High school sweethearts, Chelsea and Gabriel admit to being “each other’s first serious relationship” and have been together for 12 glorious years. The lovebirds have now tied the knot in this epic wedding – complete with a Cappellazzo gown, custom suit, RUUSK rings, and Lei Lei Clavey behind the camera – and we’re pumped to bring it to you on this manic Monday. Scroll down for all…
THE VENUE “We both had a specific vibe in mind for our wedding, we wanted to incorporate a beautiful garden with European features. Rippon Lea Estate [via Showtime Event Group] ticked all the boxes – we could not have been happier.”
THE INSPO “We definitely had a European/ Italian vibe to the day. We did not want this to be done in an over-the-top way but more subtly. Our florals, the venue, the music, the bridal party attire and the gorgeous weather all pulled this together so beautifully. We had both fruit and florals adorn our tables so that the setting looked like a still-life painting. Bek from Tremella Botanicals did an amazing job. The gardens, pool, terrace and gilded ballroom of Rippon Lea are something from another time. We had the band play classic swing/ jazz style music – think Sonatra, Dean Martin, Etta James and Nina Ferro’s vocals with the saxophone was a dream.”
FAVE DEETS “I adored my beautiful bridesmaids in their coloured gowns. It was so difficult to find lovely gowns in a range of sizes and I ended up ordering them from BHLDN which is based in USA. This was a big risk but it paid off, they needed very little alterations and all the girls looked amazing.”
THE DRESS “I had a lot of trouble finding a boutique that had dress styles I was looking for. Sonia at Cappellazzo understood me and my vision so well. It wasn’t an easy process – I have a tendency to overthink – but Sonia and the team kept me on the right track and I adored the end result.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “My main advice is to try and choose vendors that understand you and your vision. You will be so busy in the lead-up to the big day and it is very difficult to micromanage small details. Hiring someone you can trust provides so much peace of mind.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Had a large bridal party. I was so apprehensive at first – I mean 14 in total – seven bridesmaids and seven groomsmen is a lot! But it was so much fun!”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Lei Lei Clavey, our photographer is simply incredible. She delivered above and beyond anything I could have dreamed. I think we had a very good connection and I admire her both as a photographer but also an amazing mother running her own business.”
If you love Chelsea and Gabriel’s wedding as much as us, check it all out below, plus another real wedding from their talented photographer, Lei Lei Clavey here. You’ll also find more from RUUSK (who created their rings) here – including details and real bride recs on tap.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Lei Lei Clavey Cinematographer Artistic Films Florist Tremella Botanicals Stationery Edith Rose Place Cards, Menus, Tags & Signage DIY Printer Peterkin Ceremony Xavier Reception Rippon Lea Estate via Showtime Event Group Cake Torte by Mirjana Wedding Favours Costante Imports (Italian Cards) & Sugared Almond Boutique Hire Items Wedding Hire Melbourne (Two Large Floral Urn & Gold Easel) Entertainment Animata String Quartet & Nina Ferro Celebrant Fr Thang Vu (Priest) Rings RUUSK Transport Amazing Limousines & The Nuptial Collective THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Cappellazzo Hair Piece Amber Sceats Robes Piyama Shoes Manolo Blahnik Accessories S-kin Studio (Earrings) Bridal Flats Sleeper Hair Ella’s Bridal Hair Makeup Tonic Fragrance Jo Malone Bridesmaid Dresses BHLDN Bridesmaid Gifts Oroton (Clutch & Beauty Mirror) THE GROOM Suit, Shirt & Bow Tie Carl Nave Suspenders Earthfive Leathergoods Shoes Gucci Grooming The Bearded Man Groomsmen Suits Black Tie Classic Groomsmen Gifts Enoteca Sileno (Italian Liquor)