After 11 years together, Maddie and Rich didn’t want to waste any more time! “Richard proposed to me on Christmas Eve 2020 and we were married by the following December,” says the bride, who made her first call to fab photographer Alex Motta of Motta Weddings. “We had seen Alex in action at a good friend’s wedding earlier in the year and knew he was the one for us. We were overjoyed to hear he was available on our date given his very busy schedule!”
These folks went all in on the details, from the sweet wax seals by Sea & Paper Creative Studio adorning their invites to their chic and unique ‘fits. Maddie’s pearl-encrusted gown was a total knockout and Rich looked super-suave in M.J. Bale – just peep that rich blue velvet jacket! After an intimate resigstry marriage and a round of pics, Maddie and Rich were ready to get on the d-floor to the sounds of some of our fave DJs, Heartbreak Hotel. Take a look at these snaps and we’re sure you’ll agree, these nups deserve a round of applause.
THE VIBE “Our theme was a quintessential Melbourne City wedding with a hint of pizazz and glamour. We wanted a relaxed, fun night with a party vibe. From the quirky invites to the dress code (fabulous, of course!), to the venue and music choices, we tried to set the tone early so guests could really just let their hair down and enjoy the whole night. From the beginning, we knew we wanted a cocktail reception to allow us to really spend the whole night mingling, dancing and drinking with our nearest and dearest.”
THE DRESS “I could not have been more thrilled with my Marquise Bridal dress, I feel like it was meant to be – it fitted me like a glove, was exactly my style and was practically ready to walk out the door with me right there and then. It was without a doubt a case of knowing ‘this is the one’. It was quite literally the perfect gown for me, so comfortable and easy to dance the night away in. It made me feel so truly special. Guests were shocked to hear that it hadn’t been designed especially for me.”
REFERENCES “I relied quite heavily on Instagram and wedding blogs such as Hello May for inspiration in the months leading up to the big day. And we had so much fun in the photo booth at my older brother’s wedding earlier in the year that we did not give a second thought before booking in the wonderful Heartbreak Hotel team!”
COOL CUSTOM “As a nod to my grandma who is no longer with us, my mum sewed my nan’s gold wedding band (along with her own!) into my dress using some blue thread. This small gesture was very special, and it was calming to know my grandmother was right there with me on such an important day. Wearing wedding bands from two long and happy marriages is sure to bring me and Richard some good luck, too!”
STANDOUT VENDORS “From the moment we met our photographer, Alex of Motta Weddings, he felt like an old friend. He was so easygoing, friendly and fun but with incredible professionalism and focus. He made the whole day feel natural and his calming nature was so welcome on what can be a stressful day. He has incredible vision and a unique eye for creating lasting memories that is second to none. The team at Higher Ground and in particular their Events Manager, Philippa, were also so fantastic throughout the whole journey.”
Head on over to our directory to pull together your own crack team of A++ vendors – you’ll find the likes of Heartbreak Hotel, M.J. Bale and so many more top picks.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Motta Weddings Florist Poppy Culture Stationery One Mimosa Please (invites & envelopes) Sea & Paper Creative Studio (wax seals) Ceremony Victorian Marriage Registry Reception venue Higher Ground Cake Sweet Cakes of Mine Photo Booth Heartbreak Hotel Signage State of Elliott, Personalised Favours (food/drink signs) Entertainment Hey Jack Rings Salera’s Transport Dougy’s Divine Transport THE BRIDE Gown Marquise Bridal Hairpiece Shein PJs Cotton On Body Shoes Billini Hair & Makeup Andrea Takagi via Tonic Hair & Makeup Agency Bridesmaid dresses Rachel Gilbert Bridesmaid gifts Chloé Signature EDP THE GROOM Suit, Shirt & Bow Tie M.J. Bale Shoes Florsheim Barber Beef’s Barber Richmond Groomsmen suits Dom Bagnato Groomsmen gifts Royal Doulton (wine goblets)
