Real Wedding – Sean & Brandi, Coldstream VIC

February 2, 2022 In Latest Posts, Peach, Pink, Real Weddings, Red By Ivory Tribe

Real Wedding – Sean & Brandi, Coldstream VIC

With their theme of “old world meets modern romance” underpinning the style choices for the day, Brandi and Sean’s wedding celebrations are a breath of fresh, sweet sunshine and contemporary chic.

Seeking wisdom and advice from real wedding blogs led these stunning sweethearts to shake off any preconceived ideas about their wedding and instead create a celebration that reflected their own unique style and personalities.

From Brandi’s gorgeous gown by Sarah Seven, a perfect combination of classic lines with a modern twist, to the mismatched bridesmaid gowns in shades of vibrant fushia, soft blush and candy apple red, this was one bright and beautiful aesthetic experience. Florals by Petals Flower Co were the perfect accessory, adding crisp layers of textural structure.

There to bring a touch of nostalgia and timeless history to every epic moment was photography artist Analog Modern, shooting the entire day on analogue film, and cinematography superstar Apertura.

Every sweet emotion between the two newlyweds were captured to perfection, including the perfect romance filled romp under the twilight skies as the sun set over their dream day. Scroll on to see it all!

The meeting.

We had actually been running in the same circle of friends for a while, but it took us years to actually be in the same room together. A mutual friend of ours was having a small party at their house, and he and I were both there. Sean noticed me at the party and can still remember everything I was wearing but was too nervous to come up and speak to me. So, he added me on Facebook the next day, and that’s how we began talking.

The ‘one’.

I think it was instantly obvious that we were both attracted to each other. But there wasn’t a precise moment for either of us that made us realize that we were a perfect match together. There were so many smaller moments that all contributed.

When I re-read Pride and Prejudice this summer, there was a quote that I think lays this out:

“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”

The proposal.

Sean was incredibly nervous about asking me; he had even admitted to having the ring for a few months before proposing. Not because he thought I would say no, but he just wanted it to be everything I’d dreamed of.

He took me for a drive in his new car. We got such a lovely dinner with oysters, steaks, wine and cocktails.

When we got home, I was sitting on the couch with our two dogs, Sasha and Atlas, and he asked me to be his wife.

Planning process.

We got engaged in February 2020, so we weren’t able to have an engagement party with our friends and family. So, we planned for the wedding to be at the end of 2021, thinking that Covid wouldn’t even be a topic of conversation by then (very naïve).

The only hiccups we had was that our photographer who lived in NSW couldn’t shoot the wedding due to border restrictions and hesitancy that they would get locked out of their state. Luckily, we were able to get Nathan, who was incredible! Also, family members interstate also didn’t travel due to the same concerns. However, as our wedding was one of the major events that people could attend after the Victorian lockdown ended, there was not only a massive celebration of Sean and I getting married but also an insane buzz of everyone being able to see and catch up with each other once again.

Style inspiration.

I knew I wanted to have an “old world meets modern romance” theme for the wedding. And this whole theme was centred around my engagement ring, which, although is very modern, draws inspiration from the 1960’s ballerina style of engagement rings.

The venue we chose really embodied this theme so well; it contains Dame Nellie Melba’s original house and the first inbuilt swimming pool in Victoria, but already had a modern restaurant for the reception.

I found looking at real weddings and reading what people did and what they would change the most helpful. Weddings are so personalized these days compared to when our parents were married. So, looking at blogs and reading peoples stories, I realized it was more about trying to capture a day that was totally us, and we could do that however we wanted.

The ceremony.

I wanted to strike a balance of formal but not stiff, funny and warm but not a comedy show. Our celebrant was absolutely fantastic. We were two of the most nervous people in the world, and she made us feel so at ease. Our surprise vows to each other were the most special part of the day. Sean is a man of very few words, so to hear him say his piece was so moving. There wasn’t a single dry eye in the place!

The look.

For Sean and me, I wanted the look to be modern, elegant and timeless. My dress was actually the very first dress I tried on, and no other dress could compare. It was classic but also had details where it mattered, so it wasn’t boring. Sean has always looked fantastic in blue, so there was no question that he was going to wear navy; it just makes his blue eyes pop.

My stunning bridesmaids all have completely different body types. I didn’t think there was going to be a single dress that would do them all justice, so having them pick their own outfits within a colour palette seemed the way to go. I was particularly impressed with my maid of honour’s blush pink jumpsuit.

Favourite moments.

We spent the night and morning together with our bridal party, a couple of friends and family. So, we got to celebrate and spend so much time together.

Meaning of marriage.

I think it means you have chosen to be with someone, and you have chosen to respect and appreciate the person that they are as well as the person they wish to become. It’s to support, encourage and celebrate someone. It’s the ultimate commitment.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: I’ll Be Your Mirror by The Velvet Underground

Signing: She Belongs To Me by Bob Dylan

Recessional: Burning Love by Elvis Presley

Reception entry: Here Comes Your Man by The Pixies

Words of wisdom.

Meet your team! Just because someone is right for someone else doesn’t mean they will be right for you. Talk about your vision and how to want the day to look and feel so you can see if you are a right fit. I clicked immediately with all my vendors; it felt as if we were all a big family coming together by the end of it.
Go unapologetically towards your vision. It’s your day; you can celebrate it however you like. We went against tradition with a couple of things, but that’s what we wanted to do. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t become so engrossed in all the tiny insignificant details; people generally don’t notice or remember them anyway. You and your family and friends will only remember the vibes and atmosphere. So come into the day with excitement, remembering how much you love each other.

Romance doesn’t have to equal old school, stuffy or formal. We’ve found some stunning venues that ooze timeless style and sweet romance, to provide the perfect backdrop to your celebrations. Check them out, on the blog.

SEAN & BRANDI’S VENDORS

Ceremony & reception venue: Coombe Yarra Valley

Celebrant: Marry Me Megan

Photography: Analog Modern

Videography: Apertura

Florist: Petals Flower Co.

Hair: Kyk Hair

Make-up: Make-up by Dani

The dresses: Sarah Seven at The Bridal Atelier

Veil: Lola Knight

Shoes: Nine West

Rings: custom made by a family friend