Real Wedding – Danielle & Tom, South Yarra VIC
In the three years between Danielle and Tom’s original wedding date and their covid enforced postponement, not only did they have two beautiful children, but they took the time to create a bliss-filled concoction of elegant style, modern party vibes and sweet emotion.
Danielle glammed up for the occasion in a gorgeous gown by Oglia-Loro couture, complete with an on-point thigh-high split, while Tom went with classic, sharp black. With a soft, neutral choice of hues and accents of chic black, the overall aesthetic was clean, contemporary romance meets summer garden soiree.
Seeing Tom at the end of the floral embellished aisle with his two darling daughters is a truly dreamy vision and one etched into Danielle’s memory for life.
A party three years in the making was sure to be epic, but with The Baker Boys Band at the helm, the soundtrack elevated the mood to a whole new level. Through the talented lens of Mad For You Creative, this dream day is one remember – scroll on to enjoy every detail.
The meeting.
We met in November 2013 at our good friend’s daughter’s 1st birthday party.
The ‘one’.
When we met, Tom had moved from Melbourne to Perth. Whilst he was back home visiting, we went on our first date. We continued to talk daily, and two weeks later, Tom flew back to Melbourne from Perth. We spent the best part of a week together. This pattern continued (two weeks apart, one week together). We knew we had found ‘the one’ when the goodbyes got too difficult, and Tom relocated back to Melbourne.
The proposal.
True to our style, it was very relaxed. It was the first day of summer; we went to dinner and then took a stroll along South Bank. We were sitting along the banks of the Yarra. There was no bended knee!
Planning process.
We’ve planned our big day a few times. Our original wedding was in Sept 2020, but Covid spoiled that. We tried to reschedule to the end of 2020, but a wedding with restrictions wasn’t for us, so we decided to park it for a while. Whilst scrolling on Instagram, I saw that the Darling Group had taken over The Terrace at the Royal Botanic Gardens. We looked at the venue back in 2019, and whilst we loved the setting of the gardens, the venue was dated. I love other venues by the Darling Group, so I was excited to check it out. We met Craig in late October 2022, the venue wasn’t quite finished, but we liked what we saw and knew we would be in good hands, so we decided to lock it in. It was a push to organise a wedding in such a short time frame, but we did it.
Original wedding Sept 2020 – fast forward to Feb 2023, two kids later, different venue, and it was perfectly us.
Style inspiration.
We wanted a timeless style with contemporary elements: clean lines, neutral tones, romantic vibe.
I found inspiration via Real Weddings. I can’t say there was a particular one, but I loved looking at editorial-style wedding photographs.
The ceremony.
Having our two daughters there. Our eldest daughter, Charlotte (three years old), walked down the aisle with her cousin. Tom greeted them with a lollipop at the end of the aisle. Tom ended up holding our youngest daughter, Harper (nine months old), during the ceremony. Also, having a Catholic ceremony in the Royal Botanic Gardens was pretty special.
The outfit.
I never thought I would wear a big dress, but after trying lots of different styles, I couldn’t go past a strapless dress with a full skirt. The high split was a must! I wanted a timeless look with a modern twist.
Favourite moments.
One of our favourite moments was when our photographers whisked us away at sunset, and we had a glass of champagne together on the lawn by the lake.
Meaning of marriage.
Showing our lifelong commitment to each other in front of our daughters, our closest family and friends was important. For us, marriage is a continuation of the life that we have already built together. Committing to a relationship built on mutual respect, love, and trust with a daily dose of laughter,
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Can’t Help Falling In Love by Kina Grannis
Reception entry: You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate
First dance: Stand By Me by Ben E King
Funny stories or near disasters.
Bees made their way in between the layers of tulle of my dress. During our photos, we stopped many times to get them out.
The weather on our wedding day was 41 degrees. Within 30 minutes, there was a significant change with the temperature dropping. A storm was threatening, but nothing eventuated but a few raindrops. We felt blessed to be left with a beautiful summer night. It was perfect.
Words of wisdom.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Danielle and Tom’s gorgeous garden surrounds determined the stunning style for their day – but where do you begin when searching for your perfect wedding venue? We’ve asked three industry experts for their take, and the answers are an essential read. Check it out here on the blog.
DANIELLE & TOM’S VENDORS
Ceremony location: Taxodium Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Reception venue: The Terrace, Royal Botanic Gardens
Celebrant: Fr Mark Reynolds
Photography: Mad For You Creative – the dream team! We both don’t love to be photographed, but the girls made us feel so comfortable.
Videography: Ryan Lee Adams
Florist: Juliet Louise Flowers
Hair: Julian Cruzado Hair
Make-up: Holly Davies – I loved my make-up. Even in 40-degree heat, my makeup did not move! I always knew I was in good hands with Holly.
The dress & veil: Oglia-Loro Couture – Working with Sam was a dream! He was so understanding and accommodating through our postponements. He is not only ridiculously talented, he is friendly, honest and a genuinely good person.
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Rings: JGS Jewellers
Earrings: Tiffany Duliege
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Bec + Bridge
Bridesmaid’s earrings: GMS Silver
Flowergirl’s dresses: Oui Babe
Suits: Black Tie Classic
Catering: The Terrace (The Darling Group)
Favours: Donation to Monash Children’s Hospital – our youngest daughter spent some time in the Monash NICU. We thought this was a nice way to give back.
Cake: Eiffel Tower Cakes
Stationery / Signage: Design – one of my very talented bridesmaids. Printing – Press Print Solutions.
Entertainment: The Baker Boys Band
Hire: Weddings of Distinction for ceremony furniture
Honeymoon: Not sure as yet. It will be a familymoon, though.
