Real Wedding – Jessica & Michael, Prahran VIC
A kindergarten meeting at the tender age of four was earliest beginning of Jess and Michael’s ever-after.
With a rich history and a lifetime together already, the joy the couple felt on their Melbourne wedding day was evident.
Gorgeous styling with rich, moody blooms, and beautiful bride Jessica and her megawatt smile – what more could you ask for?
This day radiates urban sophistication, love and happiness, and the talented It’s Beautiful Here were there to capture it all.
The meeting.
Our story goes a long way back to kindergarten lovers at age four. There is video footage of me already bossing Michael around the kinder playground, we then went on to different primary schools and met again at high school.
Making it official at age 16, Michael asked if I would be his girlfriend one hot Summer’s evening in January, 2005.
The ‘one’.
We were lucky, we grew together. I think in our early 20’s we just knew were always going to be together.
The proposal.
We tell everyone that Michael popped the question in Southbank one hot Friday night at dinner, but I did already know about it prior to this.
The real moment for me was in our home in our kitchen, we had only just moved into our first home together and he mentioned he was getting a ring made.
I froze! I was in shock started crying, and all I could do was hug + kiss him. We were so happy that afternoon, it was hard keeping it a secret from everyone. Later on once he had chosen the ring it was designed by both of us with the help from Perry, at All Diamond Elsterwick.
He purposed on the water’s edge at Southbank, prior to our dinner together at the Meat + Wine Co, I finally got to see the ring!
The planning.
Michael picked up his suit from the tailor just two hours before the wedding! It was a nightmare for him!
Boys always leaving the most important things till the last minute, well, my man does!
I’m glad I had no idea that this happened until after the wedding. Haha
Style inspiration.
Our venue and photographers were a big inspiration to our wedding. Unsure of the theme, I guess it was an elegant, deep and moody vibe! We thought it was pretty cool.
The dress.
My mother and I set out one day to have a look at some dresses, not expecting to find one that day.
By the afternoon and after meeting with Sylvia from Raffaele Cuica, I had found the dress! It was so easy, she made me feel relaxed and I really did enjoy the experience. She has had so much experience with brides and you can see she really loves her job, she was so lovely to my mother and I.
I felt just beautiful in my dress. Once I got to the ceremony I felt so happy, I felt comfortable and most of all I felt like myself, and couldn’t wait for Michael to see me in it.
Favourite moments.
I remember after the ceremony had finished, we went down the road to an abandoned overgrown mansion that Kat and Scout (photographers) found for us, for some portrait shots with our bridal party.
I hopped into Michael’s wedding car, a Ford XY GT – the car took off flying down Williams Rd, the engine was loud, we had huge smiles on our faces, we held hands in the back seat, we were finally married, in love and so happy. I loved that moment.
Traditions.
Garter toss, father/daughter dance. No religious traditions, kept our wedding very intimate and small, It was one big party to be honest!
Meaning of marriage.
To us, the day meant a celebration of each other.
We will continue to learn from each other. Loving each other never stops, we both agree that the longer we stay together the stronger our love grows! We just want to keep each other happy for the duration of our lives! It’s so corny, I know, but we just had so much love and fun on the day of our wedding. It’s still so fresh!
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: I feel it Coming by The Weekend Ft. Daft Punk (slower version)
Register: Pure Shores by All Saints (from ‘The Beach’ soundtrack)
Recessional: You Got the Love by The XX
First dance: Latch by Disclosure / Sam Smith
Exit song: We are the People by Empire Of the Sun
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Michael had bought me a Garter the day of the wedding – I only put it on seconds before the song started for the ‘garter hunt’, it was so rushed – but we are so glad we did it, it was a lot of fun.
Planning surprises.
How organised things need to be! Not really, I knew there was going to be a lot of work involved as I knew what we wanted and took the lead in a lot of planning and prep.
Words of wisdom.
It’s such a special day for you and your partner, just enjoy each other’s company on the day and be yourself. It’s amazing, don’t hold back on anything, it is truly one very special day!
Last words…
Im a big believer that everything happens for a reason so, I wouldn’t change a thing!
Dance the night away, brides! (And book in a foot massage the next day at your hotel!)
Inspired by Jessica’s beautiful blooms? Check out our directory of talented stylists here.
JESSICA AND MICHAEL’S TRIBE
Ceremony venue: Woodland House
Reception: Woodland House
Celebrant: Meriki Comito
Photography: It’s Beautiful Here – The girls, Kat and Scout, were so great, we just loved them. Lots of fun to have them shoot our special day, they felt as if they were a part of our day, but at the same time – we didn’t notice them snapping away! The lead up as well, we were emailing each other and they were getting so excited for us.
Videography: Bruce Harrison
Florals and styling: Bud Flowers
Hair and makeup: Justine O
The dress: Pronovias via Raffaele Ciuca
Head piece: Bud Flowers
Accessories: Secrets Shhh
Rings: All Diamonds, Elsterwick
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Swish
Men’s suits: Peter Jackson
Groom’s shoes: Julius Milano + Sox from Happy Feet
Bow ties / ties: Delic
Catering: Woodland House Restaurant
Favours: Handmade by the Bride and her family
Cake / Cake topper: Erryns Cakes and Bud Flowers
Stationery / Signage: Cass Deller Design and The Paper Empire
Entertainment: Bruce Harrison MC/DJ
Transport: Always Classic Cars and Wild Violet Wedding Cars – Vince from Always classic cars was definitely a stand out! He arrived early at our house to collect the bride and maid of honour, he even knew to grab a towel for the dripping water from the bouquets! He was so thoughtful and organised, a very lovely man – you could tell he loved his job!
Honeymoon: North QLD + Bali
