Real Wedding – Natalie & Michael, South Melbourne VIC
An infusion of colour to match the effervescent emotions of the day underpins the aesthetics and feeling of Natalie and Michael’s stunning South Melbourne soiree.
Leaning into the fact that Michael is the decisive one in the relationship and giving him the lead role in the planning made for a day that lived up to their wedding ethos – bright, fun, minimum formality, maximum party.
From their heartwarming first look to their romp through the Melbourne parks to capture their portrait sessions with the ever-fabulous Nikki McCrone, this day is equal parts genuine joy and vivid visuals.
We love the combination of soft buttery yellow against deep fushia and musky lilac, juxtaposed beautifully by floral stylist With Love Sophie.
Scroll on to enjoy more of this uplifting day.
The meeting.
Tinder! It was love at first swipe. 😉
The one.
We knew when we realised we were two sports fanatics who loved talking footy.
The proposal.
Michael dragged Nat on a hike in Marysville. She nearly didn’t make it to the top, and he nearly had to propose on a dirt road halfway up! But, she made it!
Planning process.
Michael actually took the lead! As the decisive one in the relationship, he kept the planning on track and actually made many of the big decisions!
Style inspiration.
We love colour, and wanted the environment to be bright and fun! Minimum formality, maximum party! We stalked a lot of stylist/ photographer/ florist Instagram pages for lots of inspiration!
The ceremony.
Light-hearted, and humorous, with a whole lot of love. Many of our guests commented that they could feel the love oozing and that it was very wholesome. We loved the backdrop at Half Acre of the exposed bricks, and our colourful pop of flowers behind us at the altar.
The outfits.
My wedding dress was actually the first one I tried on. It was only ever meant to be the “just in case” dress, but I ended up loving it! By the end of the night, sneakers were essential! Michael wore a traditional black suit.
Favourite moments.
We had so much fun at the Fitzroy Gardens taking photos together with our bridal parties and doing a first look. Nikki created an amazing environment, lots and lots of laughs, and we couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces.
Meaning of marriage.
The next step in showing our love and commitment to one another, and a lifetime of laughs and good banter together.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Simply the Best & Here Comes the Sun
Reception entry: These Words
First dance: You’re Still the One
Last song of night: That’s Amore
Funny stories (or near disasters).
The mother of the bride (Nat’s mum) broke her arm the morning of the wedding! She slipped over at home and actually broke her arm in three places. But she made it through the entire day and went to the hospital the next! Wedding MVP!
Planning surprises.
You have lots of opportunities to put your own “spin” on things! Be it the music, the vows, the speeches, your jewellery, your table settings – so many different ways to put your own touch on things and make them special to you.
Words of wisdom.
There’s no harm in asking! Some things may not be possible (and that’s ok!), but if you don’t ask, you may not know! Take time to be with each other at different points throughout the day, and remember to eat!
LINKING POST
NATALIE & MICHAEL’S VENDORS
Ceremony & reception venue: Half Acre
Celebrant: Gary Chapman
Photography: Nikki McCrone
Florist: Sophie Bowe
Hair: Amanda Audrey Jones
Make-up: Sarah McMaster
The dress: Luv Bridal
Shoes: Forever Soles
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Various
Suits: Instichu
Catering: Food and Desire
Cake: Pelligra Cakes
Entertainment: Andrew Rozen
Hire: Harry the Hirer
