Real Wedding – Calypso & James, Collingwood VIC
With a smashing soundtrack, knockout first dance moves and rich, lush styling choices, Calypso and James’ day is most definitely a stand out – for all the right reasons!
From the moment their eyes met over the bunsen burners of a science lab to their proposal on a Japanese island, Calypso and James have been true to themselves. And their wedding celebrations were no exception.
Pulling together a dream line-up of vendors including Tribe star It’s Beautiful Here, Calypso and James eclipsed their vision of an epic, love-filled party!
They chose to enter their ceremony together, stepping into their next chapter as equals. As they put it, wherever they are together is home. And for that day, home was Rupert on Rupert, filled with their closest friends and family and a whole lotta love.
The meeting.
We met in a science lab back in Perth in 2015. Calypso asked James how to use a specific piece of equipment and then asked him out about 3 months later.
The one.
Calypso knew about 20 minutes into their first date, but she didn’t let that on until after getting engaged. It took James about six months when he decided he wanted to follow her across the country when she got into medical school in Victoria.
The proposal.
We were holidaying in Japan and visiting the island of Naoshima. We had seen one of Yayoi Kusama’s “Pumpkin” sculptures and were now at a coastal lookout. James got down on one knee and popped the question. Calypso said yes and then ugly cried for about ten minutes.
Planning process.
We made a time to meet Jess Kerr (she was first on our shortlist of celebrants) and things sort of fell into place from there. Before meeting Jess, we had no plan of approximately when we wanted to get married, we were just trying to slowly start the process. However, our meeting with Jess was so beautiful that we decided that we wanted to get married at the end of the year (it was late February when we met Jess). Jess suggested Rupert on Rupert and we already loved the work of Vivien at Flos. Botanical Studio and Kat + Scout at Its Beautiful Here. Calypso contacted these vendors and the date was locked in and deposits were paid within about 48 hours of first meeting Jess. From there we looked at a few blogs, got tips from friends and family, and continued to organize decisively.
Style inspiration.
We wanted a day that was ours. We are non-religious and non-traditional so we chose things because we liked them rather than because of any expectations that others had of us. Because of this, we walked each other down the aisle because this was something we were equal partners in.
What we really wanted from the day was a big party that celebrated our love and we think we achieved that in spades.
The outfit.
Calypso wore a white balloon sleeve mini dress from Zimmermann. This was the first (and only) dress she tried on and she really wanted something she could dance in.
Favourite moment.
Our favourite moment of the day was reading our vows to each other. Our vows were the only detail that was a secret from each other, and it was really beautiful to hear our love professed so deeply.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage means finding your “home” with someone else. It doesn’t matter where we could be in the world, but it would be home if the other person is there.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Island – The XX
Certificate signing: I Love You, Honeybear – Father John Misty
Reception entry: Baby, I’m Yours – The Arctic Monkeys
First dance: When You’re Smiling and Astride Me – Father John Misty
Planning surprises.
We were surprised about how much learning a first dance together could improve communication and bring us closer together.
Words of wisdom.
DANCE LESSONS! Even if you don’t do a choreographed first dance, dance lessons are great and help you move nicely together.
Also, if you’re on the fence about having something, just get it because YOGMO (you only get married once). Don’t get carried away but also just do it.
Want your wedding ceremony to feel more banging than bland? Our celebrant stars have come up with some of their favourite ways to think outside of the norm and create a ceremony that will kick-start your party. Check out their ceremony tips here.
CALYPSO AND JAMES’ VENDORS
Ceremony and reception venue: Rupert on Rupert, Collingwood.
Celebrant/Officiant: Jess Kerr.
Photography: It’s Beautiful Here.
Florist: Flos. Botanical Studio.
Hair: Hair by Natalie Jaye.
Make Up: Kelly Rose MUA.
The Dress: Zimmermann.
Shoes: Chanel.
Rings: Canturi.
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Bec + Bridge.
Groomsmen’s suits: Oscar Hunt Tailors.
Cake / Cake topper: Miss Ladybird Cakes.
Stationery / Signage: Papier
Entertainment: Mercury DJ Hire.
