Real Wedding – Paris & Nathan, St Kilda VIC

When Paris and Nathan reworked their wedding plans due to the pandemic, they re-imagined what was to be a winter wedding into a stunning summer soiree.

Beginning with an intimate, emotional ceremony in inner-city Melbourne, then taking the party to the bay at the iconic Stokehouse, this day was a journey through the best parts of their home city, celebrated in ultra, on-point style.

Paris’s gown of sleek contemporary lines and captivating angles was perfectly matched with Nathan’s sharp linen suit, accented with jet black shoes and a smile that just doesn’t quit. Together these two radiate connection and happiness, captured to perfection by photographer Chloe May.

Contrasting with the crisp elegance of the couple with aching alchemy is the reception styling, a vision of delicate, cloud-like florals and linens in shades of alabaster. The cake by Torte by Mirjana was the completing touch, a modern dream of ethereal textures.

The meeting.

We met seven years ago through a mutual friend. Our first date was to the cricket, which we both laugh at now as we are so not cricket people, and I don’t think we have watched a game of cricket since.

The ‘one’.

Instantly we both just clicked, everything was so easy, and nothing was awkward. It felt like I had met the boy version of myself, and as cliché as this sounds, from the moment I met Nath, I fell instantly in love with him. I think after our first date, we caught up almost every day after that and I couldn’t imagine a day without him.

I knew he was the one when, unfortunately, Nath broke his leg playing football, so he had a little bit of time off work during that time. He was so sweet; at the time, I was at uni, and the drive to my uni was over an hour away. He would drive in the car with me (with his broken foot) and sit in the car watching movies while I would do my uni classes and then drive home with me just so I had company for my drive.

He is very selfless and would do anything to see me smile; I just love that so much about him.

The proposal.

He surprised me with a night away at Crown in Melbourne with some of our best friends. We all went out for dinner, and then after dinner we went back to our room to find the room had been decorated with flowers upon flowers, and balloons that said, “marry me.” It was very special! One of my favourite days.

Planning process.

I ended up planning two weddings, as our first wedding got cancelled (due to covid). We were originally supposed to get married in June 2020 but had to postpone due to covid. At that time we had to change venues, and I even had to change my dress, celebrant and florist.

My first dress was wintery, so when re-planning for our new date here in Australia, I went from a cold winter wedding in June to a hot summer wedding in January. Also, lots of my original suppliers were busy on my new date, so I had to find new ones. Everyone was super helpful though, and helped recommend others which made my life a little easier although VERY stressful.

It’s fun though, enjoy the process as it’s a one-time thing. I would tell every bride to try not to sweat the small stuff, honestly on the day nothing else matters and things you thought you would worry about really don’t worry you at all. Make sure you do what you want to do and don’t get influenced by other people. It’s your wedding and a reflection of your style and relationship. It’s the one day you really can create a space that’s exactly how you want it. I loved it!

Style inspiration. 

We just knew we wanted it to be a reflection of us. We wanted to look back and know we would still love it in years to come.

The outfit. 

Hilarious story – I actually never went into a wedding dress store. I was just shopping with my cousin and sisters when we walked past a store, and it was in the front window of the shop. I tried it on and instantly fell in love with it. I called my mum to get her approval, and it was as easy as that.

Favourite moments.

Without a doubt, the vows. I never realised how emotional they would be, they were so special, and it’s a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Meaning of marriage.

A life full of love, laughter and memories with your best friend. I don’t think it gets any better than marrying your soul mate. It’s just so special, and every day I just feel so lucky and blessed.

Wedding soundtrack.

L.O.V.E by Frank Sinatra

Planning surprises.

It’s a lot more complex than you think; I think I underestimated how many things there are to organise.

Words of wisdom.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the process; it’s easy to get overwhelmed but try to just enjoy it. Remember, whatever it is you’re stressing about, I can assure you it will work out, and you’ll look back and laugh that you were even worried about it.

Enjoy every moment; it’s such a special time.

Having an amazing team of suppliers around them made postponing their celebrations so much smoother for Paris and Nathan (and helped them create an absolute dream of a day!). If you’re looking to ensure you’re supported and inspired, check out our directory for some true talent.

PARIS & NATHAN’S VENDORS:

Ceremony venue: Private ceremony at Crown

Reception venue: Stokehouse St Kilda

Celebrant: Kate Morgan

Photography: Chloe May

Florist: Honesty Flora

Hair: Quinn Smith Hair

Make-up: Emma Jane

The dress: Scanlan Theodore

Shoes: Raye

Rings: Paris – Vahe Jewellery, Nathan – Cartier

Groom’s suit and bow tie:  MJ Bale

Catering: Stokehouse St Kilda

Cake / Cake topper: Torte By Mirjana

Transport: Always Classic Cars