We like Aoife and James guys. I mean, just listen to their definition of marriage… “Marriage is not a happy ever after, but just the beginning,” says James (who wore none other than M.J. Bale on the big day). “It’s when shit gets real!” That it is! And these two hired a bunch of our go-to vendors, so we knew their wedding was going to be epic. AM For Love Studio was behind the camera. Bloom Boy did the florals, the bride wore custom heels by the ever-chic Meggan Morimoto and the entertainment on the day, One More Song. So scroll down for all you need to know and the gorgeous imagery…
THE VENUE “With me being Irish and James English, the original plan was to hold it in Byron Bay so overseas guests could experience a bit of the Australian beach life. We looked at several venues but could not find anything we loved. Whilst there, a dog bit James and I got food poisoning, so we took those as signs! Melbourne is our home and one of our favourite cities in the world. We got excited about the idea of showing off our city to our family and friends and decided to keep everything really local and support the fantastic local traders around us. The ceremony was at Melbourne Museum. Pre-reception drinks were a short walk down beautiful and historic Moor Street at Labour in Vain and the reception was right next door in Café Louis.”
FAVE DETAILS “The flowers. They were so incredible it’s hard to find words to describe them. Ross from Bloom Boy is a true Artist and understood my vision. He realised it in a way I couldn’t have imagined and just had that next level of X-factor – they weren’t just nice they were amazing, cool, edgy and oozing style. The bouquet was stunning, a backdrop piece to cover the service hatch in the café was amazing and everything else was just on point. Café Louis – it was the first wedding reception the café had ever hosted. There had been some doubt on our part that 70 people would fit in, but it worked out. It was cosy and intimate, but not cramped. It definitely contributed a lot to creating the party, which is a detail that can be hard to manufacture. And the live saxophonist was awesome. She accompanied the DJ set, which took the great choices of music up a level and added an interactive element to the event. Everyone got dancing!”
THE DRESS “With exactly one week to go to the wedding it was the final dress fitting. The dress was altered to the point of no return and I literally couldn’t breathe or move in it. I jumped online and ordered a dress from Camilla and Marc, the last one in Australia! It arrived three days before the wedding and it turned out to be the dress of my dreams, it was really meant to be. I [James] wanted Australian but without going over the top in terms of budget. After visiting several vendors, I settled on M.J. Bale. The fit and look were all perfect.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “It would have to be when we got a break from the hustle and bustle and went for a coffee and cake in between the ceremony and the reception. It was an unplanned and welcome break in a café we had not been to before and just a couple of doors away from the pub where we had sent our guests for some pre-reception drinks and snacks. We felt close to them but hidden away.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Seriously consider getting someone to project manage everything. It would have really helped with the decision making (perfectionist Aoife talking here). Taking on the role yourself can be very stressful if you are busy and or have other big commitments in life, like work or family, that means you cannot devote a significant amount of focus and energy on getting everything ready. We didn’t feel comfortable pushing this stress onto friends and bridesmaids – we wanted everyone to have the best day we could give them, but we ended up stressing over so much and having to play an active role in getting final matters resolved the day before the event.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Michaela, our photographer from AM For Love Studio, was a pleasure to work with from start to finish. Our pre-wedding shoot helped us all gel together and her photographs were so incredible – we love them so much. Michaela was with us for the whole day and it was like having your best friend with you. One More Song was great to deal with too. Eddy was our DJ and he didn’t put a foot wrong. We’ve tuned in to some of their COVID-19 live streams since the wedding and they are ace. We [also] had a great experience with our celebrant, Paul (of Stand-Up Celebrant) and Wine Republic.”
If you want to get in touch with any of this couple’s fave vendors, head to their Directory listing with us at the following links. You’ll find more info, contact details and more real weddings we’ve published that features their handy work: Meggan Morimoto, Bloom Boy, M.J. Bale and One More Song. But first, do yourself a favour and scroll down for all…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Michaela via AM For Love Studio Florist Bloom Boy Stationery Zetta Florence (Paper Goods & Ribbons) Stationery Design & Printing DIY (Bride & Groom) Ceremony Melbourne Museum Pre-Reception Drinks Labour in Vain Reception Café Louis Catering Ed Dixon Food Design Cake Maker Stylish Cakes Hire Items Table Art (Table Linen) Place Settings (Additional Chairs) Photo Booth The Party and Events Company Entertainment Pat McKernan via The Brothers Public House & One More Song (Reception) Celebrant Stand-Up Celebrant Rings Ellissi Jewellery & SH Jewellery Alcohol Wine Republic THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Camilla and Marc Robes KYHA Custom Heels Meggan Morimoto Accessories Myer (Earrings) Hair Once Upon A Bride (Bernice Mansfield) Bridesmaid Dresses Petal and Pup Bridesmaid Gifts ASTLEY CLARKE (charm bracelets) via David Jones THE GROOM Suit M.J. Bale Waistcoat & Tie InStitchu Shirt Hawes & Curtis Shoes Loake via McCloud Shoes Watch Apple Groomsmen Suits M.J. Bale (Best Man) MC Phase Eight