These two have got it right, peeps. When we asked what marriage means to them, we were met with, “striving to bring the best of ourselves to a life which is safe, warm, light and inspired… and of course beautiful Eurasian babies!” Love it! With their priorities for the big day centred around, “delicious food, good wines and cracking music,” we knew we were in for a treat. Scroll down for all the details, some great advice and ideas, as well as all the pics by Ben Sowry…
THE DRESS “After a lousy experience with Babushka Ballerina in Woollahra, I found the Spell & The Gypsy Collective dress online. It was perfect- simple and fun. Everybody loved it and it is something I can wear again.”
DIY “We did a lot. The lantern tunnel that Justin created through the canopy of English Plain trees that line the drive way created a fairy tale walkway. We also had my younger cousin distribute a hand folded paper crane to each guest on arrival to the ceremony. Just before the end of the ceremony, Julie Ash, our celebrant, asked that each guest make a wish for Justin and Anji into the crane, and throw it as we headed down the aisle as husband and wife. It was a nice alternative to confetti, bubbles or petals.”
TALK ABOUT TRADITION “Justin is of Chinese heritage, so we had a Chinese tea ceremony, where we offered tea to the older generation and then the younger generation offered Justin and I tea. Our very close friend Troy Quinliven (Justin’s original best man) sadly passed away prior to the wedding. My brother Roy arranged to have some cufflinks designed with his initials and a paint brush (Troy was a finalist in the 2014 Archibald portrait prize) that he was able to wear on the day. We also invited Troy’s mother to be our ring bearer and his father to be one of our witnesses.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Hire a good event coordinator for the day. It is often something people think they can manage themselves, leaning on family and friends, but a good coordinator allows you and all of your guests to be completely present throughout the wedding, whilst the coordinator takes care of the schedule and any issues that arise during the day. Our coordinator, Scarlet English, was a huge help.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Ben Sowry was such a gem and a pleasure to spend time with on the day. He has a wonderful way of making the guests feel comfortable and captured some truly authentic, beautiful moments. Our florist, Airlie and her team at Wauchope Colonial Florist were stand out. They arranged all of the hanging foliage in the marquee which looked wonderful, and did the most beautiful job with the loose flowers and wedding bouquets. Jesse Redwing and the band brought such a good vibe to the party. Young and old were up on the dance floor grooving along. All of our vendors made the day.”
For more real wedding inspiration shot by directory vendor, Ben Sowry, head here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Ben Sowry On The Day Coordinator Scarlet English Florist Wauchope Colonial Florist Stationery Paperless Post Ceremony & Reception Private Property Catering Seed Catering Drinks Holy Goat Coffee Cart Hire Items & Marquee Hire Port Lighting Hire Luna Festoons Entertainment Maples, Jesse Redwing Celebrant Julie Ash Rings Australian Diamond Brokers, Aristides Fine Jewels, Angus and Coote Transport Port Bus, Love Bus Kombi’s THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Spell and the Gypsy Collective Hair Piece Florescence Bride via Etsy Shoes The Iconic Hair GlamourHouse Hair and Beauty Artistry Bridesmaid Gifts Samantha Wills THE GROOM Suit NextDirect Shirt Ted Baker Tie James Harper Shoes R.M. Williams Watch Fossil Barber M16 Boutique Hairdressing