These kids did their research, guys, so best listen up! Together for 11 years, Terri and Ben were feeling a springtime soiree in celebration of their big love. With Messina ice cream on the dance floor, baby goats to pet and an abundance of peach blooms, it was the kind of day we’d be keen on ourselves! What really tied it together for them, however, was the swell team of vendors they hand-selected. Sphere Collective sorted Terri’s gown, Little Lady Blooms took care of the floral brief, Tanya Artistry was on hair and makeup and Ali Bailey snapped it all. Hosted on the charmingly rustic grounds of Collingwood Children’s Farm, we think you ought to scroll down for more…
THE VENUE “We had once stumbled across Collingwood Children’s Farm while out for a walk on a weekend in Melbourne, and Ben had lots of childhood memories from time spent there when his family had lived in Victoria. It was one of two wedding venues that we looked at, but we loved the Farm’s rustic atmosphere amidst the close backdrop of Melbourne’s city, and that the staff were all so friendly and accommodating.”
THE VIBE “We ultimately wanted to create an inclusive, intimate atmosphere that suited the more rustic details of the farm. We used lots of mixed, unstructured spring florals in soft colours, had our bridal party in their own outfits which expressed their individual styles, and served shared meals to create a special “family dinner” vibe.”
THE DRESS “I had had my eye on the dress I ultimately bought (Rue de Seine’s “Ash”) for a number of years. Although I had looked at other dresses, and at one stage had even bought a tulle skirt I considered wearing, I kept coming back to that same Rue de Seine design. The only Queensland stockist was a bridal store on the Sunshine Coast [Sphere Collective], so I headed up one day with two of my bridesmaids to try on my dream dress. I was so happy when it suited me; it was perfect. I knew that was the dress for me.”
FAVOURITE MOMENT “At sunset our wonderful photographer, Ali, took us to take some sunset photos. When we were heading back to the reception, we stopped by the Farm’s field of baby goats and had a quiet moment with just the two of us. It was really nice to have that pause in the day.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Decide on the items that you cannot compromise on and spend your money on those. Try to save everywhere else. Our priorities were our photographer and my dress.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Our photographer, Ali Bailey, was amazing. As soon as we met her, we knew we wanted to work with her. She was so warm and lovely. She really documented the feeling of the day and that’s what we loved about her work. My florist [Little Lady Blooms] was so great, even going so far as to Uber over a new flower crown on the day of our wedding when the first one wasn’t quite right. Our celebrant, Kate, was also fantastic. She quickly determined what was important to us, and was so organised and flexible in changing the script at the last minute to include words about our dog.”
Keen to source yourself a rad team of Melbourne-based vendors, too? Well, we urge you to start here with a couple of Terri & Ben’s faves. Click through for more from Ali Bailey, M.J. Bale, Tanya Artistry, Sphere Collective and Little Lady Blooms. But first…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Ali Bailey Event Planner Stephanie Harangozo via Collingwood Children’s Farm Florist Little Lady Blooms Stationery Family Venue & Hire Items Collingwood Children’s Farm Catering & Desserts The Farm Café via Collingwood Children’s Farm Cake Zephyr & Bloom Cake Topper Kaiser Craft Entertainment Jarrah Thompson Celebrant Celebrant Kate Rings Blue Nile BRIDE Dress & Veil Rue De Seine via Sphere Collective Flower Crown Little Lady Blooms Loungewear Peter Alexander Shoes Tony Bianco Bracelet Tiffany & Co Earrings Kingston Jewellery Hair & Makeup Tanya Artistry Bridesmaid Dresses Own Bridesmaid Shoes Tony Bianco GROOM Jacket Saba Shirt M.J. Bale Pants, Bow Tie & Shoes Country Road Watch Kapten & Son