A hot one indeed, Adrian and Lauren’s day was 43 degrees (oh Melbourne, you do like to keep us guessing). But a little sweat couldn’t stall a celebration of this magnitude.
The pair married with a church ceremony, then a 75 Reid St bash nearby — the reception venue’s heritage facade caught their attention, but the fact that they were able to have vodka shots at the ready as per Polish cultural custom really sealed the deal.
This was just one of the many Polish elements featured, honouring the groom’s heritage. And while there was no “strict theme” the couple share that they had a clear vision maximalist approach, incorporating floral installations, a life-sized cut out of their pooch Palinka, a ‘butcher’s cart’ charcuterie board complete with hanging sausages, a bright yellow Kombi to shuttle guests around and live Brass musicians who emerged as the bride and groom exited the church. “We love hosting people for dinners and parties, so wanted to create that kind of feeling at a large scale, and incorporate all our favourite things into the day.”
Below, the newlyweds reminisce and share with us all the pros involved in bringing their day together (Mali Bakes, Married to the Groove, The Bridal Curator, and Bec + Bridge just a few in the mix). Not to mention Elsa Campbell, the photographer we have to thank for these epic happy snaps.
Memorable Moments: First Moments as Husband and Wife
“Having a quiet moment to ourselves between the church and reception while having photos and video taken. It was a special moment among the chaos of the day. And walking out of the church with the bells ringing and having an impromptu first dance to the Horns of Leroy playing a brass band version of I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Whitney Houston, right in front of the church.”
The Bride’s Dance-Floor Ready Gown from The Bridal Curator
“The dress is an Eva Lendel design from The Bridal Curator. I tried on around 30 dresses, but this was the one I kept coming back to. It made me feel the most like me. I wanted something minimal and understated but still made a statement, and most importantly, something easy to dance in. The Bridal Curator team made the whole process a dream.”
A Custom-Embroidered Wedding Suit with Polish Folk Details
“My suit was from Oscar Hunt in Melbourne. I only needed to visit the one shop, having dealt with the team there before. There were several fitting sessions, and the customer service and store were both excellent. I also had custom embroidery done by Anthill Workshop, featuring traditional Polish folk pattern designs on the lapel and back collar. The embroidery wasn’t finished until the week of the wedding. When I dropped the jacket off, Ant showed me some drafts and we went ahead. He promised it would be ready the day before the wedding, so there was no margin for error. I trusted his skills, though I’ll admit I got a little nervous when he said, ‘I’ll make sure I clean down the old Singer sewing machines of any oil, and hopefully nothing leaks while I’m working on it.’ The final result was amazing, a real credit to Ant’s skill with some proper old-school machinery.”
Wedding Planning Advice: Why You Need a Wedding Planner
“There will be highs, lows, things that don’t go your way, stress, laughter, tears, all of it. At the end of the day, it will work out and it will be worth it. Do things your own way and don’t let others influence you too much. And keep the speeches short and sweet. If you’re planning to DIY the wedding or manage the vendors yourself, get a wedding planner. Our planner Gee was a life saver as we got closer to the big day, and went above and beyond to make everything run smoothly so we could stay present and actually enjoy ourselves.”
More Melbourne Real City Weddings
Looking for a candid-moment-lovin’ digital and film photographer in Melbourne? Then check out more of Elsa Campbell’s work here on the directory. While you’re there, explore more weddings featuring Bec + Bridge and gowns from The Bridal Curator.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Elsa Campbell Photography Cinematographer These Wild Eyes Event Planner Gee What a Wedding Florist Salt Flower Stationery Peppermint Press Ceremony Venue St. Brigid’s Church, Fitzroy North Reception Venue 75 Reid Street Catering Firecracker Event Cake Maker Mali Bakes Wedding Favours Soplica, Noissue & CoCreative Design Hire Items Valiant Hire Signage Peppermint Press Entertainment Married to the Groove, Horns of Leroy Celebrant Father Frank Yangmintacs Rings Hamish Munro Transport Melbourne Star Chauffeured Cars Candles Hueseeka Fabric Seating Lists Etsy THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Eva Lendel Bridal Boutique The Bridal Curator Veil My Bridal Look via Etsy Getting Ready Fine Day, Kat The Label Shoes Loewe Hair Madeleine Goldsmith Makeup Cassandra Lusi Fragrance/Perfume Loewe Bridesmaid Dresses Bec + Bridge, Bridesmaid’s Mother Bridesmaid Gifts Fine Day Bridal Reception Dress Rabanne Sunglasses Chanel Bag Gucci via FarFetch THE GROOM Suit, Tie & Groomsmen Shirts Oscar Hunt Cufflinks Brokat Shoes & Groomsmen Shoes Sanders UKvia Oscar Hunt Watch Raymond Weil Groomsmen Suits Peter Jackson Groomsmen Gifts Wedding Attire, Starward Suit Embroidery Anthill Workshop
