Real Wedding – Ryan & Belinda, South Melbourne VIC
Belinda and Ryan’s wedding planning was all about choosing truly talented vendors with whom they connected and trusting them to work their magic. The result? An aesthetically epic day filled with dramatic detail, vivacious vibes, and so much gorgeous emotion.
Stylist The Eventurer worked with Ivy and Eve to create a floral dream in vibrant, bold tones of ruby pink, grapefruit and neon peach, contrasted against cerulean hues, soft creams and deep chocolates. Clean, graphic arcs of the striking signage add a contemporary twist, echoing the arches through the venue, Half Acre.
Of course, the centrepiece to all this divine detailing is Ryan and Belinda, looking every bit a fun-loving, classed-up couple. Belinda is a vision of sequined glam in a rose gold ballgown by Silvana Tedesco, whilst Ryan strikes a stylish silhouette in his custom linen tux by Oscar Hunt.
For these stunning newlyweds, taking a moment out together while their fabulous photographer Georgia Verrells captured them in the golden twilight was a beautiful moment – giving them the chance to reflect on the sweet magic unfolding around them. For a glimpse of the lush gorgeousness we suspect 2022 weddings will bring, scroll on!
The meeting.
We met ten years ago on a Contiki Tour in Europe.
The ‘one’.
We came back from a two-month stint in Europe on different flights. I thought I would never hear from Ryan again, or it would quickly dissipate. However, Ryan moved to Sydney to complete his Masters, so if we were going to commit to the long-distance, on a plane every other weekend, we had to work out soon whether we wanted this to continue. I guess we both knew we were each other’s “one” pretty early on.
The proposal.
Whilst in Las Vegas, as part of a trip overseas, Ryan mentioned getting married over dinner. My birthday was approaching, and he thought getting an engagement ring would be a good present. I thought he was doing it on a whim – little did I know all our friends knew that he was going to propose and had organized a jeweller to make my ring upon our return. We have always done things our way from the very start!
Planning process.
Our planning process was made so easy with Steph from “The Eventurer”. We were all on the same page from the start, making selections easy. Steph would give us homework, as we used to call it. Ryan and I were of the mindset that we would make our choice, lock it in & move on.
Style inspiration.
We wanted to go with a brief that reflected us. It had to be different to what we had seen. We wanted it bright but moody. We ended up incorporating the arches from the venue as a significant aspect of the styling, and we just loved it.
We found talking to our vendors and allowing them creative control meant we got such a great result. Many of our vendors were able to bring to life some of their best ideas that other couples were not willing to do.
The ceremony.
Ryan and I did our photos before the ceremony, which made us feel at ease when standing up in front of everyone. The best part of the ceremony was hearing each other’s vows. I had no idea what to expect, and it was great that both Ryan and I mentioned the same things. The guests had a good laugh!
The look.
Our first step was to select the designers we liked and ensure our initial choices were different to the usual. I always knew I didn’t want a white dress as I always said that my wedding day was the one time I could wear whatever I wanted. As the wedding style developed, so did my idea of my dress – thanks Covid postponement!
By trusting Wei at Oscar Hunt, Ryan ended up with a tuxedo that they had never made before out of a linen fabric.
Silvana Tedesco brought to life an amazing rose gold dress that I would never have imagined and that I absolutely loved. This would not have been possible without trusting her and giving her full creative ability!
Favourite moments.
Sneaking out to do some sunset photos, and at the same time to be able to chat to Ryan about the day so far. We could take it all in and enjoy some time together without being pulled in five different directions.
Meaning of marriage.
Showing each other the deepest kind of love and forever being grateful for what we share together. Being your truest self around each other.
Having someone to share life’s trivial day to day happenings, both good and bad. Having someone to laugh with and cry with.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: You’ve Got the Love by Florence and the Machine
Recessional: Animal by Neon Trees
First dance: Dancing in the Moonlight by Top loader
Farewell: Sexy and I Know it by LMFAO
Planning surprises.
Overall it was what we expected. Of course, at times, we felt the pressure to select the correct wording for the invites or the food selections, but in the end, it was worth all the deliberating over decisions.
Words of wisdom.
Make choices that you want, not what you should select. Enjoy the process, and don’t overthink it. Make a choice and move on.
Having a wedding planner was the best money spent! In addition, seeking out vendors that you get along with and trusting their opinions will make the whole process more enjoyable!
Looking for a talented team of vendors to bring your dream day vision to life? Book some of the best in the business through our directory, here!
RYAN & BELINDA’S VENDORS
Ceremony & reception venue: Half Acre
Celebrant: Anthony Cribbes
Photography: Georgia Verrells
Planning, styling and stationery concept: The Eventurer
Florist: Ivy and Eve
Hair: Katie Barrow
Make-up: Jessica Bell Make Up
The dress: Silvana Tedesco
Headpieces: Viktoria Novak
Rings: Cushla Whiting
Bridesmaid’s dresses & mother of the bride suit: Silvana Tedesco
Suits: Oscar Hunt
Catering: Food & Desire
Cake: Nikos Cakes
Stationery / Signage: Jem & I Designs
Entertainment: Rutherford Entertainment (DJ & Sax), Jack and Jordan
Transport: AMPM
Hire: Dann Event Hire