Real Wedding – Sam & Tara, Collingwood VIC
When Sam and Tara took a moment to share a Negroni on the streets of Collingwood following their wedding ceremony, it became a moment they wouldn’t forget as they realised just how incredible their dream day was.
This perfect pair stuck to their guns when they planned their wedding, knowing that they didn’t want to send any guests home hungry (or sober) – and they felt like they certainly achieved this.
Grace Loves Lace had Tara looking like a gorgeous goddess and there to capture all the fun and frivolity was Motta Weddings.
In Tara’s words…
The meeting.
This is one of those cliché stories of ‘we met in a bar through mutual friends’ 5 years ago. Although Sam had his work cut out for him initially because my memory was rather hazy from the night we met – and then over the next few months we were stuck in the ‘friend zone’. Thankfully I came to my senses and we haven’t looked back since!
The ‘one’.
I’m not sure there was ever a single lightbulb moment but more a culmination of getting so used to the friendship, fun and laughter we shared and not being able to live without it.
The proposal.
I’d had a sneaking suspicion he might propose while we were away on our holiday in France, but the moment took me totally by surprise. We were exploring one of the chateaus in the south when Sam popped the question. The sun had finally come out and I was busily snapping photos of the gardens when Sam held the ring up to the viewfinder, asking if I would marry him as I turned around. It was such a surprise that I had to stop and ask him if I had said ‘yes’ yet!
Planning process.
Thankfully we had a pretty easy run. Once we’d locked in the venue and the date everything started falling into place. We were lucky that most of our vendors were available at the time of our initial enquires which made things much easier.
Style inspiration.
We wanted something relaxed and fun. We’re big foodies so top-notch food was a must as well as a care free party atmosphere. Our main aim was to make sure no one went home hungry or sober, and I think we met the brief!
The dress.
I had seen the ‘Edie’ gown in a magazine a few months before we got engaged and thought ‘wow, what a dress’. Once it was time to start looking, I knew a trip to the Gold Coast was in order to try it on. Without any bridesmaids I headed up with my Mum for a girls’ weekend away! Georgia from GLL was so wonderful at the appointment, she was so patient and helpful during the whole experience. The whole process was seamless and when the dress arrived it was just perfect!
Favourite moment.
As we returned from our photos Sam sneakily grabbed a kolab lunch bag from the boot of our photographer’s car which contained 2 bottles of Bar Americano Negroni and orange wedges which he added to two glasses of ice left waiting for us out the front of Rupert. We took a break to prop on a step of a nearby business to enjoy our favourite drink together before being welcomed back to our guests. It was so lovely to share a quiet moment together and take in all that had just happened.
Meaning of marriage.
Our marriage is a recognition of our commitment to each other, which is an extension of our friendship and love.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle song: Born to be yours – Kygo
Certificate signing – song 1: Sweet Disposition – Temper Trap
Certificate signing – song 2: Shooting Stars – Bag Raiders
Exit Song: Signed, sealed, delivered – Stevie Wonder
First Dance: Fall at your feet – Crowded House
Funny stories (or near disasters).
Our only real hiccup was the moment a guest of ours wandered up to me at the wedding to say the wedding cake tasted delicious… because the cake wasn’t supposed to have been cut up and served, instead shared at our recovery BBQ the next day…. ooops! At the end of the day it was no big deal as so many of our guests commented on how amazing the cake was and it was delightful to share it with them all.
Planning surprises.
We couldn’t believe how big the guest list got! It took us by surprise the sheer number of people we wanted to have share our special day with us and thankfully we were able to invite them all.
Words of wisdom.
Remember what is important to you as a couple and what reflects your relationship. It can be easy to get caught up in what’s on social media and put unrealistic expectations on yourself and what your wedding ‘should be’. Instead focus on a few key things that are ‘must haves’ and be prepared to compromise on the others.
Final words.
Go for the vendors that you gel with! It makes the experience so much more fun and enjoyable, as well as producing amazing results!
Worried about nailing your wedding day speech? Don’t worry, we have plenty of helpful hints and tips right here.
SAM AND TARA’S TRIBE
Ceremony and reception venue: Rupert on Rupert, Mali, Ric and all the staff at Rupert were just incredible! From settling our pre wedding jitters to producing an epic celebration, they were the greatest!
Celebrant/Officiant: Georgia Mills – Georgia was just amazing, she made the lead up to the day such a breeze by taking care of all of the official steps to our wedding and for designing the most wonderful ceremony that reflected us perfectly. I couldn’t recommend her highly enough!
Photography: Motta Weddings – Alex was such a superstar! From the very first night we met him we just knew he was the perfect fit for the way we wanted to celebrate our wedding. On the day he was just brilliant and made everything feel so natural. He was super professional but so fun at the same time! I’d recommend him to absolutely anyone!
Styling: The venue took care of much of the styling with just a few floral arrangements added by us. Mali from Rupert on Rupert was just amazing!
Florist: Fowlers Flowers – These guys have been my go to florist since moving to Northcote 7 years ago and I just couldn’t wait to ask them if they were free to do our wedding. Rocky and the girls put together the most amazing mega sized bouquet, it was out of this world! The venue arrangements and foliage hanging installation were just stunning, they did such a great job!
Hair: Herr Blick, Northcote – I’m so lucky to have Chelsea from Herr Blick in my life, she’s such a lifesaver when it comes to taming my mass of hair! She’s so good that I didn’t need to set foot in a salon on the day of the wedding, instead opted for rocking a day old blow wave. Crazy, maybe, but it was one thing that kept me sane!
Make Up: Jodie Porter – super awesome! Jodie arrived on the day at the perfect time. I was just starting to stress out but her super calm approach, and not to mention fantastic skills, just helped to bring things back down to earth. I have never felt more amazing than the moment I looked in the mirror once she’d finished! Not to mention she did the most wonderful make up job on my mum!
The Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Shoes: Jo Mercer – nothing fancy!
Rings: His – The Gentleman’s Smith
Hers – Cushla Whiting (wedding band), Vanessa Diamonds (bespoke engagement ring)
Grooms suit: Good old Country Road
Grooms Shoes: RM Williams
Bow ties / ties: The Brothers at Otaa
Catering: Rupert on Rupert
Favors: In lieu of favours we made a Rural Aid donation on behalf of our guests
Cake / Cake topper: Cake – Lauren Emmett of Kitty Pimms – the cake was soooo delicious! A flourless orange and almond, filled with lemon curd layers and iced with a swiss meringue buttercream. Cake Topper – Ivory & Ink Weddings
Stationary – our invitation was a wonderful collaboration between Courtney Jackson (illustrator) and Kath Ivory & Ink Weddings.
On the day stationary – Ivory & Ink Weddings.
Signage – Design Mummy. I can’t speak highly enough of Kath who was kind enough to rush a couple of on the day signs to me at the last minute after I forgot to order them, ooops!
Entertainment: Rachel Costanzo – just divine! Rachel did an acoustic rendition of our aisle song which was just perfect and started the party with some acoustic tunes before keeping the dancefloor alive with song selected by our guests on their RSVPs.
Transport: Groom – Uber, Bride – Urban Chauffer’s
Décor: Rupert on Rupert
Wishing well – Sketch and Etch
The most divine and easy wear earrings from Martha Jean.
Honeymoon: Tasmania – for the food, wine and gin (of course!)
