Real wedding – Erin & Ian, Abbotsford VIC

Erin and Ian celebrated their love in style at the gorgeous Abbotsford Convent.

A traditional chapel ceremony, followed by a superbly-styled reception on the Convent grounds, made for the perfect celebration of these long-time lovers.

Erin, breathtakingly beautiful in her lace One Day Bridal gown, along with the picture-perfect styling of Tribe talent, Wanderlust Creative – combined to make this day one to remember.

Completing the all-star Tribal line-up was the talented Michael Briggs, who was there to capture it all.

The meeting.

We met nine years ago, both working at the same bar in Melbourne. I mixed my tip jar up with Ian’s, we argued over who earned more tips and then Ian being the chivalrous one, suggested splitting the tips evenly (even though he probably earned a lot more than me). One thing led to another and we bonded over our love for the beach and travel. What started as a summer fling leaded to me walking down the aisle to the love of my life nine years later.

The ‘one’.

There was no one moment but spending two months travelling around Costa Rica and Panama on a surf safari one year into our relationship, never getting sick of each other and seeing each other at our best and worst, definitely sealed the deal.

The proposal.

We spent three weeks in New Zealand for a close friend’s wedding, we were almost at the end of our holiday when Ian started talking to me about how he felt a lot of pressure to propose and it was all too much. I told him not to worry, however, little did I know, it was all a decoy and he had carried the ring for the past three weeks. The next day we spent the morning kayaking through Cathedral Cove and ended the day with a picnic overlooking the islands, when Ian bent down on one knee to propose. I cried and I think the first thing I said was ‘I think I’m going to be sick’. Nothing prepares you for the flood of emotions.

The planning. 

We played around with dates and venues, and were heading to Italy with the family later that year so toyed with the idea of a small elopement in Tuscany, however decided we really wanted certain family/friends there who we knew wouldn’t make it over. In the end, Abbotsford Convent was the perfect venue for us. We had spent a lot of time there together at the Children’s Farm and cafe, I had grown up in the area and Ian’s Aunt had been a nun at the convent. We loved that everything could be in one spot and yet still so close to the city, with the country vibe that we loved. The planning was fun and at times stressful, however now it’s over I really do miss it.

Style inspiration.

My inspiration came from my love of golds/copper and deep pink dahlias. We wanted to incorporate lots of different textures and smells.

The dress.

I really enjoyed dress shopping, it was a real bonding moment with my mum – she never had a proper wedding dress and really regretted it. I was originally going to go very low key and boho but in the end I’m really happy I went a little bit more formal, but still relaxed style. Some of the bridal stores I went to resulted in horrible experiences, but when I arrived at One Day Bridal I instantly felt relaxed. Steph and Khya were so laid back and my mum and I were actually a little sad when the final appointment came around.

Favourite moments.

There were so many. I loved the night before hanging out with my best friends and mum. The morning of the wedding, one of my amazing friends rocked up to my parents house where we were getting ready with a delicious breakfast spread and coffees. One of my favourite moments though would have to be our first dance, I was so worried I would feel nervous being in front of everyone but when I heard the song we had picked, it really felt like we were the only ones in the room (so cliche, but true).

Traditions.

The biggest tradition was having our ceremony in the chapel, it meant a lot to our parents and we were so excited to have Father Bob marry us. He married my parents over 30 years ago and baptised my brother and I.

Meaning of marriage.

It is the icing on the cake to an already loving relationship. It means committing to stick by each other through thick and thin and really feels as though we have moved forward to a new chapter in our life together.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle (bridesmaids): You’ve Got The love by Florence and The Machine

Aisle (bride): Fire and Flood by Vance Joy

Signing: Better Together by Jack Johnson

Leaving: Hey Ho by The Lumineers

First dance: Into The Mystic by Van Morrison

Funny stories (or near disasters).

Ian’s mum decided to take a ‘quick’ trip to Antarctica, and was meant to return two days before the wedding when we got the news they had been delayed due to weather. She ended up arriving into the country the morning of our wedding. There was talk of her at one stage coming straight to the ceremony with her suitcase from the airport! Funny to look back on now.

Words of wisdom.

Don’t spend too much time on Instagram and Pinterest, there is so much out there it can become overwhelming. Make decisions and stick to them, not letting anyone talk you out of things.

Final words.

Enjoy every moment of the wedding planning and at the end of the day remember to enjoy the process together, I know Ian really enjoyed playing a part in the planning.

 

 

 

Erin and Ian’s Tribe.

Ceremony: Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford Convent

Reception: Abbotsford Convent

Officiant: Father Bob Maguire

Photography: Michael Briggs Photography – Michael really helped make our day so much more relaxed just by being himself. The photos did exactly what he said and captured the moments rather than poses. We cannot recommend him more highly.

Videography: Tim O’Keefe – Mr & Mrs films

Styling: Wanderlust Creative – Laura did an amazing job helping to style our wedding. I had so many ideas that I really needed help bringing them all together. She single-handedly tied up each glass lantern in the reception courtyard and then stayed back late cutting each down. She really went above and beyond in the lead up and on the day.

Florist: Mary Mary – Kate created a feast for the senses which is what we had planned. The bouquets were full of fruits and herbs, the aroma and textures were unreal.

Hair: Tash at Mien Hair Salon and Day Spa. It was so relaxing being able to just go to my local salon.

Make-up: Francesca Goldspring. Fran had us all in stitches, she is so friendly and relaxed. She managed to impress my mum who is never happy when she gets her makeup done.

The dress: One Day Bridal

Accessories: Matt Wynne, earrings. The stone in the middle of my earrings was my grandmother’s engagement ring stones – something that I will forever cherish.

Shoes: Midas

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Shona Joy

Groom’s suit: Formal Red

Catering: Bursaria

Favors: Home-made jam, made by my husband and one of the lovely mums, Sophie, from his school.

Cake: Harper & Blohm cheese tower – The cheese tower was a real feature at our wedding. We love our cheese and felt that the desserts were enough sweets for everyone. It was so much fun to open up the whiskey cart and see guests relaxing with a glass of scotch and some cheese at the end of the night.

Stationery: More Than Paper – Lisa was so accommodating and always made changes when I frantically emailed her at the last minute.

Entertainment: Lark Music.

Transport: Triple R Transport

Honeymoon: Port Douglas. We enjoyed every minute on the beach together.

Other: The barber the boys used on the morning of the wedding to have hair cuts and shaves was BarberBlack Sheep – Sydney Rd, Brunswick. Ian goes there as a regular customer and they agreed to open early and exclusively for him and the boys on that morning.