Real Wedding – Brigitte & Ryan, Carlton VIC
After reworking their plans no less than three times due to COVID-19 restrictions, Brigitte and Ryan created a day that was entirely reflective of who they are as a couple. Relaxed and intimate, their celebration radiated modern, effortless style.
Getting ready together set the scene for a day of low-key, love-filled moments. We love Ryan’s reaction to Brigitte’s incredible Georgia Young Couture gown, a vision of crisp contemporary class with a timeless twist. Blossoms of ivory, vanilla and soft sages by Florette were the perfect accessory, topped off with Brigitte’s stunning smile.
Tribe celebrant superstar Megan Thompson wove a ceremony filled with warmth and heart, setting the tone for a celebration continued by fifteen of their closest friends.
The legend behind the lens was Georgia Verrells, bringing her signature sensitivity and artistry to create the perfect peek into this incredible day.
The meeting.
I had moved from New Zealand to Western Australia and became part of a friendship group that was full of people from all over the country. As Ryan moved to town for his new job, he instantly became part of that group.
The one.
I think we both knew as soon as we met that there was something between us. We were friends for about a year or so before becoming involved more romantically. I think this really helped us to form a strong bond.
The proposal.
Ryan works in content creation/media and couldn’t help but make a BIG statement, inclusive of a video! He ‘ran’ across Australia from Perth to Great Western in Victoria as we were living apart at the time and surprised me with a proposal in the vines.
Planning process.
We were always wanting a small intimate ceremony for the day. It was really important for us to just be true to ourselves and what we wanted. I found it was very easy to get swept up in the glitz and glamour of it all. We had to change plans slightly as COVID-19 lockdowns meant we had to change dates three times. I loved our final day more than anything we had planned to have earlier in the year, so it was perfect.
Style inspiration.
Intimate, timeless, easy going and all about us starting our lives together.
The outfit.
I was fortunate that Ryan went to High School with the FABULOUS Georgia Young. So, for me the decision was easy. I had definitely been crushing on a dress of hers from an early collection and felt as though she designed it just for me it was absolutely perfect. In the end it came down to a decision between two dresses from Georgia Young Couture, my mum flew over from New Zealand to help me pick the final one.
Favourite moment.
Getting ready together. Having lots of laughs and being so relaxed because I knew we had chosen the perfect people to surround us and document our day.
Meaning of marriage.
Being a team and becoming a family unit.
Words of widom.
Stay true to yourself and don’t worry about what anyone else say or thinks you should so. It’s your day so don’t let anyone else dictate what happens.
Final words.
I found myself down so many rabbit holes on Instagram and Pinterest. I found it really helpful to take a break for a month or so while we were planning and come back to it all with a fresh mindset.
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RYAN AND BRIGITTE’S SUPPLIERS
Ceremony location: Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne
Reception location: Carlton Wine Room, Drummond Room. Incredible food, service and wine list. I was able to tailor our menu for us with no issues and the prices weren’t “wedding” prices as we just had a lovely dinner to celebrate with friends.
Celebrant: Megan Thompson. What a beautiful soul. Our ceremony was perfect, very warm, heartfelt and simple. Just us. Megan really understood what we wanted right from the outset and brought such kindness and warmth to our day.
Photography: Georgia Verrells. I’m pretty sure we’re best friends now! I could not imagine anyone else capturing our day. Georgia was perfect for us. I was so nervous because I am very awkward in front of a camera but Georgia really put me at ease. She was also one of our witnesses and was a pleasure to have with us on our small elopement.
Videography: True Story Wedding Films. T was amazing. He was suggested to us by Georgia Verrells and the two worked together so well to capture our day. Again, T was one of our witnesses and was such so chuffed to be part of our day. T just loves weddings and it truly showed.
Florist: Florette by Erin Cusack. Because we changed venues and dates a few times I changed my mind on the styling of flowers and Erin was so accommodating. She gave me such great advice on flowers and definitely delivered the goods on the day, the flowers were spot on!
Hair: Kelvin Wong, stylist at Rokk Ebony. what a master! This guy knows hair and is a gem of stylist.
Make Up: A personal friend, Rachel Echols. Made me feel like the best version of myself.
The outfit: Georgia Young Couture. Incredible lady with incredible dresses. Her studio is beautiful, and I felt like a million dollars in her dress. They are truly designed for a woman’s body. I can’t speak more highly of my experience with Georgia.
Rings: Rutherford Jewellery. Custom made from an antique design. simple and elegant.
