Real Wedding – Jen & Michael, Geelong VIC
Jen and Michael’s wedding was edgy, elegant and full of fun. They celebrated their special day at Furphy Hall, an epic event space tucked away within Geelong’s Little Creatures Brewery Village. The dress was divine, the dudes were looking dapper and delicious beverages were flowing in abundance. The crafty couple ensured their day reflected their relationship by adding plenty of personal touches.
Their legendary line up of vendors also included two Ivory Tribe favourites, Smith + Archer and Lunar Red, who documented this darling day perfectly! Witness this fabulous affair for yourself below.
In their words…
The meeting.
We met long before we actually got together. It was 2001 and we had both landed ourselves in an after school detention.
The ‘one’.
For Jen, it was when I saw how cute he was with his (now our) dog, Clifford.
For Michael, it was when we were practising our somersaults and Jen flipped off the edge of the bed and slid down the wall.
The proposal.
Despite being together for years and having the ring for ages, Michael decided to wait until Jen was 36 weeks pregnant with their son and sight-seeing at Erskine Falls. While at the bottom, he popped the question. He said he was sure that was the only way to get her back up the million stairs.
The process.
Crazy concepts and scouring the internet to find custom pieces that would make our wedding feel special.
Style inspiration.
Modern romantic meets celestial.
The dress.
I tried what seemed like a million dresses, finding nothing that felt right. Eventually, I found ‘the dress’ on Pinterest and had it custom made and sent over from the USA.
Favourite moments.
The ceremony felt like an absolute dream!
Meaning of marriage.
It just solidifies our love and life long commitment to each other (and gives me a shiny new last name!)
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Can’t Help Falling In Love by Kina Grannis
Signing: Into my Arms by Nick Cave and Space Oddity by David Bowie
Recessional: Amazing by Paul McCartney
Reception entry: Happy by Pharrell Williams
Opened the dance-floor to: The Impression That I Get by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Two days before the wedding I got a call from the lead singer of the band telling me he had gastro and would be sending in a replacement (fortunately from our second choice band). But by the time the wedding rolled around the whole original band had caught gastro from the lead singer and they had to send in replacements who had never met or performed with each other! Fortunately, they were awesome and no one at the wedding even knew about the near disaster.
Planning surprises.
How painful the admin is! There’s just so much of it!
Words of wisdom.
Stuff will go wrong, it’s inevitable, so it’s best to control the things you can and just roll with the things you can’t. Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy your day!
Need a planning pal to make wedding planning a little bit easier and breezier? Pick up a copy of our wedding planning book Bride Business.
JEN & MICHAEL’S TRIBE
Ceremony venue / location: Furphy Hall, Geelong
Reception venue / location: Furphy Hall, Geelong
Celebrant/Officiant: Cara Monteith from Let’s Get Married. Cara was incredible and an epic addition to our tribe!
Photography: Ali from Smith + Archer takes the most beautiful shots and is just a wonderful human who I can’t recommend enough to be a part of your special day.
Videography: Carlo from Lunar Red – super chill and crazy talented.
Styling: Lyndsay Scott (super talented friend of the bride)
Florist: As Daisy Does
Hair: Tracey Clarke Hair & Makeup from Pash
Make Up: Blush Bar
The Dress(es): First dress was from Natalie Wynn Design, Party mini dress was from Shona Joy
Veil / headwear: Crown also purchased from dressmaker Natalie Wynn Design
Shoes: She wore – Mimco & He wore – RM Williams
Rings: Heidi Gibson and Duffs
Bridesmaid’s dresses: ASOS, City Chic, Forever New & Sheike
Groomsmen’s suits: Peter Jackson
Bow ties / ties: Peter Jackson
Catering: Furphy Hall
Bar: Furphy Hall
Favors: Kelly’s Cakes
Cake / Cake topper: Maddie Bakes Patty Cakes
Stationery / Signage: Created by the Bride – Lovers Letter Co
Entertainment: Test Pilot Molly
Transport: N/A
Décor: We had our arbour custom made, Jen had everyone she knew thrift shopping for vintage brass candlesticks. Other items were sourced by the bride & stylist.
Hire: Rug and vintage chair hired from Always Eventive in Melbourne.
Honeymoon: Family holiday to Thailand.
