Together a decade come September, these love birds confirm it’s been their best 10 years. “Thanks to Mat for harassing me to go on a date all those years ago (even after rejecting him countless times),” says the bride. Love it. And love the nuptials they so beautifully put together. “We drank a lot of wine while planning!” The only way to do it, guys. Kiralee wore a custom creation (complete with a stunning Grew & Co wedding band, no less) and one of our fave photographers, Alexandra Cohen, was there to bring us back the epic pics (and “loads of laughs with her exotic French accent,”) adds the couple. So scroll down for allll the goods…
THE VENUE “We wanted a beautiful outdoor blank canvas venue so we could style it as we pleased (I’m fussy), enjoy the views and outdoor setting. We also wanted the ceremony and reception in the same place. One venue [we looked at] was a beautiful homestead overlooking an olive grove, and the other was the vineyard with incredible valley views and golden arvo light on the valley. After umm-ing and ahh-ing, we chose to go with the olive grove venue. A couple of months later, we received an email saying the venue had to cancel (cue mental breakdown). It seems a bit overdramatic now, but devastation is an understatement and we wanted to can the whole wedding. But we contacted the vineyard, Credaro Margaret River, and they managed to make it work on the same weekend we originally booked. We were so happy it worked out how it did – it seems like it was meant to be.”
THE VIBE “We wanted chilled, fun vibes after the ceremony – cocktails in the sun, amazing live music by with a bit of sax and harmonica thrown in, and then a full dance floor after dinner which did not disappoint. We love share food, so dinner was shared banquet style, with plenty of vegetarian options as I’m a vegetarian. We chose to sit amongst our guests for dinner, rather than sit at a separate bridal table. We loved we could be around everyone and our bridal party could be with their partners who are great friends of ours as well.”
FAVE DETAILS “I cried like a baby when I laid eyes on the marquee set up and tablescape. Brodie (The BIB Approach) absolutely nailed it. I’m such a visual person and planning the styling was my favourite part of wedding planning. Seeing it all come together was magic. I really loved the stone menu holders sourced from Brodie’s farm (gimme allll the textures) which were a match made in heaven with the menus, blooms and tableware. Also, for six months or so, my mum collected rose petals from her garden which were used as confetti at our ceremony. Loved this personal touch.”
THE DRESS “Funny story (but not really). I fell in love with a dress I saw on Instagram, but the designer was in Sydney. By chance, I won a competition for a discount on a dress from the designer. And again, if this didn’t seem like it was meant to be, they came to Perth to do a trunk show where I could try on the style. I thought, “this is the dress I fell in love with at first sight, I have a decent discount, AND it’s here in Perth for me to try – it must be fate”. I placed the order. BUT, when I received it in January (eight weeks before the wedding), it left much to be desired. It didn’t work out and it fit me very differently to the sample. I came across Faith Anderson Bridal and we managed to squeeze a long process into a few short weeks – we were insane! Faith and Sarah were incredible. I ended up having my final fitting and picking up the dress the night before we were leaving for the wedding. It fit me like a glove and I felt exceptional in it.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Did a first look! We didn’t want the first time we saw each other on our day to be in front of 80 people (even though they are our favourite people!). We wanted it to be personal and private. We’re also glad we had a ‘soft entrance’ to the reception area where we simply walked in and joined our guests, rather than a big entrance dancing our way in and that we didn’t have a first dance. It’s just not us.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Our stylist, Brodie (The BIB Approach) is an absolute miracle worker. She helped with my indecisiveness, provided planning advice, vendor recommendations, comms were always regular and the set up on the day was beautiful. Our photographer, Alexandra Cohen has provided us with the most epic collection of wedding shots! She was super chilled on the day, bringing loads of laughs with her exotic French accent and capturing moments we’ll treasure forever. Booking a videographer was quite last minute in terms of wedding planning, but we’re so glad we did! Nat from The Auburn Hour Film Co. and Alex worked so well together.”
If you’re still looking to lock in a photographer, make sure you check out other weddings from Alex Cohen (and rave reviews from other brides) on our Directory, here. She’s a delight to have at your wedding and talented to boot! Also, make sure you check out more from Grew & Co – they hand make earrings and necklaces too, not just rings!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Alexandra Cohen Cinematographer The Auburn Hour Film Co. Stylist The BIB Approach Florist Sir Botanical Stationery & Signage Paper Fusion Ceremony & Reception Credaro Margaret River Catering Supper Rd Food Truck The Handsome Stranger Caravan Bar Cake Narelle Simpson (Friend) Hire Items Zest (Chairs, Tables, Rattan Pendants) Empire Events (Cocktail Furniture, Festoon Lighting) Hire In Style (Linen, Cutlery, Crockery, Games) Dance Floor Cape Events Marquee Wonderland Tents and Events Entertainment Paige Valentine Music & Anomaly DJs Celebrant Kristy Wright Guest Transport Gannaways Bridal Party Transport Dunsborough Chauffeur Services THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Faith Anderson Bridal Engagement Ring Tiffany & Co. Wedding Band Grew & Co Robes Dissh Sleepwear Shoes Tony Bianco Accessories Carly Paiker (Earrings) Hair Rachel via Circles Makeup Makeup by Melanie Bridesmaid Dresses Bec + Bridge THE GROOM Jacket & Shirt Country Road Pants Industrie Bow Tie David Jones Wedding Band Rohan Jewellers Shoes Aquila Grooming The Barber Collective Groomsmen Suits Country Road & Industrie