Real Wedding – Andrea & Paul, Coburg VIC
Andrea and Paul didn’t beat around the bush when it came to planning their incredible celebration, leaving just three months to plan the whole shebang!
Choosing the Post Office Hotel, they were wed on the deck in the beer garden giving their whole affair an organic backyard vibe that left them and their guests feeling completely relaxed. The dance floor was a highlight as they busted out their best moves and there to capture it all was photographer Kyra Boyer.
In Andrea’s words…
The meeting.
We met back at the end of high school on our “schoolies” week and were mates for the best part of 5 years before it turned into something more.
The one.
It was the evolution of a friendship. We were best friends and have been for a very long time. Our relationship has sustained highs and lows, and periods of long distance, there was no else we would rather spend the rest of our lives with.
The proposal.
It was a very low key, intimate proposal. In October 2015 Paul and I were gearing up for a big grand final day weekend in Melbourne and had decided on a dinner at Movida. We had our dinner, headed home, and it was at home, the minute I walked in the door and saw a bunch of flowers on the table, he dropped to his knee and asked the big question.
The planning.
It was very important to us that our wedding was super relaxed not only for us, but for our guests too. We started by pub/bar/restaurant/café crawling too see if we could find a venue that not only had that down to earth vibe that we were seeking but also catered for weddings. Many pints later, we found ourselves at the Post Office Hotel.
Style inspiration.
In the end, despite being in a relationship for over decade, we decided to get married and picked a date that was in less than 3 months. It just felt right. All systems go. We knew we wanted it to be a complete reflection of us as a couple. Our ceremony was held in such a lovely setting; on the deck in the beer garden, a really organic backyard vibe. To have the reception at the same venue was a must. We love to throw a party so we wanted an informal, cocktail style reception that had peeps on the dance floor all night. It’s exactly how it ended up.
The dress.
My dress was silk and lace combination; custom designed and hand made by a family friend. It was a hybrid of two dresses that I tried on in two boutiques and through the various stages of the dressmaking developed into the most perfect creation.
Favourite moments.
There are too many to count! I loved the moment that Paul and I first saw each other, which was prior to our ceremony. Once we were both ready, we had our first look, and it was something that I will remember forever. It was very special that we could share this in private and took a lot of pressure off for our ceremony, which definitely helped! We then had our bridal photos taken before our ceremony so once we were married we didn’t have to leave our own party! Very important!
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage is the greatest symbol of friendship. It means, I love you and I want everyone to know how much. Someone said to me recently that “marriage adds another layer”. I think this is a perfect description.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Gimme Sympathy by Metric (acoustic version).
Our first dance included the whole crowd. Halfway through the evening, we played a traditional Slovenian song called Na Golici, (to pay homage to my heritage) and it was awesome! Accordions make for happy dancing!
Words of wisdom.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. I know it’s very easy to get caught up in the hype, but honestly, as long as it is a reflection of you, it will be the best day you could ask for.
Bananas about boho vibe weddings? Be sure to check out Stephanie and Andrew’s gorgeous day.
ANDREA AND PAUL’S TRIBE
Ceremony venue / location: Post Office Hotel, Coburg
Reception venue / location: Post Office Hotel, Coburg
Celebrant/Officiant: Wendy Does Weddings. What a superstar! Wendy prepared the most incredible & personal ceremony we could have asked for.
Photography: Kyra Boyer Photography. We wanted candid photography that properly captured the whole look and feel of our wedding day and Kyra is a master. Honestly, I can’t even decide on which photos to print and put in a frame because there are all incredible!
Florist: The Fresh Flower Man
Hair: Sarah at Urth Salon
Make Up: Emily McGrath Make Up Artist
The Dress: My family friend Michelle Francis; dressmaker extraordinaire!
Bride’s Shoes: Oldies but goodies from the cupboard!
Rings: Private jeweller, custom made to order.
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Forever New
Bridesmaid’s shoes: Novo
Groom’s suit: Woodstock Melbourne
Groom’s Shoes: Oldies but goodies from the cupboard!
Bow ties / ties: Calvin Klein
Catering: Post Office Hotel, absolutely delicious!
Bar: Post Office Hotel
Cake / Cake topper: Little Bertha – Insta worthy petit fours!
Stationery / Signage: DIY and Post Office Hotel
Entertainment: Phoebe and the Night Creatures – Our wedding was all the better for choosing this band. We are already trying to figure out what party we can have next so we can hire them for another gig!
Hire: Carnival Heart (for DIY Photobooth backdrop) from Letter Lights.
Honeymoon: TBA… We haven’t quite got to that yet! I’m picturing sailing the Croatian Coastline, aperol spritz in hand!
