Real Wedding Submissions
Amy and Andrew - Black Lace, Gothic Style Real Wedding
The Wedding Backstory…
Amy and Andrew met through mutual friends, but they almost didn’t meet because Andrew was about to head overseas the next day. But decided to come out for the night anyway…
Andrew organized the proposal in advance, with some help from some friends. They were all heading overseas to Hong Kong for a wedding, and decided to extend the trip to a few other places. So, when they were at the Fushimi Inari temple in Kyoto, Japan, he bent the knee and popped the question!
Amy was never a traditional person, she is covered in tattoos and the color white was never for her. So she chose elements from dresses she liked and worked with the designer to make her dream, modern black dress.
Their wedding was styled by the amazing wedding stylist Anna Wang, creating a palette full of blacks, reds and orange-glow candles.
The Story
How did you and your partner meet?
Andrew and I met through mutual friends. We almost didn’t meet back then as he was heading overseas the next day but decided to come out to a local club for the night anyway. He was extremely shy at first, but then with some liquid courage and cheek, he asked to borrow my mobile to make a call and ended up calling himself to get my number!
How did he propose?
Andrew organized the proposal in advance, with some help from some friends. We were all heading overseas to Hong Kong for a wedding, and decided to extend our trip to a few other places. So when we were at the Fushimi Inari temple in Kyoto, Japan (my favorite city!) he bent the knee and popped the question. I was so floored; my first thought was that “Why is he doing that – is he offering me chocolate?!”.
“I was so floored; my first thought was that “why is he doing that - is he offering me chocolate?!”
How did you choose your wedding gown?
I was never a traditional person! I am covered in tattoos and white was never for me, so naturally, I always knew I would be wearing a black dress. I picked some elements from dresses I liked and worked with the designer to make the dream dress. I very much love the modern styles but also love the gothic look that replacing white lace with black lace makes.
What do you love most about your partner?
He has a heart of absolute gold, NEVER fails to make me laugh each day and he is funny as heck!
What’s your most important piece of advice for creating and maintaining a strong relationship?
Communication is key; in the first few years we were together it was all about knowing each other’s communication styles. He is more of a brooding type, who doesn’t like to be pushed into talking about “feelings” and talking things through. I am much more the type to sit down and talk it out right away, so I pushed. So, for a time it was hard. However, after 7 years, I am a lot more patient and he is a lot more open. Also, never act or speak in harshness. Not once have Andrew and I cussed each other or traded insults. Respecting each other as partners and individuals at the same time, is also really important to us both.
The Wedding
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
Summery with bright colors, elegant, intimate, full of love, and with a lovely representation of 2 cultures.
What was your favorite moment from the day?
Gothic; full of blacks and reds and orange-glow candles. The floral feature roof over the dance floor at the reception was unfortunately, turned into a permanent feature before the wedding day! So the black and red flower roof was out of the question. However, looking back at the pictures, the white actually provided a really nice and open contrast; so in the end, I was still ecstatic with the outcome, and saved some money.
What was your favorite moment from the day?
Being walked down the aisle with both parents on each side at ceremony will always be a really special moment in my life. Being announced as husband and wife too of course, and shocking all the guests when Andrew and I made our entrance at the reception, head-banging to a metal song (Face the Pain by Stemm)!
Name your wedding soundtrack (aisle, reception entry, first dance songs):
Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and bell boy walked out to “With You” by Sum 41.
I walked down the aisle to “Stay Young, Go Dancing” by Death Cab for Cutie.
Reception entry was “Face the Pain” by Stemm.
First dance was “Take the World” by Johnny Swim.
Father/daughter dance was “My Hero” by the Foo Fighters.
We also had a family dance song, which is my parent’s song, which is “Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We went to a short 2-week trip to Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. A 7-week trip to Europe is in the books as our “official” honeymoon!
Any Regrets?
If you could do it all over again... what would you change?
The one thing I would have changed on the day would have been to be more prepared in what shots I wanted the photographer to capture as the family photos didn’t go as I had planned in my mind.
Any tips that you can give to future brides?
Just enjoy yourself... surround yourself in the positive vibes that family, friends and unity brings, and try not to sweat the small stuff!
Vendors & Credits
The Dress: Made by True Love Couture
Bridesmaids Dresses: Shona Jay and ASOS
Groom’s Suit: Brent Wilson
Makeup & Hair: Organized through my wedding stylist, Anna Wang (Martha and Bell were the artists)
Submitted Feature: Adorn Invitations
Shoes: Sheriton
Accessories: N/A
Photographer: Zee & Cee Studio
Ceremony Venue: Eschol Park House
Reception Venue: EVilla Capri
Celebrant: David Cox
Wedding Invitations: Giant Invitations
