We’ve got to hand it to them, Aussie Katie and American Sean have quite the love story. After meeting in Melbourne four years prior, the two met for a drink in Sydney and the rest is history. No joke, they dated for only two and a half weeks before Katie moved out to Qatar to be with Sean (where it’s illegal to live together until you’re officially married). Fast forward to a Tokyo engagement, a New York City Hall marriage and a Sydney wedding date which leaves us, here, now, congratulating the newlyweds!
At only 13, Katie’s mom took her to visit Sydney’s Palm Beach Garden and she decided then and there that she’d get married there. A way’s away from their Doha home, friends travelled near and far to attend the celebration from the U.S, Germany, U.K., Switzerland and beyond. “We really wanted to showcase stunning Sydney. Wedding week was my opportunity to sell his friends and family on Sydney, and I hope it worked!
Though Katie never imagined she’d be a ‘bridey bride’ the “sparkle factor”, as she calls it, kicked in big time was the wedding planning commenced. “When I finally arrived in Sydney, Dad said I had become a magpie, unable to discern anything other than sparkle factor. And because I did so much DIY, our living room in Doha was covered in glitter for 10 months. So was every one of Sean’s work suits,” says Katie, who hired event stylist/Hello May alumni Lauren of Audrey and Angus to help execute her vision.
A huge fan of Hello May, Katie confesses that she found quite a few of her vendors through our blog and directory. “At the end of the wedding, Sean said ‘why did you even do ANYTHING except read Hello May?!’ It’s where I found my hair and makeup artists, lots of my DIY inspiration, Tillee Music, The White Tree and Blanka Biernat who designed our engagement and wedding portrait, which became a cornerstone of all stationery, signs and donut toppers. The list goes on!”
Beautifully captured by The Wanderers, marriage to folks like Katie and Sean, who deal with such different customs overseas, means something different entirely (aside from getting surprised with an epic flashmob). “Being able to FINALLY walk around our conservative compound as a legal, married, legitimate couple. The first night we got back to Doha, we went for a run around the compound and I waived my wedding ring to anyone who had eyes to see! Also, wine and carbs. Carbs my old dear friends.”
CREDITS Photos The Wanderers // Bridal gown Monique Lhuillier // Alterations Swish Bridal Design // Getting read tees Best & Less and Oz Colour Copy & Embroidery // Lingerie Simone Perele // Shoes Jimmy Choo // Accessories and bridesmaid gifts Mimco // Hair Deelush Hair // Makeup Simone Lee Brennan //Rings Tiffany & Co // Bridesmaid dresses Eileen Kirby and White Runway // Bridesmaid shoes Nine West // Bridesmaid gifts Lotus Pod, Ted Baker, Twigs & Honey and Lovisa // Event planner / Stylist coordinator Audrey and Angus // Florist WILDER // Stationery and signage Blanka Biernat Illustration via Etsy // Printer AST Digital Print Centre and Kwik Kopy // Ceremony and reception Palm Beach Garden, NSW // Entertainment Tillee Music and The White Tree // Transport Northern Beaches Bus Charter and London Cab Company.