After six or so years together, Steve had pretended to propose a number of times, so it was about time he seriously popped the question. “My instant thought was that he was trolling me, as he had done so at many amazing spots on many different holidays,” says the bride. “In front of a snow-capped Mount Fuji he bent down before pretending to tie his shoe, in New Zealand when we were on top of a glacier he took my hand and said he had a very important question to ask me… Only to proceed to ask where we should get dinner that night. It was something he found hilarious.” When the day finally arrived, The White Tree was there to get the party started (and keep it going, of course) and Janneke Storm did an epic job of taking the pics, so scroll down for all the details…
THE VENUE “Vaucluse House ticked all our boxes for the ceremony, there was a calming relaxed sense to it. Lovely lush gardens and heritage buildings made it almost feel like the English countryside. We loved how green it was surrounding Centennial Homestead, we’ve always loved Centennial Park. The front lawn of the venue was perfect for pre-reception drinks and canapés as the sun began to set. As it operates as a restaurant during the day we also knew the food was going to be good!”
FAVE DETAILS “We loved our invites (by State of Reverie)– it really set the tone for the aesthetic of the day. I am a diehard typography fan and appreciate a beautifully printed invitation! The flowers were a real highlight for us, Aimee at Willow & Bear exceeded my expectations! The bridal table and the screen behind it were stunning – a mixture of orchids, hydrangeas and preserved foliage.”
THE DRESS “My dress is by Elihav Sasson (an incredible wedding dress designer from Israel). His style as romantic and sexy! The dress is so special and unique, it has these beautiful cherry blossoms all over with crystal centres to each flower which cascades over a layer of galaxy tulle. I saw that Helen Rodrigues was having a trunk show for Elihav’s latest collection [and] the moment I arrived I had a good feeling. It ended up being the perfect dress, it made me feel beautiful and timeless!”
MEMORABLE MOMENTS “Having my dad be present on the day to walk me down the aisle is something I will treasure forever. Steve’s favourite moment has to be when the lead singer from The White Tree took off his shirt and proceeded to go around the dance floor unbuttoning the shirts of the other guys. Dane was an absolute hoot and knows how to start a party! He brought so much energy and great memories to the night!”
A WORD OF ADVICE “There is always going to be a bigger, better, prettier, more expensive, more Insta-worthy option out there. It will drive you mad trying to have it all, not to mention drain your budget. Communicate with your partner about what is important to both of you, write out a list of your priorities and revert back to it when you get overwhelmed or carried away – it will help ground you.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Janneke Storm, our photographer, was amazing from our first email. She has such a warm personality and makes you feel so comfortable in front of the camera. She was always available to answer any questions and helped out with our run sheet! We connected on the day and it was almost like having a friend shoot your wedding! The pictures speak for themselves, we were thrilled when we got them back! Aimee (of Willow & Bear) was [also] a dream to work with – patient and understanding throughout the whole thing. Her creative passion for her work truly shines through.”
If you have fallen in love with Janneke’s camera capture style, head to our Directory here for more real weddings she has shot and rave reviews from couples. Or if it’s the entertainment you need to tick off your to-do list today, head here to see and hear more about the fun-loving band, The White Tree. But first…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Janneke Storm Florist Willow & Bear Stationery State of Reverie (Invites) Ceremony Vaucluse House Reception Centennial Homestead Cake Ivy + Stone Cake Topper Communicake It Signage, Place Cards & Wedding Favours Sketch & Etch Hire Items Bentwood Events (Chairs), Reso + Co (Flower Stands & Mesh Screens), Pretty Pedestals (Napkins) Entertainment Stringspace (Ceremony) The White Tree (Reception) Celebrant Jessie Cacchillo Custom Rings Bill Hicks Jewellery Design Transport HF Wedding Cars THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Elihav Sasson Bridal Boutique & Veil Helen Rodrigues Custom Robes The Peony Collective via Etsy Shoes Aquazzura Earrings Stephanie Browne Fragrance Diptyque Hair & Makeup Sophie Lau Bridesmaid Dresses Custom Made Bridesmaid Gifts Slip (Silk Eye Masks) Diptyque (Candles) and The Peony Collective via Etsy (Monogrammed Robes) THE GROOM Custom Suit Jacket & Pants Joe Black Shirt & Bow Tie Tom Ford Cufflinks Shanghai Tang Shoes Aquila Fragrance Creed Groomsmen Suits Joe Black Groomsmen Gifts tde. (Monogrammed Leather Washer Bags)