In a land of social media and 24hr-just-about-anything (we’re gunning for 24/7 Messina, but that’s just us) – it’s understandable, neigh, the social norm for love stories to germinate through means of a certain ‘dating app’. As for lovebirds Peta and Brian, their story went a little something like this (as quoted from their ceremony): “It was the first week of 2015, and Peta had started the year with a renewed zest for dating. Well, more like a renewed tolerance for it. Brian, meanwhile, had decided he’d “give it a go” after co-developing his Tinder page during a night out with friends. After viewing some photos of Brian standing next to short people to make himself look taller and some back and forth chat, Peta and Brian agreed to a coffee for their first date…” and thus, a first date lead to a second, then a third, until eventually, the ‘ceremonial deleting of Tinder’ lit the flames that blossomed into a full blown bushfire (crossing our metaphors? You get the gist).
For Brian, a software engineer and Peta a teacher, their big day was about throwing one epic party for their guests, the groom adding, “everyone knows we’re getting together on the night to celebrate our marriage, so we didn’t feel the need to emphasise it beyond our ceremony and speeches. There was no theme but we wanted the vibe to feel like ‘us.'”
Whilst there wasn’t a ‘theme’ for the day, the pair agreed they adored the gold detailing on their invites from Paperlust, along with the incredible floral designs from Pomp and Splendour. “We definitely tried to hire people we thought had similar style and tastes to us, and Petra was no exception, nor did she disappoint.” Nor did Cushla Whiting who designed the gorgeous rings.
Similarly, the venue of choice (Brunswick Mess Hall in Melbourne’s north) reflected the couple’s laid back approach, the groom mentioning that many of the traditional venues just didn’t suit their style, “after looking at some warehouses and the like, we were quickly drawn to the restaurant/bar option as a venue. They could cater for the whole event without us thinking much about it; food, booze, seating, etc.”
For Peta, a self confessed ‘un-bridally-bride’, the dress didn’t need to stick to traditions, so when she spied a few on Alice Mccall’s Instagram, she popped into a store to suss out the Australian label. Not to long into her search did she discover the perfect white frock that worked well with their venue and intended dancefloor antics, the bride adding, “plus I thought I could even wear it again one day!”
There to commit the day to film was Melbourne native, Elsa Campbell Photography, who Peta and Brian had spotted capturing a pal’s wedding some time back. “she was so relaxed, easy-going and capable that we went with her straight away! (Plus the photos are awesome!)”
Peta and Brian knew from the get go that the dance-floor would be their domain, with Outkast’s Hey Ya being the unintentional first dance song (it was meant to be Walk Like an Egyptian, but Hey Ya is a pretty great way to get the party started)!
As far as favourite moments went, the pair had this to say, ”we did write each other’s vows and had no idea what each other had written, and it was great reading them out in front of our nearest and dearest…the moment when you get to say to everyone that you love each other and you love all of them for being there as well.”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Elsa Campbell Florist Pomp and Splendour Stationery Paperlust Ceremony, Reception & Catering Brunswick Mess Hall Rings Cushla Whiting THE BRIDE Bridal gown Alice McCall Shoes Mimco Hair & Makeup Studio 2 Make Up and Hair Bridesmaid dresses Gorman, Mister Zimi, Life with Bird THE GROOM Jacket Country Road Shir Brooksfield Pants H&M Barber Kings Domain.