Jetsetters Eliza and Alan lived together in New York City and were engaged on a romantic getaway in Italy but chose to have their big day in sunny Sydney. With music being a primary focus the couple danced the night away to their carefully curated setlist that the good folk of Baker Boys Band poured their heart and souls into. Going the extra mile to please they even “played the Hora, and then my dad got up and played the drums with them too”, boasts happy chappy bride Eliza. The couple tied the knot in the gardens of the stunning historical Vaucluse House. Hello May fave Damien Millan was there to capture it all…
THE VENUE “When looking for a venue, It was really important for both of us to find somewhere that was timeless and where we could embrace the surroundings. Once we had decided on The Grounds, it was like a weight had been lifted. The venue is stunning and aesthetically all we wanted in a space. Essentially a beautiful garden with fairy lights. In regard to the ceremony location, we chose Vaucluse House as it really is such a classic, stunning and historical location.”
THE VIBE “Growing up we would always eat outside in my parent’s garden, and after spending time in Europe we were definitely inspired by dining outside. Alan and I love a good dinner party so a garden dinner party under the stars was exactly what we had in mind. We wanted to be in a lush, candlelit environment with long tables, amazing food and of course the most important part – our closest family and friends.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “I loved my bouquet. Whilst all I wanted was white and green flowers, I was still picky on what flowers they were. Being May in Sydney, flowers at this time can be a bit tricky. However, our florist [The Grounds Florals by Silva] was able to find tuberose and peonies! Music was also very important to Al and I. We worked really closely with Baker Boys Band to ensure that every song they played was one of our favourites. We also created a playlist to be played in between sets, again to ensure that the music was the vibe we wanted. We had jazz and blues through to salsa and our old school favourites.”
THE DRESS “I knew I wanted something simple and elegant, something timeless that I felt myself in. But finding simple can be very hard. I had in my mind what I wanted…it was just finding it! I went to a few stores in Sydney, tried on a handful of gowns but nothing was quite right. I then made an appointment at Helen Rodrigues where there were a few gowns I had seen online that I was interested in. The first dress at Helen Rodrigues I tried on was THE dress. A simple and elegant Alexandra Grecco gown. It just slipped on so perfectly. My mum and sister were crying and then I looked in the mirror and started crying myself (which I was not expecting!). It was really quite emotional. I have never been a girly girl – but trying this dress on was just amazing.”
FAVOURITE MOMENTS “For our first dance, we didn’t want to learn a choreographed dance, but rather just wanted to be in each other’s arms. So we had all our guests hold sparklers as we danced to ‘It had to be you”. Later on in the night, while everyone was dancing the night away, Alan and I surprised our guests with the Tango. We had secretly been having lessons in the lead up to the wedding. Alan’s family is South American, and his late Grandmothers favourite film was Scent of a Woman. We had so much fun and all our family and friends were completely surprised!”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Our photographers Damien Milan and Anastasia captured our day so perfectly and we will be forever grateful to them. They made both of us feel so comfortable in front of the camera, and truly just captured the story unfold. We met with Damien a few months prior to the wedding, and it was a great way to get to know Damien and Anastasia and for them to understand Al and I as a couple as well. So many of our guests commented on them as they were so professional and approachable throughout the whole day. They made everyone feel so comfortable and were able to capture every moment possible.”
Like what you see? Hello May Vendor Damien Milan Photography is a regular on the blog. Pop on over to his directory listing here to see more Real Weddings he has captured. We particularly enjoy his handiwork at Cat and Chris’ Woolloomooloo Wedding. If you fancy seeing more from our other directory vendors featured in Eliza and Alan’s wedding then pop on over to Baker Boys Band and Grew & Co’s directory listings for some more good times.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Damien Milan Cinematographer Dear Vincent, Alan Harca Florist The Grounds Florals by Silva Ceremony Venue Vaucluse House via Sydney Living Museums Reception Venue & Catering The Grounds Entertainment 33 Degrees, Baker Boys Band Celebrant Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio Rings Catbird, Grew & Co THE BRIDE Dress Alexandra Grecco via Helen Rodrigues Loungewear Jasmine and Will Shoes Kurt Geiger Jewellery Sarah and Sebastian Hair Tarryn of Mob Hair Makeup Anna Lovato BRIDESMAIDS Dress Camilla & Marc, Bec & Bridge, One Fell Swoop Shoes Senso THE GROOM Suit Hugo Boss Shirt MJ Bale Tie Paul Smith Shoes Aquila Watch Daniel Wellington GROOMSMEN Suit Peter Jackson
