Real Wedding – Chloe & Ben, St Kilda VIC
When one of our fave photographers and all-around amazing humans gets married, it’s definitely an occasion to celebrate. Chloe and Ben’s St Kilda celebration is a harmony of captivating creativity, stunning style and fun-filled bliss, and we simply can’t get enough.
Choosing to keep their theming classic with an understated contemporary edge was an absolute vibe. The George Ballroom, already a uniquely beautiful setting, was elevated by The Petal Project with an overflowing abundance of florals in tones of muted sage, lush forest greens, sweet violet and accents of crisp ivory. Against this exquisite backdrop, Chloe and Ben simply shine.
Chloe’s incredible outfit by Cherubina is a vision of modern elegance and edge, loosely inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s Balmain wedding look. We can’t get enough of her epic accessories, including a chic black headpiece , to die for Louboutins, soft polka dot gloves and bouquet of simple lavender stems interchanged with a fresh orchid arrangement. Choosing to switch to a Rachel Gilbert party gown for the reception is another inspired choice. Against these fabulous fits, Ben cuts a classically sharp silhouette in an ebony three-piece tux, accessories with an antique brooch.
But for us, the breathtaking brilliance of this day is the soft, sweet romance that underpins every aesthetically exquisite shot by Chloe May’s photography team. As their newlyweds meander through the streets of their home ground, St Kilda, for their perfectly poignant portrait session, our hearts are overflowing.
Scroll on to experience this blissfully styled beauty of a day.
The meeting.
We moved in next door to each other in 2017, our apartments had a shared balcony, and our dogs would frequently wander into each other’s apartments. He was literally the boy next door.
The ‘one’.
It wasn’t something I ever had to question or wonder; it just felt right!
The proposal.
He proposed by filling our apartment with flowers, with a card in each room, as well as cards pinned to the dog’s collars! It’s such a whirlwind moment, so it’s nice to have the words and sentiments written down.
Planning process.
It was a fairly easy process as I knew all my vendors from working with them over the years. Everyone was so wonderful.
The real MVP was Alison from The Petal Project. This was her wedding as much as Ben’s and mine in terms of styling. She went absolutely above and beyond.
Alexandra from One Mimosa Please was also my planning partner. She did the most incredible stationary, such as standing 3D place settings and beautiful illustrations on the menu.
The three of us would come up with all sorts of wild ideas, and it was up to poor Ben to dial us back.
Style inspiration.
Ben and I wanted something very classic. It was a late autumn wedding, so having it indoors was a must. We wanted our guests to enjoy a wedding in Melbourne. St Kilda is very special to Ben and me, as we live nearby and spend a lot of time walking to and enjoying the cafes and restaurants. I left magic up to Alison; lots of lavender and lots of candles were the requests!
As I worked in the industry, I was in the best possible position to see all the incredible choices couples make when it comes to styling their wedding, so it was very easy to get inspiration.
The creative process is very much a feeling. When you’re on the right track, it just feels right. I had a picture I kept coming back to, and that was one of Audrey Hepburn wearing Balmain to her wedding in 1954.
The ceremony.
We had Tobi Tobi play an interlude of Moon River halfway through the ceremony. It was beautiful to stop and take a moment to absorb everything that was happening and to enjoy the ceremony. It passes in a flash otherwise!
The look.
I had a post-baby body and didn’t feel comfortable wearing anything form fitting. I was even too anxious to go to a bridal store and have a fitting of any kind, so I bought something online. As soon as I saw the dress, there was no other dress I considered.
Ben had a classic three-piece black tux and added some special touches, like a beautiful black brooch we got from an antique store. I also surprised him with gold money cat cufflinks, a nod to my Chinese heritage.
Favourite moments.
Walking into the room at the beginning of the ceremony and seeing everyone I love in the one room. It was a very beautiful moment.
Meaning of marriage.
Have a partner to laugh through life with.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: How long will I love you by the Waterboys, performed live by Tobi Tobi.
Reception entry: You’ve got the love by Florence and the Machine,
First dance: Coming Home by Leon Bridges
Planning surprises.
There are a lot of emails involved!
Words of wisdom.
Lock in your vendors as soon as you can! Beautiful people who love what they do make all the difference!
2022 has been a year for epic, outside-the-box thinking when it comes to weddings. Post pandemic celebrations took a turn towards bigger, bolder and more stylist than ever events – and we’ve got the wrap up on some of our favourites real wedding moments, here.
CHLOE & BEN’S VENDORS
Ceremony & reception venue: The George Ballroom
Celebrant: Georgia Mills. Such a beautiful and warm person. She really made the process very easy and was with us every step of the way.
Photography: Chloe May. Gina & Mia, my two beautiful photographers on the team, photographed my wedding. They captured everything and more and absolutely nailed it!
Styling: The Petal Project. Alison is an absolute visionary. She has a wonderful team behind her. The wedding wouldn’t have been half as amazing without her.
Florist: The Petal Project
Hair & make-up: Sophie Knox. Sophie is so beloved in the industry. She’s so funny and absolutely amazing at what she does.
The dresses: Cherubina as the main dress, Rachel Gilbert for the party!
Veil / headwear: Harriette Gordon, borrowed from my sister
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Rings: Cartier
Suits & bow tie: MJ Bale
Catering: The George Ballroom
Cake: Torte by Mirjana
Stationery / Signage: One Mimosa Please; Alexandra was also instrumental in the wedding styling coming together. She has an incredible eye and loves trying new things out of the ordinary.
Entertainment: Tobi Tobi for the ceremony, Divine Audio for the reception
Transport: Mustangs in Black
Hire: Cloth & Confetti, Dann Event Hire
Honeymoon: Italy
