Brooke and Joe’s big day was the product of 18 months of hands-on planning with the groom a keen bean to have his opinion heard. “I had always heard of grooms not getting involved but Joe was the opposite,” reveals Brooke. In fact, Joe was known to send Brooke’s mum pictures of the flowers he was envisaging for the elegant nuptials rather regularly. “Joe even changed his suit three times leading up to the wedding,” laughs the bride. He landed on a perfect Oscar Hunt get up, though, and it was definitely worth it. Georgia Verrells Photography was there to photograph it all and boy are we glad. Scroll down to get your fix…
THE VENUE “We fell in love with Churchill. We had reached out initially and it was out of our price zone so we started scoping a few other venues, before asking Churchill how flexible they would be. We wanted the venue, [without] the cost of a sit-down meal. It ended up perfect as their friend specialises in gorgeous grazing tables and Joe and I love the concept of gathering around food and mingling with everyone, rather than your select table few.”
FAVE DETAILS “Whilst everything was spectacular on its own, it became magic when it all came together as one. We must add that Joe’s suit [by Oscar Hunt Tailors] was not to be looked past. Every fussing moment paid off. The most special detail was the glasses we toasted with as they belonged to Joe’s mum’s mum who isn’t with us.
DIY “Our favourite, the candy. Leading up to the wedding was a candy tasting orgasmic experience. [My mum] trialled an accumulative of different flavours and we ended up with watermelon which was covered in gold leaf and dried rose petals and broken into shards, resembling crystal. They sat in a clear top box with a sticker that read ‘Marriage: An endless sleepover with your favourite weirdo.’
MEMORABLE MOMENT “I particularly loved that my mum walked me down the aisle. It’s always been me and her and it was only right that she gave me away. She’ll always be my first and forever date. My dad also blew me away with his speech. [And] our first look – we got to enjoy each other and time stopped. We laughed, we cried, we stared in awe. We eased each other’s nerves and waited in anticipation together. To share that moment when our eyes first saw each other was thrilling and magical and so many things.”
COOL CUSTOM “Joe’s mum brought to our attention that our wedding was lacking tradition, and that was true. We really wanted to honour her so we did this streamer thing. It’s a very old Italian tradition where the mother of the groom and family puts streamers in your hand when you do your first dance so it wraps around you! It added lots of colour and an element of fun. We loved it!”
LITTLE LOL “We were pleasantly surprised when our friends and family who caught the bus to the venue rocked up tipsy! Turns out my Nonno was giving everyone shots of cognac on the road! Bless! We also had a 12 seater van for the wedding party and my sister Faith (shout out for being the designated driver on her sister’s wedding day!) bogged the van. My cousin took control of the van (no he should not have been let behind the wheel) literally drifted this thing out of the mud! Still, that did not do the trick. Thankfully some lovely locals saw us from below and came to the rescue!”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Had the Mariachi band! They were incredible and really set the tone for our day! They were a wonderful surprise for our guests! Also, the actual structure of the day was probably our best decision made! To not have a three-hour photo break and be able to eat with all our guests.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “I wish I didn’t go last for my hair! Warning: Brides don’t go last. It meant that I didn’t get to share as many getting ready moments and capture them with my mum and sisters that morning because by the time she hair had finished, we had to leave for the first look. Joe wishes I never squatted at golden hour photos. Not the most impressionable moment for his newlywed wife! But if you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “We really connected with Georgia Verrells Photography. After our first meeting I remember saying to Joe, ‘I want to be her friend in real life!’ Haha. She’s an absolute babe and captured our day so honestly! Megan Thompson was calming and full of love! She was personable and professional. Just an all-round legend! Vanessa from Churchill was extremely flexible and approachable! She met us on several occasions and answered 101 questions! She outdid herself accomodating our vision.”
Brooke and Joe’s classy day was originally published in Hello May’s Real Wedding Special 2020. We are all sold out, but you can snag a copy of the latest Real Wedding Special 2021 on our online store. You can also check out more from their photographer Georgia Verrells over on our Directory here and chic suit options for you or your groom by Oscar Hunt Tailors here. But first…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Georgia Verrells Photography Florist Prunella Stationery Papier Ceremony & Reception Churchill After Party Amarillo Catering Carlie Monasso Cake Treats by Himidi Gelato Cart Bianco Latte Hire Items & Signage Good Day Club Sound Hire Melbourne PA Hire Entertainment Mariachi Los Romanticos Celebrant Megan Thompson Rings Fedele Jewelworks Transport Limomate by Southern Cross & Seymour Coaches Accommodation Ellis House THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Hera Couture Bridal Boutique Bluebell Bridal Alterations Bridal Tailors Veil Made With Love Jacket Husk Robes H&M Shoes Loeffler Randall Accessories Christie Nicolaides Hair Ella Martinez Makeup Tanya Guccione Bridesmaid Dresses & Shoes Own Bridesmaid Gifts Sunday Lane (Print) & Frames Ready Made (Frame) THE GROOM Suit & Shirt Oscar Hunt Tailors Tie Ties Shoes R.M. Williams Grooming Shinko (Jack Sprenger) Groomsmen Suits Formal Red Groomsmen Ties & Pocket Squares Otaa
