Real Wedding – Madeleine & Harley, East Melbourne VIC

Madeleine and Harley’s incredibly chic and contemporary nuptials are a masterclass in sophistication and personal charm. With a want to be married sooner rather than later, they settled on an intimate affair, sharing their vows at the Victorian Registry Office before celebrating their union with 29 of their loved.

Steeped in romantic essence within the walls of The Tea Room, the day radiates warmth and creativity, with striking tablescapes adorned in rich reds and whites, and decadent bunches of grapes nestled amongst the glowing candlelight.

Captured beautifully by Kinship by Kristy, this is the epitome of modern elegance and reimagined tradition.

The meeting.

We met during lockdown in 2021. We met on Hinge. For our first date I drove to his house on the coast and he cooked us peking duck pancakes.

The ‘one’.

Mmm that’s a hard question. There is no single moment I can point to, more of a collection of things which made me fall in love with him. From the moment we met he made me feel calm, he always reassured me, and I never had to guess how he was feeling. He would bring me coffee in bed every morning and was eager to make space for me in his life.

The proposal.

He got me up early one Sunday morning to take the dog for a walk to a local lookout. It was a spot we use to go when we first started dating so it felt personal and intimate. After getting on one knee he took me to an amazing restaurant called Moonah to celebrate. It was perfect.

Planning process.

We wanted it to feel as low key and stress free as possible so we could focus on each other. Plus, we wanted to get married sooner rather than later so the traditional options where you have to book a year in advance didn’t suit us.

We tried to minimise most things so it felt as chill as possible. We decided not to have a bridal party so we could enjoy our wedding morning together and not worry about organising everything that comes with that. Our reception dinner was at The Tea Room, who we knew we could trust with food and wine, so we left everything up to them. We checked into our hotel the night before, went to the spa and just enjoyed time together. Harley and I got ready together which felt really nice.

Style inspiration. 

We organised it all pretty quickly so it just evolved as we went. I’d say it evolved into an ethereal, intimate and cosy evening which suited us perfectly.

The outfit. 

It was stressful! I originally ordered a cheap dress online. It arrived two months before our wedding and I absolutely hated it. Tears and all.  I had always loved Lola Varma dresses and luckily they were able to make me a dress with a short lead time. Their dresses are so feminine and ethereal and catch light so beautifully which I just love.  I didn’t originally want to spend that much on a dress but I’m so glad I did. It was my dream dress and I don’t regret a thing. Except ordering a cheap dress online…

Favourite moments.

Our favourite moment was after the formalities were over and we were sitting down to eat. We shared a moment to be present and just acknowledged that we had become husband and wife surrounded by our closest friends and family.

Meaning of marriage.

There is so much in life we don’t get to choose; we have to pass through so many painful moments we wish we didn’t have to. Marriage to me is choosing to celebrate joy, it’s deciding to see the good in the world and pausing for a moment to acknowledge that. We found love, I think that’s worth pausing for.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Fruits of my labor by Lucinda Williams – It’s a beautiful song that Harley shared with me when we started dating, it morphed into our song despite it not being a traditional love song.

Funny stories or near disasters.

My mum forgot to bring the steamer for my dress! That gave me a moment of panic but luckily my sister-in-law was able to bring me one. We also got stuck in traffic from the hotel to the treasury gardens and were 20 minutes late to our photoshoot. Never underestimating MCG traffic for a Collingwood home game.

Planning surprises.

Despite our effort to keep it small, intimate and stress free there was still a high amount of planning required which was more than I initially thought it would entail.

Words of wisdom.

I don’t think anyone will regret having a smaller wedding, it gives the day an extra layer of intimacy which makes the celebration that much more special.

We have an array of incredible photographers like Kinship by Kristy at the ready to capture your day. You can peruse to your hearts content right here.

MADELEINE & HARLEY’S VENDORS

Ceremony venue: Victorian Registry

Reception venue: The Tea Room (Spring St Events)

Photography: Kinship by Kristy – Kristy Visscher

Florist: Blume Flower Studio – Maddy Jones

Hair & make up: Mae Taylor

The dress: Lola Varma

Shoes: Reformation

Rings: Commune gallery

Grooms suit: P Johnson

Bow ties: P Johnson