Real Wedding – Rebecca & Alex, South Yarra VIC
Early on in the planning process, Rebecca and Alex got caught up in the beauty of a bright, white, monochromatic wedding aesthetic.
But when they looked around their Sydney home, it was characterised by abundant colour, art and stylings that reflected them.
Their nuptials, they soon realised, should do the same.
And so they punctuated the vistas of idyllic gardens and lakes at The Terrace, nestled in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, with vibrant florals that sparked the type of joy that carried right through the night.
Dancefloor specialists, Married to the Groove, met the mood of every moment with perfectly personalised music selections only an experienced pro can deliver.
Dive into the pair’s planning tips and stunning snaps by Sean Tak below.
The meeting.
Alex and I met eight years ago while travelling Europe with our friends at the young age of 21! We were on a Contiki together and became great friends. Eight of us had a Contiki reunion eight months later in Bali, and the rest was history.
The ‘one’.
Alex and I were long-distance between Sydney and Melbourne for over a year. Initially, it was fun until we began missing each other as soon as we left. We realised that even with all the constant back and forth, it was never a chore. We loved being together, and both did everything we could to fly to each other on most weekends. Being long distance taught us a lot – every time we were together, we valued each moment. It was special, and that love has continued and grown so much.
The proposal.
Our families have always been a special part of both of our lives individually. After years of dating and many family lunches and dinners, we decided to have a Christmas together in our favourite place, Port Stephens. Alex proposed at 6am on Shoal Bay Beach. I’ll never forget my parents running towards us, falling over in the sand, until they finally reached us. It was the best day of celebrations with our closest loved ones.
Planning process.
It was fun! Alex and I focused on what we wanted for the day and tried not to be influenced by outside noise. We embraced colour, the outdoors, delicious food and great music. We wanted a big party of everyone we loved in the same room. We were so blessed with how special the day was. We had 122 of the most special people in our lives, many who flew from Sydney to be a part of our wedding day.
Style inspiration.
We wanted it to be ‘us’. Early on, I got caught up in having everything white, traditional and classic, but that isn’t us. Similar to the home in Sydney that we have built together, our lives are filled with colour, art and joy. We wanted our wedding to reflect this.
The ceremony.
Our ceremony was so special. The setting of the Terrace is perfect, situated beautifully amongst the gardens. Our groomsman, Paul, read a prayer during the ceremony, bringing in our family’s Christian traditions to bless our marriage. We were surrounded by our families and friends, many tears, many laughs, and so much joy. I wish that we could bottle the love surrounding us on this day for the rest of our lives.
Favourite moments.
The whole day! The nerves leading up to the ceremony, seeing Alex and standing together at the top of the aisle, taking every moment in, being announced husband and wife, the speeches during the reception. Though mostly watching everyone we love in a room together, dancing and having the best time. The feeling in the room was the most special we have ever experienced.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage means so much to us. Along the way, while planning a wedding, it is easy to get caught up in trying to make everything ‘perfect’. Though we quickly reminded ourselves of why we were planning this wedding. Marriage to us is committing your life to one another, committing in advance to love each other through every part of life that is to come – the good, the bad, the wonderful. We are so excited to live our lives together. We have and always will be a team.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Simply the Best, Stephanie Rainey
Signing: Here Comes The Sun, The Beatles and My Destiny, Lionel Richie
First kiss: Adore u, Fred Again
Reception entrance: Billie (Loving Arms), Fred again
First dance: Just The Two Of Us, Bill Withers
Father /daughter & mother/son dance: The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra
Words of wisdom.
Enjoy every moment. The time goes so quickly, and it is so easy to get caught up in things that don’t matter. Remember why you are planning this day, and embrace every second. Things will go wrong! Spend as much time as you can with your new husband/wife during the evening – it is the best party you will ever host!
REBECCA & ALEX’ SUPPLIERS:
Ceremony & reception venue: The Terrace, Botanical Gardens
Celebrant: Megan Thompson
Photography: Sean Tak
Videography: Momento Films
Florist: Grown Florist
Hair: KX Hair Design
Make-up: VVN Makeup
The dress & veil: Maelle Bride
Shoes: Dior
Rings: Cullen Jewellery
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Effie Kats
Suits Farage
Shop Australian Designer Workwear Clothing Online | Farage
Bow tie: Calibre
Cake / Cake topper: The Dessert Life
Stationery / Signage: Sea & Paper
Entertainment: Married to the Groove
