Effortless chic in Sydney: Eli & Charles
When your original venue cancels eight weeks out from the big day, the expertise, industry contacts and solutions-focused attitude of an event planner pays off in spades.
Thankfully, the detailed mood board for Eli and Charles’ exquisite outdoor celebration featured not only aspirational wedding content but clips of vintage fashion shoots, historic architecture and world-class restaurant fare that captured the essence of the day they envisioned so artfully it could be transferred to another epic private property.
The unique combination of a ceremony on sparkling Sydney Harbour, Eli’s detailed couture gown and the bespoke, curved outdoor dining setting gave the occasion an air of A-list sophistication.
Central to the couple’s planning goals was the guest experience. They prioritised food, wine and entertainment that reflected their love of good times and ensured a party their loved ones would talk about for years to come.
Scroll on to delight in the triumph that was their elegant nuptials, pulled together in just eight weeks and captured by the sublime Nathan Lapham.
The meeting.
Although we grew up in the same area as each other, we had not formally met until 2019. Eli was at work at the bar one night, Charles was dining at the bar and after chatting realised we were both in Bali over the same dates several weeks later. We caught up for drinks as friends while in Bali, and since that night, we were essentially inseparable.
‘The one’.
Charles – When I heard her playlist and good tunes in Bali, I knew she was a catch.
Eli – When he wrote me a love letter inside my sunglasses case, inviting me to Catalina, and I found it on the flight home.
The proposal.
It happened on a private boat on the Amalfi Coast. Cheesy, cliche, predictable, but Italy is our favourite place, so it was fitting. All of the other boats drove in and started clapping afterwards.
Planning process.
We had a clear vision for the wedding in mind as we wanted to curate an experience for guests. Central to that was prioritising our favourite food, music and personalities. Our initial wedding venue cancelled on us eight weeks out, which was chaotic, but fortunately, due to the great planning and organisation by Mrs Smith Weddings, everything came together. We wanted a blank canvas venue to create our dream day, so the planning process was extensive, beginning with sourcing a private property, choosing caterers and selecting furniture, a colour palette and a list of entertainment to create the perfect day. Having a toddler definitely created its own set of challenges within the planning process.
Style inspiration.
Our wedding was inspired by us and all the things we love. We wanted to recreate ourselves into a day to be celebrated with our nearest and dearest. We love having fun, we love enjoying great food, and we have a passion for fine wine, cocktails and dancing. We wanted to combine all of this together into one huge party. The focus was fun, not serious.
I had a pre-planned the vision for all elements of the wedding, either through reels and Instagram posts, and Pinterest boards. It was also important to keep inspiration and vision ideas broad and not solely focused on wedding content. For example, our food menu and live food stations were inspired by activations from some of our favourite restaurants around the world. Vintage fashion shoots also helped to inspire table settings and more bespoke elements of the wedding.
The ceremony.
Our ceremony was on Sydney Harbour in front of Carthona House (a large Gothic revival architecture style house). We had a live harp player and a vocalist playing the piano. It was special as it felt intimate and unique.
The outfits.
My wedding dress was a custom piece by Romance Was Born by Anna Plunkett. It was designed, created and handmade by Charles’s cousin himself, which made it so special.
Suits were made by Daniel Jones at Zink and Sons, they were inspired by a James Bond/luxe Italian vibe.
Favourite moment.
Walking out after the ceremony to the Sing Hallelujah dance remix by Dr Alban with all of our friends and family dancing on tables with napkins and Richy Penny as DJ.
Funny stories/near disasters.
Absolutely – it wouldn’t be a wedding without one. Our original wedding venue, a private property in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, cancelled our entire wedding booking eight weeks out as he had another booking at the last minute by a “billionaire family”. After a week of tears and mental breakdowns, we thought we would have to cancel the wedding. We were fortunate enough to secure an alternate venue through Anthony Morano however this private property had capacity restrictions, so we had to disinvite 25 people from the wedding after already sending them invites.
Words of wisdom.
You only do it once (hopefully!) Don’t look back with any regrets. Make it your day to remember, don’t lose sleep over blowing the budget and enjoy every second.
ELI & CHARLES SUPPLIERS:
Planner: Mrs Smith Weddings
Photographer: Nathan Lapham
Cinematographer: Soda Films
Content Creator: The Modern Brides BFF
Dress: Romance Was Born
Suits: Zink and Sons
Hair: Rania Alten
Makeup: Leah Baines
Hire: Simply Seated & Love Stoned
Catering: Aplenty Food
Celebrant: Trent the Celebrant
Entertainment: Rebekah Harp (Harp) Scotty Sax (Sax) Richy Penny (DJ)
Florals: Biancas Florals
Stationery: Elle Creative Sudio
Signage: Mazii Collection
Cake: Flour Lane
Cars: Broadway Limousines HF Wedding Cars
Bridesmaid Dresses: Effie Kats
Rings: Pierre Diamonds Raphael Jewellers
After Party: Hamptons Sydney
