These cool cats have been together for “10 smackaroonies,” (translation- 10 years) and they got engaged amongst friends in Bali – after a few Bintangs, of course! Fast-forward a year and a half to their dream day, which almost involved an elopement to Mexico of all places! In the end, it was held on a private property in Ocean Grove, Victoria with TipiKata providing the perfect setting for the “Bohemian garden wedding with a touch of Mexico,” says the bride who wore Rue De Seine from one of our go-to bridal boutiques, The Bridal Atelier. HM Directory Vendor, Enchanted Wedding Photography, was there to capture it all on camera…
THE VENUE “Leigh suggested we elope in Mexico and I fell in love with the idea! However we realised legally it was very hard to do, so we decided to have a pre-honeymoon in Mexico instead. I carried my wedding dress on several different flights while we backpacked around Mexico and we flew our photographer Sofia from Enchanted Wedding Photography over to do a photo shoot. We then decided to get married on Leigh’s sister and brother in law’s property in Victoria. It entailed much work and set up, but it was all worth it as it was so personal and such a special memory to be married in their family home.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “OMG we LOVED our photo’s the BEST! Sofia is the best of the best! Our Flowers were phenomenal – Alice from She’s a Wildflower is the best in the business. The Tipi from Tipi Kata was outstanding and set the scene and the mood for the wedding. And all the food!”
DIY “Our whole wedding was pretty much DIY. I had my Mum and sister sewing bunting, dad buying festoon lighting, tables, marquees, sister making a huge Macramé backdrop [for the arbour] from her business Noodie & Frank. Leigh was cutting out timber arrows and a welcome sign and cutting a tree stump to put our wedding cake on a timber plate!”
THE DRESS “I tried on a LOT of dresses; I went to Melbourne three to four times and in one day I even tried on 27 dresses! I then had an appointment at The Bridal Atelier for the Rue De Seine Trunk Show. I fell in love with the Tiger Moss Gown. It met all my requirements! Different, Sexy, Long Sleeve, Fun, Easy to Dance in! It was a slip dress and an overlay which meant I worn the slip alone later in the night, had detachable sleeves made and threw on a hat and different earrings. So I had my two outfits that I always wanted with buying just one dress! I highly recommend Rue De Seine.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Invite those people that will please your parents, it reduces conflict and the more the merrier! Don’t have an unrealistic budget unless you want to blow it!”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Had bridal party photos before the ceremony, which meant we had longer to mingle with our guests. And did first look photos. It calms the nerves a lot! Also that we got the TipiKata tipi and paid the extra for the grand and amazing space it created.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Sofia from Enchanted Wedding Photography was not only our incredible photographer that produced stunning photos and captured some of the best moments, but also was my wedding planning guru. And Alice from She’s a Wildflower, who was not only our very talented florist, she guided and helped me clarify and congest all my styling ideas into one main focus.”
This wedding was originally published in Issue 22. If you’d like to check out more from this issue, limited copies are available via our online store. And if you’re looking for more real weddings featuring gorgeous gowns from Rue De Seine, head here, or The Bridal Atelier, here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Enchanted Wedding Photography Cinematographer Harry Dott (Friend) Event Planner & Stylist Bespoke Boheme Bridal Florist She’s a Wildflower Stationary Holly Fahey (Friend) Printing Ivory Print Ceremony & Reception Private Property Catering Charlotte James Food Trucks Taco Truck & Senor Churro Cake Mrs G’s Custom Cakes Photo Booth Shutter Hub Arbour Noodie & Frank Hire Items Peppa + Peach Event Hire & Memphis Hire Tipi TipiKata Entertainment Luke Legs Duo & DJ Merv via Bellarine Entertainment Co. Signage Annie Wilson Celebrant Weddings by Niki Portable Toilets Paddock Dreams THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Rue De Seine Bridal Boutique The Bridal Atelier Veil Isabella Design Reception Gown Rue De Seine (Slip) & Isabella Design (Detachable Sleeves) Hat Lack of Color Robe Spell & The Gypsy Collective Shoes Zomp & Country Road Earrings Both Sides Bridal & Ranjana Khan Rings Julia Deville & Emma Jane Donald via E.G Etal Jacket H Brand Hair Style and Grace Hair Makeup Sally & Kate Aganetti Bridesmaids Dresses Silk Laundry THE GROOM Jacket Hugo Boss Shirt & Pants Eddy Elias Menswear Suspenders, Bow Tie & Shoes MYER Wedding Band Duffs Jewellers Watch Nixon