Steve is a freshly retired Olympic athlete dabbling in psychology and surf coordination and Han is one of our all-time fave wedding photographers (Keeper Creative, FYI). After peeping and shooting wedding venues on the reg, Han knew she wanted her big day to take place somewhere she had never shot. “Being on the other side of the lens in a familiar venue didn’t feel right. We also wanted autonomy over what vendors we used, and the Old Customs House allowed us the freedom to bump in the services that we preferred.”A win! James Simmons Photography was there to take the pics and boy did he do a good job. Pressure much?!
LITTLE LOL “TBH it was chill. In reflection, it was pretty hilarious how I was after this sexy stylish ‘thang’ of wedding and by 10pm every single human was on the dance floor, and things were LIT. All of that refined style was gone.”
THE VENUE “The building itself is also steeped in history, being the original customs house of Fremantle, with Steve immigrating from South Africa 12 years ago, that subtle nod to his family’s migration did not go unnoticed. The space is also currently used an exhibition space with a function artists residence operating on the second level. Knowing our hire fees/ pending nuptials were also directly funding this art space also felt right.”
THE VIBE “We wanted our day to have a sense of ease and subtle fluidity to it. Rather than labelling it a ‘wedding’ it was more of a ‘celebratory soiree’. A stripped-back affair where friends can gather, lounge and celebrate – but with style. The design of the space, the styling, grazing, vino and music were integral parts of this. Willy Slade (DJ) kept the vibe aligned with a few incredible sets, guiding the energy in the room. We got ready together, with a few of our closest mates with us, (gals and guys) and then had a few photos together at home which meant we only needed to leave for sunset photos for a minimal amount of time. Naturally drawing the crowd to the back of the room post-aisle walk allowed Tiff to quickly rearrange the ceremony furniture into more of a reception layout, and then with the bar opening along with the grazing tables being revealed, the ceremony flowed fairly seamlessly into the celebratory soiree.”
FAVE DETAILS “From a styling perspective, the collaboration between Tiffany Keal Creative Studio and the gals from florist Sir Botanical was so wonderful. This band of women who I admire so much, coming together and collaborating to create this visual feast for us was incredibly overwhelming. I wanted an organic, yet edgy feel, without going over the top with moolah. They respected this from day one which was so appreciative. The Sir Botanical gals had concrete vases made to accomodate single stem ‘art sculptures’ (which we now have sitting proudly on display on our dining room table). The furniture was selected as a part of the styling brief, yet all functional. The speeches were also an incredibly powerful moment for both of us. The design of the room allowed everyone to be intimate and be surrounded by guests rather than feel elevated onto an isolated platform. I have never felt more loved that that moment, hearing honest words from our family members.”
THE OUTFIT “I’d stumbled across the Zimmermann top with Steve when we were walking past their retail space in Claremont, and he came in and tried it on with me. We both loved it. And my outfit and the aesthetic almost flowed from there. We’re both naturally drawn to earthborn colours, with me having a love of textural balance.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “So bloody glad I had Steph from By Kinsman create my outfit. I felt so comfortable in her creations. I never envisioned myself in a dress, so pants were a spectacular alternative – but still felt super feminine and fierce. Steve also left his outfit a little late, and the stylish AF crew from Khirzad in the city literally saved his bacon.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “I can’t even begin to go there with Tiffany Keal Creative Studio. She went above and beyond on every level. I shared a gallery of random visuals and she pulled together a creative overview with the style and tone on point. She is an incredibly intuitive woman, and truly brought the chaos of Steve and I’s vision into a calm and collected, beautiful reality. I have known James Simmons for over 10 years. We worked together in a portrait studio many moons ago. We trusted him wholeheartedly and his natural way of shooting and capturing the array of feels of a wedding day is reflective of his intuitive nature and depth of character. Having him present throughout the day was calming and reassuring. Nat from The Auburn Hour Film Co. is a video QUEEN. She is a pocket rocket with a moon-sized swag of skills. The video she produced still brings me to goosebumpy tears even after the 57th view. I always knew video was a priority at the weddings since having the realisation that I have never seen my grandparents nor parents move with such youthful ease like Steve and I do now. The way Nat compiled the footage and nailed the REAL FEEL of the day is mind-blowing. She just gets it.”
Han and Steve’s big day was originally published in Issue 28 of Hello May magazine. Nab yourself a copy via our online store and we’re even throwing in a free mag, so get onto that! And if you want to see more from epic photographer James Simmons, head to his Directory listing here, where you’ll find tonnes more real couples and contact details too. But first…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer James Simmons Photography Cinematographer The Auburn Hour Film Co. Event Planner, Stylist, Coordinator, Stationery & Grazing Tiffany Keal Creative Studio Florist Sir Botanical Printer Starfish Lane Ceremony & Reception Old Customs House Catering Soul Provider Dessert Table MaMere (Macaroons & Nougat) Hire Items Hire Society, Event Artillery, Perth Dance Floors, Maisey Collections & OMG Events Lighting Hire Micktric Events Entertainment Willy Slade (DJ) Wall Vinyls Nestle & Porter Celebrant Married By Kristy Rings Linneys (Steve) Digby & Iona (Han) Booze Old Bridge Cellars THE BRIDE Ceremony Top Zimmermann Custom Pants, Skirt Overlay & Reception Top By Kinsman Shoes Mimco & James Smith Accessories Stvdio (Ceremony Earrings), Dinosaur Designs (Reception Earrings) & Seb Brown (Pinkie Ring) Fragrance Le Labo Custom Perfume Heartwood Hair Jaimme Lee Makeup TXC Collective (Courtney) THE GROOM Suit Calibre Shirt, Tie, Pocket Square, Waistcoat Khirzad Shoes Marco d’Alessi via Hunter Grooming Young Turks