When a talented graphic designer (Leelou) and wedding photographer (Jai) decide to tie the knot after 13 years together you know you’re bound for one heck of a celebration. It kicked off two nights before the wedding with a tattoo party of all things. “We all drank together chatted and our friends and family egged us on and handed us drinks. It was such a fun night.” But back to the wedding, Nirav Patel was there to capture it all on camera, the reception was held at one of our fave inner-city venues, Rupert On Rupert (with Heartbreak Hotel Photo Booth there for even more photo fun) and you can simply scroll down to see it all…
THE VENUE “Leelou wanted to have a wedding in a forest and I wanted a city wedding. So we decided to do both. We chose the ceremony location because it is only 30 minutes from the city and it has a real old world look about it. The reception venue is just down the road from our house and the staff make you feel at home, so we often go there for a drink or tapas. The atmosphere there is always fun and cosy, while the interior is this beautiful warehouse feel with dark blue walls and gold trimmings. What’s not to love?”
THE VIBE “I was inspired by 70’s glam, tarot cards, and the night sky, while Jai wanted to keep our wedding romantic using dark blues and reds. All in all, we simply chose things we liked and kept it as much “us” as possible. ”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “The Persian rugs (from Nomad Styling) used for the ceremony. They made the area look so inviting and the fact that people could sit up the front on the ground surrounded by cushions made the it feel so relaxed.”
DIY “Leelou designed the invites and all the stationary. We made napkins by cutting up linen and dip dying it and also made the favors – Rosemary and Chilli Oil and Wild Flower Bath Oil.”
THE DRESS “When I was over in Auckland a friend suggested that I see Brooke, who had just made her first bridal range. She brought the dresses over to my house and I loved the first one. We customised the back and incorporated the golden moons she uses on her veils into the design. It was my dream dress! ”
MEMORABLE MOMENTS… “Getting ready together. We hired a beautiful old country home and spent the night before the wedding together, too. We were both so nervous and excited for the day, it was nice to have each other there to calm ourselves. We also had all of our portraits taken in the morning, meaning that we could relax for the rest of the day. Then there was surprising Jai by revealing that his dream car, the Valiant that we supposedly hired for the wedding day, was actually his!”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Didn’t have a bridal party. Also that we didn’t do things by the book. We also managed to have a guest list under 70. We made a rule that if Jai or myself hadn’t hung out with someone one on one before, they weren’t on the list. This included partners and even family.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Our photographer Nirav Patel was incredible. I also want to mention Rupert On Rupert. The staff were INCREDIBLE. The head chef had no easy task catering a full vegan three course meal and desserts, but he did it and all our guests couldn’t believe how good the food was. They also went out of their way to make the Valiant reveal such a memorable moment. They even offered to drive the Valiant right into the middle of the venue while setting off confetti cannons. We really can not thank them enough.”
This wedding was originally published in Issue 20. If you’d like to check out more from this issue, limited copies are available via our online store.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Nirav Patel Event Planner Toko Events Florist Raven & The Rose Printer Fast Printing Ceremony Montsalvat Reception Rupert On Rupert Decorative Elements The Table Station ( Candle Stick Holders) Nomad Styling (Rugs and Cushions) One Big Day Event Hire (Bar, Mason Jars and Drink Dispensers) Photo Booth Heartbreak Hotel Photo Booth Sound Hire Warehouse Sound Signage Sketch and Etch Entertainment Willow Beats, Kyle Lionhart & Luke Morris Celebrant Marry Me Sean Engagement Ring Vintage THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Brooke Tyson Ritual Shoes ASH Earrings Vintage Garage Necklaces The 2 Bandits Wedding Band Chivali Artisan Goldsmiths Hair & Makeup Ashleigh Carpenter THE GROOM Suit & Shirt Oscar Hunt Shoes Wills London KIDS Page Boy Outfits Wisps Wardrobe (Bear Suits)