Amy and Andrew - Black Lace, Gothic Style Real Wedding
Amy and Andrew’s wedding was styled by the amazing wedding stylist Anna Wang, creating a palette full of blacks, reds and orange-glow candles.
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
See more of Amy & Andrew
Mita and Jame’s 2-Day Multi-cultural Wedding Ceremony
This couple celebrated their marriage over two days. As the marriage brought together a couple of different cultures, they made sure to have wedding ceremonies and celebrations that embraced both cultures and styles.
Real Wedding Submissions
Mita and Jame’s 2-Day Multi-cultural Wedding Ceremony
The Wedding Backstory…
James proposed to Mita at their favorite go-to restaurant for special occasions. He booked a table on the rooftop overlooking the city with 2 glasses of champagne. Mita describes the proposal as incredibly magical, as it left tears in her eyes.
The couple celebrated their marriage over two days. As the marriage brought together a couple of different cultures, they made sure to have wedding ceremonies and celebrations that embraced both cultures and styles.
For the church ceremony, Mita chose a beautiful white wedding gown while dress shopping in Toronto. As for the Indian ceremony, Mita and James went to Mumbai to shop their entire wedding attire. She ended up choosing a breathtaking red and gold gown for the Indian ceremony.
The western ceremony had a color palette of different tones of navy blue, while the Indian ceremony embraced bright red and gold. As for the reception, Mita and James was ready to impress with a gigantic and unforgettable life-sized pink and white wedding cake with roses.
The Story
How did you and your partner meet?
We met on an online dating app in Hong Kong. We had our first date after about 2 months of chatting online, and finally ended up meeting at a bar close to where we lived. After chatting for about 4 hours over drinks and realizing we had quite a bit in common, we exchanged numbers and met up soon again for date #2.
How did he propose?
He made reservations at Sevva, which is a classy fusion styled restaurant, and also our go-to restaurant for special occasions (many a 3 month, 6 month, 1 year anniversary and birthdays have been celebrated here). This was close to Christmas and there wasn’t a particular milestone coming up, so when he mentioned he had dinner reservations for us- I just assumed he was super excited for the Christmas season approaching us!
“When he asked “will you marry me?”, I felt tears in my eyes, said yes, and shortly after, some staff came out to take our picture and open the champagne. ”
I arrived a little late for the date as a hair appointment ran late and as I arrived, I was addressed as “Mrs Walker” and was ushered to the outside rooftop overlooking the city where James had booked a table with 2 glasses of champagne. I walked over and started going on about the hair appointment while he had a goofy smile on his face the entire time. Before I knew it, he got down on one knee, and while he reached into his pocket, I heard a few gasps around me from other customers watching the scene and that is when I registered what was happening! When he asked “will you marry me?”, I felt tears in my eyes, said yes, and shortly after, some staff came out to take our picture and open the champagne.
It was incredibly magical!
How did you choose your wedding gown?
I had 2 wedding gowns for our wedding, a white one for the church ceremony, and a red and gold one for the Indian ceremony. James and I went to Toronto in March 2018 where I had pre-bookings at a bunch of stores to find the perfect dress with my maid of honor. We had an emotional and girly 2 days when I tried on dresses in front of her. Funnily enough, the last store appointment on my list was the only one she couldn’t make it to, and that was the store with the dress that felt the most right. I sent her some photos on my phone and after hearing her response, we knew it was the right one!
What do you love most about your partner?
The fact that he is one of a kind! He is one of the funniest, kindest, brainiest and most amazing people I’ve ever met and he’s made me feel love in ways I’ve never felt before! He not only looks after my happiness but also deeply cares about people who are important to me. Also, he is extremely resourceful and motivated, and will do anything he sets his mind to!
What’s your most important piece of advice for creating and maintaining a strong relationship?
I think one of the biggest challenges we experience in relationships is that we are all different. We come with our own set of expectations, perceptions, and ways to approach obstacles. I think it’s important to acknowledge the fact and celebrate it as a way to learn different perceptions. Life would be very dull if we were all the same and, while we may find it easier initially, the novelty of sameness would soon wear off.
I think it’s important to communicate expectations and understand what type of communication works best for the other person. A strong friendship and good communication would go a long way in a successful relationship.
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?
It’s hard to choose just one! One of my favorite moments was during the reception, observing friends and family from all over the world and thinking that all these people are here because they love and support us, and just feeling really lucky that everything came together the way it did. Another favorite moment was walking down the aisle, locking eyes with my soon-to-be-husband for the first time and feeling a rush of emotion and excitement overcome me.
Did you walk down the aisle or have your first dance to any particular song?
For walking down the aisle, I was considering a few options of classic love songs I’d grown up with. Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ was the one that grabbed me the most and felt right. My maid of honor then helped me find a gorgeous guitar and violin version which I immediately fell in love with. We did our first dance to Amazed by Lonestar which James chose as a love song he really likes.
Any DIY décor elements?
In some Indian weddings, brides walk down the aisle with their close family and friends under a “bed of flowers”, essentially a frame covered with a pattern of flowers. This is something I envisioned for my own wedding, however, it was hard to find such a frame in Hong Kong. Therefore, James did a bit of research on how it looks, picked up blocks of wood, hard string, and an array of flowers, and constructed the frame from scratch.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We went to Israel and Jordan in February. Some key things we were looking forward to was floating in the Dead Sea and camping under the stars in Wadi Rum.
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?
My biggest tip would be to work as a team with your fiancé. I do appreciate sometimes it’s harder if your partner lives in another country, but for all the ladies whose partner is in the same city, don’t feel like you’re in the wedding process alone. Turn to your fiancé for help along the way and even make wedding planning something fun you do together. I actually found the wedding planning to be a fun project as we allocated tasks and deadlines throughout the process and had little celebrations when we saw key things being checked off the list. Having said that, I also think it’s important to not make the wedding process the key factor in your relationship. Engagement is a beautiful stage of relationship progression and the wedding is just one part of the celebration. We had 8 months to plan the wedding, and during that time, we would allocate 1-2 times a week where we’d meet and discuss wedding tasks, and the rest of the time to go on dates and enjoy being a newly engaged couple.
Finally – soak it all in! You only get to do this one time and people really aren’t exaggerating when they say the days go by in a flash. Try and stop every now and then to just take a mental snapshot – these are the moments I remember most vividly now that nearly 5 months have passed.
Also try and take some time away just with your partner after the ceremony to celebrate and chat about how crazy it is that you’re finally married! We had a 2 day wedding and had a bit of time to ourselves after the first day and I remember that we were both just absolutely buzzing with adrenaline and excitement – it was a very happy way to start our marriage.
Vendors & Credits
The Dress: David’s Bridal
Makeup: Megumi Sekine
Hair: Megumi Sekine
Submitted Feature: Adorn Invitations
Shoes: David’s Bridal, New York
Accessories: Roopkala, Mumbai, Swarovski
Photographer: Ali Ghorbani
Ceremony Venue: Bethanie Chapel, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
Reception Venue: Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Hong Kong
Celebrant: Warwick Haldane- Haldanes LLP
Bagpiper- Tony Ho (Church ceremony)
See more of Mita and James
WPI Top 8 Blog Post and Moments of 2017
2017 seemed to be a stellar year for many people and brands. There are so many wins and celebrations continuing to happen in the social media and business feeds. We had some defining moments at WarPaint International and also some top trending blog articles. Take a peek at these top 8 and let us know which one is your favorite in the comments section at the bottom.
The top 8 blog posts and a few defining moments in 2017.
2017 seemed to be a stellar year for many people and brands. There are so many wins and celebrations continuing to happen in the social media and business feeds. We had some defining moments at WarPaint International and also some top trending blog articles. Take a peek at these top 8 and let us know which one is your favorite in the comments section at the bottom.
1. WarPaint International & Opera Carolina ROCK New York Fashion Week
Not only was this our top shared blog post, it was also a defining moment for WPI Creative Director Jessica Mae and WPI Director of Education for Hair, Katie Rote. Thanks to Opera Carolina and Opera Recycles, this high-class runway show at Couture Fashion week in New York was not only the experience of a lifetime, but a smash hit.
Photography: Benjamin Huynh
2. An Interview With Samantha Rei
Samantha Rei is a Minnesota fashion designer who found her way to Project Runway with some help from Christopher Straub (another accomplished Minneapolis designer). WPI Intern Debbie Aderinkomi took on an interview with Samantha about personal stuff, challenges and her take on inner beauty.
Image courtesy of A & E Networks
3. The Fall/Winter Hair And Makeup Trend Collection
Every year, WPI curates and produces hair and makeup trends with its Minneapolis team. WarPaint Artisans use these looks as guides when working with our "Night on the Town" clients. But we also take this opportunity very seriously to produce some high-end content that speaks to the everyday women - natural looks that anyone can achieve. Make sure to read the article adn watch the video. You can have these looks. Just book us online!
Photo by Chris McDuffie
4. The Bride Experience
We wanted you to know what is like as a bridal client to book your wedding with WarPaint International. We produced beautiful content to showcase both the booking experience with some words from Jessica Mae and Mariah Jere, and a behind-the-scenes look at how your wedding day should go. The Van Dusen Mansion was thrilled to have us in their space for this project. Watch the Videos.
Photo: Engle | Olsen Videography
5. Why WarPaint International?
For us, we feel the answer to this question is obvious. But for many brides-to-be and clients, it needs further explaining, so we published this article. WarPaint International is unlike many other agencies or companies in the beauty sector due to it's processes. We are supported by attorneys who write our contracts, we do national criminal background checks on all of our Artisans that enter your home, we teach standards and educate as well as immerse our contractors in our culture. With WPI, you're investing in experience, culture, skill and passion.
6. Real Wedding Submission: Anjie & Angelo's Melbourne Wedding
The WarPaint International Beauty Blog accepts real wedding submissions form time to time, that are not from our team. Its fun to see all of the beautiful wedding happenings out there around the world and we had the pleasure of posting this one from Melbourne, Australia.
Photo: On Three Photography
7. Three Top Trending Makeup Looks
WPI Creative Director, Jessica Mae, drives the mission of staying true to who you are - even in your makeup routine. Sure it's fun to put on a smokey eye and hit the town or glam yourself up for something fun. But these should be the exception, not the norm. Jessica wrote about 3 top trending makeup looks that she can subscribe to.
Photo: Justine Louise Photography
8. Essential Makeup Tips For Tweens
This one takes the cake! Jessica Mae wrote this article because mothers ask her this question all the time and struggle with the direction their tween wants to take with their makeup routine. The blog post didn't get shared too much but the Youtube video from her Twin Cities Live segment lit on fire with tween-aged girls cursing and swearing and reinforcing why we are targeting their parents and not them. Read the article and watch the video!
Screenshot from Twin Cities Live | KSTP 5
Fallyn and Grant’s Dreamy Hinterland Wedding
A classic old world vintage Gatsby feel, Peonies imported from Paris and a rescued owl as the ring bearer. Nothing could more romantic than this dreamy Hinterland wedding.
Real Wedding Submissions
Fallyn and Grant’s Dreamy Hinterland Wedding
Location. Location. Location! The couple wed at the charming Maleny Manor in the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands. Not every wedding submission gets published by WarPaint International, but we love to see what brides and grooms are doing around the world. Fallyn and Grant's wedding caught the eye of our Founders, Samuel J and Jessica Mae Koza for two reasons - their love of Gatsby inspired events and the importance and the symbolism of the beloved raptor owl, which brings us to the next point.
Fallyn had a very special guest in their wedding - Luna the owl. She had contacted a not-for-profit organization who's mission is to save ex-zoo animals; she had the owl brought in as a special surprise for their guests. Read on to see how this very special wedding played out for Fallyn, Grant, and their guests.
The Story
How did you and your partner meet?
My husband and I met in high school. I was new to town and we were introduced to each other by my family. It was love at first sight, quite cute really.
How did he propose?
We were sailing on a private gondola in the Gold Coast Qld, after dinner he proposed at sunset with Moet champagne and a dozen red roses.
How did you choose your wedding gown?
After trying on countless dresses and even purchasing one, I went with my best friend, one of my bridesmaids, to a little store in Adelaide and secretly tried on a dress. We both instantly knew it was the one. My good friend (and owner) at The Big Day Sarina arranged for my purchased dress to be exchanged for the gorgeous vintage laced gown I had fallen in love with. To this very day, I am still so completely grateful.
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
I wanted a classic old world vintage Gatsby feel. I had to be surrounded by flowers, I wanted soft pinks, lavenders and whites with accents of gold. Love Bird Weddings and Mondo Flowers worked together perfectly in creating a timeless elegance that is captured beautifully in Calli B photography's images of the day.
I initially had my heart set on Peonies but as it turns out, they were out of season for my wedding! However, my florist had organized French Peonies to be imported from Paris as a special surprise on my wedding day! From the simple floral styling (flowers were everywhere, my one very insistent request) along the aisle and a fantastic rose and wood arbour that surrounded us, the glass house mountains off in the distance we said our I do's in the most romantic fashion. Our day was highlighted by little style ideas, thought up over 2 years of planning, right down to the red gumboots I wore for our location shots (it had rained that morning and I wasn't risking my Louboutin’s, plus it shows off my country bumpkin upbringing in perfect humor).
What was your favorite moment from the day?
There were so many very special moments, created by my amazing team of suppliers and our wonderful family but I think the quiet moments with my family and friends getting ready, my husband and I standing at the alter in a bubble of love and our grandparents being a big part of the celebration were my most beloved moments. We sadly lost my husband’s Nanna recently so these moments shared with our loved ones are very cherished. We had the room surrounded with wedding photos of our grandparents and loved ones who had passed, it added a truly lovely touch to our special day.
Were there any DIY decor elements?
My best friend made our stick masks themed in my husband’s favorite marvel comic characters that people used as props throughout the night and I made the menus and ceremony order of events.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change?
Nothing, except making the day even longer! It was the most perfectly planned wedding and ran without a glitch because of my carefully selected and highly recommended team of suppliers which I cannot recommend enough, as they really make your day.
Also, a special mention to my family who went above and beyond for us and my friends who supported us through the lead-up, thanks to them the whole day was perfect.
Any tips you can give to future brides?
- Stay true to what you as a couple want. Everyone has opinions and while they are often are valid, listen to advice but don't live by it, as it's your day.
- Don't skimp on the photographer!
- Most importantly write a list of what's been most important for your wedding from your own experiences as a guest at others, stick to that list and trust your suppliers, as it's their job to bring it all together for you on the day. Let go of the reigns the week before, really let your hair down and spend time with your friends and family because trust me when I tell you that it's over before you know it so really embrace and enjoy every single moment including the lead up to it.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I actually had the privilege of working with a not-for-profit organization called Raptor Vision based in Sunshine Coast, QLD who are a wonderful animal rescue group. The guys behind this were retired Australia Zoo Raptor trainers who rescue and care for local birds. To fund the cost of caring for the animals, they trained one of their owls to deliver wedding bands. Luna the Owl surprised our guests as our ring bearer for the ceremony.
Luna the Owl surprised our guests as our ring bearer for the ceremony.
The CAKE!!
Vendors & Credits
- Dress: Pronovias Wedding Gowns supplied by The Big Day
- Makeup: Pru Edwards Makeup
- Hair: Dot & Birdie (Bride), Hair by Nicola (Bridesmaids)
- Shoes: Christian Louboutin supplied by Myer (Bride) Style Tread (Bridesmaids)
- Accessories: Pearl Galleria (including $35K pair of vintage pearl earrings gifted in loan by the owner for my special day)
- Jewellery: Love On Jewellery
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Pia Gladys Peri supplied by White Runway
- Grooms Suit: Stuart Suits
- Photographer: Calli B Photography
- Stationery: Adorn Invitations
- Cake: Ideas in Icing
- Food: Maleny Manor
- Flowers: Mondo Floral Designs (including special ordered Peonies from France as a surprise by my florist)
- Ceremony Venue: Maleny Manor
Tanille & Jason’s Beautifully Rustic Beachside Wedding
From the flowers to the full table setting arrangements, Tanille took on the role of the bride and D.I.Y stylist for her own wedding celebration on Torquay Beach!
Real Wedding Submissions
Tanille & Jason's Beautifully Rustic Beachside Wedding.
We're a sucker for a beach wedding! That's why Tanille and Jason's beachside wedding submission has us giddy. The couple met on the beach when Tanille was just the sweet age of seventeen and happened to meet years later, by chance, during a night out in Melbourne.
For them both, it only made sense to celebrate their everlasting love in the same setting as where they first crossed paths. Tanille was dressed in a gorgeous lace number from Fifi & Edga Bridal in Geelong, which fit in perfectly with the rustic and bohemian theme she envisioned for her special day.
From the flowers to the full table setting arrangements, Tanille took on the role of the bride and D.I.Y stylist for her own wedding celebration!
The Story
How did you and your partner meet?
Jason and I met along the beach when I was only 17, which is why it made perfect sense for us to celebrate our everlasting love in the same setting. Then we met again, later in life when we unexpectedly crossed paths on a night out in Melbourne.
How did he propose?
The proposal was romantic and intimate. He proposed in the comfort of our home, traditionally getting down on one knee.
Not a moment missed for those that are in love.
How did you choose your wedding gown?
A good friend of mine owns Fifi & Edga Bridal. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the lucky one. My wedding dress was the first one I tried on and I fell in love the moment I looked in the mirror! I love that the dress is two piece and lace, and that it’s traditional but still showed off my figure. I had no idea what I was looking for when I walked into the store, the dress was the first one I laid my eyes on, the first I tried on and I purchased it right there and then.
Wedding Style
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
The style I envisioned for my day was rustic and bohemian. We picked the beach for the wedding location as the beach is where we first met. We both love the beach. We went with rustic and boho as I think it complements the beach and is nice and natural. We wanted to have a really romantic feel with all the candles; we chose whites roses and baby's breath as we felt that matched the theme really nice. Our colour palette was just nice natural colours.
What was your favorite moment from the day?
My favorite moment from my wedding day was the one where I saw my husband waiting for me at the end of the aisle.
Any DIY décor elements?
I did a lot myself, from my flowers to the full table setting.
Any Regrets?
If you could do it all over again, what would you change?
I would probably hire someone to set everything up. We did it ourselves and it was very busy and stressful, but worth it in the end, as it looked amazing.
Any tips that you can give to future brides?
My advice for future brides is to try (key word, try) not to stress out as I promise you that everything works out in the end and all the little pieces will come together just perfectly.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I love my husband. My favorite thing about my partner is the way he makes me laugh, he has the best sense of humor and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. He is the best person I have ever met, he makes me feel like I am complete. He is there for me no matter what. I fell in love with him because he is who he is and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He’s amazing and I am so lucky to have him.
Star-crossed lovers starring at the sea.
Vendors & Credits
- The Dress: FiFi & Edga Bridal
- Shoes: Ted Baker
- Grooms Suit: Menzclub
- Photographer: Trevor Cooke
- Stationery: Adorn Invitations
- Cake: Ferguson Plarre
- Food: Thirteen Hats
- Flowers: Tanille organized these herself!
- Ceremony Venue: Torquay Beach
- Bridal Jewellery: LOVEON
- Reception Venue: Whitesbeach Guesthouse
- Makeup & Hair: Blush Bar
See More of Tanille & Jason
Anjie and Angelo’s Elegantly Timeless Melbourne Wedding
Read Wedding Submission! This beautiful couple tied the knot on September 30th of 2016 at the stunning All Saints Anglican Church in St. Kilda and finished the evening at the sophisticated and stylish International of Brighton. Read their story and inspiration!
Real Wedding Submissions
Anjie & Angelo's Elegantly Timeless Melbourne Wedding.
Anjie and Angelo met online in 2011. To celebrate their marriage in the elegant manner they always envisioned, this couple shows us that your wedding day doesn’t always have to be elaborate to be meaningful and to truly showcase your love.
This beautiful couple tied the knot on September 30th of 2016. The couple wed at the stunning All Saints Anglican Church in St. Kilda and finished the evening at the sophisticated and stylish International of Brighton. Read their story and inspiration!
All Saints Anglican Church, East St Kilda
The Story
How did you and your partner meet?
Believe it or not, we met online in 2011! At the time, online dating wasn’t as common as it is now. I honestly wasn’t expecting to meet anyone, but it just happened. Angelo and I completely hit it off and when the connection is just there, it doesn’t really matter where it is you happen to meet.
How did he propose?
To celebrate our one year anniversary, he surprised me with a stay at Crown Metropol. One night, he simply got down on one knee and proposed in the hotel room. I can say it’s one of the most precious moments of my life. Some people want a rather overdone public proposal, but this was ours – it was intimate, real and magical.
“Some people want a rather overdone public proposal, but this was ours – it was intimate, real and magical.”
How did you choose your wedding gown?
I wanted something traditional and timeless for my wedding dress. I tried on a few and chose the one that I believed looked most beautiful on me and of course embodied that air of elegance every bride seeks. When you try on the right dress, you just know that you have to make it yours.
The Wedding
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
When it came to the style that I was looking for my wedding, I wasn’t too fussy. I just knew I wanted something that was elegant and graceful. It would come to me when I found it.
How did you know that your reception venue was the one?
We picked the venue we did for our special day because it was everything I imagined and more for my sophisticated wedding with my nearest and dearest. As soon as we saw it, we knew it was the perfect fit and it was actually the first place we visited! We couldn’t look past it – the service was second to none and we felt relaxed throughout the entire process.
What was your favorite moment from the day?
My favorite moment from the day would most definitely have to be the speeches given at the reception; for they were so meaningful and touching. In that moment, I felt so emotional and happy all at once.
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?
My advice to future brides is to try and not worry so much about the finer details during the year of planning. For it simply won’t matter as much on the day of your wedding. Embrace and enjoy it all the while, and as much as you can. It goes by in a blur!
Vendors & Credits
- The Dress: Eternal Weddings Camberwell
- Makeup: Magical Makeovers
- Hair: Magical Makeovers
- Stationery: Adorn Invitations
- Shoes: Jeanette Maree Jewellery
- Accessories: Eternal Weddings Camberwell
- Jewelry: LoveOn Jewelry
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Daniela’s
- Groom's Suit: RDX Chadstone
- Photographer: On Three Photography
- Cake: Purity Cakes
- Flowers: Kellee Flowers
- Ceremony Venue: All Saints Anglican Church St Kilda
- Reception Venue: The International of Brighton – Georgian Room
