Real Wedding – Luci & Patrick, Dromana VIC
A black tie wedding in a country setting; bold, dramatic and elegant. This clear vision was the brilliant work of Patrick’s bride Luci, who absolutely nailed pulling together their dreamy Tanglewood Estate wedding day.
Being the mastermind behind one of our favourite styling and planning business’, Poni Studios, it comes as little surprise that Luci’s own wedding should blow us away with incredible styling and thoughtful, and perfectly placed finishing touches.
A day as fun as it was beautiful, well-planned as it was relaxed, we adore everything about it, and the way its been captured by another Tribe talent, Lou Lou Memphis.
In Luci’s words…
The meeting.
We met at work – a real life boss/employee relationship sitchy-ation… it worked though!
The ‘one’.
Pretty early on. We just worked. It is just exactly the way it needs to be. It feels “right”, I just know, that where I am, what I’m doing and who we are, is precisely how its supposed to be. We aren’t super romantic, we aren’t soppy or lovey dovey. We are just regular people doing life together and absolutely wouldn’t change it for the world.
The proposal.
Paddy listens, let me tell you. He had the hotel, he had the private area of QT rooftop, he had an exchangeable ring so I could design my own, and he had our families and our best friends lined up to surprise me 15 minutes after he proposed. It was the biggest surprise and then the biggest night of celebration. It was better than I could have ever imagined.
The process.
I found the process to be the absolute funnest time of my life. I loved every single minute of it. From designing the invitations and finding the vibe, all the way through to the table styling, cars and everything else. I wanted to go above and beyond and think of little things people hadn’t seen before and I wanted go the extra mile. Nothing was too much trouble. That’s how I knew this was more than just wedding for me, it was also a future business.
Style inspiration.
Three words – BOLD, DRAMATIC AND ELEGANT. I wanted a black tie wedding in a country setting. I wanted it to be WOW and for there to be elements completely unexpected. I wanted it to be unique stunning but above all else I wanted it to be fun. I chose early on that I wanted the bridesmaids in all different shades of green and all in different style dresses, that set the tone for a lot of the other decisions I made. The invitations were also always going to be simple, black and elegant – so that helped shape my design of all the on-the-day stationery.
The dress.
I loved the process of finding the right dress. Lots of fun days shopping with my six bridesmaids and my mum to sort out what I liked, once I knew the style (which by the way ended up being the complete opposite to what I’d ever envisaged), I then went about searching for the right designer who understood the vision. That’s where I found myself at Luci Di Bella in Armadale. I still cry thinking about how much I adore my dress. Would it be weird to have it on a mannequin in the lounge room?
Favourite moments.
Oh god, that’s almost impossible to answer. The sax in the middle of the reception blasting That’s Amore up and down the tables was sensational. Everyone got up from their meals and were dancing around the room. It’s also hard not to mention being announced with your new hubby into the reception by 160 screaming and clapping guests waving their napkins..ohhhh I felt the love.
Meaning of marriage.
Our commitment and an excuse to throw a huge weekend long celebration with everyone that loves you. When else do you get to do that?
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Acoustic version of Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk, sung by Tom Carty
Signing of the register: Acoustic version of Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay, sung by Tom Carty
Recessional: Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson, sung by Tom Carty with Chris Smart live on the sax.
Reception entry: You Make My Dreams by Daryl Hall, sung by Tom Carty with Chris Smart live on the sax.
First dance: Jackson (originally by Johnny Cash) by Florence and the Machine
Funny stories (or near disasters).
WELL my wedding shoes and my wedding earrings did get stolen out of my locked car 48 hours before the wedding. Thankfully my sister / maid of honour came to the rescue and got it sorted for me. Apart from that, everything went so smoothly.
Planning surprises.
I probably didn’t expect that most suppliers don’t really wanna chat or make plans until much closer to the day, which now makes total sense after having had my own experience. But apart from that, it all went pretty much as I expected.
Words of wisdom.
Just prepare yourself for the absolute most epic experience of your life. You don’t regret the money, or time or effort, its just all worth it. Seeing all your family and friends celebrating you and your love together is the most indescribable feeling. Oh – and make sure you get a video. All you will want to do is watch back on it (and ask your videographer for the unedited full footage, you literally get to relive your wedding from a different perspective its epic)
Last words…
Have a recovery party the next day!!! It eases your mind if you can’t get around to everyone and in turn gives you the opportunity to just enjoy yourself and relax a bit on the day, knowing you’ll see everyone the next day. Be a bit selfish – spend the night with those closest.
To get Luci on board to help you plan the incredible wedding day of your dreams, visit Poni Studio.
LUCI & PATRICK’S TRIBE
Ceremony: The Chapel, Tanglewood Estate Winery
Reception: The Barn, Tanglewood Estate Winery – Cailtin, Emma, Donna and Nick – kindest souls. Best location. Best experience.
Celebrant/Officiant: Shannon Jeans – Shan is probably the best person I met throughout the whole process, I cant even BEGIN to describe the ceremony she created for us. Heartfelt, funny, emotional, it was perfection.
Photography and videography: Lou Lou Memphis – Eliza, she is the best in the industry I swear by it. She had pressure on her by me, I had such a vision for my photos and she absolutely NAILED IT.
Styling: Myself – Poni Studio.
Florist: Poppy Culture – The wonderful girls at Poppy Culture, ALSO NAILED IT. They loved my different brief, BLACKKKKK flowers and black foliage, fluffy white roses and deep green foliage. It was spectacular.
Hair and makeup: Gorgz Boutique and Lisa Cathcart Makeup – The girls smashed a massive bridal party right out of the park and in fab time!
The Dress(es): Luci Di Bella – Luci and Caitlin had me in as many times as required to perfect the dress, the sleeves and my 2m long train were perfection.
Veil / headwear: My mums 37-year-old veil
Shoes: Bared Footwear
Rings: My engagement ring was Jan Logan and my wedding band my grandmother’s that Jasmine Fraser brought back to life. Paddy’s ring was made by Jasmine Fraser – is the sweetest soul, you must must check her out for rings.
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Witchery, Shona Joy, One Fell Swoop, Camilla and Marc.
Groomsmen’s suits: Institchu
Bow ties / ties: That Dapper Chap
Catering: Treat Catering
Bar: Tanglewood Estate Winery
Favours: We custom made round circular menus with individual greetings and personalised messages
Cake / Cake topper: Cakes by Gab with my own green silk ribbon
Stationery / Signage: Poni Studio
Entertainment: Unplugged Entertainment, Tom Carty and Chris Street (Sax) and Meehan Brothers DJ – Greatest duo, professional, fun and exceptional BLOKES. BOOK THEM TOGETHER YOU WILL THANK ME.
Transport: Family friends vintage cars for the bridesmaids and Neptours buses for the guests
Décor: Poni Studio
Hire: Harry the Hirer, The Small Things Co
Honeymoon: a mini moon to Hayman Island and Port Douglas and the big moon to Europe next year
