Real Wedding – Eris & Viv, Melbourne VIC
Eris and Viv never set out to follow wedding trends – instead, they wrote their own. Their fashion choices alone made a statement, with Eris wearing a beautiful Rachel Gilbert gown before changing into a second, unforgettable look, while Vivien stunned in a classic Chanel suit finished with a pussy-bow shirt. Effortless, stylish, and completely them.
Meeting as flatmates and falling in love through the quiet magic of everyday moments, Eris and Viv stayed true to themselves throughout the planning process. Their day unfolded across some of Melbourne’s most iconic locations – exchanging vows at the Old Treasury Building, capturing breathtaking portraits at Cleo by Hyde Melbourne Place, before celebrating at their favourite restaurant, Vue de Monde.
Watch the moments of the day unfold through the lens of Leila Wan Photography from Popcorn + Rubi.
The meeting.
We actually met through a flat search. I’d just finished Uni and was looking for a place to move into, and she was one of the flatmates already living there. Neither of us expected anything more than a conversation about rent and Wi-Fi, but it turned into the start of something bigger.
The one.
There wasn’t one dramatic moment and it was a series of small, everyday things. The way we supported each other, laughed at the same silly things, and just felt at ease together. Over time it became clear that this was the person I wanted to build a life with.
The proposal.
We were on what I thought was a casual trip with another couple celebrating their anniversary. I had absolutely no idea the entire getaway had secretly been planned around a proposal. One evening, while I was waiting for her to get ready so we could start a movie, she walked out holding a Jellycat bouquet. Before I knew it, she asked the question. It was sweet, low-key, and very much our style. I was completely caught off guard in the best way.
Planning process.
We took things step by step and tried not to overcomplicate anything. Once we found the venue and decided on the overall style, everything else naturally fell into place. We focused on the elements that mattered most to us and didn’t stress too much about trends or perfection.
Style inspiration.
We planned our wedding for late July, which is peak “unpredictable Melbourne weather,” so finding a warm and intimate indoor venue was the priority. Vue de Monde has always been one of our favourite restaurants so once we realised it could host weddings, we locked it in immediately. From there, everything else naturally followed the venue’s atmosphere: modern, simple, and elegantly understated.
Real wedding content was also helpful and seeing how other couples brought their ideas to life made it easier to visualise what we liked. We also used magazines to get a sense of colours, floral styles, and photography inspiration, but we didn’t get too caught up in trends.
The ceremony.
Our ceremony was held at the Old Treasury Building, a place I’d visited many times before to witness other people’s ceremonies. I thought I knew the space and the process so well that mine would feel predictable, but it was completely different on the day. Standing there with our closest people, it felt intimate, emotional, and far more meaningful than I ever expected.
The outfits.
My outfit ended up being quite different from what I originally imagined. After trying a range of styles, the Rachel Gilbert gown just felt right. it was flattering, comfortable, and suited the understated elegance we wanted for the day. My partner had a harder time deciding. Then one day we walked past Chanel, and I suggested trying something a little more “out of the box” and gender neutral. It turned out to be the perfect direction and suited her beautifully.
Favourite moment.
There were so many, but one standout was taking a quiet moment together away from the crowd. Just a few minutes to breathe, look around, and absorb everything happening. It was incredibly grounding and special.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage, to us, is a partnership built on trust, respect, and shared goals. It’s choosing each other every day, supporting one another, and growing together through all of life’s changes.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Only for You – Tommee Profitt & Fleurie
Reception Entry: Toi Et Moi – Paradis
First Dance: We didn’t have a first dance.
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Absolutely there’s one that still makes us laugh! We had packed every little thing we could think of the day before the ceremony… except the forms and IDs. We didn’t realise until about an hour and a half before the ceremony. Thankfully, a group of guests happened to be nearby and managed to grab the folder and get it to us just in time. Crisis averted and a story we’ll never forget!
Planning surprises.
We were surprised by how many small decisions there were. Even simple things involved multiple steps. But once we learned to prioritise what mattered, it became much easier.
Words of wisdom.
For those who are considering getting married at the Old Treasury building, pack your documents first, everything else can wait!
Final words.
A huge thank-you to everyone who made the day so special, from our guests to our amazing vendors! It truly wouldn’t have been the same without them.
ERIS & VIV’S WEDDING VENDORS
Ceremony venue: Margaret Craig room at the Old Treasury Building
Reception venue: Vue Events at Vue de Monde
Location photos venue: Cleo by Hyde Melbourne Place
Celebrant/Officiant: The celebrant was assigned by the venue. Her first name is Odin.
Photography: Leila Wan Photography and Popcorn + Ruby
Videography: Calvin Koo and Popcorn + Ruby
Florist: Blacc Flower
Hair and make-up: Yaya Makeup
The dresses and veil: Rachel Gilbert
Shoes: Roger Vivier & Chanel
Rings: Graff & Cartier
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Zimmermann
Suit: Chanel
Catering: Vue Events
Favours: Venchi Chocolates
Cake / Cake topper: Mali Bakes
Honeymoon: Not yet
