Real Wedding – Jackson & Kirsten, Fitzroy VIC
In the city of Melbourne, Kirsten and Jackson sealed the deal in a timeless, yet modern wedding setting that ensured they had the day of their lives.
Not wanting to overwhelm themselves with too many decision, they trusted the A-team of suppliers around them to do their job and the romantic results really speak for themselves.
Jackson’s mother lead the ceremony and it was intimate, heartfelt and oh so special to them both as they exchanged their vows.
Heading off for photos, there was a slight mishap for the talented Alex Motta, photographer extraordinaire, but we will let Kirsten tell the story below!
In Kirsten’s words…
The meeting.
We met a long time ago! In 2007 at Seven night club in South Melbourne and started dating a few weeks after meeting.
The one.
Hard to say. Probably once we had both matured into adult life and were still happily together – we met when we were 18 and 19 so still had a fair bit of growing up and maturing to do. We are both very realistic and rational decision makers so after living together for a number of years and then buying a house together I think we felt quite comfortable to commit to marriage.
The proposal.
We had been on a holiday to Mexico for a friend’s wedding and then went to Denver, Colorado for a few days at the end of the trip. Jackson popped the question at a beautiful lookout point (snowcapped mountains and pine trees) in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
Planning process.
The first thing we did was get me some diamonds! Jackson proposed with a placeholder ring. We were recommended to Jasmine Fraser by a good friend and she was so lovely to work with. I had my heart set on a champagne diamond, and she had the most beautiful one! She then designed a gorgeous ring that I absolutely love! The second thing we did was book the venue (Panama Dining) and then the rest followed from there. The next thing we booked was the photographer, Alex Motta from Motta Weddings. Panama had him on the preferred supplier list of photographers and when I read his bio on his website, I thought we’d like him so organized a meeting and then locked him in. We then didn’t really do anything else for quite a few months… I wasn’t too fussed. The next big-ticket items where my dress and a florist. The florist, Tegan Ruta from Honesty Flora, I found on Instagram and we met for a coffee and she was great so locked her in. I ended up getting my dress from Luci di Bella where my sister got hers from – you really can’t beat made to measure!
Style inspiration.
I just wanted something modern yet timeless/classic. Nothing too crazy that I would look back on in years to come and not like. I knew I wanted bright flowers that were a bit different/modern – I didn’t want the whole thing to look too romantic/wedding-ish.
The dress.
I’m quite surprised by the dress I chose. I thought I would go for something more structured and plain silk. The dress I ended up with was somewhat whimsical and romantic but still modern, I think. I loved it and felt great in it! Was a fun dress to wear!
Favourite moment.
Seeing all of the beautiful flowers and walking down the aisle and seeing all of my favourite people there to celebrate Jackson and I. Also dancing once all of the formalities were out of the way!
Meaning of marriage.
The ultimate commitment to someone you love.
Wedding soundtrack.
Processional/Aisle: Let’s Do It, Ella Fitzgerald
Recessional: Jump in the Line, Harry Belafonte
First Dance: (You) Got What I need, Freddie Scott
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Nothing really in the lead up to the day but on the day our poor photographer had a bit of a disaster! Alex was taking photos of us and walking backwards and unfortunately walked backwards into a pond/water fountain! He was saturated and unfortunately one of his cameras broke. He was such a professional though and the first thing he did was get straight on the phone to another photographer who came to help him shoot the ceremony and then leant Alex one of his cameras for the night. (Alex explains what happened in his Instagram post here.
Planning surprises.
In regards to the planning: decision fatigue is a real thing! You get so sick of making decisions about things that don’t really matter in the scheme of things but still have to be decided upon. My advice would be, if you trust your suppliers (which you should because you hired them as you like their work) give them some creative license, it takes the pressure off you having to make more decisions than necessary.
In regards to the actual day: We were both surprised about how much we actually enjoyed it! The whole thing becomes a bit of a chore when planning it and we found ourselves wondering if it would be worth it – and it really was. It was so much fun!
Words of wisdom.
If you are not interested in making lots and lots of little decisions and working with heaps of different suppliers, pick a venue that doesn’t require as much to be brought in. Eg they have tables, chairs, cutlery, linen, glasses etc already. If you’re like me, you don’t want to be choosing all of those things or spending heaps of time organizing the logistics of it all!
Here’s some further Melbourne magic for you! Stacey and Semi’s chic city wedding will leave you feeling all the feels when you check out their dream day.
KIRSTEN AND JACKSON’S TRIBE
Ceremony and reception venue: Panama Dining
Celebrant/Officiant: Tracy Lee Carroll (Grooms Mum)
Photography: Motta Weddings (Alex Motta)
Florist: Honesty Flora (Tegan Ruta)
Hair: MILCO Hair and Makeup
Make Up: MILCO Hair and Makeup
The Dress(es): Luci di Bella
Veil / headwear: Luci di Bella
Brides Earrings: Stephanie Browne
Shoes: Bianca Buccheri, Dolci Firme
Rings: Jasmine Fraser
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Viktoria and Woods
Groomsmen’s suits: Samuel Diamond Tailors
Bow ties / ties: David Jones
Catering: Panama Dining
Bar: Panama Dining
Favors: NA – however our beautiful florist provides paper and ribbon so everyone can take bunches of flowers home with them so they don’t get wasted. EVERYONE LOVED THIS!
Cake / Cake topper: Lana Clough (Grooms Aunty) (Cake flowers provided by florist)
Stationery / Signage: March Three Stationery
Entertainment: DJ Billie-Jean Bradley. So many comments on how great the music was!
Honeymoon: Orpheus Island
