Real Wedding – Winnie & Simon, Richmond VIC
Rich with texture and enhanced by a bold colour palette, Winnie and Simon’s ‘I dos’ were underpinned by a uniquely urban sensibility.
Winnie estimates she browsed the galleries and golden advice of almost one hundred Ivory Tribe Real Weddings during the 18-month planning journey, but the aesthetic she was set on from the very beginning was an impactful fusion of traditional and contemporary elements.
The couple’s full-bodied gown and classic black tux combo were customised with a thigh-high split and velvet finish, respectively.
While a less-than-ideal (read: ‘abysmal’) weather forecast forced the pair’s pre-ceremony portraits into the lobby of a hotel nearby, the results looked anything but plan B, oozing luxury and personality that perfectly matched the rest of the formalities.
From the lush ivy backdrop to the bright sculptural blooms and the silvery-blue silk of the bridesmaids, their ceremony setting was a masterclass in the art of infusing opulence through texture.
Scroll on to peruse the warm and wonderful gallery by Kyra Boyer.
The meeting.
We met in our final year of high school through mutual friends. We would see each other at parties, but didn’t spend much time together for about a year or so, until we started thinking about each other in a different way.
‘The one’.
We knew we had found ‘the one’ because of how content, comfortable and at peace we felt with each other. I think you have found your person when they start to feel like home.
The proposal.
Simon proposed to me on a rooftop overlooking Split, Croatia. When Simon suggested we have dinner at the rooftop of a fancy hotel (the night of the proposal), I laughed in his face and refused to go in. The hotel looked far too posh for us, and I was confused as to why he was suggesting we indulge in an overpriced dinner! Somehow, Simon managed to persuade me to go in ‘just for a quick look’ and when the hotel manager met us in the lobby to take us to the private rooftop, I realised what might be happening. Simon proposed at sunset, surrounded by white roses and candles, followed by a 5-course dinner overlooking Split. It was simply the best night of our lives (second now to our wedding, of course!)
Planning process.
We had about 18 months to plan, which worked well for us as we enjoyed taking our time. Several of our friends were married before us, so we were very grateful to receive their tips and advice.
Style inspiration.
I think I read about 100 ‘Real Wedding’ posts from Ivory Tribe! I found it so helpful hearing words of wisdom and advice from other couples and gaining inspiration from the choices others made. From the get-go we both knew we wanted to incorporate bright pops of colour throughout our day, while also keeping certain aspects more traditional and minimal. One of the quickest and easiest decisions we made was our florals – opting for bold reds, pinks and oranges, which we think paired beautifully with our overall colour scheme, especially the silvery-blue bridesmaids’ dresses.
The ceremony.
Our celebrant, Megan Thompson, was an absolute godsend. She spoke about us as a couple as if we had been friends for years and did an amazing job at keeping things light-hearted, which is what we wanted. We loved writing our own vows, and reading them to each other on the day was a highlight for us both. A tip we adopted when writing our vows: for about six months beforehand, we took notes on our phones when a thought would come to us. I had about 20 dot points on my iPhone notes app of little things I wanted to include in my vows, which helped ease me into it when I was staring at a blank page, unsure where to start.
The outfits.
My dress was one of the first I tried on at Ivory Thread Bridal. I had always envisioned myself in a V-neck dress, but when I tried on an off-the-shoulder style, I knew that was it. Simon always knew he wanted to wear a tuxedo, and when asked if we wanted a velvet blazer, we thought ‘why not’!
Favourite moments.
Although it’s impossible to choose, a few highlights for us were reading our vows to each other, hearing the incredible speeches from our friends and parents and dancing the night away together.
Meaning of marriage.
A best friend for life. Being each other’s biggest advocates and having each other’s backs no matter what. Considering your partner in every decision you make and always trying to make each other’s lives easier and happier.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle entrance – Acoustic version of Love on the Brain by Rihanna
Reception entry – Austin Powers Opening Theme Song by Starlight Orchestra
First dance – Wild Horses by the Rolling Stones
Near disasters.
Unfortunately, the weather forecast for our wedding day was abysmal (rain and humidity), which made us very nervous in the lead up to the day. It was difficult coming to terms with the fact that no matter how organised you are, or how much you manifest, the weather on the day is the one thing you have zero control over. The day before the wedding, we had to change the location of our pre-ceremony photos from outdoors to indoors. Luckily, we found a hotel nearby which had a gorgeous lobby and they kindly agreed to let us take photos there. We also had to change plans relating to the first look location and come to terms with the idea that our ceremony might be indoors at Butler Lane, instead of outside in the courtyard in front of the ivy wall. It was quite a scramble and meant that the days before our wedding were filled more with stress than excitement. As forecast, it poured with rain all day. However, thankfully, the weather cleared just as guests were arriving at the venue, and we were able to have the ceremony outside. It started raining again as the ceremony finished, as we walked back down the aisle, but then cleared for the rest of the night. Although things didn’t quite go to plan, in hindsight, we still feel very lucky as it could have been much worse.
Planning surprises.
Probably the decision paralysis that can hit! It’s easy to get in your head and second-guess yourself, worrying that you will make the wrong decision about something. A tip my friend gave me – once you have selected a vendor and paid the deposit, unfollow all other similar vendors on social media.
Words of wisdom.
Try your best to be adaptable (easier said than done, I know!). There were many aspects of our wedding that were different to how we pictured and planned them, but a) sometimes the spontaneous/last minute things end up being better, and b) none of your guests will even notice – remember, nobody else knows what your original plan was. Your guests will vibe off the energy you give on the day so try to relax, trust your vendors and just have fun!
For more urban wedding inspo with a pop of colour, check out Matt & Diana’s special day.
WINNIE & SIMON’S SUPPLIERS:
Pre-ceremony photos: Amora Hotel, Richmond
Ceremony & reception venue: Butler Lane by Peter Rowland
Celebrant: Megan Thompson
Photography: Kyra Boyer
Content Creator: On The Day Content
Florist: North St Botanical
Hair: Brooke Mizzi from Meika Salon
Make-up: Megan Miloshis & Sarah Matti
The dress: Love Story London from Ivory Thread Bridal
Veil: Ivory Thread Bridal
Bride’s shoes: Spurr
Engagement ring: Custom made by Master Jewellers
Groom’s wedding band: Custom made by Laura Miers
Bride’s wedding band: Cullen Jewellery
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Shona Joy
Groom’s tuxedo: The Suit Concierge
Catering: Peter Rowland
Ice cream cart: Bianco Latte
Favours: Custom cookies from Jamieson Temptations
Cake: Distinctive Flavours
Stationery / Signage: Designed by couple on Canva, printed at Officeworks
Entertainment: Between The Covers Music
Transport: Melbourne Chauffeur Services
Table décor: Table Art
Hire: Tables – Pepper Sprout Hire / Festoon Lights – Pan & Tilt Lighting
Honeymoon: Vietnam
