Having met “the old school way” (through mutual friends at the pub), Adele and Simon were together for three years before finally deciding to lock things down after a romantic Queenstown proposal by candlelight. “Si told me had something for me and proceeded to hand me a Queenstown post card. It took me a very long time to click who it was from, ha! I though my friend in NZ had written to tell me she wouldn’t be able to make it down to see us, but I finally started to catch on when I read “I have something to ask you” still slightly confused, I looked at Si and he asked me to be his wife! Which I, of course, said yes to! Gah, so romantic. Then I sobbed uncontrollably for about 15 minutes. Maybe half an hour.” (Adele and Simon’s wedding was first featured in issue 18 of Hello May, the pair just so happened to be our cover couple.)
With no theme in mind, per se, the couple decided on a juxtapose of formal and sophisticated with elements of rustic and relaxed – and hired the amazing Emma of Styled Notion to help execute their gorgeous vision. “We loved her dark, moody and romantic aesthetic and knew she would be able to bring to life what I couldn’t quite manage to articulate. Emma was so calm and collected and all over the planning and styling for our big day. I left her to create something beautiful because I knew she would bring to life something far more beautiful than I could have imagined and she certainly exceeded expectations,” explains Adele, who admits one funny memory was lying to her mum about buying a second wedding dress.
“I bought two. And then sold one. By the time it had arrived, I had seen the stunning Odylyne the Ceremony Icarus dress online and obviously desperately needed it. So I flew to Sydney and tried it on at Love Marie Bridal boutique. It felt special, and more ‘me’ than my first dress. So I bought it.”
Being in the industry themselves (these lovers run their own tipi hire company), it’s not surprising that Adele and Simon had a bit of an advantage in knowing the best vendors around the block, like the so very talented James Simmons. “James and Olivia from James Simmons Photography was the first vendor we locked in. Even before we had set a date. They were amazing, making us feel so comfortable in what is a really emotional and intimate occasion, not to mention, unnatural being in front of the camera. And, as you can see our photos are truly incredible,” Adele tells us, adding that compromise is key to a happy marriage (and relationship in general).
“I had to compromise on when I could take naps, and actually wrote it in to my vows that it would only happen on Sundays and Holidays, Since falling pregnant I’ve broken that vow daily. Si had to compromise to take naps with me from time to time. He also does the dishes. I hate doing the dishes.”
Loving that gorgeous Odylyne own? Us too! In fact we featured Adele’s beautiful frock in our Best Of 2017 : Bridal Gowns post over the festive season. And whilst you’re at it, why not check out more epic work from HM’s top lensman James Simmons here and here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS
Photographer James Simmons Photography // Event Planner and Stylist Emma of Styled Notion // Florist Sheridan Tjhung // Stationery Emily Lauren // Ceremony and Reception Venue Gilgara Retreat, Margaret River // Catering Supper Road // Cutlery and Crockery Hire Society // Cocktail Furniture Event Artillery // Teepee Tp and Co // Lighting and Sound Hire South West Event Hire // Entertainment DJ Saramony // Celebrant Elegant Ceremonies // Rings Tayha Designs THE BRIDES Bridal Gown Designer Odylyne the Ceremony // Bridal Boutique Love Marie Bridal Boutique // Lingerie Gooseberry Intimates // Shoes Senso // Hair TxC Collective // Makeup The Pretty Parlour // Bridesmaid Dresses Alice McCall, Shakuhachi and Veronika Maine // Bridesmaid Gifts Christie Nicolaides and Mecca Cosmetica THE GROOMS Groom’s Jacket Politic // Shirt and Pants Calibre // Bow Tie Calibre // Shoes Ginger’s for Gentlemen // Socks Happy Socks // Watch TRIWA // Groomsmen Suits Penguin Formal Wear // Flower Girl Outfits Myer.