We’re always extra thrilled when we get to showcase weddings from within the Hello May community – and today’s feature is a special one! We’re shining the spotlight on the fabulous wedding photographer Amanda Alessi, who recently traded her usual spot behind the lens for her own celebration at Rupert on Rupert marrying her love, Drew.
And even though Amanda spends most weekends capturing ‘walk down the aisle’ moments, she tells us she was “overcome with emotion” when it was her turn to make that walk (gorg in Ella Moda) to her groom, who was effortlessly sharp in a timeless M.J. Bale tux.
In curating their quintessentially Melbourne, cocktail par-tay, Amanda and Drew explain that they applied the KISS approach (keep it simple stupid), and seeing as Amanda has photographed over 300 weddings (!!) there was no ‘umming’ or ‘ahhing’ about which vendors to book. “I’ve worked with all of our vendors at past weddings. I’m not joking when I say they are the best of the best in the Melbourne wedding industry.”
We are here to tell you that Amanda knows her stuff, guys, so TAKE NOTE! Get your wedding planner out because we’ve got the whole #dreamteam listed below, featuring the likes of Stitch Press, Rupert on Rupert, and the always I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E Elsa Campbell (“a true talent”, according to the bride – 100 per cent agree!) who has blessed us with this exquisite wedding album.
A LUSH, GREEN, MELBOURNE INDOOR VENUE
(Amanda) “I’ve photographed many weddings at Rupert on Rupert as well as attending a few events over the years. Rupert has always been known as every photographer’s favourite venue because let’s face it – it’s so darn photogenic! When it came to being a bride myself, I had no hesitation in excitedly explaining to Drew that Rupert is a venue like no other. The food and drinks are beyond tasty, but what has always stood out to me is how friendly and welcoming the staff are. The Rupert on Rupert team always treats their guests and working vendors with respect whilst having fun and bringing the good vibes.”
(Drew) “Amanda had always spoken so highly of the venue and the team, and in the few times we had been together for dinners or events, it was clear to see why. The overflowing greenery throughout the venue was also a big plus, as it meant we didn’t need to worry about organising lots of flowers to style it up – it was already done for us!”
QUINTESSENTIALLY MELBOURNE VIBES
“As a couple we love to go to festivals and gigs with our friends, so wanted to recreate that feeling on the night. Most of our guests travelled (we both grew up in Perth) so we wanted to treat our guests to a very ‘Melbourne’ wedding. A love letter to Melbourne, you might say. We wanted it to be more of a party and Josh from Married to the Groove absolutely blew our minds – bringing the vibes from the cocktail hour all the way through to dirty dancefloor bangers. We added on his amazing lighting set-up and it really did feel like a nightclub!”
FUN & PERSONAL WEDDING DETAILS
(Amanda) “I was smitten with our gorgeous florals by Lilee at Astro Daphne. I first saw her work years ago at a wedding I photographed (it was featured on HM, actually) and her fun floral designs and bright colour choices have always stood out to me. We also both loved the idea of a first look and with an early sunset time it meant enjoying our photo session with Elsa rather than leaving our guests during cocktail hour.” (Drew) “For me, the cake was a big standout. Alice from Miss Trixie brought the goods. We were no stranger to a Miss Trixie cake, having ordered them for birthdays previously, as well as our engagement cake with ‘you’ll do’ inscribed with buttercream on the top. This time we opted for no messages of love and affection, instead I fired up the 3D printer again, printing a caricature of our little Frenchie Reggie in our wedding theme colours.”
BUCKING TRADITIONS
(Amanda) “I’m so glad we chose a cocktail wedding rather than sit-down. The night went by so fast and it was great to be able to chat with different people and it felt like a big party. We both love being on the dance floor but a choreographed dance was never on the cards for us… so instead we smashed a disco ball piñata!”(Drew) “The night at the W Hotel the night before was just what we needed to relax a bit in the lead-up to the wedding. Whilst some say it’s traditional to spend the night before apart, being together, ordering room service & watching Wedding Crashers was just what we needed. Also, having our fur child Reggie make an appearance for couple portraits was pretty special.”
ADVICE FROM A WEDDING EXPERT…
“We didn’t lock in our wedding date until we knew our ‘must-have’ vendors Marry Me Megan and Elsa Campbell were available. Countless times I’ve had couples reach out to me but I’m already booked. If you have key vendors that you LOVE then it’s best to check dates with them before locking in your venue. A team of vendors that you trust is priceless.”
If you, like Amanda and Drew, love an unconventional ‘I do’, you’ll be happy to hear that we’ve got more epic weddings to inspire (and pin). Or maybe you’re ready to start locking in vendors? Visit our hella handy wedding vendor directory – it features all of our faves in Victoria and beyond including Elsa Campbell, Stitch Press, Rupert on Rupert and M.J. Bale.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Elsa Campbell Florist Astro Daphne Stationery Amanda (Bride) Printer Stitch Press Venue & Catering Rupert on Rupert Cake Maker Miss Trixie Cake Topper Drew (Groom) Entertainment & Lighting Hire Married to the Groove Signage Amanda & Drew (Bride & Groom) Celebrant & MC Marry Me Megan Wedding Rings Grew & Co Content Creation, Film Photography & Transport Motta Weddings Pet Chauffeur Furever Lasting Piñata Kmart THE BRIDE Ceremony Gown Designer Ella Moda Bridal Boutique Stillwhite Alterations Bluebell Bridal Veil Dreamtime Veils via Bluebell Bridal Reception Gown & Veil Designer Honeymoon Studios Shoes Bared Footwear Accessories Christie Nicolaides, Olga Berg Hair & Makeup Megan Harrison Fragrance Le Labo THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Shirt, Pants, Tie & Cufflinks M.J. Bale Shoes H&M Watch OMEGA x Swatch Grooming 3121 Studio
