A match made in creativity heaven, Melissa (an event planner/stylist) and Simon (a sign-writer/artist) – first featured in the Real Wedding Special -joined forces to give birth to one of Sydney’s most sought after design duos, Ashdown & Bee. Having already been together for seven years and worked in the industry for quite some time, this pair was guaranteed to give the word epic’ a whole new meaning.
£Because we work in the wedding industry, we have been to most venues in and around Sydney and and wanted our wedding to be held somewhere we haven’t worked’ before, yet still held within the inner city where we both live and grew up. We wanted a space that was a blank canvas that was exciting for us to design and style, Mel explains, adding that they wanted to combine the rawness of a New York-style warehouse with a lush abundance of flowers and candlelight.
£Every element was incredible, but we especially loved the atmosphere that the reception created. We’re glad we went all out and included everything we wanted to! We tried to steer clear of the traditional wedding elements, but ended up keeping quite a few in as it did make it more special, says the couple, who were armed with a team of awesome vendors, including photographers And A Day, hair and makeup artist Liv Lundelius and Tillee Music.
£As we work in the industry, we have worked with most of the vendors for our client’s weddings, so we knew their work and are friends with most of them too! All our vendors were incredible and went above and beyond for us!! The lighting from Bespoke AV in the reception was absolutely incredible – it really transformed the space from an empty brick warehouse space to a magical wonderland! The floral design by Aleksandra and her team was absolutely breathtaking – the giant pink peonies and huge installations were such a feature, and the DJs (We Play Records) really brought the tunes that suited our style perfectly.
That being said, the newlyweds go on with some wise words, £hire vendors whose style you love, show them your vision and then let them be creative and do their thing!
Easily a celebration full of happiness, love and beautiful memories, Mel and Simon’s amazing day of days was definitely one they’ll be reminiscing over for years to come. Mel’s best memory? Simon’s amazing and perfectly executed speech despite his months of nervousness about it’. Melissa also goes on to say £hearing the funny and kind words from both of our fathers and
the best man in their speeches really warmed our hearts. Awww.
Mel and Simon’s NSW wedding was originally featured in our third annual Real Wedding Special, on sale now and stocked in newsagents nationally. Search for your nearest stockist via suburb or postcode here, or shop online with Mag Nation or via the HM online store here.
CREDITS Photos And A Day // Cinematographer In A Maze // Event planner / Stylist Ashdown & Bee // Event Producer Michelle Muller // Florist Aleksandra // Invites Cass Deller // Menus Minted // Ceremony St John’s College Chapel, NSW // Reception Private Warehouse, NSW // Catering Catering Project // Bar Hire Timbermill // Cake All Things Sweet by Carissa // Cake topper Louie Luxe // Decorative elements Born to Party // Wedding favours Greenfields and Bespoke Press // Prop and furniture hire Bentwood Events, Absolute Party Hire, Harbourside Decorators and My Games Room // Photo booth In An Instant // Lighting / sound hire Bespoke AV // Entertainment Tillee Music and We Play Records // Rings Tiffany + Co // Grooms wedding band Cort Jewellery // Transport Classic Cruisers // Guestbook Kate Spade // Bridal gown designer, veil, garter and bridesmaids dresses Collezione Santina // Hair piece Viktoria Novak // Robes / getting ready tees Homebodii // Lingerie Agent Provocateur // Shoes Jimmy Choo // Hair The Bridal Hair Co. // Makeup Liv Lundelius // Suit Politix // Tie / Bow tie and cufflinks Ted Baker // Shoes Kenneth Cole // Pet accessories Dharf.