Real Wedding – Janelle & Zeyad, Richmond VIC

Janelle and Zeyad wanted to celebrate their day, their way. They made magic happen in their city surrounds, but opted to keep it intimate and unique to them. Getting ready together, they started their celebration as they intend their life to unfold – side by side and ridiculously in love.

With Z’s speech a highlight of the day, and a venue that allowed them to embrace the great outdoors – it looked, and even more importantly, felt perfect.

We think Tahnee Jade Photography has captured this one beautifully for you to enjoy.

 

 

In Janelle’s words..

 

The meeting.

We met back in 2016 at the gym and started off as friends. The first time we met and chatted we experienced an instant and powerful connection. I can vividly remember how warm and friendly Z was.
Over the following 18 months we continued to speak whenever we were in the gym at the same time and a very strong mutual attraction began to develop. Eventually I build up the courage to ask Z for his number. From then we had our first date and were inseparable.

 

The ‘one’.

Pretty quickly into dating, we had the same humour, interests and values. It was obvious from the start that we were both as obsessed with each other.

 

The proposal.

Z proposed after eight months of officially dating. We always leave each other little Post-It notes around the house, in surprise locations. On boxing day 2018 I woke up and went to get a glass of water and found a Post-It note that sent me on a hunt around the house, the last one leading to my jewellery box where there was an empty ring box, I turned around and he was down on one knee.

 

The process.

We wanted our day to be relaxed, and do the things that we have loved about weddings, and not do the things we don’t love so much. We decided to keep it as relaxed as possible. No bridal party, we got ready together, and had some photos together before the ceremony so we could spend more time without guests. We kept the ceremony small and intimate with only immediate family and closest friends there (everyone else arrived shortly after), no cake, just a whole lot of laughing, love and celebrating.

 

Style inspiration.

Once we chose our venue it drove the style. We already knew we wanted it to be relaxed but the venue really helped us create that, being indoor/outdoor and on the Yarra, we wanted to feel like we were outside with nature.

 

The look.

I wanted a dress that I would be comfortable in, that felt beautiful and that had a little sparkle/glam without being over-the-top.

 

Favourite moments.

Z’s speech. My husband blew me away with his speech. He was grateful for our families and me, he was funny, taking the Mickey out of both of us and was an amazing storyteller that had all our guests captivated – laughing and crying. He is great with his words and articulation and this is something I will forever hold close to me.

 

Meaning of marriage.

Marriage is commitment to us. We will always be on the same team to love, support, respect and trust each other.

 

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Born to be Yours (acoustic)

Recessional: Higher Love

 

Funny stories (or near disasters).

As we were getting ready, I was taping myself up and needed the tape to be trimmed, which I asked Z to help with. This was about 5 minutes before we were due to leave the hotel and he accidentally cut me with the scissors. A little bleeding flesh wound in the shape of a heart. Surprisingly, I was more calm than Z and had to reassure him that it was fine and not a big deal.

 

Planning surprises.

To be honest no, working with CNK and them not only being caters but wedding planners, they took all the stress off me. They literally planned 80% of the wedding with me saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’. they made the whole experience for me so easy.

 

Words of wisdom.

Enjoy it, do what you guys want and not to tick a box or make other people happy.

 

 

Melbourne makes for some serious wedding magic. If a city celebration is your cup of tea – head here for our round-up of the best venues in town.

 

 

JANELLE AND ZEYAD’S TRIBE

Ceremony and reception: Richmond Rowing Club

Celebrant: Andrew Redman – Honestly blown away by Andrew, he is professional and dedicated to what he does. His suggestions for the way we should run the ceremony were perfect we had so many compliments. We ended up meeting with him three times and he really got to know us, highly recommend.

Catering: CNK catering – These guys are next level. Khrissy, Nigel and Natasha planned and executed our amazing day and we have them to thank for it being so successful.

Photography: Tahnee Jade Photography – We were fans of Tahnee’s work before, but after we saw our photos from our wedding we went from being fans to being in awe. She nailed every single aspect. We left it all to her (being a little relaxed about the whole day) and she nailed our locations. Tahnee was in all the right places at the right time, the photos she captured were candid and showed the love and emotion that everyone was feeling. Looking at the pictures takes me right back to that moment.

Styling: CNK

Florist: Little Floral Soul – Emma is wonderful! Creative and just a beautiful genuine person.

Hair: Hair by Neveen – this woman is the queen of bridal hair.

Make-up: Glamourfied by Lizi – Lizi is my regular go-to person for makeup, and I can safely say she listens to what you want, and knows exactly how to accentuate your features. No one else paints my face.

The Dress and veil: One Day Bridal

Shoes: Siren

Rings: All Diamonds Elsternwick

Menswear: The Bespoke Corner – Miles is an utmost professional. If you are looking for a tailored suit, Miles is the man to see.

 

Signage: Fox and Hart

Stationery: Very Inviting Invitations 

Entertainment: Rachel Costanzo – OMG. This girl is something. Sung acoustic as I walked down the aisle and for the first two hours of the wedding with one killer voice, then she took the party up a notch and DJ’d into the night

Transport: Black Beauty Limousines. Dealt with Marvin, who was extremely helpful. On the day Peter was our driver and he was sensational. Went out of his way to help us when we needed a lighter to do smoke bombs, running to 7/11 and then helped us wash our hands with water and a towel from his car after the smoke bombs stained our hands.

Hire: Harry the Hirer and Place Settings

Honeymoon: Philippines. The Movenpick in Boracay and Apulit Island resort in El nido- this is a MUST for honeymooners. It is the only resort on the island and it is eco-friendly. This place was heaven and we did not want to leave.