Real Wedding – Maria & Luke, South Gippsland VIC
While Maria and Luke knew their wedding day was a once in a lifetime moment, they set their hearts on a beautiful, yet fuss free wedding that embodied their personalities.
Their engagement began with a gorgeous proposal at Melbourne’s Night Noodle markets (check out the video below, we dare you not to cry!) and ended in a fun filled celebration complete with an incredible Serbian brass band. Talented photographer, Shelley Price, was there to capture all these special moments and more.
IN MARIA’S WORDS…
The meeting.
We meet through mutual friends at a house party in 2007. A couple of months later we went out on a date and the rest is history!
The ‘one’.
We spent several years traveling and working overseas after Uni. When we returned to Melbourne we knew we were serious. Those years abroad formed a strong foundation for our relationship and now our marriage.
The proposal.
The video explains it all!
It was after work on a Friday night while we were at the Night Noodle market in Melbourne. The camera crew just happened to be there. So Luke made the most of the spotlight and got down on one knee! We have a running joke that he didn’t actually ask me to marry him and I responded with a polite ‘thank you’ instead of a yes!
The planning process.
We procrastinated during the beginning of the process. It can be really overwhelming, particularly because we did everything ourselves. Our reception venue was an old town hall which required a lot of work. We found the best way to be efficient with our time and money was to create separate ‘to-do’ lists and work through them.
Style inspiration.
We knew we wanted a relaxed country wedding. We also knew we needed to provide great food and entertainment. We really wanted it to be a celebration for our family and friends and those that have been a part of our lives together. Once we had defined the ‘feel’ of our day we made sure that all aspects reflected it. We tried to show restraint. I know it can be hard for the big day but we found that minimal is best. Overall we are exceptionally happy with how it turned out.
The dress.
I wore separates. My skirt was full length silk and my top was organza which was appliqued. I only ever went to one bridal store to try on dresses. I knew that process wasn’t going to work for me. So I researched online and found a reference from Alberta Ferretti’s bridal collection. I showed that to Sharon and we used it as inspiration. I felt so elegant on the day and I felt it was true to me and my style.
Favourite moment.
Our favourite moment was definitely when we had finished our speeches and our MC introduced the brass band. On cue, the Serbian band walked through the double doors of the hall. It was loud and quite a surprise for our guests. We loved every minute of their performance. I think the photos really reflect the great energy during their performance. Shelley our photography did such a great job of capturing these moments.
Traditions.
Yes. We wanted our mums to be involved so we had them tie our hands together during the ceremony. Our celebrant then removed the silk strips while they remained tied together. This symbolised us coming together formally but also the two families uniting.
We also had our siblings do readings during the ceremony also.
Meaning of marriage.
A lifetime commitment to each other, a unique love, fun and adventure. Quite simply to live better together.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle song: Bon Iver – Skinny Love
Reception entry: Avicci – Wake me up
First dance song: Elvis Priestly – Can’t help falling in love.
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Well our best man forgot our rings in the car. Once we finished our vow he realised, ran back to the car which was some 200 meters away and returned to a very loud cheer and standing ovation. It was the perfect ice-breaker but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it.
Planning surprises.
We didn’t really have any. We’re both pretty practical so we just worked through it logically. We tried very much not to get carried away which isn’t easy considering it is ‘the big day’. Moments of stress appeared now and then but you just work through it.
Words of wisdom.
Enjoy the process and the day. It all goes by so quickly. Respect each-others ideas and compromise. And take a break whether it be a honeymoon or a few days to yourselves to re-cap, appreciate and be grateful for what you have achieved.
MARIA AND LUKE’S TRIBE
Ceremony location: Mossvale Park, Berry’s Creek, South Gippsland
Reception location: Berry’s Creek Hall, Berry’s Creek, South Gippsland
Celebrant: John Murphy
Photography: Shelley Price Photography – an absolute legend, we are forever grateful.
Styling: Maria and Luke
Florist: Jennifer Morrison (Luke’s mum)
Hair and Make Up: Steph and Brooke from Warragul
The Dress: Sharon Koenig (Lecturer at RMIT Design School)
Jewellery: Samantha Wills earrings and Jennifer Zeuner bracelet.
Shoes: Wittner
Bridesmaids dresses: Flower girls wore Tea Princess and Maid of Honour wore Maurie & Eve
Groom and groomsmen suits: Peter Jackson
Grooms Shoes: R.M Williams
Catering: Brett Sinclair
Favors: Stubby holders online, very practical.
Cake: Coral Johnston
Stationery/Signage: Second hand finds
Entertainment: Ben Whiting solo artist at the ceremony and early reception. Luke found him busking in Melbourne. Our friend Lee Noden was our DJ and Opa Bato – was our Serbian brass band.
Transport: Friends
Honeymoon: Cambodia