To Maria and Mitch marriage is about becoming one family. “It means choosing the same person every day, sticking with them through the good, the bad and the slightly annoying, looking after each other and always trying to give each other a better life. It’s having someone who is completely in your corner, but also the person who knows exactly how to push your buttons.”
“And, of course,” they add, “it’s agreeing to spend the rest of your life together after discovering all of each other’s weird habits and still thinking, ‘Yep, I’ll take this one’.
With 60 loved ones in tow, these two tied the knot with a tear-jerking ceremony at Registry Weddings Melbourne and a delightfully DIY reception at nearby St Kilda landmark, Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy).
“You can definitely have a beautiful wedding on a budget!” — that’s Maria and Mitch’s message. “Do a few things yourselves and involve your family and friends, as they’ll probably love feeling included.”
On that note, props to the couple’s fam who handled reception set-up in a very swift 30 minutes (seriously!), and photographer Mitch Gamble, responsible for the heartwarming wedding album before you.
Hotel Esplanade wedding with ocean views in St Kilda
“The Espy was close to our reception venue and offered great views of the pier and the ocean. They also had various packages that were budget-friendly and flexible, which was important to us.”
DIY wedding ideas for a celebration on a budget
“I made our digital invitations and designed our own welcome sign, which my parents then decorated with flowers. My family also put together lots of flowers in cute vases and added electric candles around the venue. It all came together beautifully and ended up looking incredible.”
Registry Weddings Melbourne | An intimate civil ceremony
“I really loved our ceremony. From walking down the aisle with my dad by my side to reading out our own vows, it was so moving and I had tears in my eyes the whole time. Hearing my husband’s vows for the first time was incredibly touching, and having him hold my hands throughout the ceremony really helped during such an emotional moment.”
An unconventional bridal look from Showpo
“I still love my wedding dress, which I got from Showpo. I had to make a few adjustments, but overall it was such an amazing alternative to buying an expensive wedding dress that you only wear once. I also got a few inexpensive veils, which were fantastic and didn’t come with a crazy price tag. I really believe weddings don’t have to cost a fortune to be beautiful.”
A custom three-piece brown suit for the groom
“The suit was from Oscar Hunt, and it was a lovely experience working with our tailor. We got exactly what we wanted: a three-piece suit in a brown mixed fabric made from a blend of linen, wool and synthetic fibres. The suit actually ended up being five to six times more expensive than my wedding dress, which I think is probably not very common! I was happy about it, though, because we specifically wanted a suit that could be worn multiple times after the wedding.”
Mitch Gamble Media | Melbourne wedding photographer
“Our photographer, Mitch Gamble, was incredible! He was so easy-going and made us feel at ease throughout the whole day. My husband and I are not the most photogenic people, but Mitch somehow managed to make us look great in the photos.”
More good stuff | Getting married in Melbourne
Planning your Victoria nuptials and not sure where to start? Wrap your eyeballs around these stunners and read wedding ideas and insights from recent Vic-based newlyweds on the blog. Then head to the directory to connect with our favourite local vendors. While you’re there why not kick off your photographer search by shooting off an enquiry to this talented lens legend, Mitch Gamble Media!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Mitch Gamble Media Florist & Cake Topper Miss Molly Floral Design Ceremony Venue Registry Weddings Reception Venue Hotel Esplanade Rings Dia Fine Jewelry via Etsy Transport High Horse Limousines THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Showpo Shoes Wittner Accessories Shein Hair & Makeup Sofiya Tymofeyeva Fragrance Tom Ford THE GROOM Suit Oscar Hunt Tie Shein Shoes Oxford
