Real Wedding – Alex & Michael, Collingwood VIC

June 16, 2021 In Luxe, Peach, Pink, Real Weddings, Red, Urban, Victoria By Ivory Tribe

Real Wedding – Alex & Michael, Collingwood VIC

For a day packed full of effortless fun, understated yet stunning style and the hugest dose of positive vibes, look no further than Alex and Michael’s gorgeous celebration.

This party is one which you can’t help but long to be a guest at; from the beautifully crafted, light-hearted and lovely ceremony by our very own Natalie Drum to the epic dance floor antics, happiness for the newlyweds was at an absolute peak.

Alex’s natural beauty was enhanced to perfection by her incredible Prea James gown, equal parts elegant, playful and fancy-free. Alongside Michael and his groomsmen in sharp black suits and her bridesmaids in tones of blush, burnt crimson and warm mocha, it was an aesthetic effect of artfully relaxed styling.

The dynamic laneways of inner-city Melbourne provided the perfect setting for a photo session that looks as fun as what the guests enjoyed inside, against the urban-chic backdrop of one of the city’s favourite venues, Craft & Co. There to capture every revelrous, emotion-filled moment was The White Tree photography and videography.

The meeting.

We met at the classy establishment – the Richmond Club Hotel in Melbourne. I was there with two of my close friends, and Michael was with a group of his close mates.

Later that night, my friend nudged me into Michael on the dance floor and introduced me to him. We spoke for a little while, and I remember thinking he seemed like a nice guy. Michael bought me a drink and asked for my phone number.

He contacted me a few days later, and we went on our first date the following week.

The ‘one’.

I can’t remember a particular moment. I remember feeling extremely comfortable being around Michael very early on.

The proposal.

It happened on a seemingly normal Tuesday night. I arrived home from work and went straight to the fridge (apparently a regular occurrence). Michael had placed two nice bottles of champagne on the bottom shelf of the fridge (one of the bottles we had been saving for a special occasion).

When I opened the door, I didn’t see the bottles and started to unpack lasagna from the fridge. I had NO idea. Michael had a false start and had got on one knee already, so had to quickly get back up again. He asked me to check the fridge again, saying there was a surprise.

After checking the freezer to search for ice cream, I finally check the fridge again and see the bottles of champagne. As soon as I saw the particular bottle of champagne from the Yarra Valley, I started to realize what was happening. When I turned around, Michael was on his knee and asked the question. Lots of happy tears followed!

Planning process.

We had to reschedule our date and venue due to COVID. We were really fortunate that the majority of our suppliers were able to reschedule to our new date. We had to change venues which was a blessing as The Craft and Co were amazing. Once the new date was set, it was a bit of a rollercoaster through the various restrictions and navigating state border closures, but we finally got there! All of our suppliers were really supportive and flexible throughout the process.

Style inspiration.

We just wanted it to be relaxed and a lot of fun. We didn’t want anything too extravagant. We trusted our suppliers to do what they recommended and that worked out well.

The ceremony.

Our ceremony was simple and perfect. It was held at the same venue as our reception (The Craft and Co). Our amazing celebrant Natalie told our story so well, and the room felt full of so much love. Because the lead up to the wedding was filled with uncertainty due to COVID, we just felt so grateful to be there.

The outfit.

I wore a Prea James gown. It was so comfortable; I loved the fabric and simplicity of it.

Bluebell bridal was a great option to go to early on as they have a lot of different designers in stock.

Favourite moments.

I have so many favourite moments from the day it’s hard to choose. My top two moments would probably be:

Walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing Michael for the first time on the day.

When our friends and family joined the dancefloor at the end of our first dance singing the rest of the song (Leon Bridges ‘Beyond’) and slow dancing around us.

Meaning of marriage.

I have grown up seeing my parents in such a loving married relationship and have always been so excited to share this experience with my own person. I love that it is such a special commitment that we are sharing with each other, and I feel that it highlights the importance of loving and supporting each other unconditionally.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle (bridesmaids): Heartbeats by Jose Gonsalez

Aisle (bride): Green Eyes by Coldplay

Recessional: I Can’t Help Myself by Four Tops

Reception entry: The Power of Love by Huey Lewis & The News

First dance: Beyond by Leon Bridges

Funny stories or near disasters.

Michael’s brother and best man wasn’t able to attend the wedding last minute due to border closures with Brisbane, which was really difficult news to navigate. However, we were able to pivot last minute and live-streamed him and friends from Brisbane into our ceremony. They remained online the whole night (the i-pad was even on the dance floor with us!)

Words of wisdom.

The main advice is to trust your suppliers and, where possible, go with their recommendations (within your budget). We are so glad we did this, and it also reduced a lot of stress and the number of decisions we had to make in the lead-up.

COVID also highlighted what was most important to us (which was to just get married), so it was really good to keep perspective and not worry about the smaller details.

Love the thought of letting loose with your guests on the dance floor, but not sure where to start when it comes to choosing your entertainment? Check out some of the best music makers in the biz, here on our directory.

ALEX & MICHAEL’S VENDORS:

Ceremony & reception venue: The Craft and Co

Celebrant: Natalie Drum

Photography & videography: The White Tree

Florist: North St Botanical

Hair: Hair by Ashlea (Ashlea Aitken)

Make-up: Pamela Prokos

The dress & veil: Prea James Bridal at Bluebell Bridal.

Shoes: Bared footwear

Rings: Melbourne Diamond Importers

Bridesmaid’s dresses: A variety (Shona Joy, Asos, Forever New, Billy J Boutique)

Groomsmen’s suits: Groom – Institchu; Groomsmen – Country Road