These two business owners (four F45 studios and a restaurant, no less!) tied the knot on their six-year wedding anniversary, which “also happens to be Caleb’s birthday,” so you could say it was a pretty darn special day! The stunning bride and well-dressed groom (thanks to his M.J. Bale suit) looked picture perfect and oh-so in love, plus Madeline Kate was behind the camera, so put simply, we were excited when we saw this wedding. Scroll down for all the deets and pics to boot!
THE VENUE “Alatonero was the second venue we looked at and we booked it on the spot. We knew we wanted a venue that spoke for itself and wouldn’t require mass amounts of decorations. A beautiful Greek restaurant, sitting on the beach with a massive open dining area and outdoor dance floor… absolute heaven. Add to that the most professional team who made our whole day a dream. Similarly, our ceremony venue – The Old Church Red Hill– speaks for itself. I think it was really special to have two separate vibes for the ceremony and the reception.”
THE VIBE “Romantic, coastal and a tad fancy. This was our dress code and the general theme for the day. We wanted a festive, beachside, colourful summer day/ evening and that’s exactly what we got. We kept it super simple with heaps of dancing, champagne, oysters, and a few speeches to round it out.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “The props! My maid of honour quickly packed some hats and glasses just before we left for the ceremony. They made for the best photos. Grace from The Bloom Room of Mornington did a really good job with very little guidance. I told her the theme and she ran with that and produced beautiful rose bouquets.”
THE DRESS “This was an (unexpected) breeze. I tried on three dresses at KYHA in South Yarra and bought the second one. 40 minutes, two champagnes, done and dusted. The simple silk slip meant I could go to town with gold accessories, big hoops and a tan.
THE SUIT “I wanted a summer linen suit that would be comfortable. My mum tailored it for me so it fit perfectly. If it was warmer I had a pair of linen shorts to sub in. The team at M.J. Bale were great – it’s an awesome suit that will definitely get worn again.”
KEY VENDORS “I had seen our photographer, Madeline Kate, in Hello May and [she] had also done a friend’s wedding the year prior.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “We didn’t want a first dance, we didn’t need a cake and were so happy we stuck to our guns. Your day is short and you want every second to reflect you and be enjoyed by you and your partner – so don’t force anything. It also means you have less interruptions on the night!”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Our Photographer, Madeline Kate. Any Hello May enthusiast would already know Maddie is a magical, magnificent, photography Queen. She felt like a friend who was just hanging out with us whilst we toasted, danced and kissed on the beach. It was such an easy experience and as you can see she produced the goods. The venue, Alatonero, was unbelievable. Our Celebrant, Teagan (of Panache & Co.) told our story so perfectly. Tori Norton (Blisque Salon) – highly recommend inviting your hairdresser to the wedding! And Kellie Anne and the band, who were such party starters and had everyone dancing the whole day.”
Fall in love with Sam and Caleb’s pics, just like us? You can thank Madeline Kate for that, and see more from her – including contact details and other real weddings she’s captured in all their glory here on our Directory. Also, if you or your partner are still on the hunt for their chic suit, don’t miss more from our friends over at M.J. Bale… Only when you’re done here, of course.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Madeline Kate Florist The Bloom Room of Mornington Stationery One Mimosa Please (Invitations) Ceremony The Old Church Red Hill Reception Alatonero Entertainment Timothy Douglas Music (Ceremony) & Kellie Anne (Reception) DJ Matt Macaulay (Friend) Celebrant Panache & Co. Rings Jump Jewellery THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Chosen by KYHA Robes Piyama Shoes Manning Cartel Accessories Christie Nicolaides ( Earrings) Hair Tori Norton via Blisque Salon Makeup Holly Davies Makeup Bridesmaid Dresses Rat & Boa Bridesmaid Shoes A: List Footwear THE GROOM Suit M.J. Bale Shirt Politix Grooming Tori Norton via Blisque Salon