With so many ideas wrapped into one wedding, we’d best start from the beginning. After James proposed to Ellene on her birthday, they went away for a weekend where they found inspiration from an unlikely animal. “Originally the idea for the colour scheme came when we went away for the weekend to Mt Barney and saw a beautiful bird for the first time called a Blue Faced Honeyeater. I liked the richness of it’s colouring and it reminded me of velvet”, says Ellene who also loved the idea of having beautiful flowers by Francesca’s Flowers littered throughout Lightspace – one of Brisbane’s most popular wedding venues.
“The carnations that hung from the ceiling at the reception were a nod to James’ Yiayia (Grandmother) Betty .They were her favourite flower and they reminded us of all the people who we love that are no longer with us but we wished could be there”, says Ellene whose dress was also a nod to her Grandparents who practiced needlework and always had beautiful embroidered tablecloths in their home.
Aside from a few DIY jobs – like the ribbon wands for their guests, their napkin invitations and hand illustrated bonboniere bags, most things like Madeline Druce Photography were easy enough to organise. Ellene’s favourite moment however turned out to be an impromptu sing-along.
“We opted to sing our wedding song (When I’m 64 by The Beatles) as it didn’t lend itself to dancing and singing together while James plays guitar is something we love to do. We started singing and then all 250 guests starting singing along with us. We didn’t even realise that people might sing along and it was such a nice moment we couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces.”
CREDITS Photos Madeline Druce Photography // Bridal gown Kelly Cooper and embroidery Shirley Glover //Shoes Christian Louboutin // Francesca’s Flowers // Rings and jewellery Lily Jewels // Bridesmaids dresses Kelly Cooper // Groom and groomsmen suits Harrison James // Grooms shoes Aquila // Ties Hey Sir via Etsy // Ceremony Greek Orthodox Church of St George, QLD // Reception Lightspace, QLD // Catering Wine & Dine’m // Cake Gillian Bell Cake // Cake topper Concarta // Styling White + White Weddings and Events // Stationery Little Peach Co and Red Octopus // Hair Indigo Cut // Makeup Blissful Makeup // Music James Wright // Transport Old Skool Kombis Noosa and Limoso // Lighting AVI Corporate.
