Real Wedding – Louise & Michael, Mannerim VIC
Real Wedding – Louise & Michael, Mannerim VIC
Real Wedding – Louise & Michael, Mannerim VIC
Real Wedding – Louise & Michael, Mannerim VIC

Real Wedding – Louise & Michael, Mannerim VIC

Louise and Michael’s magical Mannerim wedding had all the elements that lead to perfection – a touch of the great outdoors, bright blooms, earthy elegance, and the most wonderful Tribe to pull it all together.

Creating the most gorgeous of gatherings to celebrate their love – the couple danced the night away under the stars and truly hosted a day to remember.

With Olive Green Plant + Prop Hire delivering their magical green goodness, and Hilary Holmes and Momu Hair in her glam squad, it’s no wonder Louise absolutely sparkled.

The incredibly talented Jake Hogan was there to capture this special day, and boy has he done it beautifully.

IN LOUISE’S WORDS…

The meeting.

We met at work almost 11 years ago. I was saving to go overseas and one day I received an email from some random guy in the office. I had no idea who he was and he asked if I wanted to play mixed netball. Yep, pretty daggy. I said no thank you and he continued to email for a while. So, I decided to investigate who he was, eventually it led to lunch. I think we both walked away that afternoon head over heels.

The ‘one’.

I can’t remember the exact moment I thought he was the one. It was the culmination of many things we had in common and Michael embraced all my quirks, he was such a gentleman and definitely our love of humour made us certain that we were meant to be together in the early days. Knowing you can spend the rest of your life laughing with someone is probably one of the best things you can have.

The proposal.

Michael popped the question while we were on a camping holiday in Lorne. We went for a drive to Apollo Bay and after lunch took a walk along the beach. We decided to sit up in the dunes on our picnic rug, all of a sudden Michael was on one knee and pulled the ring out of his pocket. I hid behind my hands, crying and laughing and forgetting to say yes until after he put the ring on my finger. He had brought a cooler bag with him and we had champagne, which we sipped while giggling and watching the ocean and each other.

The planning process.

I happened to work as a bridal stylist on Saturdays while I was studying my masters in the early days of our engagement, so the planning process ran pretty smoothly. I had the opportunity to discuss and be inspired by many brides. It helped paint a picture of what we would like to have on our day. I also love getting creative and planning a celebration so it was a perfect excuse for me to bring my ideas to life.

Style inspiration.

The inspiration was definitely the elements of what we love, the outdoors, natives and bright blooms, a tiny touch of festival, relaxed, rustic, earthy, slightly classic, within a cosy environment that speaks for itself.

The dress.

Working as a bridal stylist definitely had its advantages but I saw so many stunning gowns become ‘the perfect one’ for many other girls which made it hard for me to decide. But when I saw my dress at a trunk show it was pretty clear to me that it was the one. I’m a lover of so many eras of fashion but very partial to the 70’s and simple silhouettes of post-modern fashion. I think the dress had the right combinations of my favourite decade, simplicity, and timelessness.

Favourite moment.

Being among all the people we love, dancing, and being whipped off with Michael later in the night for photos. Being able to have a moment dancing amongst the gum trees and festoon lighting – our little moment together.

Traditions.

A reading from Corinthians at our ceremony, which for me was something that represented my families beliefs and payed tribute to my grandparents and their marriage. It would be nice to think our marriage might be as strong and beautiful as theirs.

Meaning of marriage.

Marriage for us is the next chapter of our love, friendship and commitment to each other. Also the next step to hopefully having our own family one day.

Wedding soundtrack.

I walked down the aisle to Bon Iver, Skinny Love (instrumental) which was played on an acoustic guitar by my cousin. The music during the signing was River, by Leon Bridges and our arrival song for the reception was also Leon Bridges, Flowers. The bridal waltz was Bring it on Home by Sam Cooke which then lead to the super talented Luke Legs and his awesome drummer playing to a very enthusiastic dance floor

Funny stories/near disasters.

Well I somehow ordered the wrong chairs for the ceremony, the chairs I had in mind were not the chairs we ended up with. When ordering I didn’t realise the name on the order form said something else. So when I arrived under our wedding arbour, Michael said many loving and complimentary things and shortly after that I replied with “ they are the wrong chairs”. But in the end I think the gorgeous bentwood chairs we had worked like a dream!

Words of wisdom.

Enjoy every moment, take a deep breath and all that matters is the two of you and all the beauty the day brings from all the people who love you.

Final words.

We loved every minute of our day, it was an amazing celebration of us and every moment that brought us to that day. We feel truly honoured to have such loving friends and family and that they are so happy for us. It was the happiest day and I feel truly proud to have married my best friend and an all-round amazing person.

 

LOUISE AND MICHAEL’S TRIBE

Ceremony venue / location: Oyl, Mannerim

Celebrant: Bobbi Wolffenbuttel who happens to be dear friends mum. Bobbi was truly perfect for us, who made us and our guests relaxed

Photography: Jake Hogan Photography – a spectacular photographer who captured the most beautiful moments throughout the day. An absolutely fabulous person who we were delighted to have part of out day, it wouldn’t have been the same without him and that we now have the memories that he captured

Videography: Love Soldier Weddings

Styling: Bride

Florist: Gathered – Kirsten is a creator of divine bloom arrangements and gorgeous foliage she created a collection of spectacular blooms in stunning large brass vessels that had a an array of roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, other pops of colour and the most amazing arbour with my favourite – proteas.

Hire: Pepper Sprout Hire and Olive Green Plant and Prop, highly recommend

Hair: Momu

Make Up: Hilary Holmes

The Dress: Sarah Seven from The Bridal Atelier

Veil / head wear: Gathered

Jewellery/Accessories: Earrings from Swarovski, Lunar Concept Store ring and bracelet from my own collection

Shoes: Seed

Rings: Custom made by Jules Williams Jeweller – engagement ring, wedding band and grooms ring

Bridesmaids dress: I took a chance and purchased a dress from ASOS, not really knowing if it was the one or not but when Katie put it on she looked like a dream, it was perfect

Grooms and groomsman suits: Peter Jackson

Grooms Shoes: Blaq

Bow ties / ties: Pierre Cardin

Catering: Sarah Roe Catering

Cake: Coppertop Cakes Geelong

Cake topper: Communicake It

Stationery / Signage: We opted for a simple design on unbleached paper and white print, the invitations were then put together by a friend and printed by MBE Printers

Entertainment: Luke Legs

Transport: I arrived in 1964 Cruiser, the owner is a family friend

Other: Cake table styled by bride and flowers on table by the very talented and creative mother of the bride. The wedding arbour wood sourced from grandparent’s Airey’s Inlet property and put together by my father – so special.

Honeymoon: Thailand, glorious 36-37 degree days everyday

 




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