First featured in Issue 12, Mereki knew something was up when, while on a trip to San Francisco, Nick took her on a walk on the ever-famous Golden Gate Bridge and tried to make her go to the edge – despite her being absolutely petrified. £I scared her shitless by making her stand on the edge so I could get on one knee and give her the ring. Her first response? DON’T DROP IT!!’ Followed closely, of course, by a resounding Yes’…
Married in Sydney, with photos by Lara Hotz Photography, the pair had a super sentimental explanation as to why they chose Athol Hall as their wedding venue. £My great great grandfather built two houses nearby. One of them, called Southwards, is the house my dad and uncles grew up in, plus my mum lived there once. There’s a track that starts at Taronga Zoo and leads to Southwards named Parkinson’s Walk named after my great great grandfather. Since my father couldn’t be there we thought it would be a good way to honour the rich family history by holding the wedding at Athol Hall, explains Nick, whilst Mereki adds, £also, the view isn’t too hard to look at!
Going for a fun, floral and intimate vibe with an edge, the couple included skull motifs subtly hidden throughout the styling and design pieces. Mereki didn’t slack on the DIY either, creating streamer backdrops, rose petal cones (with the hot glue gun burns to prove it!), balloon tassels, table numbers, menus and seating chart frames. She even made Nick’s epic £demon skull groom’s cake just two nights before the wedding, in reference to him being a drummer in a death metal band.
When asked what his favourite detail from the day was, Nick admits he can’t choose because £everything was immaculate. He adds, £My cake was pretty awesome but my favourite thing was my wife, of course. We don’t blame him! How could you NOT love a Grace Loves Lace bride? Even before they got engaged, Mereki knew straight away that the Emme’ gown would be a perfect fit for her wedding day.
£I went to the store in Burleigh Heads and tried on that dress and one other but all my bridesmaids that were there agreed the original I loved was THE one, it’s simple yet elegant and eye-catching. It was a pretty easy decision, says Mereki, who utilised a tonne of our fave suppliers including Liv Lundelius, Gold Wedding Hire, Blooms by Bethan and Two Birds Bridesmaids, and gives us the low-down on the tried-and-true meaning of marriage.
£It means being able to annoy the hell out of my best friend everyday? In all seriousness, it is the best decision I have ever made. Seeing him every day brings peace to my life and I can’t wait for forever.”
CREDITS Photos Lara Hotz Photography // Bridal gown Grace Loves Lace // Veil BeccasBridalBoutique via Etsy // Hair piece Ayajewellrey via Etsy // Lingerie Calvin Klein // Shoes Christian Louboutin // Hair and makeup Liv Lundelius // Bridesmaid dresses Two Birds Bridesmaids // Bridesmaid gifts MASHUGANA via Etsy and LaSenada via Etsy // Suit Zara // Shirt and socks Myer // Tie / Bow tie Ali Express // Cufflinks Alexander McQueen // Shoes Converse // Groomsmen suits Target // Event planner / Stylist Peachey Pie // Florist and cake Blooms by Bethan // Ceremony, reception and catering Athol Hall, NSW // Cake Yaels Cakes of Distinctionand Black Star Pastry // Decorative elements Paper Straws Sale and Ruby Rabbit // Wedding favours Designer Candy // Prop or furniture hire Hampton Event Hire, Gold Wedding Hire and Vintage Patina // Photo booth Vintage Photo Booth Hire // Lighting hire Decorative Events //Entertainment Your Song // Celebrant Sophie Coombes // Rings Tristan Brazier via Etsy and The Lord of Gem Rings // Transport Deblanco Car Hire // Cinematographer Cloud Herd Film Co.
