Real Wedding – Gemma & Leo, Collingwood VIC  

 

Gemma and Leo’s elopement is proof that you don’t need guests to create an epic moment. In fact, their day is everything we love in a wedding celebration; absolutely authentic emotion, stress-free fun and divinely dazzling styling.

We love that these lovebirds chose Melbourne’s answer to a Vegas chapel; with all the Elvis sans the cheese, the Altar Electric is the Studio 54 of wedding venues, all punchy style and a super fresh approach.

Beginning the day with a beer together before getting hitched, taking a stroll through Collingwood’s urban landscape as newlyweds, then finishing the night off with dinner at Carlton Wine Room, Gemma and Leo kept their day true to their unique, super-cool style.

We love scrolling photographer Elsa Campbell’s gorgeous glimpses of the fun and fabulousness of this amazing afternoon.

 

The meeting.

We met through mutual friends; we were both musicians while at school and university. It was our bassist Brenton who was our connector, so basically, ska met pop-punk.

 

The ‘one’.

We’ve travelled the world together and lived in London. So, I think once you can live in each other’s pockets for a period of time and still work as a team, getting hitched ain’t a bad thing.

 

The proposal.

It was portrayed as a camping getaway that turned out to be a weekend retreat in Daylesford. We stayed at Clifftop at Hepburn. It wasn’t a showy engagement, just simple over bubbles and cheese.

 

Planning process.

Originally we were booked to elope in New York. This quickly became a nightmare thanks to a COVID lockdown and other elements. So, we went local and landed the best Melbourne elopement tribe who helped make everything fall into place.

 

Style inspiration. 

Classic, neutral with an 80’s twist (hello sleeves).

 

The outfit. 

A traditional white dress left a sour taste. The hunt was on for something modern yet a little dreamy. Stumbling on fashion weeks in London and Paris online led to Hong Kong-based The Edit. When it arrived, it was perfect, with no need for tailoring.

 

Favourite moments.

The Altar Electric! I wouldn’t trust any other to make your ceremony sparkle like they did. From the details of the space to the warm and humble nature of the team. Seriously, book them!

Dinner at Carlton Wine Room was beautiful and the service impeccable.

Post-wedding it was receiving our photos; Elsa’s ability is like magic.

 

Meaning of marriage.

Without being all traditionalist, it’s about building a life together.

 

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Be My Baby by The Ronettes

Recessional: You Make My Dreams (Come True) by Daryl Hall & John Oates

 

Funny stories or near disasters.

Being a hot day in Melbourne and in 2020 fashion, hand sanitiser came to good use when sliding on Leo’s ring!

 

Planning surprises.

The love and support our Melbourne supplier team showed us during the ups and downs of COVID.

 

Words of wisdom.

Take a Marie Kondo approach: if it brings you joy, do it!

 

 

Elopements and micro-weddings were the celebration of 2020, for obvious reasons. But we feel this is one super-trend that isn’t going to ease up anytime soon. For more elopement inspiration, check out Ashleigh & Jeigh’s stunning soiree.

 

GEMMA & LEO’S VENDORS:

Ceremony venue: The Altar Electric

Dinner location: Carlton Wine Room

Celebrant: Sarah Dobson (Mrs Hitch)

Photography: Elsa Campbell

Florist: Bridge Road Florist

Hair: Mariam Enedg

Make-up: Sasha Martini’s ‘Glow up’

The dress: The Edit

Accessories: Oroton

Shoes: Jane Debster / Loake shoemakers

Rings: Kalfin Jewellery

Groom’s suit: Wayward Heir