Say hi to Demi and James, guys. They postponed their original nuptials (thanks to COVID) until they can have the big party they always planned, but proceeded with their wedding, “as we really wanted to be husband and wife.” Their love story was a speedy one at first, but we’ll let the bride explain. “We met at his New Year’s Eve party and moved in together after three weeks of dating!” Eight years later and they were tying the knot with 30 of their nearest and dearest and their favourite suppliers (whom we are quite fond of, too). We’re looking at you Zoe Morley, Karen Willis Holmes, Meggan Morimoto and Samantha Lee Makeup Artist! Scroll down for more, people…
THE VENUE “Having to re-organise an entire wedding in less than two months was a pretty stressful time but it was also bit of a laugh. We decided to do a very small scale day for 2020 and a bigger celebration in 2021. For our new venue, James’ sister Elizabeth and his brother in law Andy kindly offered their beautiful home in Vaucluse. It was very special to have it at their house as every time we visit now we’ll be reminded of how many incredible memories we created there.”
THE INSPO “For our day we really wanted a timeless, classic look. We had a black-tie dress code for our guests, as we wanted to look back on the photos and think they could be from any period in time.”
FAVE DETAILS “One of my favourite details on the day were the flowers. White roses were a key flower we wanted to incorporate on our day. James gave me a long-stemmed white rose with a key attached to it when I first moved in so to have these for my bouquet meant the world to me. Another special detail was our dinner setting, we had a beautiful long table set up in the backyard under a tunnel of fairy lights. It was honestly so magical and I left like we all could have been anywhere in the world.”
DIY “James hand wrote all of our place cards for the table. I have always loved his handwriting so we wanted to include this for a personal touch for the day. Also, my sister in law Elizabeth, mother in law Margaret, my mum Jackie and I did some flower arrangements for the church and venue. We set up in Liz’s kitchen the day before and together created some incredible pieces. It was a really fun way to spend the day before.”
THE BRIDAL SUIT “Finding my outfit for my wedding day was quite unexpected. After months of fittings for my dress and then having COVID get in the way, I decided to put it ‘on ice’ until next year’s celebrations. I was on a photo shoot when I found my perfect outfit. It was a Karen Willis Holmes suit! As soon as I put it on I felt so incredible, I didn’t want to take it off. I knew it was what I wanted to wear on my special day. The girls at Karen Willis Holmes were amazing as well. We had such a fun time in the showroom together and they made my experience a dream.”
LITTLE LOL “When I jumped on the DJ decks and played a few songs. I had my friend Aaron Bannie DJ the night and towards the end, I jumped on with him and it was a blast to DJ at my own wedding.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Went ahead with our wedding during COVID. We are fortunate to be able to do another wedding next year with all of our guests but if this is the only wedding we could have, we would still be so grateful and happy. I would tell every bride/groom just to do it and get married to the love of your life. It is the best day you can ever imagine.”
Demi and James’ gorgeous wedding was originally published in Issue 31 of Hello May magazine. If you are keen to snag a copy, head on over to our online store here. And if you want to check out more from this couple’s fab photographer, head to Zoe Morley’s Directory listing with us here and scroll down to the linked weddings below. Also, if you’re still in the market for your ultimate bridal gown or suit, don’t miss more from Karen Willis Holmes – you will be mind blown at the range and versatility. Oh and also Meggan Morimoto’s stunning footwear here and Samantha Lee Makeup Artist, here. She paints faces GOOD guys. Phew! Now back to Demi and James below…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Zoe Morley Photography On Day Coordinator Brooke’s Wedding & Event Planning Stylist & Florist The Curated Life Stationery Paperless Post (Invites) Printer Hogan Print (Order of Service Booklets) Ceremony St Francis Xavier Reception Private Property Catering Mint & Mingle Cake Savvy Fare Other Desserts Jessica Frosting (Cookies) Hire Items Simply Seated (Tables, Chairs & Glassware) Lighting Hire Bondi PA Hire Entertainment DJ Aaron Bannie Celebrant Father Brian Lucas Rings THE NORTH OF. Dance Lessons Move Dance Studios (Jessica) THE BRIDE Bridal Suit & Veil Karen Willis Holmes Shoes Meggan Morimoto Accessories Bianc (Earrings) Accessories FROM ST XAVIER (Bag) Reception Dress Bec + Bridge Reception Shoes Billini Reception Accessories OBJEKTS (Earrings) Hair Wild Life Hair (Piet Pantano) Makeup Samantha Lee Makeup Artist THE GROOM Suit, Shirt & Tie Oxford Shoes Florsheim Watch Tag Heuer Grooming Allan’s Mens Hairdressing