Real Weddings

Article by

Laura Wilson

Posted on

03/08/2020

Posted in

Real Weddings

These two love birds met at Dan Murphy’s back when they were at uni and boy are they cute, guys. Nine years later (engaged for two!) they tied the knot at this gorgeous venue in country Victoria. The bride wore an incredible Karen Willis Holmes gown (rave review below), the groom in a shirt and bow tie by Oscar Hunt Tailors (both complete with Cushla Whiting Jewellery rings) and behind the camera stood one of our faves, lens woman Amanda Alessi Photography. Scroll down for the rest! You won’t regret it…

THE VENUE “The Burrow was the first venue we looked at and we decided on the day. I am the most basic white girl and had been Pinterest planning my wedding since before I even met Justin and had always dreamed of a Stones of the Yarra Valley or Tanglewood Estate wedding, but there was something so special about The Burrow to me and we both just knew it was the right choice for us.”

FAVE DETAILS “My favorite thing easily were the wedding favours / table place holders that my dad made. They were tea light candle holders made with fallen tree branches, and both parents wood burned each guests’ name into them. They were so special and I’ve seen them on mantle pieces and entryways in friends’ homes since the wedding.”

THE DRESS “I found my dress on the first day of looking around High Street Armadale. It was at Karen Willis Holmes, and the sales assistant’s name was Erin (which felt like a good sign). We were greeted with little bottles of bubbly! It was one of those movie moments where I’d already chosen a few dresses to try on, and Erin asked me what other dresses I’d tried at other boutiques and what about them I had liked or disliked. Then she said ‘I think I’ve got an idea’ and disappeared. She came back with a dress I hadn’t looked twice at, with some extra sleeves. She put the dress on me and pinned the sleeves on behind a curtain so that no one could see, and then did a big reveal. Everyone teared up! It was actually so perfect – Beyonce’s ‘Love on Top’ was even playing. I genuinely felt like I was in a movie and was in awe at how good this girl was at her job! I had to pay $50 for the appointment at KWH and I remember feeling outraged by that price because nowhere else was doing it, but the experience was second to none. Every other place was rushing me, putting limits on the number of dresses I could try on, and absolutely packed.”

REFERENCES “I spent a lot of time looking at Hello May, Wedshed and a LOT of Instagram. I also attended One Fine Day Wedding Fair (which in my view is by far the best wedding expo). I also joined the HOORAY! weddings group on Facebook which I found to be incredibly helpful.”

FAVE MOMENT “My entire extended family live in the UK and my grandparents couldn’t make it due to health issues. So my uncle had them on FaceTime basically live streaming the entire event – they got up early and got dressed up, fancy hat, bow tie and everything. I’d been composed for the whole ceremony, including Justin’s beautiful vows, but the moment I saw my grandparents on FaceTime all dressed up I fell to pieces. They danced on the dance floor with us, they were there for the whole event!”

A WORD OF ADVICE… “If you can afford it, get a wedding planner. It’s my one regret – it would have saved me a lot of stress. Also, if you’re doing both a photographer and videographer – once you’ve found one whose style you really like, ask them for recommendations for the other. I booked Amanda Alessi Photography 18 months out and she suggested Daniel & Shannaya Films. It’s great for them to like each other / have worked together before, it adds to the experience!”

WE’RE GLAD WE… “Got a videographer. I know some people don’t see a need for it and feel that you watch it once and put it away, but there’s something so special about watching parts of your wedding on film. And for me, I know if I could see a video of my parents wedding I would be over the moon, and I want that for my children one day.”

STANDOUT VENDORS “Amanda Alessi Photography because her work is wonderful. I am in love with my photos. I’m obsessed with so many of my vendors. Weddings By Jess is the most bubbly, friendly, positive person I have possibly ever come across. Main Entertainment – Issac sang acoustic for the ceremony and cocktail hour, and then Dj’d for the reception and it was the BEST combo. He has impeccable taste in music if you like a variety. Clover flowers – Margie gave me styling advice and just absolutely nailed the brief. Miss Trixie Drinks Tea – the thing I love about Miss Trixie is she basically just gets you to describe your ultimate cake to her and she figures out a way to bring it to life.”

Don’t miss more from Amanda Alessi Photography here and check out countless, figure-flattering Karen Willis Holmes gowns worn by real brides here. Looking for your final touches? Find exceptional ring ideas from Cushla Whiting Jewellery by heading here first and everything from suits to shirts, ties and more with Oscar Hunt Tailors here.