Real Wedding – Kim & Roberto, Parkville VIC
When Kim walked into a Grace Loves Lace sample sale, she wasn’t expecting to walk away with a gorgeous two-piece gown that was essentially made for her! With no tweaks or no alterations to her elegant emsemble, Kim married Roberto a year later in Melbourne.
Their beautiful church ceremony was followed by an epic celebration at Farm Vigano. They kept their styling stunning and simple, dotted with personal sentiments to ensure their dream day represented them and their culture perfectly.
They enlisted the help of fab photographer, Aleksandar Jason, who documented this darling due’s day perfectly.
In Kim’s words…
The meeting.
My cousin introduced us during my first week here in Melbourne. It was back in 2013.
The ‘one’.
When he flew to the Philippines to meet my family and how he was so comfortable with all of them – that’s when I knew he was the one.
The proposal.
We went to Vietnam for a friend’s wedding. We decided to fly earlier so we could roam around. We were staying in Hoi An in this amazing resort. Roberto prepared a special dinner and afterwards, we had drinks at the balcony – and that’s when he proposed. It was simple, just us two, and very intimate and romantic. I couldn’t have planned it better. He was in tears, I was in tears and we just hugged for what felt like an eternity.
The planning.
It was so much fun. I pretty much managed everything wedding related and he took care of our honeymoon itinerary. The thing I struggled with the most was finding a church that was perfect for us as we were set on Farm Vigano, so we didn’t want a place that was too far. The day we went in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, we knew it was where we were supposed to get married.
Style inspiration.
Roberto is half-Spanish and I’m from the Philippines. The common thing between the two was the Spanish influence the Philippines had because of Spain being there for a very long time. So, we named the table numbers in Spanish. My dress looked like it was a mix of a traditional Filipina and Spanish dress. And when we booked Farm Vigano, with the gorgeous looking Italian house with the orchard at the back, I knew we had to incorporate my dad’s favourite movie “The Godfather” – classy and old school.
The dress.
I saw an ad for Grace Loves Lace’s sample sale. I’ve been following them in social media for a while as I liked how they looked very comfortable and non-traditional. I asked my best friend to go with me and we lined up for approximately 3 hours. I didn’t think I was going to find anything, as I’ve never tried on other wedding dresses, but when I tried the ‘Emanuela’ gown and it fit me perfectly (I’m petite and shorter than your average; the fact that I didn’t have to alter anything made me like it more). I knew I had to get it. I bought the dress, went out, and happy tears started rolling down my cheeks. I bought the dress more than a year before the wedding. It fit me perfectly then, and it fit me perfectly on the day – not an inch of alteration. How good!
Favourite moments.
The whole day was amazing. But if I had to choose a specific moment, I’d say I loved the speeches part. My best friend’s speech had me laughing all throughout, and my dad’s speech had me in tears.
The meaning of marriage.
Marriage to me is committing yourself to that one person. It’s a union of not just the couple, but their families as well.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Pachelbel’s Canon in D
Reception entry: Intro to Gangsta’s Paradise
First dance: Tu Cancion
Father & daughter dance: Love theme from The Godfather
Funny stories (or near disasters).
My dad lost his phone a day before the wedding, and his whole speech was in his notes. Not being backed up on the cloud, he had to redo the whole thing overnight.
Planning surprises.
How expensive everything was (haha), and how hard it was to limit your guest count.
Words of wisdom.
Take everything one step at a time, and to not sweat the small stuff. Also, do it together! Site visits, dance lessons, food and cake tastings, suit fittings – everything was an amazing experience for both of us.
Last words.
Whatever happens on the day – just keep swimming.
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KIM & ROBERTO’S TRIBE
Ceremony venue / location: Chapel of the Holy Spirit, a Catholic church in Parkville
Reception venue / location: Farm Vigano, South Morang – the best staff (from their wedding coordinator Suzie who has been nothing but accommodating to their waitstaff who kept on reminding me to eat and their bar man who remembered people’s names and their drinks), the unforgettable food (guests were still talking about it months after).
Celebrant/Officiant: Father Sacha
Photography: Aleksandar Jason – the person that kept us calm and collected on the day. I would forever be a fan of Aleks’ work.
Videography: Iconic Pictures – Faz and his team are so talented they’ve nailed every inch of my brief
Florist: Good, Grace and Humour – I couldn’t be any happier with our flowers. It was even better than how I imagined it in my head. Megs was so lovely to deal with.
Hair: The Blow Australia
Make Up: Dusk Bridal – I’ve trusted Jen with my face the moment I met her. She enhances and doesn’t hide. Her skincare tips pre-wedding was highly appreciated as well.
The Dress(es): Grace Loves Lace, Emanuela gown – first dress I tried on, I fell in love and locked it in straightaway. Once you know, you know.
Veil / headwear: DIY veil by my wonderful mum
Shoes: Vince Camuto stiletto during the ceremony, then swapped with Alias Mae wedges during the reception (of course I wanted to be dance floor ready)
Rings: Holloway Diamonds
Bridesmaid’s dresses: ASOS
Groom’s suit: Bell and Barnett
Groomsmen’s suits: Daniel Hechter
Bow ties / ties: Bell and Barnett
Catering: Farm Vigano
Bar: Farm Vigano
Favors: Etsy
Stationery / Signage: Vistaprint
Entertainment: Baker Boys Band
Transport: Cloud 9
Hire: Magnet-Me
Honeymoon: Roberto organised the whole thing (winning)
