Real Wedding – Stacey & Toby, Melbourne VIC
When a couple’s first meeting is in a Conga line whilst on a pub crawl in Barcelona, they are sure to have a brilliant wedding day up their sleeves!
Stacey and Toby chose the rooftop of Melbourne’s Tonic House to pull together a truly stunning celebration of their love. Their city wedding was chic in style, came with amazing food and wine and had an air of elegance that truly shone through.
Despite 37-degree temperatures, this stunning couple, and their guests – all looked a million bucks, and Georgia Verrells tells their story through her lens below.
In their words…
The meeting.
Stacey is from Melbourne and Toby is from Newcastle – we met in Barcelona whilst on a pub crawl in a conga line. Both backpacking, it was luck/fate, we both stayed at the same hostel for three nights
We didn’t speak for two years after and then Toby made a trip to Melbourne with his friends and we all caught up and the slow connection built from there and the rest is history. After a year long distance, Toby moved to Melbourne.
The ‘one’.
Quote from Toby’s vows – “I remember the exact moment I knew you were the one, when you executed that perfect reverse park on Smith Street, that first moment was followed by many more.”
The proposal.
Toby popped the question at home on a Thursday afternoon with our baby beagle, Baxter. It was just a quiet special moment that we got to share.
The process.
After a couple of months enjoying engagement, we set out to find a venue. Toby being from Newcastle, half of the wedding guests would be flying into Melbourne for the wedding so we knew we wanted to have a central CBD/inner city celebration so it was easy for everyone to attend.
Style inspiration.
Being a city wedding and loving food and wine, hitting up Melbourne’s rooftops constantly and all things polished. After seeing Tonic House from outside my work window for six years, I knew I wanted to do an event there and once we saw the space we knew it was the one – no question!
After that, it was easy everything just flowed with our style. Luckily I am very organised and know what I like and what I don’t.
The dress.
I always knew I wanted to be a little extra on the day and once I saw on Instagram some beaded dresses I knew that was my way. The dress I chose was the second I tried on and we knew instantly, I always thought I would wear white, but this nudey beaded dress was just perfect.
Favourite moments.
The reception – walking and seeing the amazingly styled rooftop with all our amazing friends and family, was everything I imagined. It was one of the only times in our lives when all our friends and family will be in the one city, so we really cherished that moment.
Meaning of marriage.
Since we come from different cities and end up travelling separately a lot, marriage cements that our home is us together as a couple, not a location, no matter where we are, we are always together forever. Quote from Stacey’s vows – “Because we are better together and will be together forever.”
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Somewhere only we know by Lily Allen
Reception entry: Celebration by Kool and The Gang
First dance: A good night by John Legend
Funny stories (or near disasters).
No disasters, luckily! But it was a week of five days in a row of over 35 degree weather! It was scheduled to be 37 degrees on our wedding day, so we were all a sweating group of people on the day, but because we had such an amazing team, especially Georgia photographer and Rachael videographer – you can’t tell in the slightest – we look cool as cucumbers!
Planning surprises.
Toby – nope it was easy, didn’t do a thing!
Stacey – luckily I do quite a few corporate events in my day job, so I know what to expect.
Words of wisdom.
Don’t rush it and enjoy it! It’s a very special time in a couple’s life and before you know it, it’s all over. And don’t worry about what anyone else says or think, listen to your gut!
And some great advice from an events perspective – only you know if something goes wrong or isn’t right, no one else does!
From urban, to luxe, outdoor or outback, for more of our favourite wedding styles, click here.
STACEY & TOBY’S TRIBE
Ceremony location: Immigration Museum Melbourne – 400 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Reception venue / location: Tonic House rooftop – I have seen outside my work window for the last five years and have always wanted to do an event here, what better than my wedding!
Celebrant/Officiant: Russ Macumber
Photography: Georgia Verrells – George was amazing! From the first coffee we instantly clicked, she was fun and supportive at all times! And a big skill which I think is key, was at our ceremony and reception you didn’t notice her, which is great as I have been to many weddings where I feel photographers have spoiled the mood of the day by stamping around and being front and centre
Videography: Rachael Mary Films – Rachael was amazing! We tossed up about a video and it was 100% worth it, and Rachael’s effortless style and addition on the day was just fantastic
Styling: Fred and Ginger
Florist: Flower Jar
Hair: HBK and Co Hairdressing – Kate
Make-up: Dani Cousens – Dani is the ultimate bride tribe addition, she just gets it, is amazing at what she does.
The Dress: Rachel Gilbert
Bride’s shoes: Forever New
Groom’s shoes: Christian Louboutin
Rings: Cerrone Jewellers – Rebecca who designed all of our rings is a wizard and a very talented jeweller
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Bec and Bridge
Menswear: Institchu
Catering: Fred and Ginger Events and Catering – Amanda at Fred and Ginger was amazing, I knew the moment she called after I sent my first enquiry that she was the one I wanted to work with, we just clicked. Nothing was too much trouble and she brought great ideas and used her connections for the best
Favours: RSPCA donation
Cake / Cake topper: Kathy Pearson
Entertainment: White Tree Band
Décor: Fred and Ginger Events and Catering
Honeymoon: The Maldives
