Real Wedding – Aloni & Marie, Merricks North VIC
Love during lockdown, a Tinder swipe within a 5km radius, and a first date marked by soul-baring chats and Bollinger champagne—Aloni and Marie’s story starts with a serendipitous connection and builds to a celebration of true partnership and effortless romance.
Combining Marie’s meticulous planning skills and Aloni’s creative sense, their boldly beautiful wedding at Jackalope is a vibrant feast for the senses. Beginning with a yoga class alongside their guests, this is a day filled with impeccable personal elements and effervescent fun.
In the ultra-talented hands of Megan Thompson, the ceremony kicked off the celebratory feels, all against a backdrop of bright florals, golden candles, and chic contemporary art – while the new Mr and Mrs looked every bit glam elegance personified.
Read on to see every epic moment unfold through the flawless lens of Nikola Janev.
The meeting.
During lockdown, Marie moved into Aloni’s 5km radius. We both had our Tinder radius set to 5km, so we swiped right and met up. Lucky for us, it was a hit! Our first date involved a few bottles of Bollinger champagne and deep, soul-baring chats with music as our backdrop.
The one.
Aloni: For me, it was a special weekend away post-COVID. We were on a long walk along the beach, and in the distance was a large rock island that you weren’t really supposed to scale. I suggested we climb it, not expecting Marie to agree since it was a bit dangerous. But Marie didn’t hesitate. For a long time, I hadn’t met anyone who matched my energy for living life. In that moment, I saw a true partner. The rest of the weekend was magical and solidified my feelings for Marie.
Marie: Like so often, Aloni and I were having one of our deep, open conversations. He spoke about his past, mentioning how he had always been the one to look after and care for everyone but had never truly felt cared for himself. At that moment, I realized I wanted to be that person for him. That deep feeling was the first time I had truly felt like that for anyone. It was a beautiful and profound moment.
The proposal.
Aloni led me to believe he had a business meeting in the city and that I was invited to their dinner and to go out at Crown Towers. I turned up dressed to the nines, ready to schmooze Aloni’s business colleagues. But instead, I was whisked up to the penthouse suite overlooking the city we love. Amongst red roses, champagne, and chocolates, Aloni played a beautiful movie of our life together, got down on one knee, and asked the question. I replied with a very enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ before asking, “So, is there no business dinner?” and we had a good laugh. Aloni then showed me the weekend of my life with a trip to Attica, a helicopter flight to the Yarra Valley to enjoy the delights of the region, and front-row seats at the Phantom of the Opera.
Planning process.
Marie: Aloni and I have very different styles. I am extremely organised and forward-thinking, which helped ensure nothing was forgotten and the lead-up and day ran smoothly. There were lots of spreadsheets and discussions over coffee in bed.
Aloni: While Marie was the queen of organization, I brought the creative flair. Together, we balanced each other out perfectly, turning planning sessions into exciting and enjoyable moments.
Style inspiration.
Jackalope is already a perfectly styled backdrop for a fun, quirky, and chic wedding. We wanted to work with everything the venue had to offer. We aimed to treat our guests to a feast for the eyes, including bright purple florals, cartoon heart character motifs, golden candles, and plenty of colourful lights to contrast with the beautiful vineyard backdrop. We also saw it as an opportunity to thank our family and friends. We booked out the hotel so that we could create a space where everyone could let their hair down and have an amazing night without worrying about getting home. It was the perfect way to acknowledge their support and love for our relationship.
We watched so many wedding videos. They were a great way to inspire our theme and help us decide on what kind of videographer we wanted. Watching the best and worst of other weddings was truly inspirational in helping us decide what we wanted. Blogs and magazines helped us decide on our outfits for the day.
The ceremony.
We incorporated traditions from both of our cultural backgrounds, including a Maori Karakia by Marie’s cousin Jess and the traditional Jewish ‘7 blessings’ prayer read by Aloni’s cousin Adar. The blending of these beautiful traditions made our ceremony deeply personal and meaningful.
The outfits.
Aloni: My outfit was inspired by James Bond in Casino Royale. I wanted the cool, rugged, elegant Daniel Craig vibe. The Tom Ford tux was a must and didn’t disappoint on the day. I tried on other tuxedos, but when I put on the Tom Ford jacket, it was just different.
Marie: My designer gown was from Lihi Hod, who had worked at the House of Christian Dior. I loved the lines of the dress and how it accentuated my waist. It was love at first sight, and I cried. You know it’s the right dress when you cry when you see it on. I’d been to eight bridal stores before and tried on numerous dresses before I landed in the capable hands of MAËLLE Bridal. Many I loved, but none moved me the way this one did.
Favourite moments.
Aloni: How can you pick!? It was the perfect day. The ceremony’s ‘I do’ part was probably my favourite because it was an emotionally heightened moment. The big commitment. The joy in that moment is unmatched.
Marie: The dance floor was a real highlight. Reigan Derry belted out two 45-minute sets of electronic dance music classics from the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s. The dance floor went off all night with limbo, conga lines, Russian dancing, the worm, people lifting others, and lots of feels.
Meaning of marriage.
Aloni: Honestly, it isn’t much of a change in the way I think or feel about Marie. It was more about a celebration with the people we cared for most, the people who had been with us on this journey and supported our relationship. It was a beautiful celebration of bringing together two separate worlds and unifying them into one.
Marie: An acknowledgment of the commitment I make to my partner. To support them and enjoy life together. As well as bringing my best self to the relationship.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Rufus Du Sol – Next to Me (sung acoustically by Reigan, accompanied by Brett Lodding on double bass)
Recessional: Lorde – Royals (as above)
Dance floor: Delerium – Silence
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Marie: The whole process went exceptionally smoothly. I’m so organised and meticulous in my planning. We didn’t even have a single person pull out who had accepted our wedding invite.
Aloni: I did leave my run for my suit very, very late. There were no ivory Tom Ford jackets left in Australia, so I had to order it from overseas without the luxury of trying it on first. Thankfully, it fit perfectly!
Planning surprises.
Our videographer, Michael Ribbons, and photographer, Nikola Janev, were unbelievably hands-on and talented. We never expected the level of service and creativity that we got. From day one, we formed a friendship that transcended beyond just the wedding itself. We allowed them full ownership over every creative decision and just let them go for it. The outcome was absolute art! We couldn’t be happier and are truly proud of their work. They are the top creatives in Melbourne as far as we’re concerned.
Words of wisdom.
Marie: Remember why you are getting married. It can be a time when things can get stressful, and there will be moments where you don’t always agree. These moments help define the relationship you are going to have. Lean in, be present, and remember you love one another. It isn’t about getting your way; it is about bringing your worlds together. Be compassionate and caring through the process, and you’ll have the best day and life together.
Aloni: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on the big picture and enjoy the journey. It’s a celebration of love, after all.
We were so lucky that both of us were committed to lifting the weight of planning a wedding like ours. It was perfect because we both put our heart and soul into the day. Planning a wedding is hard, but we grew together through the journey and wouldn’t change a thing.
The Aurora Borealis was a very nice touch on the night. It did distract people from dinner, but it was such an amazing and unique highlight. The universe agreed that we were meant to be.
Planning your dream day? Our real wedding archive is the perfect place to begin for styling inspiration, words of wisdom and real couple’s stories. Search by state, style or colour palette, and effortlessly elevate your Pinterest board as you go.
ALONI & MARIE’S VENDORS:
Ceremony venue: Jackalope Hotel Mornington Peninsula – Terrace overlooking the vineyard
Reception venue: Jackalope Hotel Mornington Peninsula – Doot doot doot restaurant
Celebrant: Megan Thompson
Photography: Nikola Janev
Videography: Michael Ribons from Bows & Ribbons Studio
Florist: Jo Laver Flowers
Hair: Zana Valentic – Baroquesalon
Make-up: Steph Dawson – Stephanie Jade Makeup Artistry
The dress: Lihi Hod – MAËLLE Melbourne
Shoes: Hers – Gucci / His – Christian Louboutin
Rings: Etsy
Suit: Tom Ford
Favours: our favour was a night at Jackalope Hotel for all our guests.
Entertainment: Reigan Derry
