Real Wedding – Caitlyn & Paul, Bellarine VIC
Caitlyn and Paul sealed the deal on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula and they couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.
For a bit of fun, Caitlyn began her dress search at Kleinfeld’s in New York, but eventually said ‘yes to the dress’ when it came to the stunning silhouettes of Georgia Young Couture.
Guests came from near and far so they were determined to show them a good time, and with a packed dance-floor all night long, they definitely achieved this.
For all the perfect party moments, get scrolling and see the beautiful work of photographer Stefani Driscoll.
The meeting.
We met eight years ago at a hostel in Mexico City. One of my bridesmaids knew one of the grooms’ groomsmen – we were good friends for three years and then the moment I was moving to New York it went to more than friends, he then moved over a few months after me!
The ‘one’.
We moved in together straight away (New York rent is expensive). Living together was fun and easy from the outset so I knew this was it.
The proposal.
I was working in Rhode Island on a project, one weekend Paul came up from New York and we went to Newport (a beautiful yachting town). Paul took me for a walk around the marina and proposed in a quiet spot by the ocean. He sat me down to explain the way the ring has been made. He had been working with a jeweler to design a ring that told a story of our relationship (i.e. gem stones on the inside to represent key milestones in our life together).
The process.
The beginning of our wedding was planned whilst we were still living in New York. I did an initial dress shop with my girls and my parents had booked the venue. When we moved home a few months later we booked the major things (photographer, videographer, celebrant, entertainment etc.). From there it was six months of finishing touches and organising the guests.
Style inspiration.
Relaxed summer winery and beachy vibe. We basically wanted a big party – we had guests travelling from all over the world, some who we hadn’t seen in a while so we wanted a fun dance-floor!
The dress.
My first wedding dress fitting was at Kleinfelds (‘Say Yes to the Dress’), in New York, which was more as a joke and a fun thing to do with my best friends. It was helpful because it provided me with a starting point, as I knew what I didn’t want. I wanted something fitted and streamlined, something with straps and something with back detail.
Therefore my dress was all about the detail – specifically detail from the back. I went with Georgia Young Couture because she had done one of my bridesmaid’s wedding dresses in the past and she has incredible silhouettes.
Favourite moments.
When the dance floor started – everyone was so excited and happy
Meaning of marriage.
To quote a couple of lines from my vows: marriage means having someone to celebrate all of life’s greatest moments with you and to support you through the difficult times.
Wedding soundtrack.
Sung by an acoustic duo
Aisle: XO by John Mayer
Signing: Young and beautiful by Lana Del Ray
Recessional: You’ve got the love by Florence and the Machines
DJ / Saxophone
Reception entry / Bridal party dance-off – The Cha Cha Slide
First dance: Born to be yours by Kygo
Funny stories (or near disasters).
The bridal party did a dance. We mentioned it to our crew at a BBQ the week before the wedding. The song was something we picked up in the US, it’s called the Cha Cha Slide. Basically the song tells you exactly what move to do – the guys were pretty hopeless initially but you could tell who had been practicing all week, and it wasn’t the groom.
Planning surprises.
I was surprised by how much I loved it. It was awesome planning this with my mum, we referred to her only as J.Lo the wedding planner for 12 months and she was incredible.
Words of wisdom.
The wedding should reflect you, but it should also be targeted towards your audience. You want people to have fun. Limit the amount and length of speeches – start the dance floor early…and have an epic play list!
The bride and groom should steal a moment together.
Rhi and Mitch threw the perfect wedding celebration on a piece of private property paradise, be sure to take a peek.
CAITLYN & PAUL’S TRIBE
Ceremony and reception: Terindah Estate
Celebrant/Officiant: Nicole Penning – she was AMAZING! So genuine and unobtrusive.
Photography: Stefani Driscoll
Videography: Moment Seeker – they managed to capture everything without being in the way of anything! The video is absolutely perfect!
Florist: Little Twig Flowers – such visionaries, they were incredible and so attentive meeting me at the venue multiple times.
Hair: Ivy Creations (Queenscliff)
Make-up: Kristen Hancock – she was also a wedding guest, really relaxed and very natural makeup
The Dress: Georgia Young Couture – Georgia was born to be in the wedding industry, so calming and attentive.
Shoes: Dolce Firme – Bianca Buccheri in Gold.
Rings: Zameer Kassam (engagement ring – Zameer is based out of New York and creates jewellery that tells a story. He has since been featured in US Vogue and designed the jewellery for Crazy Rich Asians).
Wedding rings: Jasmine Fraser – a very close family friend who was also a guest at the wedding.
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Rebecca Vallance
Groomsmen’s suits: Suit Shop – such an incredible tailored experience, they did five groom/groomsmen, my brother and dad.
Bow ties / ties: TM Lewin
Catering and bar: Terindah Estate
Favours: My mum hand-made candles.
Cake / Cake topper: Kiss My Cakes
Stationery / Signage: State of Reverie
Entertainment: Rutherford Entertainment – Acoustic duo for the ceremony, Saxophone and DJ for the dance-floor.
Transport: ABDA Buses
Hire: Memphis Hire
Honeymoon: Africa – Michelle Chubb from Flight Centre has booked EVERYTHING.
