Real Wedding – Kristen & Patrick, St Kilda VIC
While bringing up a young baby and running their own business, Kristen and Patrick admitted wedding planning was a juggling act – but they still managed to pull off a stunning celebration with minimal fuss at St Kilda venue, The Deck at Circa.
Kristen will never forget finding her perfect Jane Hill gown, and immediately knew it would suit the surrounds while still being able to party the night away comfortably.
Kristen and Patrick have one word of vital advice when planning a wedding, hire an incredible videographer – and that is exactly what they did when they enlisted the services of Tribe favourites Moment Seeker.
There to capture the day was talented shutterbug Chloe May, so scroll down for a piece of this perfect party.
The meeting.
We met at work in 2011. We both started working at the same recruitment agency. And were together after a few months. About a year later we started our own business together.
The ‘one’.
With Pat and I, it just felt right very quickly. We had an easy connection and clicked. We couldn’t imagine life without the other person in it. And now we have our beautiful son Sam together and a business we are really proud of.
The proposal.
Pat proposed at Montalto Winery. On his birthday (so he wouldn’t forget the date haha). And we got married on my birthday – so there is a nice synergy there. We went with Sam and once he was asleep in the pram he dropped to one knee, pulled out a beautiful ring he had designed and asked me to marry him.
The planning.
We obviously have Sam, who turned 1 in August and I predominantly look after him while also working on the business with Pat, so planning a wedding on top of this was tough! I mainly did most of the planning at night and Sam came wedding dress shopping with Mum and I. It was a juggling act. Mum was incredible, helping with Sam and also the planning. Because our suppliers were so amazing, and provided so much guidance and ideas, it made the whole process a lot easier. The lead up was quite busy as work was hectic, but again, having great people around us made it so much easier. Plus our bridesmaids and groomsmen were all wonderful help.
The inspiration.
We wanted a fun, modern cocktail party. Lots of candles, beautiful flowers, but minimal fuss. The focus was that it was all about family and friends. And just having an amazing time together. I wanted great food and wine and good party vibes. And I definitely think we achieved that.
The dress.
My dress was from Jane Hill. Italian lace, and short underneath with a beautiful train and an open back. I knew I wanted to wear a ‘wedding dress’ but something modern and a little different. Jane Hill was our last stop after two weeks of looking. And we were on a deadline as it was late May and the wedding was September. It’s funny that people say you just ‘know’ when you try it on. And I did. I was like, this is it. Jen from Jane Hill was incredible. She made the whole process and all the fittings easy and fun.
Favourite moments.
Can I only have one? Seeing our son come down the aisle with my Mum. That was pretty special. But I also had a moment just looking at all the faces during the ceremony. Sarah Dobson (the celebrant) was speaking and I looked out at all these amazing people we have in our lives, then at the bridesmaids, groomsmen and Pat, and thought, yep. We are really, really lucky.
Traditions.
My brother started a tradition at his wedding in a nod to our Polish heritage and my Grandmother Rysia. The bride and groom are presented with two shot glasses. One has water and the other has vodka. Whoever gets the vodka is said to ‘wear the pants’ on the relationship or be ‘head of the household’. Pat got the vodka. Must have been a mistake.
Meaning of marriage.
Family. First and foremost. It’s about creating a life together with your person. And I hope one day soon everyone who is in love has the chance to make a choice to formalise their commitment to each other if they wish to.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle – Acoustic – Ali Barter & Oscar Dawson – Only To Be With You by Roachford
Post Ceremony – Can’t Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake
Reception Entry – Jubel by Klingande
First Dance – All Night Long by Lionel Ritchie – we didn’t have an official first dance, just the whole bridal party.
Funny stories (or near disasters).
No! Not that I can think of. The day getting ready was very relaxed and had good vibes and the ceremony and reception all went amazingly well!
Planning surprises.
I probably underestimated the little details. The tiny things which became time consuming. Pulling together a running sheet. Spending lots of time on the phone and emails back and forth with suppliers. However, we had a non-traditional wedding so no cake, cocktail style etc. which did eliminate a number of things from planning.
Words of wisdom.
Have fun with it. Don’t take it all too seriously. And 1000% get a videographer. Moment Seeker were incredible. You miss so much on the day, as you are constantly on the go. Off having photos, chatting and catching up with everyone. So having the video brings it to life for you.
Want some more rooftop action? Check out Katherine and Mathew’s city celebration.
KRISTEN AND PATRICK’S TRIBE
Location: The Deck at Circa
Celebrant/Officiant: Sarah Dobson
Photography: Chloe May
Videography: Moment Seeker
Styling and florals: Tori Allen Events
Makeup: Claire Vyverberg
Hair: Chloe Duncan – Hair by Chloe
Photo Booth: Mr Boothy
The Dress: Jane Hill Bridal
Veil: Jane Hill Bridal
Jewellery/Accessories: A necklace from my mum, which was made from my Grandmother’s Engagement ring – a gift from my Mum. A bracelet from my bridesmaids. Diamond earrings, also a gift from my Mum.
Shoes: Nine West
Rings: MP Jewellery Armadale
Bridesmaid’s dresses: They chose their own – White Suede, vintage, ASOS and Myer.
Menswear: Peter Jackson
Catering: The Deck Circa
Stationery / Signage: Paperlust
Entertainment: Bluetrain Entertainment Melbourne
Transport: Triple R Wedding Car Hire
Honeymoon: Byron Bay with our son Sam
Other: Bridesmaid’s gifts – personalized clutches from The Daily Edited and robes from Le Rose
Sam – my son’s outfit was from Bardot Jnr and shoes were Converse.
Flowergirls – David Jones and Pumpkin Patch, shoes Converse
