Real Wedding – Holly & Luke, Melbourne VIC
Holly and Luke chose to do their wedding day their way, and the result is one ultra-chic romp through inner city Melbourne before saying their I Do’s in an intimate elopement.
After being together for a decade, creating their own beautiful family and seeking out adventures along the way, Holly and Luke never felt they’d stick within the box when it came to planning their dream day. Laid-back love, minimal fuss and big feelings were the focus, and they did it in true style.
Holly wears a stunning Dion Lee mini dress, giving super cool men’s shirt vibes with a feminine bodice and sleek a-line skirt. In a classic black suit, Luke can’t take his eyes off his stunning bride.
Photographer legend Tahnee Jade was the perfect fit to aesthetically lead this dream day, capturing every darling moment with dramatic style and candid flair.
Scroll on to see how low fuss can still mean epic impact.
The meeting.
We first met at everyone’s favourite shop – Kmart! Luke was working in the replenishment team, and I was picking up extra work. I remember asking the Duty Manager, “What is the name of the guy with the beard”? He just laughed and said, Luke. From there, there were some sneaky little dates and a cheeky kiss at Luke’s 21st, and the rest is history!
The ‘one’.
It was instant! Luke showed me the meaning of love and gave me our family! He accepted and loved me for everything. We did wait almost TEN WHOLE years to make it official, but we got there in the end.
The proposal.
We were in a taxi on the way home from my sister’s wedding in October 2022, and Luke turned to me and said, I think we should get married, and we should do it soon. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, so I calmly responded with, “Yeah, cool”. A week later, I asked Luke, I’m just confirming you are happy for me to start planning what we discussed? Luke smiled and said let’s do it, and let’s do it our own way.
Planning process.
Very chilled! The week of the wedding, I spent time with my sisters and sister-in-law for all our beauty appointments! My sisters took me out the night before for a mini Bachelorette night filled with cocktails and games!
The wedding day started with a walk around the tan with my sisters before heading off to Joey Scandizzo for blowwaves. We purchased flowers from a florist before returning to the hotel for make-up. It was the best morning, spending time with my sisters! Poor Luke was left to get Paddy and Charlie ready and bring them in to meet us. The nerves were creeping in, but the moment I saw Luke and the boys, they were gone.
We always wanted to keep the wedding small and have our families with us.
Style inspiration.
We just wanted to make it fun and spend time with our favourite people. We wanted to do it in a way that was true to us! We had always spoken about the registry office and how beautiful it was. It was right for us, and having our sons there was everything!
After the official business, we wanted to eat amazing food, drink amazing cocktails, and enjoy time with our families. We headed to Longsong, loving that it was dark and moody. After that, Luke’s siblings and my siblings danced the night away at a nightclub in the city!
The outfit.
My sisters and I went into High Street Armadale one Saturday morning. I told Luke there was no budget and said I would call him with an update! We walked into Dion Lee, and I knew I would find the one straight away. My sisters picked options, and off I went. The first one was just beautiful, but I looked at them, and we all said – it’s not it. The second dress, well, I turned around in the mirror before I walked out and knew straight away this was it! And Courtney and Beck both looked at me and said that’s the one – it was the perfect style and fit.
Favourite moments.
The first was seeing the two beautiful rings that Luke designed (with the help of Courtney and Beck). Seeing Luke’s face when he saw me in my dress was so special; he just said, Hol, you are so beautiful, and I cried!
Just before I walked down the aisle, I had a moment with Luke where he turned to me and said this is perfect – let’s make this official.
Meaning of marriage.
Just two people who love each other and want to spend their lives together creating memories, going on adventures and loving unconditionally!
Funny stories or near disasters.
I booked the wrong room at the Registry office; I booked the room for eight people only! Luke just laughed at me and said we would book the bigger room together.
Planning surprises.
Nothing, luckily. Luke was very involved, especially in picking out the reception dinner at Longsong. It was vital that we had excellent food and cocktails! We are a great team.
Words of wisdom.
If you are planning on booking the registry office, try to book the last time slot of the day. There is no rushing you out of the room, and you get to soak up how beautiful the rooms are.
Last words.
In terms of telling our friends and family that we were eloping, firstly, Luke asked my sisters and our dad, and from there, we told the rest of our families. Their response was, finally! Followed by a lot of hugs and a lot of tears!
After that, we didn’t tell anyone else until after the ceremony, when we posted a sneaky photo on Instagram for all our friends to see.
For an international take on an elopement, check out Brooke and Tazz’s Amalfi Coast affair. Vespa rides, sweeping ocean backdrops and an infectious sense of adventure, this one has it all.
LUKE & HOLLY’S VENDORS
Ceremony venue: Registry Office – Old Treasury Building.
Photography: Tahnee Jade Photography. Tahnee was a dream! The moment I opened the hotel room door it was fun, and I felt so comfortable with her! Luke and I trusted Tahnee and were happy for her to guide us and take us wherever she suggested! She knew all the right things to say to make us feel comfortable, laugh and, most all, she captured the perfect moments of our perfect day.
Florist: I purchased and made my own bouquet
Hair: Team at Joey Scandizzo
Make-up: Lisa Suboticki
The dress: Dion Lee
Shoes: Paris Texas
