After nine years together, primary school teachers and partners-for-life Ned and Abbey got hitched! Their modern South Melbourne day, captured by Perla Photography, produced no shortage of loved-up and lol-worthy stories. For instance, Ned snoozing through the afterparty or Abbey’s frock-finding journey (thank goodness for The Veil Collective). But perhaps the award for Most Memorable Moment goes to the ceremony, specifically this little surprise snippet courtesy of the bride: “I had surprised all our guests with a voice recording of our kids speaking to Ned before my aisle song started,” Abbey shared. Standing with my bridesmaids and kids, hearing the voice recording start and seeing every face turn towards me, pure magic.”
More good times from Ned and Abbey’s nups below.
THE VENUE
“We looked at many venues, but Half Acre immediately caught our attention with the moody ambience it created. It was so beautiful in itself, and the shots you could get there we found to be very cool and modern. Location, being in the city, was also a significant factor.”
THE VIBE
“Moody, drapey, linen, candle-lit dinner. We tried to create a warm and intimate experience for our guests.”
THE DRESS
“Finding it was a mini-saga, I visited so many bridal boutiques around Melbourne, and when I say many, I went to sevendifferent places (Bridezilla, eat your heart out! ). I nearly settled for a dress I liked but didn’t love. Then, while up in Queensland for a wedding, I heard Alena Leena Bridal was running a trunk show at The Veil Collective. I booked in and mixed the bodice from one gown with the skirt from another. It took a few months end-to-end, but walking out with a dress that felt 100 per cent me made the hunt totally worthwhile.”
MARRIAGE MEANS
“It’s the lifetime upgrade on our nine-year relationship – complete with a built-in barista for 7am coffees, a partner in the 4-7pm parenting shift, and the on-tap psychologist sessions after a day in the trenches at work. It’s the ultimate lifelong collab I wouldn’t want to do with anyone else, shared playlists, joint accounts and synchronised eye-rolls at family dinners. At its heart, marriage is our commitment to keep loving fiercely, laughing loudly and choosing one another, wet towels on the bathroom floor and all.”
LITTLE LOL
“The battery in the car I was coming to the wedding in died, so I ended up having to get an Uber. Mind you, apparently getting a maxi car is super hard when you’re travelling 1km. I would have loved to have been one of the people in those cars at the intersection. Imagine a bride and bridesmaids, full gown and veil, pacing an intersection while cursing the phone, begging a maxi-Uber to appear. Speaking of batteries, Ned didn’t make it to the after-party; his parents bundled him off to their couch while I partied on. Romantic wedding night? Maybe not. Brilliant story now? Absolutely.”
STANDOUT VENDORS
“Perla Photography and Momento Films were absolute stand-outs. They were so much fun to work with, they had so much knowledge with tips and tricks and they very much have their fingers on the pulse with what’s cool and trending at the moment and the photos and video speak for themselves on how amazing they are. Britt from Floss & Fleur also nailed the brief, the flowers were exactly what I’d pictured.”
Planning your own VIC vows? Hit up the directory to discover our favourite local vendors, including, of course, Perla Photography. It’s also where you’ll find The Veil Collective – highly recommend having them on your gown shopping itinerary.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Perla Photography Cinematographer Momento Films Stylist Big Day Co Florist Floss and Fleur Stationery & Signage Abbey (Bride) Venue Half Acre South Melbourne Catering Food & Desire Cake Maker Confetti Cakes & Creations Lighting & Sound Hire Harry the Hirer Entertainment Primary DJ Celebrant Rachael Gimson Rings Natalie Marie, Jewel of the Nile Transport Uber THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Alena Leena Bridal Boutique The Veil Collective Veil Marketplace Getting Ready PJs Target Shoes Nine West Accessories Mejuri, Saint Valentine Jewellery Hair Courtney – Glam Theory Studios Makeup Eliza Madeline via Glam Theory Studios Fragrance/Perfume Who is Elijah Bridesmaid Dresses Meshki Bridesmaid Shoes Novo THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Shirt, Pants, Tie / Bow Tie, Shoes, Groomsmen Suits & Groomsmen Gifts Peter Jackson Watch Casio Barber / Grooming Beefs Barbers
