Real Wedding – Pauline & Charlie, Melbourne VIC

December 15, 2022 In Black and White, Latest Posts, Pink, Urban By Ivory Tribe

Real Wedding – Pauline & Charlie, Melbourne VIC

Stunningly chic aesthetics, exquisitely elegant detailing and clean, crisp lines form the vision of impactful minimalism that is Pauline and Charlie’s wedding celebrations. Adding touches of traditionalism into their dream day makes for the perfect balance of style and feeling, emotion and timelessness.

She smoulders in a simply stunning off-shoulder sheath by Rachael Gilbert, while he looks every bit the dashing gent in a classic tux by Dyonsu. Softening the Brutalist-inspired aesthetic are florals in intriguing layers of ivory, powder blush and muted apple green.

The Grand Hall of the National Gallery of Victoria creates a striking backdrop against which the celebrations unfolded, all captured in the finest of forms by photographer Briars Atlas.

For every impactful moment, scroll on.

The meeting.

We met at a work lunch function in 2017 at Crown; we were seated at the same table across from each other. I thought he was very handsome but didn’t think much of it. We didn’t actually talk properly until the after-party (and we didn’t stop talking until 5am!).

The ‘one’.

We had overseas trips booked before meeting each other, including a Mt Everest trek (him! Not me!) that meant zero communication. So, there were a series of weeks/months when we didn’t see or hear from each other, and I didn’t stop missing him. Very strange! We were besotted hard and fast!

The proposal.

It was at a beautiful mountain-top restaurant in Boracay, Philippines, overlooking the ocean. Charlie had timed it, so we were seated for dinner at sunset. He was very anxious about showing up and kept banging on about the “sunset, WE HAVE TO HAVE A TABLE FOR THE SUNSET”. When we showed up, we were the only ones there! I was six months pregnant at the time, and it was intimate, a huge surprise, and very us!

Planning process.

We planned the wedding during the Melbourne lockdowns, so there was a bit of anxiety leading up to the date; as to whether it was going to go ahead at all. We had to make a lot of changes to fit new rules: change spaces within the NGV, cut down on the guest list, lose the dancefloor, and do a lot of online shopping! But, thankfully, we didn’t have to move the date like some people we know. I’m super organised but planning the wedding during Covid when so many things were up in the air, with a toddler stuck at home, was interesting! It was the very first wedding at the NGV post-Covid (a couple of days after the lockdown lifted).

Style inspiration.

Simple, timeless, elegant. I work in design, so I was inspired by the Brutalist aesthetic but with a softer, more elegant angle. The invites followed that minimal style softened by the florals, and we didn’t have to do much with the stunning Great Hall as the venue.

I found real weddings very useful for inspiration and a lot of beautifully printed invitations for typography, stock, and colour palette.

The ceremony.

Our ceremony was held at a beautiful church where Charlie and his dad were baptised, so it had personal significance to his family. We wanted some tradition (considering everything else in the world felt so unconventional at the time!), and the church was the perfect balance between intimate and timeless.

The look.

My best friend / man of honour and I only went to three bridal places. I tried on three gowns, and that was it! Very efficient. I’ve always been a fan of Rachel Gilbert’s gowns and their simplicity and structure. Due to restrictions, I had to be decisive to give enough time for alterations and delays.

My bridesmaids wore black formal dresses that they chose. I wanted them to be comfortable and to look like themselves.

Charlie and the groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos and black patent shoes. Timeless! Oh! And black satin masks for all.

Favourite moments.

Waiting outside the Grand Hall doors about to make our entrance. I could hear the band playing, and our friends clapping along and had the realisation that all our most favourite people in the world were all in one room. Compounded by the fact we haven’t been able to see anyone (and party!) for years!

Also, walking down the aisle and being really nervous, then hearing our beautiful daughter yell, ‘Mama!’. This calmed me instantly; it brought me down to earth.

Meaning of marriage.

Partnership. A commitment to give and receive love selflessly and grow together, as partners and as individuals, side by side.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Pachelbel Canon

Reception entry: Can’t Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake

First dance: Just The Two of Us by Grover Washington and Bill Withers.

Funny stories or near disasters.

It was forecasted torrential rain (and beautiful sunny weather either side) on the day. In the bridal car on the way to the church, we all started singing Going To The Chapel for some bizarre reason and really got into it, including the driver, to the point we were harmonising for 20 minutes.

Planning surprises.

Everything in the planning was a surprise due to Covid! Every week restrictions were changing, so we just had to be flexible and accept the fact that we were getting married during very strange times.

Words of wisdom.

Be prepared to flex. Things may not always go to plan, but if you reserve an inch of malleability, it won’t be so painful. Also, at the end of the day, it’s about you and your partner. So enjoy the day because there’s nothing else you can do at that point!

Last words.

I kind of want to do it all over again!

For an equally iconic take on a Melbourne city celebration, check out Jane and Jake’s wonder-filled wedding, here on the blog.

PAULINE & CHARLIE’S VENDORS

Ceremony venue: St John’s Toorak

Reception venue: National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Great Hall. Such a beautiful venue. It was a dream.

Celebrant/Officiant: Rev. Keiron Jones

Photography: Briars Atlas. The first supplier I researched and booked. We love his style, and Oli was so amazing on the day. So chill and very organised; I knew we were in spectacular hands!

Videography: The New Old Weddings

Styling: Myself

Florist: Studio Kaiser

Hair: Best Brides Hair & Makeup

Make-up: Jane Truong

The dress: Rachel Gilbert

Veil / headwear: Etsy!

Shoes: Jo Mercer

Rings: Custom made by D&G Jewellers

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Gucci

Suits & bow ties / ties: Dyonsu

Catering: National Gallery of Victoria