“My plan when I came to Australia was definitely not to stay,” admits Canadian bride, Britt. But, “within six months, I met Jono and the rest is history!” Now the dentist and her groom (wedding photographer, Jono), have been together for seven years, including an engagement of just under two. “We really wanted to enjoy this stage of our lives and relationship,” says the happy couple. Scroll down for all the pics. Signage was by the talented Ashdown & Bee, photography by Tomasz Wagner and their gorgeous wedding video by our friend and vendor, Tom Coburn Wedding Co.
THE PROPOSAL “We were in Bali getting drinks before dinner and there was this stunning table set-up with flowers and candles on a pagoda overlooking the ocean and the sun was setting. I said something along the lines of, ‘where are the people that booked that? They’re missing the sunset! What a waste!’ Jono then took my hand and led me to the table and got down on one knee… It was very romantic, very well done and I was so surprised.”
THE VENUE “We chose Simmer on the Bay because it was a blank slate that we could create anything with. Half of our decor was from our own home. I’ve collected vintage and antiques from all over the world for as long as I can remember and it was great to incorporate that into the decor.”
DIY “I taught myself calligraphy and did the place cards myself. I learnt so much about the process of paper making, gradients and techniques. I sourced pheasant feathers from America to put through them. I did the bombonieres, the pocket squares (made out of reclaimed vintage fabric), signage, florals around the signage, dessert table, the earrings for the maid of honour (from a vintage bracelet), and I customised the flower girls’ dresses with hand-dyed ribbon.”
THE DRESS “I spent ages looking for the perfect dress. The (antique) dress arrived with holes that I spent months mending myself. I also learned how to handle antique fabrics and lifted the colour myself. I was really set on a Juliet cap cathedral length veil, so I had a very specific vision and luckily a few months before the wedding, I found it on eBay.”
REFERENCES “Truthfully, most of our inspiration came from images in Hello May! I’d go through all of the vendors, looking them up one by one. Instagram also played a big part in finding our vendors.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Make sure you line up good vendors, so you don’t have to worry on the day. Get people that really care about their craft. Also, trust your instincts when you meet with them.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Did a sparkler farewell. It was a really touching way to end the night. All of your loved ones, lighting your way forward.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Tom Coburn Wedding Co. by far. He’s just this great, humble guy with an out of this world talent. So many people have commented saying our wedding video is the best they have ever seen. We weren’t sure we wanted a videographer and now we’re the biggest advocates of videography, because we absolutely love ours. [If you want to see more of his work, do yourself a favour and click here, folks.] There’s something so special about capturing the motions of the day. Cara Fitch of Trille Floral really nailed the vision I had for the florals and was such a professional, true artist. And Michaela McBride did the invitations and they were so beautiful that I didn’t want to touch them when I saw them! She takes such care in what she does and to top it off, she is just a lovely person.”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Tomasz Wagner Cinematographer Tom Coburn Wedding Co. Stylist She Designs Florist Trille Floral Invitations Michaela McBride Calligraphy Ceremony St Mary St Mina Coptic Orthodox Cathedral Reception Simmer on the Bay Cake All Things Sweet by Carissa Other Desserts Chez Immi French Delicacies Photo booth The Photo Booth Guys! Signage Ashdown & Bee Entertainment XYDJ Transport Evolution Car Hire BRIDE Bridal Boutique Gossamer Hair Piece Lena Rom Shoes Jimmy Choo Accessories Tharros Bijoux Rings Cartier Hair Taylor James Redman Makeup Gillian Campbell Bridesmaid Dresses Jenny Yoo & Lovers + Friends GROOM Suit & Groomsmen Suits The Tailors Co. Tie Shibumi Firenze Shoes Salvatore Ferragamo Watch Hirigoyen Wedding Band Raphael Jewellers
