Today’s sweet couple, Hope and Jake, are all about doing love on their own terms. Hope bypassed tradition popping the question to her main man in a refreshing nod to their spontaneous, crazy and laugh-till-your tummy-hurts relationship. The duo made sure their big day was just as spesh and personalised by involving their guests in their vows. There are more sweet as heck details below. With vendors like The White Tree and Ashdown & Bee on board, it’s no wonder this carefully curated day was a doozy. Scroll down for lovely lens-dude Scott Surplice’s divine captures…
THE VIBE “We wanted our family and friends to share all of our favourite things with us, from the share plates of food to the florals, to our favourite chocolate which we gifted to all our guests. We wanted our day to represent us, and have that unique spin on it that our closest would never forget.”
THE DRESS “I was really lucky as the first dress I tried on was the dress I ended up walking down the aisle in. I tried three in total but my sisters, mum and I all agreed that the first was a stand-out. I thought being curvy would make finding a dress difficult. After doing some research online, I found Love Marie Bridal Boutique and I liked a number of their dresses. Then at the same time, Chosen by One Day were doing a curve roadshow, so I booked in straight away and got to try on the magic dress that ended up being the one.”
LITTLE LOL “My gorgeous foster brother, who is six, was uncontrollably crying happy tears while we were getting married. He couldn’t contain himself and kept saying, “I’m just so happy”. Then when we were doing speeches, he walked up to the table, grabbed the microphone from my sister and did his own impromptu speech which had everyone in hysterics.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Take it all in, it’s not a job. You shouldn’t think I have to get this right, just make it about you and your partner and have a laugh while you do it. Jake comes from a traditional Lebanese family so there were some expectations that our wedding would reflect that but we wanted our wedding to reflect us as a couple and not the families we come from. We’re so glad we made our wedding unique because, for so many of our guests, this was a one-of-a-kind wedding, one that they’ll never forget. Even having our ceremony in a park was such a foreign concept to some of our guests but they loved it!”
WE’RE GLAD WE “We both loved getting ready in hotel rooms the day of our wedding. It was nice to relax in a gorgeous room and not stress about having to clean up for the photographer.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Tegan, our floral stylist [The Lillipillian], went above and beyond for our wedding. We clicked straight away and she really knew what to draw from our meetings. Her styling execution was everything we had hoped for and more. At the end of the night, we let all of our family and friends pick out florals that were on display to make their own bouquets. Everyone was admiring them and we didn’t want them to go to waste so it became this unexpected activity at the end where everyone was helping one another build their bouquet. Scott Surplice, our photographer, was amazing to work with too. We wanted natural, goofy shots and he was great at capturing that. At times, it was like he wasn’t even there and looking at the photos we love that he captured real, genuine moments.”
Smitten with Scott Surplice’s sweet, sweet captures? Us too! You can peep more of his mighty fine handiwork right here. We also have contact details for The White Tree and Ashdown and Bee. Go nuts!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Scott Surplice Photography Cinematographer The White Tree Stylist & Florist The Lillipillian Stationery Zazzle Place Cards CARVD Studio via Etsy Ceremony Venue The Pine Grove, Centennial Parklands Reception Venue & Catering Porteño Cake Sincerely Sam Cakes Wedding Favours Hey Tiger Hire Items Simply Seated Signage Ashdown and Bee Neon Signage Sketch and Etch, Custom Neon Entertainment Fiesta Viva Celebrant Melissa Soncini Rings Michael Hill Jeweller BRIDE Dress Chosen by One Day Bridal via Love Marie Bridal Boutique Veil Twigs and Honey Flower Crown The Lillipillian Robes Posy Shoes Chaos and Harmony Ring Amber Sceats Earrings A.B Ellie Purse From St Xavier Hair & Makeup ByStella Bridesmaid Dresses Bec and Bridge Bridesmaid Shoes Billini GROOM Suit Peter Jackson Bow Tie OTAA Shoes Florsheim Watch The Horse Groomsmen Suits Peter Jackson
