Real Wedding – Jonathan & Julia, Melbourne VIC
Light and dreamy is what came to mind when we first spied Jonathan and Julia’s exquisite Melbourne wedding. They set about highlighting some of our city’s favourite locations and spots that held a certain sentiment to their relationship.
They were married on the balcony at Siglo bar, officiated by their dear friend Harriett Lobb before Lilli from I Got You Babe Photography placed them on a photographic journey around the streets capturing all the delicate details of Jono’s suave Oscar Hunt tux and Julia’s ethereal Maticevski gown, before settling into their reception at Stokehouse St Kilda.
The theme was ‘simple elegance’ but there was nothing simple about it! Everything was thoughtfully curated, from the pops of blue hydrangea set amidst clusters of white roses and baby’s breath fashioned by the team from The Petal Project, down to each individual wedding supplier.
They said the whole day was ‘pretty perfect’ and we tend to agree!
The meeting.
We met at a New Year’s Day party, January 2017. During the summer that followed, we ran into each other on several occasions and, finding ourselves not wanting to leave those conversations, decided to catch up. Our first date was a bowl of Laksa in Flemington. Our second was a quick coffee in North Melbourne, that lasted all day.
The ‘one’.
There has been a sense of ease and happiness to us since the get-go, which then developed into an unspoken consensus that one would never be without the other. This was solidified during an 18-month period of distance, in which we made the most out of fun weekends together in both Sydney and Melbourne – finding each other whenever we could.
The proposal.
We went for a run on the beach tracks in Sorrento, four years to the day since our first kiss. At the top of the hill, where we had sat and had a beer on many occasions, Jono dropped a knee.
Planning process.
We booked in the venues and suppliers with about a year’s notice. With about four months to go, we booked the hotel (Hotel Windsor) for the night before and after the wedding, transport and a few appointments. On completion of booking everything in, we sent a detailed run-sheet to the bridal party and our families. It took a while to prepare but meant that everyone could refer to it, rather than ask a million questions. Once the planning was all done, we caught up with our bridal party for dinner at the pub (Marquis of Lorne). We practiced the ceremony down the middle of the dining room, and the dance in the street!
Style inspiration.
Simple elegance. A beautiful dinner with friends and family, in Melbourne. The Stokehouse was a no-brainer as we have lovely memories there. Siglo, an old favourite, just felt right. We went for a drink one Friday evening after work and booked it in the next Monday.
I found the supplier lists on both the Ivory Tribe, and I Got You Babe Photography, particularly helpful. Lilli Waters, of I got you babe photography, Petal Project and Richie 1250 were all recommended by good friends. Light Noise Films was a suggestion from Lilli. Life is pretty busy, so Jono and I were all about taking it easy and having fun on the day, and those suppliers made sure of it. Special thanks to Sara Dean at Siglo Bar, and Elizabeth Shultz and Lee Smith, at the Stokehouse. The wedding, the day and the night were all so wonderful.
The ceremony.
We managed to get a number of important people involved in the ceremony, either as the bridal party, the ushers, the mums doing readings and a friend to be a ring bearer. Our celebrant, Harriet Lobb, is a best friend of ours, so it was particularly special having someone that knows us so well officiate our marriage.
The look.
Perhaps as a bit of a safe-keep, I’d been to a few appointments, but had always loved Toni Maticevski. I knew from early on that it was either a Maticevski, or a structured white suit with beautiful heels! It was the day I tried it on, that I purchased it. Similarly, Jono has always worn Oscar Hunt suits and loved them. We had a few weddings prior to ours, so Jono had the tux made early, and went to Double Monk, Fitzroy, to find his wedding shoes.
Favourite moments.
For Julia it was the ceremony. Although we were standing amongst 120 people, it felt like we were the only ones there. For Jono it was the moment we exchanged rings. The whole day was, however, pretty perfect!
Meaning of marriage.
A lifetime commitment to each other. It is continuing to build a life together. Loving each other through the highs and the lows. Admiring each other when its easy and sticking together when life throws curve balls. Watching each other accomplish goals but setting time aside together to reflect on those moments – preferably at a beach with good surf, great friends, and lots of warm weather.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: You Send Me by Aretha Franklin
First Dance: Love Me Tonight by Fern Kinney
Funny stories or near disasters.
When we were walking up the stairs to Siglo, Mum and I almost all tripped over. My veil came out and my hair but was salvageable.
Words of wisdom.
Just take it easy, stay organised, and make a run sheet. We didn’t do photos before the wedding, instead we did disposables, and had the photographer, videographer and florist meet us at the venue. Similarly, as there were a few of us getting ready, we went to the hair and make-up studio around the corner. It meant that there were a few less obstacles and more time to focus on what we were there to do.
Have you seen Mackayla and Adam’s stunning Melbourne wedding celebration? If you’re thinking about a city bound wedding then this is definitely one to check out. Read all about it here.
JONATHAN & JULIA’S VENDORS
Ceremony venue: Siglo Bar
Reception venue: The Stokehouse
Celebrant: Harriet Lobb
Photography: I got you babe – Lilli Waters
Videography: Light Noise Films
Florist: The Petal Project
Hair and Make Up: Image @ Katan
The Dress: Toni Maticevski
Veil / headwear: Danika Full Pearl Scatter – Blue Bell Bridal (Ceremony), Flower Crown – Keren Wolf from Helen Rodrigues Accessories (Reception)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo (Ceremony), Paris Texas (Reception)
Rings: Catanach’s Armadale (Jono), Charles Rose engagement ring, Vintage rebuilt wedding ring (Julia)
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Erika Georg custom.
Suits: Oscar Hunt (Jono)
Stationery / Signage: Troth by Emma Lewis
Entertainment: Richie 1250
Honeymoon: Halcyon House, Byron Bay; Bower, Byron Bay
