Real Wedding - Kelsey & Kieran, Melbourne VIC

June 19, 2022 In Black and White, Classic, Colourful, Garden, Ivory Inspiration, Latest Posts, Real Weddings, Victoria, Wedding Styles, Wedding Venues Victoria By Kathryn Brandt

Real Wedding – Kelsey & Kieran, Melbourne VIC

A vision of sophistication and timeless elegance minus the formal side of things – that’s what Kieran and Kelsey had in mind when they set out to plan their wedding with 170 friends and family joining them on their special day.

After hunting for the perfect location, they were drawn to the iconic flora and fauna of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne where their love story was relayed by a close friend whilst being nestled amidst the glorious pops of colour woven together by botanical genius Andrea from The Petal Edition. She nailed the brief of fun and colourful florals which were a beautiful contrast to the sleek black suits and dresses of their wedding party.

Kelsey, being the creative stylist behind the whole operation, also had her sights firmly set on two outfits for the day and with the help of dressmaker Tania Stokes, what they came up with was absolutely bow-tiful.

La Moment Photography was there to capture all the love and pearlers of the day and we think it’s pretty clear that these two, know how to throw one heck of a party.

The meeting.

We met in school in year 7 but it wasn’t until we were 8 years out of school before we started dating. We were good friends throughout this whole time.

The ‘one’.

Kieran – the moment for me was when we were travelling to Mexico for my brother’s wedding and we had the most amazing time together and being at a wedding and looking to see her there with me, I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else.

Kelsey – I think the moment really hit me when we had gone through the intense wave of COVID lockdown, both sold our former properties and had moved into a small studio apartment together, we were practically living on top of each other and were able to manage everything harmoniously and respectfully whilst being surrounded by large stress factors.

The proposal.

Kieran had planned a trip down to Lorne/Wensleydale for a getaway for a few days. This was a Christmas present to take away any suspicion. On our second day, we drove down to Lorne to check it out and go for a few walks. We ended up finishing up at Teddys Lookout where Kieran had placed a lock with both of our names on it previously. Kieran went down on one knee to look at the lock and show Kelsey and how strange it was for it to be there. Whilst down, he brought the ring out from the back pocket and asked her the big question whilst talking about how excited for our future he was.

Planning process.

We were very lucky with all our vendors being available and so easy to work with. We went to a few different venues, but ultimately, mother nature was calling and we absolutely love the Botanical Gardens so it was an easy choice!

Style inspiration.

Our inspiration was sophisticated and elegant but FUN – the brief was; great food, music and minimal formalities so it could be one big party!

The ceremony.

Our ceremony we wanted to keep short and simple, but we wanted to encapsulate the love we share for each other. We had one of our good friends Braden tell our love story as opposed to our celebrant and it was so special. There were many laughs as well as tears, the weather was perfect and the setting was simply magical in what felt like our own little space in the gardens.

The look.

Kieran – mine was an easy choice, seeing the suits my brother used for his wedding, they were absolutely amazing and personalised so it was an easy choice.

Kelsey – I always knew what I wanted for my dress so I found some images of different parts to a dress that I liked and then my amazing dressmaker Tania Stokes brought it to life! I knew that I wanted to also change into a mini of some form so that I could boogie! Tania and I discussed the idea of having a removable skirt but it just wasn’t going to work. I found a couple of images of a longer dress I liked, we made changes to it, and in particular, cropped it into a mini – I absolutely loved it!

Favourite moments.

Kieran: Seeing Kelsey walk down the aisle looking absolutely stunning!

Kelsey: The ceremony, it was magical.

Meaning of marriage.

Kieran: Making a commitment to the other person to love and care for each other endlessly.

Kelsey: A deep shared connection built on overwhelming feelings of happiness, trust, loyalty, passion and alliance.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Simply the best by Noah Reid (version performed live by Like This Band)

Reception entry: Simply the Best by Tina Turner

First dance: My Love by Jess Glynne (acoustic version)

Words of wisdom.

Start early and get all big-ticket items sorted as early as possible, then slowly chip away at all the smaller items.

Use paperless post or online invitations, it makes it so much easier to push out information and chase up any outstanding RSVP’s which otherwise may just sit on a bench or fridge in someone’s home.

When it comes to styling a wedding, there are so many elements that come into play. And who better to bring your vision to life than one of our many talented wedding and event stylists? Check them out here.

KIERAN & KELSEY’S VENDORS

Ceremony & Reception location: Royal Botanical Gardens

Celebrant: Will Ponsford

Photography: Adrian Juric – La Moment Photography

Videography: Adrian Juric – La Moment Photography

Styling: Kelsey Harper

Florist: Andrea – The Petal Edition

Hair: Carolynne Shamoon

Make Up: Nicole Aquilina

The Dress(es): Tania Stokes Couture

Veil: Tania Stokes Couture

Shoes: NakedVice