Real Wedding – Jelena & Tim, Euroa VIC
Jelena and Tim drew style inspiration from their respective family cultures to celebrate their wedding day. With Tim’s country background and Jelena’s European influence, their romantic Euroa celebration ticked all the boxes.
Being enveloped in the love and frivolity of their favourite people is an experience they will never forget, and while their day was styled to perfection, and Jelena, an absolute vision in a simple and modern bridal ensemble – it was the feeling that surrounded them that made it truly magical.
A few minor hiccups on the day only paved the way for laughter, and a vibrant dance floor lead by our entertainment maestros One More Song saw the night finish on a high.
On hand to capture the action was lens lady Beck Rocchi.
The meeting.
We met at a work learning and development day in 2014 – but we were both in relationships and were just friends, a year later, we both were single and by chance, re-connected via Facebook!
The ‘one’.
I think it was pretty instant – the very first day I met him, I went home to my mum and said I have just met the love of my life (sorry ex boyfriend haha)
The proposal.
We were on a weekend away in Byron, and on our last morning we did the lighthouse sunrise walk. He popped the question in a quiet spot along the trail while the sun was coming up.
Style inspiration.
I was born in Bosnia and Tim in Australia (some of his family is originally from the country), and we originally wanted to have the wedding in Europe – but logistically it was a bit tough and we didn’t want loved ones to miss out. So we really wanted to pick a spot that had a European feel for my side and be based in the country for Tim’s side – a blend of both of us and our families coming together.
The dress.
This was honestly the trickiest part for me – I tried on SO many dresses and originally went with a style that was more structured/formal as I felt like it needed to be different/grand as it was my wedding dress – but when I tried on the Marlow gown from Mariana Hardwick, it honestly just made me feel so sexy and confident. It’s so simple and elegant, and I felt like it was the best version of me. We made a few tweaks and topped it off with some beautiful Maison Sabben earrings and a pearl veil.
Favourite moments.
There were so many amazing moments – from getting ready with my bridal party and family, to my dad seeing me in my dress for the first time – but the best part is having all of your loved ones with you, drinking, dancing and enjoying each other’s company. It’s like nothing you’ll ever experience.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage is about being a team; loving, supporting and challenging each other.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Can’t Help Falling in Love by Kina Grannis
Reception entry: Paradise by George Ezra
First dance: Just You and I (Acoustic) by Tom Walker
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Omg SO many! The week of the wedding, my dress was gaping at the back (wedding stress!) – luckily the girls at Mariana Hardwick worked their magic on Thursday (just two days before the wedding!!) and made sure the dress fit me like a glove. Tim also didn’t release how long my train was and stepped on it as we were entering the reception, I flew back a little – but he caught me/saved a full stack!
Planning surprises.
The amount of work that goes into deciding a style brief – you can love so many components and want to try and have it all, but it needs to flow/look right.
Words of wisdom.
It’s honestly the most exciting and happy time of your life, so stay true to what you want & enjoy the process because it goes so quick!
Catch all the action from another recent real wedding favourite, as Siu-Mei and Adam make the most of an urban setting to start their ever-after.
JELENA & TIM’S TRIBE
Ceremony and reception: Euroa Butter Factory – I can’t speak highly enough about this beautiful family. They truly just wanted everyone to be happy and went above and beyond to ensure the drinks, food and setting was perfect. They gave us free reign to do what we wanted and make the day ours.
Celebrant/Officiant: Anthony Cribbes – one word, legend.
Photography: Beck Rocchi – Beck flew down from Byron and surprised us with another photographer, she is the raddest chick and she captured magic.
Videography: Humdrum Films – I have been following these guys for years! I locked them in as soon as we got engaged, there is no one like them in terms of wedding films.
Styling: Laura at Wanderlust Creative – I can’t speak highly enough about Laura, she offers the most bespoke service. We had multiple coffee & wine catch ups to ensure everything was perfect. She truly cares about you as a couple and executes your vision to a t.
Florist: Babiana Botanic – floral heaven!! They pinned my grandma’s pearls to my bouquet so she was with me on the day which made my day.
Hair: In the lead up I had my hair done and coloured by the amazing team at Carla Lawson – they are the ultimate professionals. On the day we had Natalie Jaye style everyone’s hair – she did an amazing job.
Make-up: Carla Dyson – made all the girls and my mum/mother-in-law feel beautiful, and our make up lasted all day and night.
The Dress: Mariana Hardwick – the girls made so many small changes to make sure the dress felt like me and was exactly what I had envisioned. I couldn’t have loved it more.
Veil / headwear: Pearl veil from Mariana Hardwick
Shoes: Gucci – I went with the black Gucci heels, a little bit different & super fun/sexy!
Rings: Bensimon – Tim dealt directly with Ron to source the diamond and design my engagement ring and it was honestly perfection. Ron also designed our wedding bands, he was always available and made sure that we were in love with the finished product. Could not recommend the team more – they are incredible!
Bridesmaid’s dresses: The girls wore a navy blue maxi by Olive & Ivy from Coco & Lola and my bridesmaid Jake had the same black tux as the groomsmen.
Menswear: MJ Bale – Tim opted for a dark navy tux and the boys had a traditional black tux. Our wedding was black tie so everyone wore a bow tie or black tie.
Catering: Euroa Butter Factory – we had canapés post-ceremony, grazing boards prior to dinner & delicious shared mains with sides. It felt like a European feast which is exactly what we wanted.
Bar: Euroa Butter Factory – we had Aperol Spritz post ceremony and local craft beer, champagne, white, red and rose for guests to enjoy. My family also made sure there was was plenty of rakija for everyone!
Favours: We didn’t do favours, we hosted a recovery brunch the next day at the Euroa Butter Factory instead for guests to enjoy before the long drive home.
Cake / Cake topper: Our cake was through Boutique Cake Art – we had red velvet & orange/poppy seed flavours – so delish!
We also surprised our guests with a Bianco Latte gelato cart which was a crowd favourite.
Stationery / Signage: Rebel Reflect did all our stationery/signage – it was perfection.
Entertainment: One More Song – we had DJ Aleks who had everyone on the dance floor all night long.
We also had Not My Circus Trio surprise our guests by sneaking in to play Walking On Sunshine when we were announced as husband and wife and then for the post ceremony drinks.
Transport: We stayed at the Butter Factory and the boys walked down from their accommodation – small country town! We also arranged buses to drop off/pick up guests so they could drink up and get home safely.
Décor and hire: Wanderlust Creative
Honeymoon: We went back to Byron Bay for a mini moon as we got engaged there – we stayed at the incredible Loft by Poppy & Scott. We had Europe booked in for August for our honeymoon, sadly we don’t see that happening – but there is always next year!
