told Mark to set the date as I wanted the same name as our new born son. He did follow it up with a quirky proposal in Thailand a few months later with a handmade bracelet with the words 'marry me?' on it. {Rings } It is a solitaire Princess cut surrounded by a band of smaller Princess cut set diamonds. {Hen’s & Buck’s} I was taken on a suprise night in the city with my friends where we had a private sewing class and made eye masks over finger food and wine; very quirky and very me. It was then followed by drinks in the hotel and silly games, then dinner at Campari House followed by dancing all night. The boys went to the horse races, followed by dinner and drinks in the city and a night of pubs and clubs. {Planning} I pretty much did most of it myself
online and had a friend help me make the homemade jam for the bonbonnieres. I tried to include Mark in most of the arrangements but he was happy for me to take over and he trust that I knew what he did and didn’t want. The most stressful part was the ceremony venue had to be changed last minute and was under threat from weather and rising waters. {Inspiration} Country and the Murray River backdrop. And wanting to complement Mark and his relaxed attitude to romance. We wanted it to be a celebration but without having to make ourselves something we aren’t. {Theme} Country river side. {Gown} It was made of lace and was a slender, strapless Sottero Midgley gown. It had a ribbon under the bust with a brooch clasping it together. Lace up the back with a train. {Decor} Orchids, homemade jams, rose petals, candles, and brown linen. {Flowers} Mango coloured Orchids mixed with roses in burnt orange. {First dance} Fall at your feet by Boy and Bears {Number of guests} 86 {Cost} $19,000
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Entree Thai beef salad Slow cooked pork belly Main Eye fillet on mashed sweet potatoes Lamb with homemade chutney and jus of potatoes. Dessert Cheese and fruit platter
{
On the Day
{
“Go online and don't be scared to buy overseas, you can save thousands.�
Menu
Gown Sottero & Midgley Groom Formal Wear Express Bridemaids Bill Levkoff Groomsmen Formal Wear Express Rings Micheal Hill Hair Sublime Hair Makeup Nicole at Hair on High Flowers Lynn's Florist Photographer Tamara Cadd Stationery Three Cheers Celebrant Carol Williams Reception Radcliffe's Music Total Party Entertainment Cake Cake Up Artist
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cameron celeste
&
12 May, South Perth, Western Australia
Photography by CJ Williams Photography
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Our Story
{How we met} We met at a dear friends funeral. (RIP Ian). [Time together} Eight years. {First date} A crazy night out at Ocean Beach Hotel in Cottesloe. {Proposal} Cameron just woke up one day and said “Come on babe we’re going to the city to buy you a ring.” I replied “What for?” and he said “An engagement ring”. And so we did. {Rings} 18ct gold band with a 1..3ct square diamond with a smaller circle diamond on each side. {Hen’s & Buck’s} The Hen’s was lunch at the Feral Brewery in the Swan Valley then we went back to my sister’s house in Lesmurdie where her back patio was set up like a barn. All the girls dressed up in their best cowgirl outfits and we even had a bucking bull. We had a stripper dressed up in his bush ranger outfit too. We played lots of games and we all had a little bit too much to drink! The Buck’s was a day at the races then a spit roast and fun at home. {Gown} My wedding dress was a full lace gown in a mermaid shape with a long fish tail. {First dance} With or Without You by U2. {Decor} Due to my Dutch heritage I had Tulips everywhere. We had an absolutely beautiful venue on the river so we all had an amazing view to look at. {Flowers} Tulips and roses. {Number of guests} 125
“Do what you want as it’s your wedding and enjoy every part of planning and the day itself... it all goes so fast.”
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On the Day
Gown Bloomfields Groom Ferraris Formal Wear Bridemaids Natasha Millani Groomsmen Ferrari Formal Wear Rings Rosendorf Hair Brooke Tolliday Makeup Jessica Lyons Flowers Paulik Flowers Photographer CJ Williams Videographer Softweigh Multimedia Cars Mad Dog Limos Stationery Vista Print Ceremony Our Lady of Lourdes Church Celebrant Father Michael McMahon Reception The Boat Shed Restaurant Music DJ Daniel Falcone Cake Santa Franks
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melvin deborah
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05 November, Burswood, Western Australia
Photography by Merge Photography
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Our Story
{How we met} We met at a mutual friend's 16th Birthday party at her house. {Time together} 10 years. {Proposal} We went on a gondola ride at sunset on the Swan River as part of an early birthday celebration. Just before it started to get dark Melvin got down on one knee and proposed. {Rings} My ring is a 1.62c round diamond surrounded by smaller round diamonds on a white gold band with half infinity diamonds. Melvin’s wedding band is a two tone, white gold and titanium band with a square diamond in the middle. {Hen’s & Buck’s} We had a 50's theme party at my apartment. There was a lot of fun and embarrassing games and plenty of champagne and finger food. For the Buck’s they had a night on a boat from Fremantle to the Swan River and back involving lots of beer food and poker. {Planning} Most decisions were made together and I did a lot of research on the internet for ideas. The most exciting part was seeing the final outfits come together and the most stressful part was trying not to fight with our parents. {Inspiration} It was about surrounding ourselves with things that reflected our personality. {Gown} Strapless, ivory, silk dress with beading and lace detail around the bust and waist. Lots of layers of organza starting from the top and then slowly parting towards the bottom and a bow around the waist.
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{First dance} Endless Love by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey. {Honeymoon} Four weeks in Europe visiting France, Switzerland, Italy and Spain followed by a week in the Maldives and a stop over in Dubai. {Number of guests} 100
Menu
Appetisers Duck and shitake tartlets Prawn and lemongrass wontons Risotto balls with parmesan cheese and white wine Entree Seafood platter Main Breast of crispy skin chicken in sage and garlic butter filled with black forest ham and cheese with shiraz jus Dessert Vanilla panacotta with macerated strawberries and biscotti
{
{Flowers} The bouquets were champagne and pink roses, pink Lizzies, blush rchids and a touch of white Lizzies. The bridesmaids carried a posy made of pale and mid pink roses, Lizzies and blush pink orchids. The men’s buttonholes were blush pink roses and the corsages were made up of a pink rose and blush orchid.
{
{Decor} The centrepieces were white cherry blossom trees with tea candles hung from the branches. The entire bridal table glowed and had our initials on it. The room was decorated with chandeliers, pinky purple lighting and white silk draping all along the walls and ceiling.
{Cost} $45,000
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On the Day
Gown Zanzis Groom Suits Bridemaids Brides Selections Groomsmen Suits Rings Rosendorff Hair & Makeup Creations by Kassy Flowers Willetton Wedding Flowers Photographer Merge Photography Cars Frits RR Stationery Wren Press Wedding Coordinator & Decor Bridal Creations Ceremony St Columba's Church Celebrant Father George James Reception Burswood on the Swan Caterer Spices Catering Music Tres Classique and Roadshow DJ's Cake Cupids Delight
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“Always remember what is important to the both of you and don't get caught up in the small details.� 113 kiss the bride | Vol. 4
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Love at first sight Looking for something different for your bridal shower or hen’s day? Why not host a bubbles and bling jewellery party! Stunning pieces perfect for your special day, for you, your bridesmaids and your female guests. From chic designer pieces and the latest fashion accessories to timeless classics, esteem has jewellery to suit everyone, every outfit, every occasion.
Esteem is dedicated to producing the highest quality fashion jewellery on the market. Esteem Jewellery manufactures a full range of Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and enhancers - all plated in 22 carat gold or pure silver with a unique protective layer added for extra durability. Our earrings are nickel free (hypo-allergenic) and the earring posts are made of surgical steel. Our stones are Cubic Zirconia or Swarovski Crystals produced in Austria to precise standards. Each esteem piece is produced to exacting specifications regarding design, value and quality, and is backed by a unique lifetime replacement guarantee for manufacturing faults. Esteem also offers a 21 day money back guarantee on all retail purchases.
Phone Kirsten on 0405 802 806 to book your party or email kdesteem@hotmail.com
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DAVID
LEAH
11 February, South Perth, Western Australia
Photography by Rob Watson
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Our Story
{How we met} Dave and I met when he answered my IT call at work and came down to fix my computer. We got talking about soccer and kept in touch. {Time together} 2 years. {First date} It was a beautiful hot summers evening at the Royal in East Perth and when ordering I asked if it was ok to order a pint of beer instead of a lady like wine. He said that was okay and we both ordered a steak and a beer followed by honest conversation and a romantic walk around the inlet. {Proposal} It was on our second year anniversery and we were due to fly overseas in a couple of days time so to celebrate we decided to have fish and chips down at Cottesloe beach instead of the elaborate restaurant feast we would usually indulge in. At the end of our dinner Dave was laying on his side and started to tell me how much I meant to him and how happy he was, however I was distracted by something on his face that kept moving when he talked, so I wasn't really listening until a huge wooden box appeared in my face.
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I didn’t believe what I was seeing until I opened the box. Dave then asked me to be his wife and I burst into tears and said "Are you serious?" and he said “Yes” so I said "Yes of course!" And then I began to shake with shock and excitement. The ring he had got me was the exact ring I had pointed out to him in passing 18 months earlier. {Rings} My engagement ring is a 18ct yellow gold band with a 1.2ct claw set, solitaire diamond set with beautiful claw set diamonds on the band. My wedding band matched the claw set diamonds on the band of my engagement ring. Dave recieved a TAG watch as his engagement gift and his wedding ring is an 18ct 2 tone comfort wedder with a .05ct diamond set in the middle. Both wedding rings were custom made. {Families reaction} Both of our families were so happy and excited for us although neither side of the family were suprised. Dave had asked permission prior to asking me. Dad's response to Dave’s question was "my little girl’s getting married!" so Dave took that as a “no worries”.
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“Perfection is never a possibility. Do not be let down by this and keep hold of the memories good or bad as at the end of the day as long as you have fun on the night nothing else matters.� 120 kiss the bride | Vol. 4
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On the Day
Gown Chein Noir Dezines Groom Kilt Hire WA Bridemaids DHGate Groomsmen Kilt Hire WA Rings Solid Gold Jewellers Hair Total Brides Makeup Gail Wilton & Carol Mackie Flowers Couture Blooms Photographer Rob Watson Videographer Tellygram Videography Cars Belle Classic Elaborate Limos, A Old Limo Ceremony St Michael the Archangel Chapel Celebrant Father Ossie Lewis Reception The Boatshed Restaurant Music Choice Entertainment Cake Sweet Celebrations Gift Registry Weddinglist Co
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{Hen’s & Buck’s} My bridesmaids started the day by picking me up and going back to one of their house to have a mini high-tea. We then went for a pedicure and hot stone massage. After the day spa I was dropped home to get ready for a night out. A big group of us got together at a friend’s house with male entertainment and drinks then a party bus later picked us up and we partied all night long. Dave had two bucks parties; one in Scotland (where he is from) and one in Perth. The Scottish Buck’s party was a train trip from Aberdeen to Newcastle then returning to Edinburgh with a lot of partying in between and the Perth one was on a boat with female entertainment. {Planning} I am a slight control freak so did most of it but I couldnt have done it with out my mum. My bridesmaids helped out too when I needed them to. Dave designed the invitations and came to appointments when he was needed. The most exciting part was seeing my dress come together over a six months period. {Inspiration} My inspiration came from so many areas. My dream in my head, what I had seen on the internet and in magazines. I wanted our day to feel like a wedding not just a party. {Theme} Romance, elegance and love. I just wanted people to feel this all day long with us.
{Gown} My dress was a work of art. Beata Riddley from Chein Noir Dezines is a magician. She gave me what I had dreamt of although I didnt know what that dream was. My dress was an almond coloured silk bust covered with applique of lace from all over the world. The bottom of my gown was magnolia silk fitted to a fishtail shape then covered with layers of tulle flowing from the hips into a two metre, fully beaded train. The back of my dress had an Italian crystal piece that followed the contour of my back. {Decor} We had the letters ‘love’ that lined five of the 13 tables. The table names were photos of Dave and I folding up the names of the tables and the centrepieces were crystal candelabras. {Flowers} We used Honeymoon and Vendella Iceberg roses in light shades of pink and cream. {First dance} For Lovers by Wolfman and Pete Doherty. {Number of guests} 120 {Honeymoon} It was over four weeks. We spent the first two days in Sydney then we went on a cruise across the Pacific Ocean for 18 days arriving in Hawaii where we stayed for four days. It was then back to Sydney for an additional two days before flying back to Perth. {Cost} $60,000
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craig
kelli
21 July, Swan Valley, Western Australia
Photography by I Heart Weddings
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Our Story
{How we met} We met as teenagers in a youth group in 1993 in Perth’s northern suburbs. We dated in 1994 and had remained friends falling in and out of contact over the years. We caught up again (properly) at a friend’s engagement party in early 2010. {Time together} 17 years. {First date} We went and saw ‘Get Him to the Greek’ at the movies then lingered over red wine and pizza at the Moon cafe in Northbridge. We were both so nervous, we kept giggling any time we touched. I was so convinced that he wasn’t interested that I didn’t even realise we were on a date. {Proposal} We were in Perugia, Italy and had spent the morning at a chocolate making class at the Baci factory. At the top of the town overlooking the beautiful Italian countryside he just got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so surprised that I didn’t answer for a minute then of course said yes! {Engagement party} It was a bit of a progressive celebration around Europe but we had a very special bottle of champagne at the George V in Paris. On our return home we had a cocktail party at the Ellington Jazz Club with our family and friends. {Rings} My engagement ring is a Tiffany and Co. round brilliant cut diamond with 14 little diamonds set in a platinum band. He chose it all by himself and I love it, it’s perfect. I bought Craig a Tissot engagement watch whilst in Scotland. {Hen’s & Buck’s} My sister (Maid of Honour) arranged a high-tea to celebrate with our
extended family then an amazing ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ themed cocktail party for the girls; little black dresses and pearls essential. We had cocktails, dinner and even a go-go dancing lesson from the gorgeous girls at Sugar Blue Burlesque. Craig and his posse spent the day in the Swan Valley. Firstly playing laser tag then onto a local beer tour. They then went into Fremantle for some Timezone fun and a few drinks at Bar Orient. {Planning} My sister and my oh-so-patient assistant Jade. Between the two girls all ideas were bounced around to make sure I was keeping on track. Most of the ideas came from me but Craig was involved in every aspect of the wedding. It was a great opportunity to work together to create something we both really loved. It was stressful finalizing the guest list, we have a huge support network but could only invite a limited number due to venue size and setup. By far the most exciting part was trying on my dress for the first time - Mum cried. {Inspiration} The venue has such warmth that we used that as our inspiration, then tried to build a beautiful wedding around it. We wanted it to feel like a dinner party we would throw at home, just bigger. {Theme} We didn’t start out with a set theme but it ended up being vintage winter romance. {Gown} Nothing I tried was quite right so the gorgeous ladies from Cupid’s Bridal created a custom design for me based on some styles I liked. It was a strapless high waisted A-line dress in silk white dupion. It was light and comfortable and even had pockets, I loved it.
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{ Menu
Canapes and pre-dinner drinks Entree Wild mushroom soup with pecorino and truffle oil. Main Char grilled fillet of beef on roast garlic mash potato, broccolini, crisp prosciutto and shiraz jus Char sui pork belly with white radish cake, asian greens and shitake mushrooms
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Dessert Creme brulee served with almond biscotti Flourless chocolate cake
{Decor} For the ceremony we made our own arch with lanterns and open curtains to frame us as we said our vows. We had rose petals and buckets of Baby Breath lining the aisle. The reception was all about candles, they were everywhere! There were little bottles of pink and white flowers down the centre of each table and we provided hand wrapped boxes of Baci so everyone remembered where the whole thing began. We also created a black and white photo gallery of all of our family from grandparents through to our sisters and cousins of all of the family weddings. We wanted them to know that they had inspired us and helped us get to where we are. {Flowers} The bouquets and boutonniere were all made of soft white goose feathers to help create the wintery effect. All of the other flowers were a mix of pink roses, Ranunculus Hyacinth and Baby’s Breath. {First dance} It Had to Be You, sung live but the Harry Connick Jnr version. {Number of guests} 78 {Honeymoon} We spent a week relaxing in the absolute luxury of the Pavilions, Phuket followed by a week of food, wine and culture in Melbourne. {Cost} $25,000 - $30,000
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On the Day
Gown Cupid’s Bridal Groom Tony Barlow Formalwear Bridemaids Cupid’s Bridal Groomsmen Tony Barlow Formalwear Rings Tiffany & Co. Hair Ashley at Fringe Benefits Makeup Erin at MAC Cosmetics Claremont Flowers Woodvale Florist Photographer I Heart Weddings Cars Back in Black Stationery DIY from Lala Design Ceremony Sandalford Winery Celebrant Maureen Meredith Reception The Oak Room at Sandalford Winery Music Elegance Music Ensemble, Earl Cole
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“Get involved, enjoy every moment and have the wedding you really want! At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what you wear or how pink the roses are; you are marrying your best friend nothing tops that.�
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0435 263 737 SYDNEY, NSW
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ROB Lisa 07 April, North Fremantle, Western Australia
Photography by Tracey Incau Photography
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Our Story
{How we met} We met at the school we were both working at.
memory that will stay with me forever.
{Time together} Three and a half years.
{Engagement party} As we were in Fiji and then went on to America we couldn't celebrate with family and friends until we got back. When we finally got the chance we celebrated with family and friends at my mums house.
{First date} Rob asked me over for dinner. He cooked a lovely meal at his place and we have been inseparable ever since. {Proposal} Rob had organised a surprise trip to America via Fiji for six weeks over Christmas. He kept the secret well hidden even though most of our families and friends knew. He wrapped the tickets up as a present and gave it to me one week before we left. He even organised time off work without me knowing. We flew to Fiji and Rob proposed on the beach on one knee with my mum’s engagement ring from my late father. It is a wonderful
{Hen’s & Buck’s} My Hen’s night was full of fun, laughter and dancing. My friends and I celebrated with a theme of ‘Lisa's Last Detention’ and everyone wore a tie with their outfit to bring the theme together. Rob and his close friends spent a few nights away in Broome. The weekend was filled with drinking, swimming and enjoying the sunshine.
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{ Menu
Entree Share platter with fresh seafood
{Inspiration} The outdoor theme at Christchurch inspired us because the view is spectacular and we met there. {Theme} Relaxed and elegant. {Gown} A beautiful handmade dress made of satin and hand sewn beading. The dress had beads around the top and was fitted down to my thighs it then flared out just slightly. I felt like a princess. {Decor} We had flowers for centrepieces sitting on a mirror base and lanterns at the ceremony. {Flowers} White roses for the bouquets and corsages and green and white flowers for centrepieces. {First dance} Time of your life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes from the movie Dirty Dancing. {Number of guests} 110 {Honeymoon} We went down south for a lovely few days away after the wedding enjoying wineries and relaxing. We are heading to Hawaii and America at the end of the year for our real honeymoon. {Cost} $20,000
Main Grilled market fresh fillet of fish served on a seasoned mash potato with asparagus and a lemon beurre blanc Prime scotch fillet served medium on a crisp smashed potato with beans wrapped in pancetta and a juniper berry jus Dessert Warm sticky date pudding with double cream and butterscotch sauce
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{Planning} Rob and I did a lot of it our own however we are very lucky to have wonderful family and friends who all helped out in many ways. The most exciting part was organising the venues as we loved both places and were excited to get married there. There weren’t too many stressful things maybe only working out how to fit the tables at the reception and not being able to invite everyone we wanted.
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On the Day
Groom Suits Formal Wear Groomsmen Suits Formal Wear Rings Mazzuchellis, Shane and Co USA Hair Maurice Meade Makeup Kathy Caldwell Flowers Tenille Penley Photographer Tracy Incau Decor & Cake Whirligig Designs Ceremony Christchurch Grammar School Celebrant Frank Sheehan Reception Salt on the Beach Music Absolute DJ Gift Registry Myer
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Individually designed wedding stationery
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dane
claire
20 April, Watsons Bay, New South Wales
Photography by John Dennis Photography & Joy Lai
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Our Story
{How we met} We were both back in our little country home town for New Years Eve, and we met out that night, and have been together ever since. {Time together} Six years. {Proposal} It was very intimate; at home with family after a wonderful trip overseas together visiting some of the most romantic cities in the world.
The five days of heavy rain in the lead up to the day were quite stressful when you have an outdoor ceremony planned and then the excitement of seeing sunshine on the morning and enjoying a spectacular Sydney autumn day. It worked out perfectly.
{Inspiration} I actually took most of the inspiration from the venue. We chose the recently refurbished Dunbar House in Watson’s {Engagement party} We had a relaxed cocktail Bay in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. Built party at Dane's parents place in Darling Point, in the 1830’s and one of Australia’s oldest which has beautiful views overlooking Sydney standing buildings Dunbar House has a ‘Great Gatsby’ feel and ticked the box of being an harbour. historic building on the water with beautiful {Rings} My engagement ring is a family harbour views. We had access to the whole heirloom and belonged to Dane’s grandmother. building and even our own private bridal bar It is a three diamond setting with a downstairs. We were able to get married under champage diamond in the centre and two the beautiful old fig tree in Robertson Park white diamonds set in a yellow gold band. Our which is directly in front of the venue. While wedding rings are simple gold bands. we were getting our pictures taken down by {Hen’s & Buck’s} We had dinner with 20 the water after the ceremony guests were girlfriends followed by a nude life drawing able to enjoy champagne and canapes on class at the Artful Hen in Darlinghurst. The the upper level veranda while watching the guys had an afternoon on a boat in the beautiful sunset. I loved all the details of the harbour with a group of friends. venue, the hand-crafted crystal chandeliers {Planning} Everyone helped in their own from the Czech Republic, custom made way. I am lucky I had a really supportive furniture, Missoni stools, Catherine Martin and creative workplace who all helped chip carpets and an antique full-marble fire place. in with last minute details. It also helps Having the ceremony and venue in one place to have talented friends who helped with was really important to us as we didn’t like various elements on the day also. I did most the idea of guests needing to be transported of the planning but Dane was always happy between venues, that way we felt the evening to help when called on; especially when it just flowed. came time for the food and alcohol tastings!
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On the Day GowN Jenny Packham Groom Calibre Bridemaids Johanna Johnson Groomsmen Calibre Rings Love & Hatred Hair Sue Carroll Makeup Christina Cleary Flowers & Decor Best Buds Photographer John Dennis, Joy Lai Stationery Melia Media Ceremony Robertson Park Celebrant Suzanne Stirling Reception Dunbar House Music Impression DJ's, NHM Entertainment Cake Cheese Tower from Ocello Gift Registry Tea Room Group
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“It all happens so fast on the day so try and remember why you are doing it in the first place as well as trying to take time to just breathe, relax and take it all in with each other.�
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{Decor} We just went with beautiful flowers in interesting glassware as well as tealight candles in different vintage mason jars. We had a photobooth and a great Polaroid camera to encourage interactivity and get the guests mingling. We also decided to name the tables after the nicknames of our bridal party to make it more personable and a conversation starter so guests could find out the story behind the nicknames. {Flowers} We used flowers in tones of white and green, but predominantly white tones. We used Gardenias, Tineke roses, David Austin roses, Lisianthus, and Freesias. {First dance} Staying away from tradition we didn’t have a first dance as such. But I had secretly arranged an amazing singer to perform five Oasis songs accoustically (Dane’s all-time favorite band) and this got everyone up on the dance floor. {Number of guests} 80 {Honeymoon} Hamiliton Island for a week.
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Menu
Canapes Oysters cocktail Tart of avocado cream shitake Peking duck wonton with duck consomme Tempura prawns Yogurt marinated lamb skewers Tahini dip Entree Prawn tortellini with fennel, tomato and cuttlefish salad done in a saffron sauce vierge Slow braised pork belly with pickled papaya and cucumber salad with a star anise sauce Main Prawn and herb crust ocean trout, saffron potatoes lemon and basil veloute Herb and mustard crust nine hour cooked shoulder of lamb rack with potato gnocchi Dessert Warm chocolate tart raspberry with tea sorbet and vanilla cream Passionfruit creme brulee
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{Gown} An ivory Jenny Packham ‘Eden’ dress which is a 1920’s vintage inspired dress that was the perfect, stylish wedding gown for me.
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{Theme} I tried not to theme it as such but rather let the ‘Great Gatsby’ style venue flow through to smaller details such as the different vintage crystal cut vases on the tables through to the soft waves in the bridesmaid’s hair and my art deco inspired gown. We wanted the evening to feel like a beautiful dinner party and decided to forgo many of the traditional elements such as cutting the cake (we had a cheese cake) or tossing the bouquet.
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We can turn your flight of fancy into reality.
weddings & events kristy@flightsoffancybykristy.com.au www.flightsoffancybykristy.com.au 0412 214 509
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PHOTOGRAPHY Š SAMM BLAKE
daniel
&
kristy
05 November, Guildford, Western Australia
Photography by Samm Blake
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Our Story {How we met} We first met way back when we were at university and both worked at the same cafe. I started working there just as Daniel was about to leave. He had already given notice but says he stuck around for a few extra weeks when I started. I had no idea that he liked me and so we went our separate ways. Five years later we randomly bumped into each other whilst out one night, recognised each other and started chatting - and the rest is history. {Time together} Nine years and we got married on our 10 year anniversary. {First date} We had a couple of "dates" with our best friends in tow first. For our first proper date (ie alone) we went out to dinner together. We spent hours chatting, laughing and drinking. It was a fun first date. {Proposal} We were in Melbourne (our second home) on holidays. Daniel made me wait right until the last day of our trip. We went for a drive down the Great Ocean road and it was such a perfect day. Apparently he had the ring with him the whole time but never found the right time to ask (he knew that I didn't want to be proposed to in public) so he waited until we got back to the hotel. He made me a cup of tea and when he brought it to me he held out his hand and had the ring in it. I don't think he even asked me to marry him I just started crying and said yes anyway! {Engagement party} We kept our engagement fairly low key. The night we got engaged we were in Melbourne and had dinner with my best friend who lives there. She came to meet us at our hotel and I said "I have something to ask you - will you be my bridesmaid?" When we got back to Perth we didn't have a party as we preferred to save the money for the wedding but I had my 30th birthday soon afterwards and had a party so that was a bit of a celebration. {Rings} Daniel knew that I would want to pick my own engagement ring but he wanted to have a ring to propose with so he went and bought a small princess cut diamond on a white gold band. It was a beautiful ring. Before we
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went away he went to ask my Dad for his permission to marry me and then he went to ask my grandparents as well and show them the ring, my Gran was over the moon. When we came back to Perth we went engagement ring shopping and I ended up choosing a ring from Tiffany & Co - the platinum Legacy ring. I wanted something delicate and vintage looking and this ring was perfect. {Hen’s & Buck’s} We went down to Yallingup and stayed at Smiths Beach Resort in one of their beautiful beach houses for my Hen’s weekend. The girls pulled off the most brilliantly executed weekend ever, which included pampering at Injidup Lodge Spa, a hightea dinner at Lamonts and a party where everyone wore their worst bridesmaids dress and I had to wear an 80s satin off-the-shoulder wedding gown and tiara! It was such an amazing weekend and one I will never forget. It was so great having all my closest friends together for a whole weekend. From all reports Daniel had a fairly tame Buck’s night (then again I may not be getting the full story.) They got a limousine and went out for dinner at a nice restaurant followed by drinks.
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{Planning} I had plenty of offers of help but being the control freak and perfectionist that I am I probably didn't take up as many of the offers as I should have. However Daniel and all my family and friends were a huge help in keeping me calm during the planning process. When I had issues or had decisions to make they were always there to offer advice and support and that was the best thing I could ever ask for. Daniel left the details to me since that’s what I am good at but he did spend hours on coming up with the perfect after dinner playlist. The most exciting part for me was the styling because it’s what I really love to do. Putting together ideas and finding the vendors who were going to be able to help me bring those ideas to life was lots of fun for me. The most stressful part was finalising our guest list. {Inspiration} I became addicted to wedding craft blogs. I took alot of inspiration from those but I'm also a naturally creative person so enjoyed coming up with my own ideas. The most important thing to me was that our wedding was filled with things that we love and that were meaningful to us and I think we achieved that.
{Theme} French Vintage. I have an obsession with all things French and we both love old things with lots of character and history so we based our styling around those things. {Gown} I knew that I wanted a really simple and classic wedding dress. I didn't want a big dress or one with alot of detail. My dress was designed by Samantha Wynne and it had a skirt with subtle pleats in it and a lace bodice with a slight sweetheart neckline. What really sold me on this particular dress was that it had pockets - I just love a dress with pockets! (And it came in very handy for me to keep a tissue in as there were a few tears during the ceremony.) .{Decor} We hired mismatched wooden chairs and other wooden furniture from Her Handpicked Harvest. I made the menus, place cards, signs and other bits and pieces myself and sourced the paper garlands and tealight candle holders. For our ceremony we had a handpainted backdrop featuring a quote from a Robert Browning poem "Grow old along with me the best is yet to be". {Flowers} The flowers I wanted weren’t in season
yet so I ended up having a bouquet of David Austin roses with Dusty Miller. The girls' bouquets were an assortment of various flowers. The tables featured lots of different flowers in small jars - we wanted the flowers to look natural and to add some colour since most of our other decor was quite neutral. Rebecca from Fox & Rabbit did an amazing job with the flowers - they perfectly suited the venue and our other decor. Instead of corsages the boys had typewriter key pins with their initials. {First Dance} The Luckiest by Ben Folds. We have been Ben Folds fans for a long time and have seen him live many times. This is a song that perfectly describes our feelings for each other. {Number of guests} 110 {Honeymoon} We went to Singapore for a few nights and then on to the Maldives where we did nothing but eat, drink and relax by the water and sleep. It was just the kind of holiday we needed after all the excitement of the wedding.
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On the Day
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Gown Samantha Wynne Groom Politix, Jack London Bridemaids Alannah Hill, Wheels & Doll Baby, Review and Nicholangela Groomsmen Politix Rings Tiffany & Co, Ecali Hair & Makeup Museo Salon Flowers Fox & Rabbit Photographer Samm Blake Cars Gently Bentley Stationery Steel Petal Press Wedding Coordinator Flights of Fancy by Kristy Decor Her Handpicked Harvest, Flights of Fancy by Kristy Ceremony & Reception Rose and Crown Hotel Celebrant Danicia Dutry Music Elle Deslandes Trio, Trevor Jalla Cake Sherbet Bake Shop
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“Hire a planner. Even though it’s what I do for a living there is so much to think about and no matter how organised you are when it's your own wedding you want to relax and enjoy it rather than being worried about making sure everything is going to plan.� 220 kiss the bride | Vol. 4
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MALEK
&
AZADEH
09 October, Kings Park, Western Australia
Photography by Organic Weddings
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Our Story
{How we met} Malek and I met when we were about 13 years old in a Baha'i Sunday class in Perth. However we lived in opposite ends of the city; Malek being in Serpentine in the south and me being in Joondalup in the north. We became friends after volunteering at Baha’i junior youth camps together and started dating when we were 19. {Time together} The two and a half years we had from that day until our wedding were filled with some of the best memories we’ve ever had. We tried to do as much as we could together even with living so far apart. After almost six months we exchanged the words ‘I love you” and our relationship blossomed. It was also important for us to get to know each other’s families too as we both have so much love and respect for them. This made our wedding day a true reflection of the unity between two individuals and two families. {First date} It was so cute; Malek asked me to a vampire horror movie (in Swedish) for our first date. Not a wise choice but we still have a good laugh about it now.
{Proposal} Malek and I are Baha’is which means the official engagement begins with not only our own consent to marriage but also the consent of our parents. It was very beautiful when Malek’s parents came to my parent’s home when we all rejoiced in the new marriage-to-be. Then we were engaged. {Rings} We decided to keep it simple and not have engagement rings. So we both wear identical gold bands and I think that reflects the simplicity and purity of our love and relationship. {Hen’s & Buck’s} Most of the lead-up to the wedding was all about our family. The Hen’s night was an opportunity for my girlfriends to really shower me with their excitement and they did exactly that. We went to a funky karaoke parlour in Northbridge and sang and danced the night away. Malek and his mates celebrated the Buck’s by going to shooting range and hitting some targets and the day ended with a nice lunch. {Planning} As we had a very short engagement of two and a half months it was imperative that we had a wedding
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planner. We met with Cathrin D'Entremont from CD Weddings and she took care of everything. So many people helped out but I did the majority of the appointments but the final decisions were always together. We had very similar ideas of what we wanted so it wasn’t very difficult to do. The most exciting part was probably all the little details. Cathrin showed us a lot of quirky and fun ideas. For example the vintage photobooth, the personal photo’s on each table with the table numbers and the white ribbons on the tree for the ceremony were among my favourite touches. {Theme} Malek and I always wanted something simple and elegant. So we went with a lot of white and pastel shades which were reflected in our flower choices, white dance floor and my dress design. The flowers were all placed in beautiful little crystal vases on all the tables at the reception, it was so elegant. {Gown} Donna Tobin did such a good job with the wedding dress. I initially wanted something very slim and simple but ended up with a very extravagant yet sophisticated dress. The bodice was mainly French lace with an off-the-shoulder design with the lace going down to long sleeves. The skirt was made of beautiful ivory, dutchess silk which flowed into a full skirt with slight pleats from the waist. My favourite part were the buttons down the back and on the long sleeves. {Decor} The ceremony was decorated with buckets of white daisies lining the aisle. The altar was covered in white rose petals and we stood under a beautiful white gazebo. The guests sat on Tiffany white chairs. We didn't need much else at the ceremony because the calm waters of the dam surrounded by gum trees stole the show. The reception was very
elegant with white orchids in tall vases on all tables surrounded by little crystal vases filled with roses and Peonies in pastel pink, white and brown colours. Flowers were our main means of decorating. {Flowers} My bouquet mainly had Honeymoon and Vendella roses in warm pastel shades of a vintage pinky brown. But it was mainly ivory roses and Peonies decorated with a few flowing gum leaves as our ceremony was surrounded by Australian bushland and our reception was in beautiful Kings Park. Corsages and centerpieces had very similar flowers to my bouquet except the white orchids. I had also had three Vendella roses in my hair. {First dance} Paradise by Coldplay. {Number of guests} 330 {Honeymoon} We stayed in Bali for five nights staying in a private villa at Ashton International in Sanur.
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On the Day
Gown Donna Tobin Couture Groom Australian Formal Wear Bridemaids David Jones Groomsmen Australian Formal Wear Rings Rosendorffs, Willie Creek Pearls Hair Tina Brandwood Makeup Lily Makeup Co Flowers Flower Talk Photographer Organic Photography Videographer Orriss Films Stationery Wren Press Wedding Coordinator CD Weddings Decor Bombonniere Galore Celebrant Leigh Douglas Reception Fraser's Restaurant Music Tres Classique Gift Registry David Jones
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robert
louise
03 March, The Rocks, New South Wales
Photography by Solas Weddings
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Our Story
{How we met} We met at university, I noticed him when he accidentally walked into the wrong lecture theatre. Two months later a mutual friend introduced us at a university ball.
finishing off the last minute details quite stressful. But we were both just so excited about having a huge party with all of our friends and family followed by a holiday.
{Time together} Four and a half years.
{Gown} The bodice was covered in beaded French lace and crystals and we added a layer of glitter tulle to the full skirt to add extra sparkle. It was finished off with a pink sash to match the bridesmaids dresses.
{Proposal} After I'd had a very long day filled with two Christmas parties he insisted on taking me to dinner. I was completely full already and had had too much to drink so complained the entire time. Much to my protesting he took me to the same park we went to on our first date. He got down on one knee and handed me the ticket from the ball where we met with 'Will you marry me?' written on the reverse. Of course I said yes!
{Hen’s & Buck’s} It was a surprise for me; champagne at home then lunch with a bunch of girlfriends followed by a champagne fuelled 80's themed hip hop dance class, then more champagne and dancing at a bar afterwards. My bridesmaids stayed over at my place and we went for a lovely hungover brunch the next day. The boys all got a hotel room for the weekend and went out for dinner followed by a weekend of many drinks and celebrating. {Planning} I did most of the it, Rob was quite happy having very little to do with the planning. I did most of the research but made sure he liked everything before making any final decisions. As the day got closer I found
{Flowers} Cream Hydrangeas, pink and white Lisianthus, David Austin roses and some green berries. {First Dance} Let’s Stay Together by Al Green. {Number of guests} 114 {Honeymoon} Hawaii for three weeks. {Cost} $40,000
{
{Rings} Rob proposed with a necklace from Tiffany's and then we designed the ring together. He gave me a central diamond which we surrounded by diamonds that used to belong to my grandmother, in a white gold setting.
{Decor} I handmade pink and white pom-poms to hang on the pews of the church which were then transferred to our reception.
Menu
Entree Heirloom tomato buffalo mozzarella and mizuna salad Five spiced prawns, sprout and coriander salad Wonton basket Mains Fillet of beef, truffle mash, spinach with red wine jus Red snapper with parsnip mash, asparagus and salsa verdi Dessert Citron tart with lime mascarpone and caramel ice cream
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{First date} It was perfect, he picked me up, took me to a fantastic dinner, then ice cream in a park which overlooked the harbour.
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On the Day
Gown Nelder Jones Groom Peppers Formal Wear Bridemaids Alannah Hill Groomsmen Peppers Formal Wear Rings Mondial Neuman Hair & Makeup Laura Jane Flowers Red Roses and White Petals Photographer Solas Weddings Videographer Perfect Media Cars Classic Bridal Cars Stationery Vistaprint Decor Divine Events Ceremony St Peter Chanel Celebrant Father Kevin Tuitu'u Reception The Sebel Pier One Music Musical Functions and Enhance Entertainment Cake Celebration Cakes Gift Registry Wishing Well
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“Think of everything you may possibly need on the day the week before - eg umbrellas snacks and drinks, a pair of ballet flats for when the heels get sore at the end of the night. Organize a run sheet for the most important people so everyone knows what they're supposed to do and when. Stressing about this before the day makes for a less stressful wedding.� 250 kiss the bride | Vol. 4
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scott
mel
02 June, Wanneroo, Western Australia
Photography by Eileen Devereux
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Our Story
{How we met} We met at church and were friends for a few years before we started dating. {Time together} 15 months. {Proposal} Scott picked me up to go out for dinner on the Tuesday before Christmas. He said that we had a bit of time before the reservation so suggested that we go for a walk on the beach. We walked along Sorrento beach and as we got to the end of the third bay and walked up onto the pathway between the rocks that lead out to the ocean I noticed that the path was covered with rose petals. We walked to the end and Scott sat me down on a waiting chair and sung 'Just the Way You are' by Bruno Mars to me, accompanied by a friend who appeared out of no where playing the guitar! He then stood me up and then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.. He then took me to the 'C' restaurant to celebrate. {Rings} Scott surprised me when he proposed with my dream ring that i had seen in a magazine one day. It is a 1940/1950's inspired design and has a lot of detail on the band. I was amazed and incredibly excited when he propsed with the perfect ring. {Hen’s & Buck’s} I spent the weekend away with my six bridesmaids in a beach house in Mandurah. All of my close girlfriends joined us on the Saturday night for an ultimate girly sleepover. The boys spent the weekend camping at Wedge Island and then finished off with a big BBQ and some football. {Planning} Our family and close friends were so supportive and all pulled together to help us create a really special day. We enjoyed planning it together and making it all really
personal to us. It became really stressful though when the bridesmaid dresses I ordered online arrived four weeks before the wedding in different shades of purple that didn’t match, instead of the deep purple I had ordered. We didn’t have enough time to return them or get new ones sent so I spent days going through every shop in Perth looking for replacements but to no avail.. Asha from Sparrow & Jack saved the day though and made six bridesmaid dresses for me at the last minute - she was amazing! The most exciting part was the anticipation leading up to the big day and also seeing all our hard work come together on the day. {Inspiration} We wanted the day to just be a really joyful celebration with the people we loved most - and that's what it was. {Gown} I saw the dress as soon as I walked in to Hobnob and it was the first dress I tried on that day - as soon as I put it on I fell in love with it. My favourite thing about it was the beading on the fitted bodice and also the lace straps that I had added to the dress. {Decor} We beaded wire with large white and purple pearl beads and 'bird nested' it around a pillar candle inside a fish bowl vase for the centrepieces. Our bonbonniere were little clear boxes wrapped with purple ribbon and filled with either M&M's or Skittles - our favourite lollies and also our initials. {First dance} Everything about you by Darlene Zchech {Number of guests} 145 {Honeymoon} Koh Samui for a week and then Margaret River for a week. {Cost} $15,000
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“Focus on what really matters (each other) and don't let all the details and little things stress you out or take away your joy.�
On the Day
Gown Hobnob Groom Brittons Formal Wear Bridemaids Sparrow & Jack Groomsmen Brittons Formal Wear Rings Bill Hick Jewellery, Koro Hair Marie Claire Dowling Makeup Julia Madden Flowers Susy K Floral Design Photographer Eileen Devereux Videographer Genesis Productions Ceremony Presbyterian Ladies' College Chapel Celebrant Dougal Steven Reception Bridgeleigh Music Kallan Sadler Cake Emma Chinnery Gift Registry Myer
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ben
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nicole
09 March, Cottesloe, Western Australia
Photography by Enrico Bettesworth
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Our Story
{How we met} We met through mutual friends. {Time together} Six and a half years. {First date} We went out for dinner in Fremantle and had great food and fantastic conversation. {Proposal} We were leaving Perth to move to Melbourne and went down to Cottesloe beach to the spot where we first kissed to collect some sand to take with us. Ben got down on one knee to collect the sand and then pulled out the ring! {Rings} My engagement ring has a Rand diamond; round, brilliant central diamond encircled by smaller diamonds and shoulder diamonds on the band. {Hen’s & Buck’s} I had a combined Hens/Baby Shower as we found out we were pregnant four months after getting engaged, so I was six months pregnant at the wedding.. The Buck’s was drinks at Little Creatures in Fremantle. {Planning} All of my close family and friends helped out but mainly my husband and I did everything. Planning the honeymoon was the most exciting part and nothing was particularly stressful except perhaps the seating chart. {Inspiration} To focus on the fact that it was about getting married and not about the wedding itself. So not to stress if things didn't go to plan on the day. {Theme} Relaxed and romantic. {Gown} An ivory strapless, georgette gown with a sweetheart neckline. The waistline had flowers around it which covered up the baby bump. {Decor} Romantic and rustic with lots of cream flowers, dark wood and white linen. {Flowers} We had a large variety of cream flowers - we wanted a ‘fresh from the garden feel’. I had Peonies and David Austin roses in my bouquet. We had Hyacinths, Hydrangeas, Peonies, roses and lots of other types of flowers in single vases on the tables. {First Dance} When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge. {Number of guests} 100 {Honeymoon} Hawaii for six nights, Yosemite for two nights and Los Angeles for six nights. {Cost} $30,000
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“Be relaxed about planning the wedding and remember it is about getting married not about whether the flowers, cake or dress is perfect. We wanted good food and wine and to enjoy the day with our family and friends.� On the Day
Gown Raffaele Ciuca Groom Spurling Formal Wear Bridemaids Made of Honour Groomsmen Spurling Fomal Wear Rings Mazzuchellis Hair Maurice Meade Makeup Jennifer Hauer Flowers Zinnia Photographer Enrico Bettesworth Videographer Steven Beck Stationery Poppiseed Designs Ceremony Cottesloe Civic Centre Celebrant Garfield Thompson Reception Indiana Music Ben's Tunes Gift Registry Flight Centre
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russell rhianne
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18 November, South Perth, Western Australia
Photography by Emma Pointon Photography
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Our Story
{How we met} We met through Russell’s brother’s friends. {Time together} Seven years. {First date} We were so young but it was perfect. We went out to a lovely restaurant in Fremantle then a drive into the city to see the Christmas lights, then down to the Bell Tower as Russ had never seen it before. {Proposal} A surprise and so romantic, after seven years together I never thought he would be able to surprise me. It was the day after my 25th birthday, a chauffeur arrived at my work and said he had somewhere very important to take me but could not tell me anything. After a short ride I arrived at the Bell Tower with Russ waiting for me all dressed up as it was where we ended up on our first date. I thought it was very romantic. {Rings} My engagement ring is solid yellow gold with one round solitare diamond. The wedding band is white and yellow gold, embedded with diamonds on both sides.
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{Hen’s & Buck’s} All the girls met my lovely bridesmaids at the Esplanade Park in Fremantle, wondering what we were in for, meeting at a park in Fremantle with no explaination on the invite of what we were going to do for the day. It was a highly organised professional event that they did all on their own. They had set out tables with some light refreshments and champaign, provided coloured feather bowers to wear which gave us an insight that it was going to be a team based day, your team being the colour of your feather bower. It was "The Amazing race" through Fremantle. We all set out completing as many challenges as we could, ensuring that we met the stop check times. There was a competitive streak in most teams which provided many laughs and it was also great for people to get to know each other. We finished with a drink at the Sail and Anchor, then headed out for an Italian dinner to relax and have a few drinks and laugh about the days events. The Buck’s was weekend down in Dunsborough
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On the Day
Gown Fara Fashion Groom Britton's Formal Wear Bridemaids Tailor Made Groomsmen Britton's Formal Wear Rings Solid Gold Hair Nicola Chapple Makeup Mecca Flowers From the Garden Photographer Emma Pointon Photography Videographer Black Sheep Productions Cars Bellagio Limousines Stationery Felicitations Ceremony Perth Zoo Reception The Boatshed Restaurant Cake Queen of Cakes Gift Registry Myer
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{Decor} Elegant and simple and did not distract you from the amazing view of the water and cityscape. {Flowers} Freesias, Lisianthus, roses and mini Gerberas. {First dance} Have I told you lately that I love you by Rod Stewart.
Menu
EntrĂŠe Western Australian king prawns and smoked Atlantic salmon on fresh greens, finished with kiwi vinaigrette Main Course Grilled king snapper fillet on roasted potato, asparagus and pumpkin puree, with a lemon and fennel seed dressing Mt Barker free range chicken breast on warm salad of green beans, shallots, new potatoes and salsa verde Harvey beef fillet served medium rare with dauphnoise potato, pea puree, wild mushroom and shiraz jus Home made potato gnocchi tossed in basil cream with spinach, served on a bed of classic napolitana Dessert A selection of home made cakes
{
{Gown} My gown had a gorgeous ribbon feature on the shoulder straps and in the crevice of my back, and the ribbon detailing was also incorporated in to my hair style on the day. There was a diamonte clasp in the slight v-neck of the neckline to add a bit of sparkle.
{
{Planning} There was alot of input in the begining from Russ and I on the bigger items but the smaller details were up to me, which I was more than happy with. And mum helped a lot too. The most stressful part is the list of invitees as you have a budget to work to and a whole lot of family that you have never met that are important to parents to invite. Everything else is exciting; shopping for the dress, going to dress fittings, cake tastings, choosing invitations, flowers, it is all so exciting.
{Number of guests} 100 {Honeymoon} Five nights in Bali and four nights at Rottnest Island. {Cost} $35,000
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“Enjoy every moment.�
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jason
12 November, Bassendean, Western Australia
Photography by Aksent Photography
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Our Story
{How we met} Jason and I first met in the Jurien Bay Hotel. He was working in town on a new land development and I was living back in my home town working at the local pub. I would serve Jason his steak every night, medium with pepper sauce. {Time together} We were together for five years before he proposed. {First date} Our first date was funny. Jason picked me up in a greenie blue two door Excel ‘chick’s car’ as all my room mates at the time laughed about. He then took me to the Mandurah greyhounds where we had hot dogs, beer and lost our bets - how romantic. {Proposal} The proposal was sweet, it was Christmas morning and we were in our PJs opening pressies. He had typed a lovely letter asking me to marry him and hid it in five seperate presents so as I opened them I got the next part of the letter. However, Jason forgot what order the presents where meant to go in so I ended up finding ‘Marry Me” in the second present. {Rings} Amazing vintage art deco rings. {Hen’s & Buck’s} I didn’t want a Hen’s and told the girls not to organise one either but I got home from work late on a Saturday to find all my best girls at my house looking glam, so we didn’t call it a Hen’s and we just did what we all love best; Japanese and karaoke! Some how though there ended up being naughty shaped straws. Jason’s Buck’s has everything he wanted; friends, golf and beer. {Planning} I planned most of the wedding myself, getting some help from both mothers and my best girlfriend Katie was a life saver in the week leading up up to the wedding. Keeping to a budget was hard and caused a bit of stress but the planning was exciting to do.
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{Inspiration} The venue, Earlsferry House, is this stunning two story heritage home in the suburb we live in. It has amazing character and beautiful gardens that over look the river. The owners, Jane and Martin, have respected the house and added their own quirkyness to it. I wanted the house to be the backdrop to our wedding. {Theme} Antique, vintage, rustic and a little retro. {Gown} My dress was a 1950’s shape in ivory. The skirt part was tea length and full, and the bodice section had a high neckline of lace. My shoes were in cherry red suede made for me by Bellini Shoes. {Decor} Massive antique feature door which we had our ceremony and reception in front off. There were lots of little bits and pieces that were vintage, second hand or retro. {Flowers} Mixed roses, Peonies, Lizzies and Magnolia leaves. {First dance} Fall at your Feet by Crowded House sung by the band Spoon Full of Sugar. {Number of guests} 100 {Honeymoon} Vietnam for two weeks, trecking in Sapa and exploring the city of Hanoi. {Cost} $35,000
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“Do your research and look around, alot, and get exactly what you want. Dont have too many people’s ideas, it is what you want.” On the Day
Gown Fara Fashion Groom Terrace Menswear Groomsmen Man to Man Rings Solid Gold Hair Hemisphere Hair Makeup Carley Gilmour Flowers Willeton Wedding Flowers Photographer Aksent Photography Stationery Collins Craft Decor Her Hand Picked Harvest Ceremony & Reception Earlsferry House Celebrant Nina Guelfi Music Spoon Full of Sugar Cake Cook Learn Love Gift Registry Not Another Toaster
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jonathon stephanie
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24 March, Brighton, Victoria
Photography by Dremt Photography
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Our Story
{How we met} We met twice in one night and both times entirely by chance. We locked eyes across the room, were jolted by that surreal spark of attraction, shyly went our separate ways without speaking then happened across each other again at another venue. We weren't about to let each other go again. {Time together} Four years. {First date} A night out at a bar in Brunswick watching a one-man theatre performance in which one of Jono's friends was starring and comparing our taste in gin. {Proposal} Knowing my love of books Jono put together an elaborate proposal involving a series of notes on hand-made paper and a ring hidden in a specially made book at the State Library. {Rings} A 1930s vintage white-gold diamond ring that we picked out together and had shipped from the US. We both loved the history of the ring and the idea of being able to help a romance live on through a second lifetime. {Hen’s & Buck’s} I stayed at home and immersed myself in the delicious delights of a book rather than subjecting myself and my friends to a tawdry night of horrors. Jono went camping to Wilson's Prom. {Planning} We organised most things although our families and in particular my Grandma helped with the baking for the dessert buffet. Our family members helped set up on the day and Jono's family organised a separate traditional Chinese tea ceremony and dinner
the following day. We were very conscious that we wanted this to be our celebration and we wanted to share the experience with each other. Our goal at the outset was that we wanted our wedding to be fun so there was very little stress involved at all actually. We had a very limited budget which helped in that it meant that we had to focus on the people and not on the ‘stuff’ of a wedding. We put together the invitations together which was great fun and we also organised a series of old movie clips set to music to play in the background that included ‘credits’ with all of our guests’ names - definitely a highlight! It was also wonderful to have so many people travel to share our day with us; many of Jono’s family are from Malaysia while mine are in Perth or rural Victoria. Our wonderful photographer and celebrant flew down from Brisbane and we had a blast hanging out. Planning our vows beforehand was also a thoroughly enjoyable experience as it allowed us time to reflect on our relationship and look back on all the wonderful, and often silly, times we’ve shared. {Inspiration} Our focus was never on the wedding, it was on the marriage. We wanted our wedding to be enjoyable and to reflect the love we share and not to be a big lavish event designed to impress other people. {Theme} 1930’s Art Deco in black and white. {Gown} A 1930’s vintage satin, bias cut gown bought online from Etsy sight unseen. It fit perfectly and barely needed any tailoring.
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On the Day
Gown Etsy Groom Godwin and Charli Hair & Makeup Kairo's of Melbourne Photographer Pat Foley of Dremt Stationery DIY from Beetle and Quill Celebrant Jo from Big Love Celebrations Ceremony & Reception St Andrew's Church Hall
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{Menu} With our budget we weren't able to manage a sitdown dinner so our menu was strictly dessert and nibbles only: we had a huge sweets buffet featuring goodies baked by our friends and family, and a friend’s mum's fruit cake as the wedding cake, as well as savoury items. We provided a full bar to encourage people to hit the dance floor! {Decor} We had a limited budget so this is where we got crafty. Our venue was a beautiful old church hall so we didn't need to worry too much about decorations, some judicious dimming of the lights was really all that we needed. We used plain white fabric in lieu of table cloths and decorated the tables with tea candles vases with black Calla Lilies and crystal dishes filled with desserts. The dishes were picked up for a song at Savers. We bought some photo frames in distressed gold and filled them with quotes from books using the same design from our invitations, we did the same for our signs as well. We also knew that we'd have heaps of dessert left over so we bought some black and white Chinese food-style takeaway boxes and printed a series of "one for the road" stickers to go on them using the same black-and-white Deco style theme. Possibly the most notable decoration was the huge projector screen playing all of our favourite old movies set to music. We also set up a series of ‘credits’ (including an old-fashioned film countdown) to play when we were about to begin the ceremony, another set of credits thanking our guests and everyone who helped out. {Flowers} We skipped bouquets and corsages and opted instead for very simple arrangements of black Calla Lilies in crystal vases. {First dance} Desde el Alma by Osvaldo Pugliese, a beautiful Tango vals. We’re both Tango dancers and this has always been one of our favourite songs. {Number of guests} 100 {Honeymoon} We spent a month in Argentina where we brushed up on our Tango dancing, ate more steak than we ever thought imaginable and slept through an earthquake. {Cost} $5,000
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“Just because something's a tradition doesn't mean that it's good or that it's right for you. Try bucking a trend you may find that you love it.� 337 kiss the bride | Vol. 4
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harrison tianna
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22 April, Dunsborough, Western Australia
Photography by Ben Yew
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Our Story
{How we met} We initially met through school then we later met up through a group of friends. Harrison had an accident and I took care of him, and we grew close from there. {Time together} Four months. {Proposal} It was a surprise proposal with music and candles by the beach and a table set up with help from friends. Harrison played a song and read a poem, it was a very romantic evening. {Rings} My engagement ring is a round diamond set in white gold. {Hen’s & Buck’s} My friends organised a day out to different wineries and breweries down South. The guys celebrated at home with close friends. {Planning} We both worked on the planning with help from my parents, but it was stressful trying to choose flowers, as I am not a flower person. After the third florist I found what I wanted. The most exciting part was actually getting ready to be married. {Theme} We went for a beach theme and incorporated that in our decorations. {Gown} It was a champagne colour with ivory lace over the top and a buttoned back with a small train. {First dance} Peaches and Cream by John Butler. {Number of guests} 96 {Honeymoon} We stayed at the Bunkers Bay Resort and Augusta in a tiny cottage for a week. {Cost} $30,000
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“Try to relax and enjoy the moment by taking a step away and spend time with loved ones.� On the Day
Gown Bridal Selection Groom Bon Marche Bridemaids Affordable Elegance Groomsmen Brooklyn for Men Rings Zen Jewellers Hair Tania Churcher Makeup Emma Hendrick Flowers & Decor Claire Widmer Photographer Ben Yew Photography Ceremony Shelleys Cove Celebrant Jemilah Wright Reception Wise Winery Music Marnie Cooper
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ian
lucinda
10 September, York, Western Australia
Photography by Arlene Bax
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Our Story
{How we met} We first met at university. {Time together} About three years. {First date} We love going to the movies, and try to go whenever we can. The first movie I remember seeing together is ‘There Will be Blood’. It wasn’t the best first date movie. {Proposal} We had lunch together at a café on the day before my birthday and then went for a walk and Ian pulled out a ring which he had designed and chosen himself. {Engagement party} We had a big party with about 100 of our friends and family in the backyard of Ian’s parents’ house. We had a caterer prepare and serve the food and drinks. {Rings} Ian designed my rings, the engagement ring is white gold with a 1ct diamond in the centre and quite a thick bezel with a row of tiny diamonds around the edge and around the side. My wedding ring fits underneath and has a row of tiny matching diamonds. Ian’s wedding ring is hand-beaten white gold.
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{Hen’s & Buck’s} My Hen’s day was spent in the Swan Valley with some wine tasting, chocolate tasting and my bridesmaids (who were my three sisters) put me in an 80’s wedding dress with massive puffy sleeves. For the Buck’s they played super-golf followed by a barbeque at Ian’s brothers’ house. {Planning} We had a lot of good friends and family who helped us out. My mum made the wedding cake and made enormous vats of jam for bonbonniere. My sister Sally and my good friend Julia helped me a lot with choosing dresses and going to dress fittings. Ian and I definitely planned the wedding together. We chose the location and decorations together. The most stressful part was the week before, making sure that everything came together and trying to balance spending time with family friends who had come a long way for the wedding. The most anxious moment was when Ian forgot his suit pants that he was meant to be wearing on the day. He was meant to be wearing the same suit as the groomsmen. Luckily he had another one with him which we think looked even better! {Inspiration} I loved looking at wedding photographers to get ideas and online sites like Etsy and Green Wedding Shoes. {Theme} Ian’s first idea for a wedding theme was zombie-cowboy. Unsurprising, I didn’t agree to that. In the end, we didn’t really have a theme – we just chose things that we liked and thought would be fun, so there was a touch of vintage, a dash of country and a handful of handmade goodness thrown in too. {Gown} Cream silk with a Chantilly lace overlay, with a touch of pink through the lace. The veil had a scattering of left over pieces of the lace overlaid into it.
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{Decor} For the ceremony we chose to keep things simple as it was such a beautiful location, so we set up white chairs, red carpet and Mexican papel picado (which we thought tied in nicely because we were going to Mexico for the Day of the Dead for our honeymoon). For the reception venue, we had Edwina from Bridal Creations help us with ideas for the reception venue and it was really lovely. {Flowers} For my bouquet I wanted a bit of texture, so I had white Freesias and roses with green berries and Magnolia leaves. We had white Carnations and roses on the table centre-pieces, {First dance} We went to dance classes for four weeks a few months before the wedding, which was a disaster! So we threw that idea away, and ended up doing an impromptu dance on the stage to the live band when they played Billy Idol’s ‘White Wedding’. {Number of guests} 125 {Honeymoon} Mexico and the USA for five weeks.
“If you can, have live music; it made such a massive difference to the wedding reception. Everyone got up and danced until the very end of the night, including aunts and uncles and family friends, and I put that down to the energy that a live band adds.”
{Cost} $38,000
On the Day
Gown Donna Tobin Groom Tony Barlow Menswear Bridesmaids Satch Groomsmen Penguins Formal Wear Rings Solid Gold Hair & Makeup Flawless by Melissa Flowers Budding Stars Photographer Arlene Bax Cars Belle Classic Stationery Annie P Paperie Décor Bridal Creations Ceremony Wambyn Olive Farm & Piano SanctuaryCelebrant Arvind Chandron Reception York Town Hall Caterer By Word of Mouth Music Oats Supply Gift Registry Harvey World Travel
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www.kissthebridemagazine.com.au
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