All sets of lovebirds have their own reasons for finally tying the knot – be it love, commitment, religion or what have you. For Court and Gene, a couple who had previously not given much thought to marriage, it was about Gene forever earning Court’s mum’s good graces and three becoming one. £Gene has been an amazing father to our dogs – it was time we became a real family!
A day only five months in the making, Court and Gene chose to keep things fairly uncomplicated for their celebration of love at Newham Mechanics Hall. £We knew straight away that we wanted to keep it simple. A big party’ is what we kept saying over and over. We also wanted to run with the momentum we had. We knew we weren’t the types to have a long engagement and extravagant wedding so we decided to do it sooner rather than later, explains Court, who looked absolutely gorgeous in her Lover the Label gown.
£The second we got engaged I knew I wanted a Lover dress. I’m absolutely obsessed with their clothing. So feminine and vintage inspired. I couldn’t picture myself going to a wedding store and trying on a dozen dresses and having people around for the experience…not really my style. We had been engaged for about two weeks when I ordered the one I loved online. It fit perfect and needed no alterations. I absolutely love it still, says the bride, whose favourite memory, hands down, was the speeches.
£We were laughing, crying, cheering, dying from embarrassment and also humbled by our friends and family. My best friend and Maid of Honour Natalie flew all the way from Canada for the wedding and to have her there was so incredibly special. She read out past emails I had sent her from when I first met Gene to when I expressed to her wanting to marry him. It was perfect.
The couple added that Melbourne based photographer (and Hello May veteran) Daniel Milligan did an epic job of capturing their day.
With a tone of DIY projects under their belts, a crew of vendors that were the definition of #SquadGoals and their loved ones present, all that was left to do was say the I do’s’. Except one thing was missing…
£Gene left the rings in the car. Throughout the beginning of the ceremony he was in sheer panic, making eye signals and gestures towards friends to go look for the rings. A few minutes in, a friend came running down the aisle delivering the goods. As to be expected, laughter erupted. It broke the ice, unnerved both Gene and I and gave the whole thing a fun, more down to earth vibe which is exactly how we pictured the day going.
Loving the candid shots? Check out more of Dan’s work here, here and here. Want to see more of Hello May’s favourite vendors, weddings and inspiration? Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date!
Courte and Gene’s Victoria wedding was originally featured in our third annual Real Wedding Special, on sale now and stocked in newsagents nationally. Search for your nearest stockist via suburb or postcode here, or shop online with Mag Nation or via the HM online store here.
CREDITS Photos Daniel Milligan // Florist Raven and the Rose // Stationary Phoebe Herpes // Printer Vista Print // Ceremony and Reception Venue Newham Mechanics Hall, Vic // Food Truck Happy Camper Pizza // Wedding Favours Vista Print // Prop or Furniture Hire Good Day Rentals // Lighting / sound hire Kyneton Hire // Celebrant Weddings by Jessica Kerr // Rings Windfall Jewellery // Transport Organ // Bridal Gown Lover the Label // Robes / getting read tees Bras and Things // Lingerie and Garter Heidi Klum Intimates // Shoes Kate Spade // Accessories Lucy Folk // Bridesmaid Dresses Shakuhachi // Bridesmaid Shoes Stuart Weitzman // Suit Suit Shop // Shoes R.M Williams // Socks Paul Smith // Watch Vintage Seiko // Barber Uncle Rocco’s // Groomsmen Suits Kiton // Pet Accessories Off Ya Tree //