Real Wedding – Lexie & Kris, Bellbrae VIC

May 17, 2021 In Beach, Bohemian, Country, Green, Peach, Real Weddings, Victoria By Ivory Tribe

Real Wedding – Lexie & Kris, Bellbrae VIC

Pops of romance, sun-dappled dances and lush boho elegance were the overarching feels of Lexie and Kris’s dreamy day. Choosing to weave in elements of the country-meets-coast aligned perfectly with their Surf Coast venue, Bellbrae Harvest, and made for a relaxed, chic affair.

We love the mismatched style of the bridesmaids in their jewel-toned jade dresses, perfectly contrasting with Kris’s taupe linen suit and their bouquets of soft apricot, rust and warm vanilla.

Lexie looked every inch boho princess meets timeless glam in her Bec + Bridge ivory gown. Her barefoot romp through the dunes hand in hand with her husband, coastline vista behind them and champagne coups in hand makes for an unforgettable montage crafted by image wonder Kyra Boyer Photography.

The chemistry between these two is electric, and we think you’ll love watching this emotion-filled day unfold as much as we did.

The meeting.

I (Lexie) had been living in London and was ready to move back home to Melbourne. I flew to Amsterdam for what was meant to be a week’s holiday before coming home, and on the first night, I met Kris. We clicked straight away, and from there I stayed in Amsterdam for another year. We then spent two years in New Zealand and then moved home to Melbourne together.

The ‘one’.

From the very first time I met Kris, I felt like I knew him from somewhere – it was uncanny. But the specific moment was when I said to him one night that whatever happens with us, can we please at least stay friends? And at that moment he stood up and gave me the biggest hug and said ‘Why would we be friends when I’m in love with you.’ Felt like a bit of a fairy tale moment, to be honest!

The proposal.

Kris’ family were due to fly in from Latvia to Melbourne, and we had discussed getting engaged prior to them arriving. Since living in Amsterdam, we had discussed getting married, and this time before his family arrived we agreed it was the right time. So we had a joint proposal, I guess! Good question – where is my proposal, Kris!

Planning process.

We firstly did an online search for venues in the location we hoped to have our wedding. This is how we came across Bellbrae Harvest. In searching more about the venue, I came across an Ivory Tribe blog post that featured a wedding at the same venue. I fell in love with the vibe of that wedding – including Kyra Boyer’s wonderful photos.

Once we visited the venue, we knew it was the place for us – the first venue we looked at!

It was in November 2020 that we agreed on the January 2021 date, so we only had about two months to plan everything. Being a COVID couple, when the restrictions were looking promising, we didn’t want to waste any time, and it felt right to book it all within a few months.

I knew that I wanted a low key, Australian wedding and tried where possible to source Australian suppliers. So a lot of it was through friends who I already know who supply locally and other research of the area just by browsing online. For inspiration, I used Pinterest, Party Plant’s Instagram, Ivory Tribe and Hello May.

It was hard to fully commit to the process while constantly looking at Victoria’s virus cases and praying there wouldn’t be another lockdown and we’d have to cancel it. I think with this in mind, I didn’t spend too much time on each decision and just booked what looked like it would work. A few days before (when we knew it would go ahead), everything kicked in, and it felt like a bit of a mad rush organizing shuttle buses, rehearsals, accommodation for some etc.

Style inspiration.

We both love how relaxed and close to the ocean Bellbrae is. We wanted the wedding to reflect the vibe of the suburb. I took a bit of all of my favourite things, and they all came together. Event stylist Rebecca Warner from Party Plants helped bring this all to life. She listened to what I was hoping for and helped me choose the flowers and style to fit this. She let me know the style would fall under the umbrella of boho elegance. I highly recommend this lady for everything wedding styling, whether it’s the flowers, table settings or interior design. She captured my vision perfectly!

The ceremony.

After 2020 and the struggles of the lockdowns everyone in Melbourne went through, it was so wonderful to be sitting outside with family and friends in the sun (with no masks) and just have a break from everything COVID-19. There was an air of feeling grateful for the day – for friends, family and love. It was a special day.

The outfit.

I didn’t want to spend thousands on a dress and wanted to buy something by an Australian designer. I fell in love with a simple Bec & Bridge dress that was ivory and had a silk look. It was everything I was hoping for, and the rest of my look fell into place once I found this dress.

Favourite moments.

Definitely the moment that they pronounced us husband and wife. I wasn’t expecting to get so emotional when they said these words. After years of living overseas, applying for visas and then trying to navigate lockdowns, it was a relief to finally marry the man of my dreams.

I also loved when Dad drove Kris, Kyra and me in the Kombi van to Point Addis to take photos with the sea and cliffs behind us. It was such a beautiful day, and this moment was so special seeing Dad having fun driving the Kombi, the same model car that he and mum drove on their honeymoon around Europe.

Meaning of marriage.

My parents celebrated their 34th anniversary the day after our wedding. I look up to them and the way they treat each other with kindness, respect and love in their marriage. They have each other’s backs through everything and always put family first. This is what marriage means to me, and I’m very thankful to mum and dad for teaching me this.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle (bridesmaids): Plays John Cassavetes 2 by Ekkehard Ehlers

Aisle (bride): The Four Seasons: Spring 1 recomposed by Max Richter Vivaldi

Reception entry: Late Night Tales by Jon Hopkins (Continuous Mix)

First dance: Days of Candy by Beach House.

Planning surprises.

The bridesmaids’ dresses. Future brides – I think it’s easier if you just order the dresses you like and then work out sizing as it can be a bit of a headache trying to arrange this! I wasn’t expecting this.

Words of wisdom.

Leave enough time between having your hair and make-up done and just enjoying the moment before the wedding with family and bridesmaids. We were in a bit of a rush. I would also recommend a pre-shoot so that you can enjoy your day without having to run off and get a lot of things done.

My sister Stephanie Hume was amazing. She was sister, best friend, maid of honour, wedding planner, catering assistant – everything. Make sure you have someone you love and trust by your side.

Love the idea of combining country and coast on your wedding day? The Bellarine Peninsula may be the perfect option for you. We’ve found some of the true treasures of the area to host your celebration, so get dreaming, here!

LEXIE & KRIS’ VENDORS:

Ceremony & reception venue: Bellbrae Harvest

Celebrant: Iveta Lainis

Photography: Kyra Boyer

Styling & florist: Party Plants

Hair & make-up: Kelly Mossop

The dress: Bec + Bridge

Veil / headwear: Little White Couture

Shoes: Basque

Rings: Michael Hill

Bridesmaid’s dresses: A mix!

Groomsmen’s suits: Peter Jackson