We can’t get enough all of all amazing colour in Stephanie and Michael’s wedding, friends – there are pops of rainbow brights everywhere you turn and, truly – It. Is. Epic! Plus, how cute’s the proposal story? “We had been to a craft market during the day and Michael insisted on buying me a ring that I had admired,” shares Steph. “The proposal itself happened later, over a drink. Michael asked if I would wear the new ring as an engagement ring. Obviously, I said yes and we both burst into tears. Afterwards, we celebrated with red wine and more pizza than two people should be able to eat.”
When the big day came, Steph stuck to the colourful theme with a vibrant green dress for the reception while Michael looked classic in M.J. Bale cream linen – top choice! Photographer Nat of We Are All Stardust was there to capture every moment, and did a stellar job of it, too, snapping every inch of fun these guys had with their loved ones!
THE VIBE “We wanted the day to feel joyful, which we tried to encourage through our use of colour. This was mostly in the flowers and the additional furniture we hired for the ceremony, but there are spots of colour everywhere – the shoes the bridesmaids and I wore, Michael’s shirt and socks, and the groomsmen’s bright pocket squares. And, obviously, my reception dress was very bright, too. We also wanted the day to feel relaxed, which is why we opted for a cocktail-style reception in a pub and a ceremony in a family filled neighbourhood park rather than a grander outdoor setting.”
THE VENUE “We knew we wanted to get married in a park and checked out a few but ultimately decided on Jackadder Lake because it has meaning for me – I went there often with my grandparents when I was little. We booked the first reception venue that we visited, but I had done pretty extensive online research already and knew when scheduling the appointment with their functions manager that it was likely to be the one. We wanted something informal and relaxed but with a bit of character.”
FAVE DETAILS “Prior to our wedding, Michael and I went shopping together and each bought a new fragrance, which we saved to wear for the first time on our wedding day. Now, whenever I smell either one, I’m taken back to our wedding – it’s a way of carrying everything special about our wedding day into our day-to-day lives.”
DIY “I made all of the bridesmaids’ dresses. And even though I took a few weeks off work before the wedding to give myself enough time to finish them, I didn’t finish the last dress until the day of the wedding. Not the best timing!”
THE DRESS “I found both my ceremony and reception outfits while shopping for other things. My reception dress was purchased first and was originally intended to be my only dress. I went into Arnsdorf because I like the brand – I definitely wasn’t searching for a wedding dress but the green dress caught my eye and, after thinking about it for a day, I decided it was the one! Michael was with me, which meant he knew what I was wearing for our wedding (or at least thought he knew). I loved that he had been part of the decision making for my dress (it’s our wedding, not just my wedding) but felt a little regretful that he wouldn’t get the surprise and excitement associated with seeing me in my bridal best for the first time on our wedding day. The ceremony outfit came about while I was shopping with one of my bridesmaids, and again, was not even thinking about wedding shopping. I found the Zimmermann skirt, we both fell in love with it, and then had a mission to find a top to match. We found the Saba blouse in the same shopping trip. It came together painlessly. The hardest part by far was keeping the new outfit a secret from Michael – I really wanted to tell him about it!
THE SUIT “The suit was a far simpler affair – the two of us set out for a day of suit shopping, but the cream linen M.J. Bale suit stood out to Michael straight away for its tone, cut and less formal style.”
RESOURCES “I bought a few volumes of Hello May to help clarify my thoughts about the general vibe I wanted and after that, googled keywords endlessly and followed up with a good deal of Instagram stalking.”
WORD OF ADVICE “Once you have chosen your vendors, give them guidance and enough information that they understand what you want but after that, trust that they know what they’re doing (that’s why you chose them!) and give them the freedom to exercise their skill.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Jess, the functions manager at The Oxford Hotel, put so much time and care into making sure everything went well for us on the day – she was really good to us. Kara from Rose + Bud did the most beautiful flowers for us. Nat of We Are All Stardust, our photographer, went to so much effort to get to know us, scope out the perfect locations for us and then captured all of the joy and excitement of the day. And Quick Blonde Fox, our DJ, played the perfect nostalgic party mix.”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer We Are all Stardust Cinematographer Venture Forth Film Co. Florist Rose + Bud Stationery Karl McCabe Printer Peterkin Premium Paper & Printery Ceremony venue Jackadder Lake Reserve, Woodlands Reception venue The Oxford Hotel Cake Cake Date Wedding favours Mandy Moo Cakes (cookies) Hire Items Maisey Event Hire (ceremony furniture), Hire Society (extra reception furniture) Entertainment Quick Blonde Fox (DJ) Celebrant Adelle Hitchcock (friend) THE BRIDE Top Saba (ceremony) Skirt Zimmermann (ceremony) Dress Arnsdorf (reception) Hairpiece Mimco Shoes Cecconello via Dimario Italian Shoes (ceremony), Sempre Di via Zomp (reception) Hair Maree Harding Hairdressing Makeup Eluise Cullen Makeup & Beauty Bridesmaid earrings Jolie & Deen THE GROOM Suit M.J. Bale Shirt Calibre Groomsmen Jackets Country Road Groomsmen Shirt & Trousers M.J. Bale