Six years ago, Kirstie and Emilio announced to their friends that they were dating. The news was apparently no surprise to their mates who’d always suspected the friendship would blossom into something more. “We actually met in our first lecture at uni. I was sitting behind Emilio, he turned around and started a conversation and the rest is history. We got along so well and spent so much time together…I think that the reason that we make such a great team is because our relationship is founded on the strongest friendship first and foremost.”
During a ‘glamping’ getaway in Jervis Bay for Emilio’s birthday, Kirstie began to suspect a proposal was on the cards. “From the very beginning I was suspecting he might pop the question, especially when we went on a hike followed by a romantic picnic by the beach, but he didn’t propose!” It wasn’t until late that evening as Kirstie came out of the shower into their room did she see Emilio down on one knee, surrounded by candles-with a rather dazzling pink diamond ring in hand. “He completely caught me off guard, and I managed to say yes’ in between the happy tears and laughter at the fact that he had actually surprised me after all!”
Their engagement lasted 18 months, which, the couple explain was the perfect amount of time to organise their family orientated shindig. Emilio mentioned one of their key factors to a stress free wedding organisation was booking their key vendors first, and letting the rest fall into place, Kirstie adding, “Long before we were even engaged, I knew that I wanted to have our wedding at The Grounds of Alexandria. It’s one of our favourite spaces.”
Having trawled through past issues of Hello May, Kirstie says her penchant for colour coded post its has more or less turned her mag collection into a mosaic after discovering some of her favourite vendors for their wedding. The talented photographer Lara Hotz was enlisted to capture the day, Kirstie adding that she and Emilio are self confessed ‘dear in the headlights’ when put in the spotlight (ahem, your wedding day) or in front of a camera. Despite their aversion, we couldn’t agree more when Kirstie gushed about Lara’s incredible ability to make the most out of every moment. “I have no idea what we would have done without her, she is one of the most organised and talented people we have ever met…We seriously have nothing but praise for her, she truly went above and beyond.”
Similarly the exceptional work of Liv Lundelius, the artist behind Kirstie’s flawless look, ensured the bride to be was glowing for the occasion, “her passion for honest and natural makeup is so refreshing…I felt so beautiful and most importantly, I felt like myself.”
With the help of family and friends, the couple created a few DIY elements to their day, including the bride and groom piûñatas, which Kirstie explains were so tough to crack they ended up tearing them to shreds! The feature piece for their day however came from the talented souls over at The Love Sign, “Our favourite detail from the day was, without a doubt, our I Got You Babe’ sign…It ended up making the most stunning backdrop to our first dance, and illuminated the room beautifully.”
Upon arriving to their reception the couple noticed a rather important part of the party had not arrived, and didn’t show up until several hours later! “Well, half of our family actually started partying straight after the church, and got so caught up in their own festivities that they lost track of time and almost missed dinner! There was a big round of applause when they all finally walked in, they got a bigger welcoming than we did!”
We adore Kirstie and Emilio’s stunning day, why not check out these gorgeous weddings also held at The Grounds of Alexandria, here, here and here. And if you recognise Kirsties stunning Oscar de la Renta dress it’s because it featured on the cover of issue 14 of Hello May. Did you know you can shop for this issue and back issues via our online store? And the best bit? Postage is on us!
CREDITS Photographer Lara Hotz Photography // Cinematographer Light Noise Films // Event planner, Catering, Cake and Reception Venue The Grounds of Alexandria // Florist, Flower Crown and Cake Topper The Grounds Florals By Silva // Ceremony venue St Mark’s Drummoyne // Decorative elements The Love Sign // Entertainment Jasmine Strings, Fiona Treloar, The White Tree Band // Celebrant Fr Michael McLean // Engagement Ring Renato Jewellers // Grooms Wedding Band Gregory Jewellers // Transport Vintage and Classic Car Hire & Luxury Wedding Cars // Bridal gown designer Oscar de la Renta // Robes Ginia & Peter Alexander // Lingerie Mae’s Sunday // Shoes Jimmy Choo // Accessories Unreal Fur // Hair and Makeup Liv Lundelius // Bridesmaid dresses White Runway // Bridesmaid shoes Shoes of Prey & Forever New // Tie MJ Bale // Cufflinks Oroton // Shoes Aquila // Socks Happy Socks // Watch Fossil // Barber Barber Industries // Flower girl and Page Boy outfits Bardot Junior