Like all great love stories, Ash and Josh (cleverly nicknamed ‘Ashua’ by Josh’s 94 year old Nanna Clo) always found their way back to each other despite a few breaks in between. Following their South Yarra engagement, the two set off to create their perfect wedding day: a huge feast combining a little bit of grunge with some rock ‘n’ roll vibes – making for one hell of a party.
“We were never going to have a traditional wedding, and wanted to create something really special and memorable for us, and our family and friends. Afterwards, many of our guests commented that they had never been to a wedding like ours, which made all of the hard work in the lead-up worthwhile,” explains Ash (a talented hair and makeup artist), advising other couples to inject as much of their own personalities into the day as possible.
“Throw dated traditions out the window and create something truly special and reflective of your values and your relationship. I think we just tried to shock each other with what crazy ideas we could come up with to incorporate into the day – but when the other person responded with, ‘Yes! Let’s do it!’, we were able to make the day so much more of a reflection of us.”
With celebrant Marry Me Dee and photographer Beck Rocchi, and a whole heap of loved ones by their sides, Ash and Josh tied the knot (Cushla Whiting rings in tow) at the super cool Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo. And to say that the groom got a little emotional during his vows – says Ash – is an understatement.
“We almost didn’t make it through that part of the ceremony! We were both extremely emotional but it was a very special moment as we have been through so much together over the years, it felt like we’d really made it,” Ash tells us, adding that marriage is all about lots of laughs, adventures and joint projects. “We spend many-a-night making each other laugh until we cry and we never want to lose that. We’re excited to think of what we can create for our future, knowing that we’ll always have each other to share it with. The next step is to buy our first home to make room for some little red headed babies to run around in!”
And as far as regrets go, these newlyweds had zilch. “We could not have had a more perfect day. We planned everything to the finest detail and both being creative people, visually everything came together better than we ever imagined. Everyone laughed, cried and partied until we were kicked out of the venue! We’re still on a high.”
For more of Beck’s gorgeous work check out this awesome Luna Park wedding, the brides silver dress is pretty amazing! You can also follow along with Beck’s photographic adventures here on Instagram. Still starved for inspiration? Be sure to pick up our fourth annual Real Wedding Special. On sale now and stocked in newsagents nationally – find your nearest stockist by clicking here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Beck Rocchi Cinematographer Dollybird Film Coordination The Everyday Collective Florist Bloom Creative Co Stationery Left Hook Creative Ceremony The Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo Reception The George Ballroom Catering Damm Fine Food Cake Cakes By Rosa Neon Sign Electric Confetti Hire Items Goodday Rentals Entertainment Main Entertainment Celebrant Marry Me Dee Brides rings Cushla Whiting Grooms Wedding Band Lord Coconut THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Nevenka Shoes Yves Saint Laurent Hair Dollybird Hair and Makeup Makeup Ashley Hopkins Makeup Artist (the bride) Bridesmaid Dresses Zimmermann, Forever New THE GROOM Jacket MJ Bale Shirt T.M. Lewin Bowtie Jeff Banks Shoes Aquila Barber Edward Scissorhands.