Real Wedding - Marina & Stevie, Albert Park VIC

August 19, 2019 In Black and White, Church, Luxe, Real Weddings, White By Natalie Drum

Real Wedding – Marina & Stevie, Albert Park VIC

Marina and Stevie had a clear vision for their wedding day, and following a heartfelt and traditional ceremony they embraced the elegant Albert Park backdrop of Carousel – pulling together their very best day ever.

Adopting a palette of crisp white and gold accents, this elegant ever-after was all about good food, plenty of drinks, Croatian traditions and embracing the great outdoors of a stunning summer’s day.

Not only was bride Marina a knockout in her gown, but this whole day was class personified. With White Vine Photography behind the lens, you can enjoy it all here.

The meeting.

We met at Captain Baxter on a Sunday afternoon in St Kilda Melbourne. But we had mutual friends and had known of each other. We were talking for a good few hours then I left and he messaged me to go for dinner during the week and the rest is history.

The ‘one’.

We both knew pretty early as we were so similar, and everything was so easy. The first year of us dating we had the best 3-week trip overseas in Croatia and I think that sealed the deal!

The proposal.

Stevie took me for dinner to my favourite place in Croatia called Motovun. It is a little medieval town on top of a hill. Below the hill is where they farm truffles, so all the restaurants serve truffle dishes. We had dinner then we walked to the lookout at sunset and Stevie got down on his knee and proposed.

The process.

What was the inspiration behind the style of your wedding? I always wanted to get married at St Patricks Cathedral in the city and Stevie’s siblings had all been married there so the church was an easy pick.

Carousel we chose for the reception because we love the view and the deck. We love to be outside drinking and we wanted that for our guests. We also needed a venue that could potentially house 400 guests.

I like simple, no colours and I love gold. The theme was simple with white and gold only.

The outfits.

I had a few appointments with some designers, at which I didn’t like any of their dresses. When I was in between appointments I stumbled into Vincenzo Pintaudi’s store and my mum made me try on one of the dresses. He was so lovely and let us in without an appointment. He told us the dresses name was ‘Marina’ after his mum and my name is Marina, so that was a major sign. I tried it on and the fit was insane and what I was after. It was a strapless dress but I wanted a dress with a low back and straps, so he made me my perfect dressed based on the shape of the ‘Marina’ dress.

I suggested for Stevie to go to Harolds and get some ideas, the first and only suit he tried on was a Tom Ford suit (the one from James Bond), and it was perfect. He was so happy with it their was no point in shopping elsewhere.

Favourite moments.

Walking down the aisle and seeing Stevie was the best part! Drinking and eating at the reception. Food & Desire at Carousel honestly killed the food at our wedding, everyone said how it was the best food they have ever had at a wedding, so if food is important check them out.

Meaning of marriage.

Being with my best friend who I love for the rest of my life. Starting a family and having someone to love forever.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel

Reception entry: I got U by Duke Dumont

First dance: Perfect by Ed Sheeran

Funny stories (or near disasters).

Our wedding day was 38 degrees. To keep guests happy we just supplied as much alcohol and water as possible.

Planning surprises.

How much paper work there is. If you don’t like admin, do a basic wedding. It is a full-time admin job and you’re forever in your emails. Two weeks out I sent all suppliers the details of what will be happening on the day and just confirmed everything. This puts your mind at ease. Another thing was how many RSVPs you don’t get back and how many people you must chase. I probably had to chase over 40 responses. Facebook is the best place to chase them!

Words of wisdom.

Keep up with date nights where you don’t talk about wedding stuff. The wedding will consume your life and its best to take a break one night a week.

Last words.

It was the best day of our lives!

Weather got you worried? From scorching hot to torrential rain – it pays to be prepared. Click here for our take on how to ensure your ceremony isn’t compromised by planning for every potential situation – inclement weather included.

MARINA & STEVIE’S TRIBE

Ceremony venue / location: St Patrick’s Cathedral – East Melbourne

Reception venue / location: Carousel – Albert Park

Celebrant/Officiant: Father Vedran Lesic – Croatian Catholic Priest

Photography: White Vine Photography

Videography: C2 Films

Styling: We did it ourselves with the help of our florist, Harry the Hirer, and Dann Event Hire

Florist: Flower Jar

Hair: Rhys Mitchell Harrison

Make-up: Tess Holmes

The Dress(es): Vincenzo Pintaudi

Shoes: Jimmy Choo