Real Wedding – Chantelle & John, Collingwood VIC
Oh how we love a stunning city soiree, and Chantelle and John’s incredible day sure made us giddy!
Set at Rupert on Rupert, they decked their day out in fabulous florals that gave the venue a moody and romantic mood.
Starting the day off with a sensational ceremony that blew their guests away, Chantelle brought the va-va-voom in her glorious One Day Bridal gown.
They ended the night on the dance floor and boogied up a storm with their fabulous family and friends and I Got You Babe was there to capture all the magic moments.
In Chantelle’s words..
The meeting.
We met through a mutual friend he was dating back in 2000. We bumped into each other one night tore up the dance floor, then shared a kiss. It gave me goosebumps!
The ‘one’.
To be honest I’m not too sure when I knew. All I knew was my heart hurt at the thought of not seeing his smile every day. I remember fulling in love with him all over again on a deeper level when we had our first child.
The proposal.
We went to one of our favorite places to eat in St Kilda – Balas. We would get take away and drive down to the beach and eat it there or in the car on cold nights. This one night was freezing and he said, “let’s go for a walk”. I wasn’t interested but he eventually got me out of the car. We walked up to the spot his father would take him as a kid. His dad passed away when he was a young teenager, so it’s a special spot for him. When he got down on one knee I thought he was tying his shoe lace at first, so I gave him a nudge to knock him over and then I saw the ring. He proposed with the ring his dad used to ask his mum.
The planning process.
We have two young kids, and I work two days a week, so I wanted to keep things simple, relaxed and cruisy. I said to myself I will only look at three places for everything. I didn’t want to get overwhelmed by choice.
I felt the Venue and Photographer where my top priority. Once I locked that in the rest followed.
Style inspiration.
I wanted something moody and romantic. We also wanted something a bit unique. Rupert on Rupert is all those things. I have always loved that place, it was a no brainer.
The outfit.
I would say my dress was elegant and timeless. I wanted long lace sleeves. And something that would suit me, being an old duck. I looked on Instagram at photographer and wedding inspiration pages and followed links from there. I had a budget, but went a bit over (I’m hopeful that John doesn’t ready this!)
Favourite moment.
The ceremony was a standout. Our celebrant was something special, he really set the tone.
Meaning of marriage.
We have been together just over 18 years. We created a home to welcome our two little babes into and I suppose it was just taking a moment to celebrate us and all that we have achieved together. To get our nearest and dearest together and celebrate love.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Magic by Cold Play
Announcement: Crazy Love – Van Morrison
Reception Entry: Homemade Dynamite by Lorde
First Dance: Stay Together by Al Green
Funny stories (or near disasters).
I think our son Sebastian stole the show during the ceremony when he brought up chicken nuggets and said “alright, alright settle down guys”.
Planning surprises.
Just how quick the day goes.
Words of wisdom.
Spend the money on a great photographer. At the end of it all that’s all you will have left to look back on. You can’t put a price on that. My wedding date revolved around Lilli From I Got You Babe and the venue being free on the same day.
City swooning? Be sure to check out Yasmin and Brenton’s stunning city soiree!
CHANTELLE AND JOHN’S TRIBE
Ceremony and reception venue: Rupert on Rupert – Mali and the team there are great. Everything is great at Rupert, the venue the food the staff. I just turned up relaxed and ready to get the Lurve Party started!
Celebrant/Officiant: Damon Hughes – absolute legend in the lead up and on the day.
Photography: Lilli Waters from I Got You Babe – absolute pro.
Florist: Pomp and Splendour – the arbor was amazing
Hair: Paper Scissors Rock
Make Up: Ebony Kay
The Dress(es): One Day Bridal
Shoes: Robert Robert
Rings: Windfall
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Kate Sylvester & Zimmerman
Groomsmen’s suits: John’s jacket was a custom made one from Briggins Clothier. The rest of suit was from standard suit place at a shopping centre.
Cake / Cake topper: Miss Ladybird Cakes
Stationery / Signage: Paper Marc Olga Peiris
Entertainment: We let the venue take care of our music.
Transport: VH Valiant Charger & 1968 Mercedes Benz – the cars are both from our collection.
Décor: Rupert on Rupert is just amazing as it is, Mali and her team have set something real special up there.
Photo booth – Heartbreak Hotel
