With the knowledge that their day would no doubt be a big one, Nomi and Emma searched high and low for a venue that could accommodate their impressive bevy of nearest and dearest. Fortunately for this loved up pair they discovered Emu Bottom in Sunbury, Victoria, a rather epic homestead dating back to 1836! “It was breathtakingly beautiful and was able to help us fulfil the vision we had in our minds.”
Emma explained their engagement went a little differently to your standard bended knee situation. “We woke up early on a Saturday morning and whilst I was on the toilet (lovely, I know), Nom gave me a card telling me she was going to propose, and with instructions to get dressed in my active wear…” What followed was a list of clues and activities, including a quick workout followed by a bucket of chocolate eggs that had to be polished off before Emma got to the real prize at the bottom (our kind of workout)! “I found my ring,” an heirloom from her great grandmother,”which had been carefully placed inside a kinder surprise. It was so tear jerkingly beautiful!”
With a quick seven months from engagement to the ol’ walk down the isle, the pair enlisted Toko Events to help with the planning, and embarked on some pretty epic DIYs for the day, including making their own invites, taking on the role of florists and creating a ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-esque’ lolly stand. Both brides agreed that planning a wedding full to the brim with DIY’s was no easy feat, however the pay off in the end was worth every moment, Emma adding, “we were so glad that we spent all the time researching, brainstorming and building a ceremony and wedding that was reflective of our values and of who we are as individuals and a collective.”
When it came to finding the perfect gown, Nomi discovered the stunning Zimmermann frock – only there was one hitch, the dress was on the shorter side. However, “with some creative thinking Nomi sourced another Zimmerman dress with the same material and her mum (a sewing hobbyist) was able to add another layer to the dress to lengthen it perfectly!”
Emma struck gold when she discovered her dream gown from the lovely Lost in Paris Bridal in Sydney. “I was sold after meeting Alyssa (the owner), who had a wonderful attitude towards women of all sizes and of her ability to make my vision into reality.”
There to capture the festivities, epic Beyonce flashmob (as orchestrated by Nomi and her pals), traditional Jewish dancing and all the feels – was the incredible Dan O’Day, whose work Emma and Nomi fell in love with. “We were really lucky that all of our vendors went above and beyond and we loved working with everyone.”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Dan O’Day Photography Cinematographer Wafflecone Productions Event Planner / Stylist Toko Events Florist The Brides & The Flower Booth (flower crown) Stationery The Brides Ceremony & Reception Venue Emu Bottom Homestead Catering The Epicurean Group Food Cart Pidapipo Gelateria Marquee Undersky Decor & Signage DIY & Kmart Entertainment Isaiah Band Celebrant Brandon Srot (friend) Engagement Rings Heirloom & Lucy Folk Wedding Bands Family Friend & Lucy Folk Jumping Castle Xtreme Party Hire Coffee Cart Bean To Melbourne Drone Footage Jacob Gordon THE BRIDE (Nomi) Bridal Gown Designer Zimmerman Veil Nomi?s Mum Lingerie Nicola Lingerie Shoes Bû?l Earrings Bensimon Boutique Hair Lia Hanson Makeup CXM makeup THE BRIDE (Emma) Bridal Gown Designer Lost in Paris Bridal Flower Crown The Flower Booth Lingerie David Jones Shoes Gorman Hair & Makeup Monica Gingold