Ten years ago, two 19-year-olds met in a dingy nightclub with Mr Brightside playing in the background. Then came an engagement on a rooftop in Athens, overlooking the Acropolis (peak romance). Now, the next chapter: Erin and Alex’s Melbourne wedding.
The pair said I do at Fitzroy Gardens, with the bride’s aunt (freshly ordained just in time) leading the ceremony. Classic and timeless in every sense, the groom wore M.J. Bale while Erin stepped out in a strapless Mia Ateliers gown. With papers signed, the celebration moved to Fitzroy Town Hall, a venue that ticked every box. “We both love Victorian era architecture and Alex somehow came across Fitzroy Town Hall. We went for a viewing and it instantly felt perfect.”
What followed? A dance floor that was never empty, bridesmaid dresses sewn by the bride herself, Serbian cultural traditions woven beautifully through the day, and photography by It’s Beautiful Here that the couple describe as simply “incredible.” Read on for all the details, including Erin’s advice for anyone tackling a blank canvas BYO reception.
A COLOURFUL, CLASSIC MELBOURNE WEDDING
“The vibe we were after was colourful and fun mixed with a classical style to match the venue.”
STANDOUT DETAILS MADE WITH LOVE
“Invites were designed by my soon to be sister-in-law and bridesmaid. She illustrated a map of Fitzroy that included Fitzroy Gardens and the Fitzroy Town Hall. We had imagined everyone taking a leisurely stroll/tram/uber through the streets of Fitzroy between venues and the invites really fit that theme well, thanks so much to Chloe! We were so lucky to have Alex’s mum Mara who is an extraordinary baker make traditional Serbian kiflice as our wedding favour. Mara worked tirelessly for almost a full year perfecting her mother’s recipe. We were able to print Alex’s Baba’s original handwritten recipe with an English translation onto little recipe cards with the kiflice.”
BESPOKE BLOOMS FOR EVERY BRIDESMAID
“The flowers by Champagne Electric perfectly complemented the bridesmaid dresses, then with my bouquet being a mix of the bridesmaid bouquet was exactly what I had imagined.”hat I had imagined.”
THE BRIDE WHO MADE ALL THE BRIDESMAID DRESSES
“I made all the bridesmaid dresses. Something I naively decided to do about a year before the wedding. It was a long process from picking the patterns, finding the fabric, making a mock of each dress and then finally making each of the final dresses. Seeing each dress come to life was so exciting and I’m so glad I chose to commit to doing it. In hindsight I might’ve started slightly earlier/not left the last dress til three weeks before the wedding…”
INCORPORATING CULTURAL TRADITIONS
“Everyone up on the dancefloor dancing the Serbian Kolo dance was such a beautiful memory, everyone from my 80-year-old ex-dairy farmer granddad from New Zealand to our niece holding hands and dancing was so special. Alex’s parents were also adamant they would supply a bottle of rajika for each table which made its way to the dance floor.”
ADVICE FOR BLANK CANVAS & BYO WEDDINGS IN MELBOURNE
“If you choose a venue where you have to BYO – i.e. catering, alcohol, staff – get a planner or at least someone to help coordinate the day. Having Alex from Confetti Society meant we didn’t have to stress at all on the day and everything went so smoothly. You will have so much to do in the last month, but you will get it all done”
STANDOUT MELBOURNE WEDDING SUPPLIERS
“Photographers It’s Beautiful Here were incredible, they meshed so well with our guests and captured our day perfectly. Nothing felt forced or unnatural. They provided us with the most beautiful memories and we are so grateful. Videographers from Frizzante Films so amazing, their ability to capture the feeling from the day is insane, their social highlights are beautiful little snippets of the day I find myself replaying all too often. And, of course, Alex from Confetti Society.”
MORE GOOD STUFF | MELBOURNE WEDDING DIRECTORY
We’re obsessed with how It’s Beautiful Here capture modern couples – browse more of their work on our wedding supplier directory. For live entertainment, Little Wolf should absolutely be on your radar. And for sharp, classic suiting, the M.J. Bale team never miss. Browse more Victorian wedding suppliers in the Hello May Directory, or get inspired by more stunning Melbourne weddings.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer It’s Beautiful Here Cinematographer Frizzante Films Event Planner & Stylist Confetti Society Florist Champagne Electric Stationery Chloe (Family) Ceremony Venue Fitzroy Gardens Reception Venue The Fitzroy Town Hall Catering Essential Catering Cake Maker Hunter + Rose Other Desserts Dessert Table Mara’s Kitchen Entertainment Jess via Little Wolf Celebrant Family Rings Cullen Jewellery THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Mia Ateliers Hair & Makeup Tonic Agency Bridesmaid & Flowergirl’s Dresses Erin (Bride) THE GROOM Suit M.J. Bale
