It was while attending art school that Katia and Rohan first laid eyes on each other. Being a close-knit community, the couple saw each other around here and there before properly meeting one night at the pub. “I’m pretty sure we both felt that there was something there, straight away. We were friends first and started dating a few months later. It took us a while to get our heads on straight and figure out that we were going to be together for the long haul (early 20s existential crisis!!) but it was always meant to be,” says Katia, who tells us that DIY was an essential part of their day.
“As we are both makers, we felt pretty strongly about doing as much for the day as we could. We designed the invitations, and I spent a week making small stoneware dishes with our initials R+K carved on their undersides for wedding favours. The day before the wedding we spent foraging for autumn leaves, flowers, blackberries and dried grasses to use as table decorations, hanging garlands and mine and the bridesmaid’s bouquets. I’m also so glad we did all the decorations ourselves. Spending the day decorating and walking around picking oak branches and eucalyptus with everyone helping was so amazing.”
Making it a point to stick to their core beliefs, Katia (who wore a beautiful Ulla Johnson dress) and Rohan enlisted one of the bridesmaids to make an 11 layer cake (alternating carrot cake and chai spice – yum!) as well as Alice from Quince Catering to provide a beautiful spread, jam-packed with amazing eats. “I’m so so glad that we had a completely vegetarian wedding, despite a couple of raised eyebrows. We both wanted to be able to eat everything, and for the day to be in line with our values. The huge feast that Alice made was amazing – lots of roasted vegetables, Middle Eastern flavours and colours.”
A day set in and around Mylor Town Hall and overflowing with amazing memories (all captured by the incredible Brown Paper Parcel), we can’t help but empathise with the newlyweds, who had a bit of a hard time pinpointing just one favourite moment. “It was honestly all so good…the bridesmaids and I had a super fun quick dance party five minutes before the ceremony to banish nerves. Also, straight after the ceremony when we were finally officially married and just got to enjoy all the feelings and hugging. Rohan’s speech, which was just so beautiful. And, of course, dancing with all our friends and family (mum and dad dancing to the Spice Girls!).”
Now that the rings have been exchanged and the I do’s have been said, Katia and Rohan were more than willing to share what they learned from the process. “I’m so glad we just kept things really simple and relaxed. It can be easy to let people tell you that things ‘should’ be a certain way because that’s what a wedding is supposed to be, but I think the reason we had such a lovely day is because we made sure everything was completely our vibe so we would feel comfortable.”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photography Brown Paper Parcel Ceremony Mylor Oval Reception Mylor Town Hall Catering Quince Catering Cake Makoto Koji (Bridesmaid) Desserts Mulots & Loukoumi Kitchen Favours The Bride, Katia Carletti Prop / Furniture Hire The Props Dept Celebrant Penny Griggs Rings Alice Potter THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Ulla Johnson Hair Olivia Carletti (Sister / Maid of Honour) Makeup The Bride THE GROOM Suit Jeff Banks.