Real Wedding – Genie & Tass, Mildura VIC

 

A blind date set-up sealed the deal for Genie and Tass who wed in magic Mildura.

Wanting an outdoor country wedding that didn’t feel too rustic or country inspired, they maintained an elegant theme throughout, with minimal formalities but many special traditions.

While a dust storm and one years worth of rain threatened their day, it seemed the weather gods looked after them in the end.

On a sunny afternoon they  exchanged vows before an epic entrance into their reception got the crowd up and dancing right away. In turn, this set the scene for a sensational celebration where they danced under festoon lights and the stars, soaking up the love-filled atmosphere.

We are so proud to note that Tribe talent Nikola Janev captured this day, and the rave reviews below are definitely worth a read.

In their words…

 

The meeting.

We were just your typical blind date which started when two random people met in a nail salon, got talking and after a few hours realized they each had a single, 29/30-year-old relative. While it wasn’t the first time a random (and annoying) set-up like this had occurred for each of us, for some reason it was the first time we each didn’t dismiss the idea.

The next thing we knew we were texting, calling and met on a blind date – where we literally have been inseparable since that night. We were only together 1.5 years before we got engaged but it feels like we’ve been in each other’s lives forever.

 

The ‘one’.

For Tass, it was after Genie had cooked his favourite meal for him, who knew a simple lasagna could bring out ‘the one’. But for Genie, it was when Tass met her friends and family.

 

The proposal.

Tass did the proposing, a very sweet, intimate moment on a private part of the beachside in New Caledonia, at sunset of course.

 

Planning process.

Like any planner, the intention was to do as much of the heavy lifting and planning and decisions upfront, so in the last few months and weeks you can focus on the fun, less stressful activities and preparation; like skin, diet, pre-wedding festivities, etc. Having the large and medium things decided on early meant we could actually enjoy the last few months, because damn, do they go fast.

 

Style inspiration.

We were having an outdoor country wedding but didn’t want it to feel rustic or country-like, so tried to maintain an elegant theme as much as possible. As noted above, we were determined to achieve a fine balance of an elegant, yet fun and intimate, outdoor wedding with minimal formalities but many traditions.

 

The outfits.

Finding the wedding dress was easy, while it wasn’t the first one I tried on, it was the first one I saw (on another bride trying it on in the store) and I fell in love with it instantly. All other dresses were compared to this one, there were a few amendments we made to make it ‘me’ which were done over the course of the year.

The suits were also pretty easy, we wanted navy, but not too dark. After being recommended a tailor (@zacmenstailors) we stuck with him and they were brilliant in making all the groomsmen’s suits. The groom wanted the suits to have a joint peak on the suit collar, to make it dressier and different to the everyday work suit.

 

Favourite moment.

Our epic entrance and seeing everyone dance straight away. We wanted a party right from the beginning, and that’s what we got! The outdoor dancefloor allowed everyone to dance under the stars (both real stars and the festoon lighting).

 

Meaning of marriage.

Being a team and trusting that the other person will always support you and have your back when needed.

 

Wedding soundtrack.

Danza Kuduro – Don Lore V

You are the sunshine of my life – Stevie Wonder

Stand by me – Ben E King

 

Funny stories (or near disasters).

The weather was probably our funniest. We had the wedding in the Bride’s hometown, country Victoria where it never rains, and has blue skies and sun every day – even in winter. However, 2 days out we had a horrible town-wide dust storm and one day out we received a year’s worth of rain. Thankfully, the day of the wedding we had a cloudy morning – absolutely perfect for our outdoor photos – and then a sunny afternoon and evening perfect for an outdoor dancefloor. The day after, we had the recovery session at the Bride’s parents house, which was an abnormal combination of rain, dust and wind all day. The weather gods were definitely watching out for us.

 

Planning surprises.

Finding the reception venue was an absolute nightmare. We had a venue, which we thought we loved but then they pulled out on us after a few months. This was so frustrating at the time, meaning we had to start sourcing venues, catering again and change all hair and makeup etc. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, the day we originally booked (mentioned above) had torrential rain, and the next day, our wedding day was perfect.

They say everything happens for a reason and what was originally a nightmare, ended up being the best outcome anyone could’ve hoped for.

 

Words of wisdom.

It was worth every single dollar! It’s hard to part with that much money in one hit, but you can’t put a price on the best feeling ever. We still look back on the day and smile, laugh, and will talk about it with anyone who wants to listen!

 

 

 

Nikola Janev is a true talent when it comes to photography, you can book his services here.

 

TASS AND GENIE’S TRIBE

Ceremony venue / location: The Annunciation Our Lady, Mildura

Reception venue / location: Elvera Gardens, Mildura

Celebrant/Officiant: Father Gary Peripetsakis

Photography: 5 stars are not enough to rate either Nikola Janev as a person, or Nikola Janev as a photographer. From the minute we met him, our minds were set and we knew he was the only person we wanted to capture our day, and we were never disappointed.

Nik understood us as a couple and what we wanted on our day. The entire time he was professional, responsive (what every organised bride needs) and he was always super helpful. He even researched amazing locations for our destination wedding which we hadn’t even thought about and made sure we took advantage of the down times when the lighting and scenery was perfect – giving us the best memories of the best day.

While we knew, loved and appreciated Nik’s calming nature, it oozed out on the day amongst the bridal party, helping them feel calm, relaxed and ready to party! Such a gentleman. Choosing Nik to share in our day was the easiest (and best!) decision we made.

Videography: One Sweet Day

Styling: Mainly the bride supported by Pam Larkin @partybydesign

Florist:Blume by Colin Straub

Hair: Elegance Hair Salon

Make Up: Maree Brigante Make Up Artist & Embee Studio

The Dress(es): Belle et Blanc

Veil / headwear: Belle et Blanc

Rings: Manufacturing Jewellers

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Shona Joy

Groomsmen’s suits: Zac Mens

Bow ties / ties: Zac Mens

Catering: The Gourmet Chef

Bar: Dan Murphy’s

Favors: Self-made with family

Cake / Cake topper: The Petite Pantry

Stationery / Signage: Lily Kiss

Entertainment: Rythmos Band

The Rythmos band were seriously amazing and helped to give us the best night is our lives! The dance floor was filled for the entire night, a testament to them.

Transport:  Mildura Hummer

Décor: Pam Larkin @partybydesign

Hire: Mildura Party Hire

Honeymoon: Thailand and Langkawi

Other: My sister handmade our entrance sign and guest seating chart which we absolutely loved the personal touch.