Real Wedding – Katie & Elias, St Kilda VIC
Katie and Elias based all their wedding day decisions around a simple yet impactful ethos – to create a gorgeous party, relaxed but fun, without any stuffy or formal feels.
The result was nothing short of an epic event, bold in styling, stunning to look at, and (we’re guessing!) even better to be a part of.
Standout moments for us is the incredible ceremony styling, resplendent with oversized ethereal blooms, and the portraits of the newlyweds looking ultra-glam, ultra-chic, and so blissfully loved up. Maegan Brown Moments always works visual magic, and in this case, it’s a true treat.
Katie and Elias’ smart planning tip? Pay for everything with a Qantas card, then use the points towards the honeymoon bookings. We love!
The meeting.
We met on a beautiful summer’s day in Jan of 2022 on the rooftop of the Marquis of Lorne Hotel in Fitzroy. Both of us pretty instantly were completely entranced by one another, and from Marquis of Lorne, we spent a long evening together laughing and getting quite tipsy.
The one.
We were both laying on the beach on the Mornington Peninsula looking into each others eyes. We’re not sure if it was simultaneous, but we both thought that afternoon that we were falling in love.
The proposal.
It happened at a beautiful little cabin overlooking Lake Taupo in New Zealand. Elias had organized champagne and oysters, but Katie didn’t catch on to what was happening until the ring popped out.
Planning process.
We thoroughly enjoyed the planning process of our wedding. Our approach was to minimize stress in the days leading up to our wedding, so we tried to arrange as much as possible early on. Venue, DJ and Photographer were booked about 12 months out from the day, along with attire and flowers. Decorations, makeup and hair about ten months out. Although some people told us this was excessively early, it allowed us to work away at the little “nitty gritty” things over the course of a year. By the final week, we felt very relaxed and comfortable that we had done all we needed to do.
Katie made the incredible flower arbor, which took about six months of on and off work.
She also made our cake about two weeks before the day.
Style inspiration.
We wanted to make it feel like a big party with mates on a rooftop bar. Nice and relaxed but also geared for fun times. We didn’t want a stuffy and formal affair, and every planning decision we made had this in mind. We went for a pink and orange colour palette that kept with the summer vibe.
The ceremony.
We honestly felt it could not have gone any better. Our dear friend and ABC presenter Danny Tran was the celebrant – he only marries his nearest and dearest. His words made our hearts flutter, and so many people complimented him after the ceremony. Our vows were very similar, and it felt so special saying them to each other.
We were also blessed with incredible weather, so as the ceremony was taking place, the sun was hitting the rooftop venue, and it felt like we were floating.
The outfits.
Elias: I love a tux so I knew early on that that would be the look I went for. The suede coat just looks cool, and I wanted a nice fluffy bow tie to give it an accentuated 1970’s feel.
Katie: I wanted something classic but also something that would turn heads. I wanted a BIG dress that flowed and sparkled, and I was so lucky I found the perfect one.
Favourite moments.
So many, but the sunset photos with Maegan Brown were such an enjoyable part of the day, 40 minutes to spend with each other basking in the day.
When we walked out of our venue for these photos, patrons drinking in bars along the street were clapping and cheering, yelling out compliments to the bride. We felt like rock stars.
Meaning of marriage.
Commitment and love.
Wedding soundtrack.
Katie’s aisle song was Love You For A Long Time by Maggie Rogers; we both walked back down the aisle to Some Day by The Strokes – two songs we both love that bonded us when we first got together.
Our first dance song was Love at First Sight by Kylie Minogue – an absolute banger of a track.
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Elias’ uncle got a little bit too overwhelmed by all of the love in the air and fainted shortly after the ceremony. Thankfully, he was fine, and the bride had no idea until the next day!
Planning surprises.
Guests are terrible with RSVPing, and even if they plan to come, many just won’t respond to you.
Words of wisdom.
Just accept that there will be nerves and anxiety. Embrace it and see it as a quirky aspect of the day. Nothing can run completely perfectly – but you will have the perfect day if you enjoy yourselves.
When planning a wedding, view it through the lens of being a guest – little things like champagne on arrival, extra seating, and late-night burgers are a little extra expense but leave a huge impression on the people who come.
Also, everyone says it, but the day does go fast. You’re in a weird time warp where everything seems to be racing by you – do first look photos before the ceremony as it elongates the day and allows you to embrace everything a little bit more.
Trust your vendors. They know wayyy more about weddings than any of us will. It feels tough placing key decisions of the day in their hands, like you’re losing control over things, but their suggestions always improve the experience.
Katie and Elias shared some super smart wedding wisdom – and we firmly believe that newlywed couples are the place to go to find practical wedding planning and on-the-day tips. So, we’ve collated some of our most insightful tips and advice from our real wedding couples, so you can hear it straight from those in the know.
KATIE & ELIAS’ VENDORS
We found our vendors through a combination of Instagram, word of mouth, recommendations from the venue and luck!
Ceremony & reception venue: The Prince Deck – a google search of “rooftop wedding venues Melbourne”.
Celebrant: Danny Tran – a good mate of ours.
Photography: Maegan Brown Moments – Instagram searches and hashtags.
Florist: The Flower Jar – venue recommendations.
Hair: Rachen Anne Evans
Make-up: Ellie Zuker Makeup
The dress: Milla Nova
Shoes: Katie – Billini. Elias – I saw them in the window of a shop!
Rings: Jan Logan
Suits & bow ties / ties: Insitchu – friend’s recommendation.
Catering & bar: The Prince
Cake: Made by the bride
Entertainment: Tim the DJ
Transport: Charlie Mustang – with absolute luck, we found a Mustang on Facebook that we liked but were all booked. After a series of messages and searches, we found Charlie, who had the perfect vehicle.
Honeymoon: Los Angeles, Mexico City and Playa Del Carmen – booked through Qantas – another tip is to pay for wedding things with a Qantas card to maximise points that can be used for a honeymoon.
