The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

148
bridesmaid style trends finding ‘the one’ gorgeous real weddings plan the perfect ceremony a bohemian romance volume 2

description

Lovely real weddings, opulent bohemian wedding inspiration, how to host the perfect outdoor ceremony, fabulous bridesmaid gift ideas and top budget tips.

Transcript of The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Page 1: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

bridesmaid style trendsfinding lsquothe onersquogorgeous real weddings

plan the perfect ceremonya bohemian romancevolume 2

in this issue

1835

64

88Click on an image to read a feature

Cover Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves Dress Sentani Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case Suit Wil Valor Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers Models Annabelle amp Christopher

18 Torn Between Two30 An Outdoor Ceremony35 Bridesmaid Style File54 Fashion Insider56 Bridesmaid Gift Ideas58 A Sunflower Proposal 64 Henry Roth88 Wild Hearts112 Bohemian Romance114 Engagement Shoot132 Budget Tips146 Celebrate the Dress

05 Alysha amp Justin22 Chau amp Adam70 Elyse amp Stewart78 Charlotte amp Yossi122 Tina amp Shannon137 Sarah amp Jeff

features

weddings

78

132

From the city to the seaside and a field of sunflowers our lovely couples in this issue are all celebrating in unique style and sharing plenty of ideas on how to make your wedding special And because the Playbook is all about the pretty and the practical therersquos tips on everything from making the most of your pre-wedding photo shoot to styling your bridesmaids and easing the impact of your wedding on your wallet

Wersquore also excited to bring you an exclusive interview with designer Henry Roth an escape to the world of bohemian luxe and mood boards of stunning products from Etsy artisans So wherever you are enjoy the beautiful images helpful advice and interactive features ndash this mag has truly been created with you in mind

Danielle amp Kathy xx

editorrsquos letter

After seven years together Justin surprised Alysha with a romantic engagement on New Yearrsquos Eve in Amsterdam just as the fireworks ended

From a city proposal to a country wedding this creative bride and her equally clever groom planned a stylish celebration at Gum Gully Farm filled with

thoughtful details

Alysha amp Justin

do it yourselfldquoWe really enjoyed the projects that we got to complete together - arguments and all We love a good DIY project and the blackboard which featured the names of our wedding party was probably our favourite A lot of the small details on our wedding were hand made Everything from place card holders to our wedding favours - macaroons lovingly baked by Justin and painstakingly stencilled with an lsquoArsquo and lsquoJrsquordquo

styling inspirationAlysha and Justin described their wedding day theme as rustic elegance with a colour palette of white and greens ldquoWe tried to keep it simple and natural to match the venue - the location was so amazing we didnrsquot have to do muchrdquo Succulents and chrysanthemums were key features of their floral arrangements

the dress Alysharsquos beautiful Mariana Hardwick

gown featured an exquisite fitted lace and satin bodice with cross

ribbon detailing ldquoI searched for a wedding dress for months but ended

up going back to the very first dress I tried onrdquo She paired it with an

elegant updo silver leaf bracelet and statement ear cuff

including family ldquoIt was most important that we stayed true to ourselves and the people closest to us would be there to share it with us We included our siblings in our bridal party and Justinrsquos dad married usrdquo

ldquoWhen we first saw the venue we fell in love with the atmosphere immediatelyrdquo

reception fun ldquoOur other favourite touch was the Polaroid camera station we set up Guests had to find their name printed on a card complete a personalized message and then repin it along with a photo of themselves at the wedding There were some great - not to mention hilarious - photos to go throughrdquo

photo featureRecognising the love in your families creates a great feeling that yoursquore part of something special ldquoWe set up picture frames with images from our grandparentsrsquo and parentsrsquo wedding days In the centre we left a black picture frame At the reception we took our first photo together as husband and wife and placed it in the frame It was lovely having images of the three generations togetherrdquo

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 2: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

in this issue

1835

64

88Click on an image to read a feature

Cover Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves Dress Sentani Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case Suit Wil Valor Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers Models Annabelle amp Christopher

18 Torn Between Two30 An Outdoor Ceremony35 Bridesmaid Style File54 Fashion Insider56 Bridesmaid Gift Ideas58 A Sunflower Proposal 64 Henry Roth88 Wild Hearts112 Bohemian Romance114 Engagement Shoot132 Budget Tips146 Celebrate the Dress

05 Alysha amp Justin22 Chau amp Adam70 Elyse amp Stewart78 Charlotte amp Yossi122 Tina amp Shannon137 Sarah amp Jeff

features

weddings

78

132

From the city to the seaside and a field of sunflowers our lovely couples in this issue are all celebrating in unique style and sharing plenty of ideas on how to make your wedding special And because the Playbook is all about the pretty and the practical therersquos tips on everything from making the most of your pre-wedding photo shoot to styling your bridesmaids and easing the impact of your wedding on your wallet

Wersquore also excited to bring you an exclusive interview with designer Henry Roth an escape to the world of bohemian luxe and mood boards of stunning products from Etsy artisans So wherever you are enjoy the beautiful images helpful advice and interactive features ndash this mag has truly been created with you in mind

Danielle amp Kathy xx

editorrsquos letter

After seven years together Justin surprised Alysha with a romantic engagement on New Yearrsquos Eve in Amsterdam just as the fireworks ended

From a city proposal to a country wedding this creative bride and her equally clever groom planned a stylish celebration at Gum Gully Farm filled with

thoughtful details

Alysha amp Justin

do it yourselfldquoWe really enjoyed the projects that we got to complete together - arguments and all We love a good DIY project and the blackboard which featured the names of our wedding party was probably our favourite A lot of the small details on our wedding were hand made Everything from place card holders to our wedding favours - macaroons lovingly baked by Justin and painstakingly stencilled with an lsquoArsquo and lsquoJrsquordquo

styling inspirationAlysha and Justin described their wedding day theme as rustic elegance with a colour palette of white and greens ldquoWe tried to keep it simple and natural to match the venue - the location was so amazing we didnrsquot have to do muchrdquo Succulents and chrysanthemums were key features of their floral arrangements

the dress Alysharsquos beautiful Mariana Hardwick

gown featured an exquisite fitted lace and satin bodice with cross

ribbon detailing ldquoI searched for a wedding dress for months but ended

up going back to the very first dress I tried onrdquo She paired it with an

elegant updo silver leaf bracelet and statement ear cuff

including family ldquoIt was most important that we stayed true to ourselves and the people closest to us would be there to share it with us We included our siblings in our bridal party and Justinrsquos dad married usrdquo

ldquoWhen we first saw the venue we fell in love with the atmosphere immediatelyrdquo

reception fun ldquoOur other favourite touch was the Polaroid camera station we set up Guests had to find their name printed on a card complete a personalized message and then repin it along with a photo of themselves at the wedding There were some great - not to mention hilarious - photos to go throughrdquo

photo featureRecognising the love in your families creates a great feeling that yoursquore part of something special ldquoWe set up picture frames with images from our grandparentsrsquo and parentsrsquo wedding days In the centre we left a black picture frame At the reception we took our first photo together as husband and wife and placed it in the frame It was lovely having images of the three generations togetherrdquo

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 3: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Cover Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves Dress Sentani Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case Suit Wil Valor Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers Models Annabelle amp Christopher

18 Torn Between Two30 An Outdoor Ceremony35 Bridesmaid Style File54 Fashion Insider56 Bridesmaid Gift Ideas58 A Sunflower Proposal 64 Henry Roth88 Wild Hearts112 Bohemian Romance114 Engagement Shoot132 Budget Tips146 Celebrate the Dress

05 Alysha amp Justin22 Chau amp Adam70 Elyse amp Stewart78 Charlotte amp Yossi122 Tina amp Shannon137 Sarah amp Jeff

features

weddings

78

132

From the city to the seaside and a field of sunflowers our lovely couples in this issue are all celebrating in unique style and sharing plenty of ideas on how to make your wedding special And because the Playbook is all about the pretty and the practical therersquos tips on everything from making the most of your pre-wedding photo shoot to styling your bridesmaids and easing the impact of your wedding on your wallet

Wersquore also excited to bring you an exclusive interview with designer Henry Roth an escape to the world of bohemian luxe and mood boards of stunning products from Etsy artisans So wherever you are enjoy the beautiful images helpful advice and interactive features ndash this mag has truly been created with you in mind

Danielle amp Kathy xx

editorrsquos letter

After seven years together Justin surprised Alysha with a romantic engagement on New Yearrsquos Eve in Amsterdam just as the fireworks ended

From a city proposal to a country wedding this creative bride and her equally clever groom planned a stylish celebration at Gum Gully Farm filled with

thoughtful details

Alysha amp Justin

do it yourselfldquoWe really enjoyed the projects that we got to complete together - arguments and all We love a good DIY project and the blackboard which featured the names of our wedding party was probably our favourite A lot of the small details on our wedding were hand made Everything from place card holders to our wedding favours - macaroons lovingly baked by Justin and painstakingly stencilled with an lsquoArsquo and lsquoJrsquordquo

styling inspirationAlysha and Justin described their wedding day theme as rustic elegance with a colour palette of white and greens ldquoWe tried to keep it simple and natural to match the venue - the location was so amazing we didnrsquot have to do muchrdquo Succulents and chrysanthemums were key features of their floral arrangements

the dress Alysharsquos beautiful Mariana Hardwick

gown featured an exquisite fitted lace and satin bodice with cross

ribbon detailing ldquoI searched for a wedding dress for months but ended

up going back to the very first dress I tried onrdquo She paired it with an

elegant updo silver leaf bracelet and statement ear cuff

including family ldquoIt was most important that we stayed true to ourselves and the people closest to us would be there to share it with us We included our siblings in our bridal party and Justinrsquos dad married usrdquo

ldquoWhen we first saw the venue we fell in love with the atmosphere immediatelyrdquo

reception fun ldquoOur other favourite touch was the Polaroid camera station we set up Guests had to find their name printed on a card complete a personalized message and then repin it along with a photo of themselves at the wedding There were some great - not to mention hilarious - photos to go throughrdquo

photo featureRecognising the love in your families creates a great feeling that yoursquore part of something special ldquoWe set up picture frames with images from our grandparentsrsquo and parentsrsquo wedding days In the centre we left a black picture frame At the reception we took our first photo together as husband and wife and placed it in the frame It was lovely having images of the three generations togetherrdquo

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 4: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

From the city to the seaside and a field of sunflowers our lovely couples in this issue are all celebrating in unique style and sharing plenty of ideas on how to make your wedding special And because the Playbook is all about the pretty and the practical therersquos tips on everything from making the most of your pre-wedding photo shoot to styling your bridesmaids and easing the impact of your wedding on your wallet

Wersquore also excited to bring you an exclusive interview with designer Henry Roth an escape to the world of bohemian luxe and mood boards of stunning products from Etsy artisans So wherever you are enjoy the beautiful images helpful advice and interactive features ndash this mag has truly been created with you in mind

Danielle amp Kathy xx

editorrsquos letter

After seven years together Justin surprised Alysha with a romantic engagement on New Yearrsquos Eve in Amsterdam just as the fireworks ended

From a city proposal to a country wedding this creative bride and her equally clever groom planned a stylish celebration at Gum Gully Farm filled with

thoughtful details

Alysha amp Justin

do it yourselfldquoWe really enjoyed the projects that we got to complete together - arguments and all We love a good DIY project and the blackboard which featured the names of our wedding party was probably our favourite A lot of the small details on our wedding were hand made Everything from place card holders to our wedding favours - macaroons lovingly baked by Justin and painstakingly stencilled with an lsquoArsquo and lsquoJrsquordquo

styling inspirationAlysha and Justin described their wedding day theme as rustic elegance with a colour palette of white and greens ldquoWe tried to keep it simple and natural to match the venue - the location was so amazing we didnrsquot have to do muchrdquo Succulents and chrysanthemums were key features of their floral arrangements

the dress Alysharsquos beautiful Mariana Hardwick

gown featured an exquisite fitted lace and satin bodice with cross

ribbon detailing ldquoI searched for a wedding dress for months but ended

up going back to the very first dress I tried onrdquo She paired it with an

elegant updo silver leaf bracelet and statement ear cuff

including family ldquoIt was most important that we stayed true to ourselves and the people closest to us would be there to share it with us We included our siblings in our bridal party and Justinrsquos dad married usrdquo

ldquoWhen we first saw the venue we fell in love with the atmosphere immediatelyrdquo

reception fun ldquoOur other favourite touch was the Polaroid camera station we set up Guests had to find their name printed on a card complete a personalized message and then repin it along with a photo of themselves at the wedding There were some great - not to mention hilarious - photos to go throughrdquo

photo featureRecognising the love in your families creates a great feeling that yoursquore part of something special ldquoWe set up picture frames with images from our grandparentsrsquo and parentsrsquo wedding days In the centre we left a black picture frame At the reception we took our first photo together as husband and wife and placed it in the frame It was lovely having images of the three generations togetherrdquo

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 5: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

After seven years together Justin surprised Alysha with a romantic engagement on New Yearrsquos Eve in Amsterdam just as the fireworks ended

From a city proposal to a country wedding this creative bride and her equally clever groom planned a stylish celebration at Gum Gully Farm filled with

thoughtful details

Alysha amp Justin

do it yourselfldquoWe really enjoyed the projects that we got to complete together - arguments and all We love a good DIY project and the blackboard which featured the names of our wedding party was probably our favourite A lot of the small details on our wedding were hand made Everything from place card holders to our wedding favours - macaroons lovingly baked by Justin and painstakingly stencilled with an lsquoArsquo and lsquoJrsquordquo

styling inspirationAlysha and Justin described their wedding day theme as rustic elegance with a colour palette of white and greens ldquoWe tried to keep it simple and natural to match the venue - the location was so amazing we didnrsquot have to do muchrdquo Succulents and chrysanthemums were key features of their floral arrangements

the dress Alysharsquos beautiful Mariana Hardwick

gown featured an exquisite fitted lace and satin bodice with cross

ribbon detailing ldquoI searched for a wedding dress for months but ended

up going back to the very first dress I tried onrdquo She paired it with an

elegant updo silver leaf bracelet and statement ear cuff

including family ldquoIt was most important that we stayed true to ourselves and the people closest to us would be there to share it with us We included our siblings in our bridal party and Justinrsquos dad married usrdquo

ldquoWhen we first saw the venue we fell in love with the atmosphere immediatelyrdquo

reception fun ldquoOur other favourite touch was the Polaroid camera station we set up Guests had to find their name printed on a card complete a personalized message and then repin it along with a photo of themselves at the wedding There were some great - not to mention hilarious - photos to go throughrdquo

photo featureRecognising the love in your families creates a great feeling that yoursquore part of something special ldquoWe set up picture frames with images from our grandparentsrsquo and parentsrsquo wedding days In the centre we left a black picture frame At the reception we took our first photo together as husband and wife and placed it in the frame It was lovely having images of the three generations togetherrdquo

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 6: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

do it yourselfldquoWe really enjoyed the projects that we got to complete together - arguments and all We love a good DIY project and the blackboard which featured the names of our wedding party was probably our favourite A lot of the small details on our wedding were hand made Everything from place card holders to our wedding favours - macaroons lovingly baked by Justin and painstakingly stencilled with an lsquoArsquo and lsquoJrsquordquo

styling inspirationAlysha and Justin described their wedding day theme as rustic elegance with a colour palette of white and greens ldquoWe tried to keep it simple and natural to match the venue - the location was so amazing we didnrsquot have to do muchrdquo Succulents and chrysanthemums were key features of their floral arrangements

the dress Alysharsquos beautiful Mariana Hardwick

gown featured an exquisite fitted lace and satin bodice with cross

ribbon detailing ldquoI searched for a wedding dress for months but ended

up going back to the very first dress I tried onrdquo She paired it with an

elegant updo silver leaf bracelet and statement ear cuff

including family ldquoIt was most important that we stayed true to ourselves and the people closest to us would be there to share it with us We included our siblings in our bridal party and Justinrsquos dad married usrdquo

ldquoWhen we first saw the venue we fell in love with the atmosphere immediatelyrdquo

reception fun ldquoOur other favourite touch was the Polaroid camera station we set up Guests had to find their name printed on a card complete a personalized message and then repin it along with a photo of themselves at the wedding There were some great - not to mention hilarious - photos to go throughrdquo

photo featureRecognising the love in your families creates a great feeling that yoursquore part of something special ldquoWe set up picture frames with images from our grandparentsrsquo and parentsrsquo wedding days In the centre we left a black picture frame At the reception we took our first photo together as husband and wife and placed it in the frame It was lovely having images of the three generations togetherrdquo

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 7: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

the dress Alysharsquos beautiful Mariana Hardwick

gown featured an exquisite fitted lace and satin bodice with cross

ribbon detailing ldquoI searched for a wedding dress for months but ended

up going back to the very first dress I tried onrdquo She paired it with an

elegant updo silver leaf bracelet and statement ear cuff

including family ldquoIt was most important that we stayed true to ourselves and the people closest to us would be there to share it with us We included our siblings in our bridal party and Justinrsquos dad married usrdquo

ldquoWhen we first saw the venue we fell in love with the atmosphere immediatelyrdquo

reception fun ldquoOur other favourite touch was the Polaroid camera station we set up Guests had to find their name printed on a card complete a personalized message and then repin it along with a photo of themselves at the wedding There were some great - not to mention hilarious - photos to go throughrdquo

photo featureRecognising the love in your families creates a great feeling that yoursquore part of something special ldquoWe set up picture frames with images from our grandparentsrsquo and parentsrsquo wedding days In the centre we left a black picture frame At the reception we took our first photo together as husband and wife and placed it in the frame It was lovely having images of the three generations togetherrdquo

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 8: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

including family ldquoIt was most important that we stayed true to ourselves and the people closest to us would be there to share it with us We included our siblings in our bridal party and Justinrsquos dad married usrdquo

ldquoWhen we first saw the venue we fell in love with the atmosphere immediatelyrdquo

reception fun ldquoOur other favourite touch was the Polaroid camera station we set up Guests had to find their name printed on a card complete a personalized message and then repin it along with a photo of themselves at the wedding There were some great - not to mention hilarious - photos to go throughrdquo

photo featureRecognising the love in your families creates a great feeling that yoursquore part of something special ldquoWe set up picture frames with images from our grandparentsrsquo and parentsrsquo wedding days In the centre we left a black picture frame At the reception we took our first photo together as husband and wife and placed it in the frame It was lovely having images of the three generations togetherrdquo

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 9: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoWhen we first saw the venue we fell in love with the atmosphere immediatelyrdquo

reception fun ldquoOur other favourite touch was the Polaroid camera station we set up Guests had to find their name printed on a card complete a personalized message and then repin it along with a photo of themselves at the wedding There were some great - not to mention hilarious - photos to go throughrdquo

photo featureRecognising the love in your families creates a great feeling that yoursquore part of something special ldquoWe set up picture frames with images from our grandparentsrsquo and parentsrsquo wedding days In the centre we left a black picture frame At the reception we took our first photo together as husband and wife and placed it in the frame It was lovely having images of the three generations togetherrdquo

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 10: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

reception fun ldquoOur other favourite touch was the Polaroid camera station we set up Guests had to find their name printed on a card complete a personalized message and then repin it along with a photo of themselves at the wedding There were some great - not to mention hilarious - photos to go throughrdquo

photo featureRecognising the love in your families creates a great feeling that yoursquore part of something special ldquoWe set up picture frames with images from our grandparentsrsquo and parentsrsquo wedding days In the centre we left a black picture frame At the reception we took our first photo together as husband and wife and placed it in the frame It was lovely having images of the three generations togetherrdquo

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 11: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

favourite momentldquoOur favourite moment of the day was when we left for photos at sunset We were at the top of a hill looking down at the reception and we could hear music and laughter It was the first quiet moment wersquod had together all dayrdquo

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 12: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

best adviceldquoBe organised - itrsquos the best way to

stay relaxed If you can stay relaxed then the whole process will be fun

Also donrsquot be afraid to delegate and ask for help The support from our

family and friends is really what made the day such a successrdquo

ldquoA good relationship with your wedding suppliers is so important

The crew at Gum Gully made our day totally stress free and Luke and

Marieke from Luma Photography were phenomenalrdquo

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 13: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Photography Luma Photo Venue Gum Gully Farm VIC Celebrant Groomrsquos father Pastor Rick Brouwer Styling The bride and mother of the bride Flowers Blooming Brides Gown Mariana Hardwick Jewellery Ryan Storer Hair amp Makeup Jessica Kramp Suit P Johnson Tailors Bridesmaids Luella Groomsmen Myer Stationery weddingpaperdivascom Transport Southern Cross Chauffeur Drive Catering Yarra Valley Catering Beverages Mayerling Cellars

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 14: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

torn between two

1 give yourself some time If you are truly struggling to decide organise another appointment to try each gown on again rather than feeling pressured to commit

4 perform a random drawPut the names of each dress in a jar and pick one at random Yoursquoll know straight away whether you are disappointed (or secretly stoked) about your choice

2 consider your look from top to toeHow would you like your hair styled Are there any particular accessories would you like to wear Will you be rocking a pair of statement shoes There may be one dress that lends itself best to showing off the rest of your look

One of the most special wedding planning moments is the dress search ndash sipping champagne with your best girls and finding the look you love Itrsquos possible to be drawn to more than one style of gown for different reasons which can make choosing ldquoThe Onerdquo that bit more difficult Here are ten tips on how to narrow it down if you are torn between two dresses

3 trust your instincts If you had a particular style in mind when you first started your dress search and end up with a similar look as one of the final options it may be the one that best represents your natural style

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 15: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Styling amp Direction The Wedding Playbook

Photography Carly Tia Photography Gown The

Babushka Ballerina Hair amp Makeup Lisa De Hair

and Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia

Rose Model Indy

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 16: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

5 take a photo in each dressIt will help you see the styles from a different perspective and also determine which looks best in front of the lens

9 the quick switch If budget permits get both gowns and enjoy revealing your second look at the reception

8 ask your consultant They have plenty of experience with helping brides find the one and are experts when it comes to fit and cut Sometimes getting a third party opinion from someone who isnrsquot a friend or family member can provide you with the objectiveness you need

6 when in doubt ndash go classicThe more timeless the less your photos will date (ask any bride from the puffy-sleeved 80s) It may even mean a truly vintage hand me down option for a daughter

10 keep looking

It may be that yoursquove found dresses you like but not the one you really love If you keep comparing each new dress you try to one of your original picks yoursquove answered the question for yourself

7 think logically Itrsquos not very romantic but if you are well and truly stuck think about things like wed-ding location practicalities (church garden beach) groomrsquos attire (so he doesnrsquot seem underdressed) and comfort on the day (so you can keep on partying)

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 17: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Chau amp AdamChau and Adamrsquos vintage wedding started with a traditional tea

ceremony at 430am and ended in the glow of a candlelit reception A lovely palette of beige cream and whites sets the serene backdrop

for this intimate affair

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 18: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Love story

ldquoAdam and I met through a mutual friend whom wersquove known for years but Adam and I had never crossed paths We got engaged after one year of being together He proposed with his late motherrsquos ring and then I got to choose my ring afterrdquo

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 19: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoAs soon as I put the dress

on I absolutely loved it

I feel in love with itrdquo

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 20: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

The experience

Chau enjoyed discussing styling and seeing all of the plans come to life ldquoI had a version in my head of how I wanted everything I wouldnrsquot have done anything differently but if I could have had two more hours ndash I didnrsquot want the night to endrdquo

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 21: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Personal touches

ldquoI loved the thank you tags for our favours and the seating board by Fox and Fallow I had photos of my late father and Adamrsquos mother and grandparents in frames on the coffee tables as they couldnrsquot share our dayrdquo

Details details

ldquoBabyrsquos breath bentwood chairs French vintage lounges mirror clove trays tea lights hanging glass balls filled with tea lights and flowers and clear beaded charger plates were all part of our stylingrdquo

DIY projects

Chau and Adamrsquos wedding DIY included mason jars wrapped with ribbon pearl wraps for napkins succulent plant favours potted for each guest and ldquopockets full of memoriesrdquo for photo booth photos

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 22: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoHaving the people we care for and

love most share our special day in

one room meant the world to usrdquo

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 23: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Photography Stylrsquon Images Venue Victoria Park QLD Celebrant Maureen Croghan Styling Perfect Day Events Flowers Jada Flowers Signs Fox amp Fallow Cake Cakes by Judy C Gown Dao Nguyen Hair amp Makeup KH Hair amp Beauty Scissors amp Spice Bridesmaids Natasha Millani Stationery Urban Weddings MC Pepper MCrsquos

Favourite moments

ldquoWalking down the aisle taking photos with the bridal party and having champagne to celebrate My nieces

sang at the reception and my bridesmaids put together a slide show for us - lots of tears and laughterrdquo

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 24: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

A stylist a celebrant a photographer - three industry experts with three unique perspectives share their advice on what matters most when planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony

the stylistErin from Hope and Lace Wedding Planning and Events suggests keeping outdoor ceremony styling to a minimum ldquoIf you have chosen an outdoor location because it has an amazing green backdrop let the surroundings do the talkingrdquo She says the focus will be on the couple anyway

The comfort of your guests whatever the season is also important to consider ldquoIf the location is a park do they need insect repellent If itrsquos summer do they need a parasol sunscreen or water And in winter a shawl or umbrellardquo

During warmer months Erinrsquos styling tips include printing your ceremony program onto a fan to keep guests cool and using a mosquito net as protection for post-ceremony food and drinks ndash it will look great and keep pests away

the panel

An Outdoor Ceremony

ldquoIf you have your outdoor ceremony where seasonal flowers are in bloom it can save on

decorating costsrdquo

Photography Milque Photography

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 25: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

THE PHOTOGRAPHERThe key to beautiful ceremony photos is to choose your start time carefully says the team at Milque Photography ldquoTo get the best out of the natural lighting conditions ideally avoid the harsh midday sun approximately between 12 noon and two orsquoclock as it falls directly from above This creates nose and eye socket shadows and darkness which often leads to having to use fill flash It isnrsquot as flattering but still acceptable if this is the only time optionrdquo They recommend early morning or late sun as it is softer warmer and more ambient offering even light on subjects

Positioning of your ceremony space is also important as it gives your photographer the best opportunity to capture images of your vows without distracting shadows ldquoMake sure to organise the orientation of the ceremony so it is not around any mottled shadows projected from trees If you are having it under a big tree make sure the tree projects even block shadowing belowrdquo

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 26: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoA beach garden or hinterland wedding provides the perfect

recipe for scenic romantic and of course naturally magical

photographsrdquo

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 27: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

the celebrantWeather is always a question when it comes to outdoor ceremonies ldquoAlthough you may have picked a wedding date because the weather is traditionally well behaved sometimes things just donrsquot go to planrdquo says Krista Webb from Celebrated Moments She recommends organising a Plan B with your reception venue before the day so itrsquos a simple decision the morning of if the rain clouds are rolling in Creating a list of mobile numbers so you can get in touch with your guests and suppliers about any change in location is also a good idea

Sound quality during your exchange of vows is also important Krista says itrsquos actually a legal requirement that both you and your guests can hear the ceremony ldquoThatrsquos why you always see a celebrant with a microphonerdquo

She also has a great tip for the perfect grand entrance ldquoAppropriate shoes are a must - a wedge or thick heels for grass locations closed in shoes or barefoot for the beach and flats for those rocky outcrops Irsquove seen brides come unstuck whilst walking up a bamboo or cloth aisle in stilettosrdquo

From the setting to sunlight and statement heels enjoy a seamless start to your celebration with these simple tips

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 28: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Bridesmaid Style FileOnce yoursquove found your gown the search is on for how to dress your girls But what will you love that will suit them and fit with your wedding day vision Whether your style is contemporary vintage or boho here are nine stunning

bridesmaid looks in three colour palettes to get you inspired

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 29: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Striking BlackTexture is everything when styling your bridesmaids in black Create an elegant and formal look with luxurious lace or beading detail and add a little drama with full length skirts and brightly

coloured blooms

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 30: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

InspirationLauren Conrad

StyleSheer panels soft skirts and luscious

floral crowns

HairLoose beachy waves

with a relaxed twist on the waterfall braid

Eyes amp LipsEarthy tones in nudes

browns and pinks to enhance natural

features

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 31: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Rich ColourMatch your wedding palette

perfectly by choosing a single bold colour for your bridesmaids ndashinteresting

necklines and unique accessories will make this

look shine Want your girls to express their individual

style Choose dresses in complementary tones to hit

the mismatched trend

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 32: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

InspirationEva Longoria

StyleOne shoulder

gowns statement sparkle and beautiful

bouquets

HairFlowing full hair

pinned into a loose curled updo

EyesSubtle smoky eye

using pink shimmers and charcoals

LipsGlossy lip in pink

tones

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 33: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Pretty PastelsCreate a soft and dreamy feel with beautiful blush fabrics

or choose a fun and flirty floral perfect for a garden

party Many brides are also throwing convention to the

wind and dressing their bridal party in white which looks

fresh and oh so chic

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 34: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

InspirationMarilyn Monroe

StylePrints pleats and pearls paired with

delicate wrist corsages

HairThick vintage style wave at the front flowing into an

elegant pinned curl arrangement

EyesNude and champagne

eye shadows with a strong black extended eyeline and full lashes

LipsThe star for vintage makeup Red and

coral to tie in with the tones in each dress

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 35: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook

Photography Sarahrsquos Photography

Venue amp Props Bulimba Village QLD

lsquoBohorsquo Looks When Freddie Met Lilly

lsquoContemporaryrsquo Looks

Gossip Gowns

lsquoVintagersquo Looks Review Australia

Flowers Wedding Flowers by

Julia Rose

Jewellery Not Just Jewels

Hair amp Makeup Sapphire Hair and

Makeup

Models Emily Miranda and

Tamara

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 36: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

It will shine through in your photos if your bridesmaids feel special and comfortable in what theyrsquore wearing Pascal Curtis from Review Australia shares her tips on finding the perfect look ldquoColours are moving into a soft romantic feel with champagne oyster and blush being the most popular trends Navy is also proving to be a popular choice for winter weddingsrdquo

Pascal recommends deciding your theme mood andor colour palette first before looking for dresses to suit ldquoFind a bridesmaid dress that complements your wedding gown and donrsquot focus on lsquomatchingrsquo as this can sometimes lead to an overkill of textures For example if your dress is lace donrsquot look for lace in the maidsrsquo dresses ndash go for something in a chiffon or silkrdquo

Her golden rule for accessorising ldquoLess is more to keep it classic Once you have your flowers this is an added accessory to the outfit so keep earrings and necklaces simple and elegant Enjoy the process of finding the perfect bridesmaid dress ndash remember this is a beautiful time you get to spend with your best girlfriendsrdquo

Review is now offering bridesmaid styling sessions complete with a glass of bubbly Click here for all the details

Fashion Insider

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 37: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Bridesmaid Gifts

Lace Clutches F A Bridal Jewel Necklace Rustic Gem Personalised Hangers DelovelyDetails Be My Bridesmaid Invitation Unify Bridal Party Robes Silk and More Rose Gold Earrings Amulette Jewelry lsquoFresh Chevronrsquo Tote Bag Modern Vintage Market captured by Clarus Photography

From popping the question to getting ready in style click on the images you love to visit the Etsy listings of these gorgeous gift ideas for your girls

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 38: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

A Sunflower ProposalDan and Tamara met in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip When

they caught up for dinner with mutual friends they just clicked ldquoWe knew it was love when we had our first kiss Our relationship is

nothing like we have ever experienced before and itrsquos a breath of fresh air We are both very lucky peoplerdquo

Photography Vanessa Brown Photographer

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 39: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

From the photographerldquoDan Tamara and I had organised a couplersquos session at the sunflower fields so Tamara knew she was going to be photographed that day but was unaware of the proposal Dan had planned for her I was ecstatic when Dan approached me on the sly and asked if I would capture the proposal during the session and of course I squealed with excitement We worked out a code word so that when I said it he would know I had the shot set up and was ready when he was A proposal is an amazing thing to photograph as you get those raw emotions that you just canrsquot setup or re-dordquo

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 40: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

From the brideldquoI was fortunate enough to have this planned for me as a surprise proposal the best I could have ever asked for Daniel planned it with our wonderful photographer Vanessa so it would be something memorable and unique We had been talking about getting engaged for a while but hadnrsquot decided on when it would happen so that part was a surprise Now we have images of when it happened so we can cherish the moment foreverrdquo

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 41: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Fashion designer red carpet commentator businessman innovator and genuinely nice guy Henry Roth shares his thoughts on everything from design inspiration to making your wedding dress search special

what is the a difference between designing a wedding dress and a gown for another occasionThere is certainly a difference in aesthetic and approach when it comes to designing a wedding gown in contrast to any other kind of fashion garment The wedding gown today has a unique task - it not only needs to be fashion forward but at the same time it needs to be evergreen and classic It needs to denote a celebration of being a bride and express the individuality of the person who is wearing it

how do you think the red carpet impacts wedding dress trendsI think red carpet events are really important ndash things like the Met Ball ndash shersquos a princess but shersquos still very modern and contemporary Some of bridal will influence red carpet and some of red carpet will influence bridal itrsquos essentially like a trade

what influences your creative approachIrsquove done a tremendous amount of travelling Irsquove lived in different cities I love hip hop I love street culture I was born into a family of Holocaust survivors and the one ethic that comes through in our approach is respect for every person regardless of religion colour and sexuality I live and learn every single day of my life and try to bring that to giving the bride what she wants for her day

An interview withHenry Roth

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 42: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

how do you make the dress search experience special for bridesFor me the first three minutes of conversation with the bride is the most important I need to understand not just what her dreams are of where she is going to be on the day but how she imagines she is going to look what gown she has already been inspired by whether she has tried gowns on or not and also the emotional connection and bonding

I have the pleasure and joy of loving people To me there is absolutely no difference between Jennifer Aniston in Hollywood and Jennifer Aniston living in Tasmania because at the end of the day each bride is special important Brides have my personal number and can call me any time up to the minute they walk down the aisle

what is the best advice you can give brides starting their search for lsquothe onersquoRemember your wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfection Just take the planning day by day make a list of all the things that need to be done make sure you have a budget and then do your research I personally believe that nothing beats the experience of having that one on one experience in a bridal salon but I do acknowledge that gowns can be purchased online Whatever your approach as long as it is achieving your goals and what you want for your day I applaud you

ldquoyour wedding is a celebration of love not a celebration of perfectionrdquo

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 43: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Deirdre

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 44: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Zoe Too

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 45: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

henryrsquos styling tips1 Set a budget for hair and makeup The overall look is now styling complete Itrsquos not just about different pictures yoursquove got to look at the entire picture from top to toe

2 Pick one significant accessory Choose a major necklace extraordinary earrings exceptional shoes or a statement headpiece that is going to make people stop and gasp and let the rest breathe

3 Consider a veil for pure drama Everyone has the right to celebrate the way they want but for a strong dramatic look and to really make a distinction between ceremony and reception the veil is back

4 Plan ahead Make sure that you know how to treat your gown including pressing undergarments transportation and bustling so that everything is well and truly worked out before the day

5 Expect the unexpected When you havenrsquot scheduled something to happen no one really knows whether or not to expect it Most importantly itrsquos the unexpected things that I promise you people remember

Click here for more information about the Henry Roth Outlet and stockists

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 46: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Elyse amp Stewart

Elyse and Stewartrsquos romantic vineyard wedding is relaxed and personal featuring a stunning aisle of babyrsquos breath dusty rose and gold palette and pretty reception

details The day reflects this lovely couplersquos focus on their commitment to each other and the importance of celebrating with those you love

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 47: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Most importantldquoThe ceremony and the vows - I kept reminding myself that the wedding was a day of celebrating love and happiness but I still wanted the ceremony to reflect exactly how we felt I spent a lot of time working on the wording of the ceremony and in the end I loved it We wrote our own vows and they were a surprise to each other on the dayrdquo

Location locationldquoOcean View Estates Winery is not far from where my parents live and I had always thought the vista was gorgeous It had a low key country feel to it whilst not being far from Brisbane I loved the idea of getting ready at my parentrsquos home and the venue staff were so wonderful it wasnrsquot a difficult decision at allrdquo

ldquoBeing organised We had a 14 month engagement which was the perfect amount of time to limit stress and save money I loved it when everything started to come together It also feels great when you and your partner are united on the big decisionsrdquo

Planning priorities

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 48: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Styling inspirationldquoAfter endless browsing on Pinterest I knew the colour theme and styling I wanted I saved all the pictures of everything I loved and then narrowed it down by choosing what worked well together I found it difficult to envisage everything together but trusted that it would work in the endrdquo

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 49: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Personal touchesldquoI wore my Nannarsquos brooch on my bouquet which she my mum and sister had all worn on their wedding days My sister was our florist so Mum and I helped with the floral table arrangements The ceremony script and the personalised vows made it feel unique to usrdquo

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 50: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoDonrsquot worry if emotion takes over Itrsquos what makes the day such a wonderful and powerful memoryrdquo

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 51: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

The bonbonnieres ldquoI ordered a custom stamp lsquoLet Love Grow - thank you for celebrating with us Love always Elyse amp Stew xrsquo bought different herbs to pop in the envelopes and letter stamped what the herb was on the backrdquo

Seating tags ldquoI letter stamped name tags tied with lace for immediate family seating for the ceremonyrdquo

Decorating the aisle ldquoMy Mum and I bought tin buckets tied lace around them and the florist filled them with babyrsquos breath for down the aislerdquo

Custom seating chart ldquoWe bought timber crates and white washed them Mum grew rustic flowers and we stuck the seating charts on individual cards into the potsrdquo

Handmade projects

Favourite moments ldquoArriving at the venue in the bridal car with my mum and dad I was telling them how calm I felt but as soon as I saw Stew I burst into tears I also loved listening to the beautiful speeches and dancing the night awayrdquo

The dress searchldquoI went dress hunting with my sister and chose my dress at the second store we went to I didnrsquot have any idea what style would suit me but I had been searching on the internet a lot and had seen and liked the dress that I ended up choosing When I tried about the fourth dress on my sister amp I loved it and I decided then and there that it was ldquothe onerdquo

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 52: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Best adviceldquoYou can get overwhelmed with all of the lsquolittle touchesrsquo - there

are so many ideas out there My mum kept telling me that lsquoless

is morersquo My advice would be to find a beautiful venue ensure you speak some beautiful words in the ceremony and the mood of the day

will take over from thererdquo

Flowers David Austen roses

Spray rosesSim carnationsSnapdragons

Hypericum berryIvy berry

Cake flavoursThree tiers of moist red velvet cake and cream

cheese icing topped with fresh roses

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 53: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Photography Calli B Photography Venue Ocean View Estates Winery QLD Celebrant Barbara Lupton Decor Hire Adorn Event Hire Flowers The Flower Butcher Cake Say it with Cake Gown Dakota by Karen Willis Holmes Hair Hair by Popular Demand Makeup Embellished Makeup Suits Spurling Suits Bridesmaids BHLDN Stationery The Little Paper Pantry Transport Kenz Classics Entertainment The Redsell Brothers

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 54: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

charlotte amp yossi

International photographer Shay Azulay shares Charlotte and Yossirsquos sweet seaside celebration in Israel and the

wedding day traditions unique to this beautiful country and culture

Photography LUZ Weddings

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 55: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Once the bride has finished getting ready the groom arrives in the wedding car to present her with her bouquet ldquoThis is in my opinion the most exciting moment of the wedding as itrsquos the first time the bride and groom see each other and realization dawns itrsquos their big momentrdquo says Shay rdquoItrsquos also special because they are surrounded only by their closest loved ones and not by 300 or more guests so itrsquos very intimaterdquo

the fIrst look

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 56: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoWe then go to selected locations - usually ones that fit the couplersquos style and personality - to take photos This session lasts up to three and a half hours usually with close friends and family members joining themrdquo

the photo shoot

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 57: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

the celebrationAs soon as the couple arrives at the wedding venue itrsquos time for formal family photos then the traditional and religious part of the day begins

ldquoThe ketubah is where the groom sits with all of the men from the two families two witnesses for the matrimonial ceremony and the Rabbi and signs an agreement he must keep for the rest of their livesrdquo

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 58: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

As the sun sets the huppa ceremony begins with both the bride and groom walking down the aisle with their parents ldquoThis ceremony includes the groom giving the bride her wedding ring by a sacred blessing and finishes with him breaking a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemrdquo This signals the start of the party with dinner and dancing until the early hours of the morning

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 59: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

So enjoy a first look host a twilight ceremony walk with both parents down the aisle or get the glow sticks out at your reception because lsquodifferentrsquo is just a matter of perspective

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 60: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

A gypsy caravan conjures thoughts of exotic adventure beguiling music and rich colours This sumptuous shoot captures the spirit of the barefoot bride and groom from intimate ceremony to effortlessly elegant reception

Rocking a bold fringe and relaxed updo bride Annabelle wears a statement pink lip from Issada Cosmetics in Gigi and mineral eye shadow in Yellow Diamond Delicate barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls complement the lace detailing of her gown Her groom Christopher is dressed in jewel toned suiting paired with a textured tie and gold wrapped boutonniere

Framed by a natural branch arbour draped with vintage scarves a serene ceremony space is created using a collection of metal chairs and tall brass planters filled with lush ferns

A stonersquos throw away a gypsy caravan called Lily acts as a unique backdrop for the couplersquos gourmet picnic reception ldquoWe used layers of rich fabric for depth and luxury with a mismatch of decor items a gypsy would pick up in their travelsrdquo says The Palace and Co stylist Olivia Maslen A palette of reds pinks lavender gold black and opulent crystal ties the look together

A beautiful floral story is created using roses stocks freesias hyacinths tulips ivy berries wattle foliage and garden picked varietals ldquoThe inspiration was wild opulence and richly toned blooms that would hold their own in contrasting brasswarerdquo says Chris Campbell from Wild at Heart Flowers ldquoThe intention was to use a variety of florals in the bouquet so there was no single feature adding to the feeling of an eclectic mix of blooms which resonated with our bridersquos free spiritrdquo

The celebration is complete with a decadent wedding cake featuring three delicious tiers adorned with fondant swags gold tassels and edible jewels Immerse yourself in the details and enjoy this stunning visual feast

WildHearts

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 61: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoI wanted the blooms to be wild and free like the travelling nature of a true gypsy non-structured

and with plenty of trailing jasmine

-Chris Campbell

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 62: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Concept amp DirectionThe Wedding Playbook

PhotographyThe Wanderers and The Wolves

Caravan The Gyspy Caravan Company

Styling The Palace and Co

Flowers Wild At Heart Flowers

Cake HanselampGretel Cakes

Hair amp Makeup The Beauty Case

Gown Sentani

Barefoot Sandals Passionflower Jewellery Designs

Suit Wil Valor

Stationery Cara Marie Designs

Handmade Soap Mabel Jane

Models Annabelle amp Christopher

VenuePrivate Grounds

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 63: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

LilyLovingly created by owners Vandra and Glenn gypsy caravan Lily is fitted with a retro espresso machine and can go almost anywhere Shersquos a versatile beauty who is happy to do coffee or drinks for weddings and models for photographers in her spare time Vandra shares more of Lilyrsquos story

What inspired you to create Lily I have always said ldquoI wish I had a gypsy caravanrdquo I was totally spellbound after reading Famous Five books as a child seeing all the gypsies their adventures and their incredible wagons I think Lily came about because of a need to fulfil our creative abilities and building a gypsy caravan was the obvious project for us

introducing

Photography The Wanderers and The Wolves

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 64: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

What was involved in building her It took approximately fifteen months to complete Mainly weekend work and after hours but because we enjoyed it so much it was really no effort at all Lily is constructed on a trailer and is clad with western red cedar Everything in Lily has been hand built customised and crafted by ourselves Glenn my husband is a builder by trade so that helped Lead lighting blacksmithing metalwork painting scrollwork moulding was all done by us

What do you love most about Lily Oh I just love everything about her We really didnrsquot think she would turn out as beautifully as she has We tried to lsquoagersquo her to make her a little more realistic Once you step inside the door you really do leave life outside There is an incredible ambience ndash romantic old worldly mysterious I love the antique chandelier the wagon wheel and horse leadlights Oh I really canrsquot pick one thing Every time I open the shed and see Lily her presence quite amazes me I really canrsquot believe I have my own gypsy caravan To my husband ndash I say the biggest thank you

Click here for more information about hiring Lily for your wedding or engagement party

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 65: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Dylan amp Alisarsquosengagement shoot

Photography Jason Tey Photography

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 66: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Dylan and Alisa are a fun loving couple who first met at an Australia Day barbecue They became friends and two years later got engaged on South Beach in Fremantle

The beach is a place they both love so it features in their pre-wedding photo shoot with beautiful results

why did you decide to have an engagement shoot We had read that it was good to have a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer to get to know them and for them to get to know you as well as what poses you and your partner look best in A lot of people also told us we would regret not doing one ndash so glad we listened

what was your experience like on the dayAt first we were really nervous and uncomfortable because we had never been professionally photographed before but we ended up having heaps of fun

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 67: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoAt first we were really nervous but we ended up

having heaps of funrdquo

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 68: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

where did the idea of using holi powder come from I have a Bollywood obsession so Irsquove always wanted to throw it at someone and Dylan was more than happy to throw it at me how did the shoot make a difference to your wedding day photos We were more comfortable in front of a camera and could relax with our photographer as we already knew him Plus our photographer knew our style and how we interacted with each other

any tips for couples considering an engagement shoot Choose to do something you both like to do together (this is why we did ours at the beach) and have fun with it

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 69: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

what is your best wedding planning adviceDonrsquot let the preparation stress you out When I got stressed I would just walk away from planning and come back when I was in a better mood Now I can look back on it all as a fun experience rather than a stressful one

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 70: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoLearn each otherrsquos love languages You will be able to express your love and understand how to receive love

so much betterrdquo

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 71: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Ask your photographer about the ideal time of day for the shoot and how long yoursquoll need for best results

Incorporating your interests through props or an activity is a great idea ndash it will help you relax and show who you are

Discuss options for a great location with your photographer to find somewhere with an interesting backdrop and plenty of natural light

Come prepared with a change of outfit for a mix of formal and playful photos

Quick Tips for Fabulous Photos

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 72: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

From a traditional church ceremony to modern restaurant reception Tina and Shannon planned a glamorous white peach and charcoal wedding which

honoured their European heritage Not even the rain couldnrsquot dampen this stunning Perth affair

Tina amp Shannon

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 73: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Including familyldquoI really enjoyed all the time my mum and I spent perfecting the details We have very similar tastes and it made it a lot less stressful agreeing on most things

ldquoOur families were also involved in our Catholic ceremony - our brothers and sisters were part of the bridal party my dad walked me down the aisle and our mothers lit our family candles At the reception we also had a fatherdaughter and motherson dancerdquo

Styling detailsldquoOur ceremony was full of beautiful white flowers and plenty of greenery complete with an arch for us to walk through Our reception was modern and glamorous styled with tall vases of babyrsquos breath and silver lamps on alternate tables full of candlelight to complement the Perth night skyline in the backgroundrdquo

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 74: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Personal touchesldquoShannon had a vintage muscle car bring him and his groomsmen to the church we also had a little Italian music at our receptionrdquo

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 75: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

The dressldquoI always knew I liked Pallas dresses That was my

first stop and I felt the ladies really understood what I wanted and helped me design and customise the perfect dress for me It turned out exactly as I imaginedrdquo Tina

paired it with a dramatic cathedral length veil floral lace hairpiece and elegant pearl earrings

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 76: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoThe feeling of walking out of the church together hand in hand as husband and wife was definitely a

special momentrdquo

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 77: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Best adviceldquoDonrsquot get too caught up on all the small things that you think

are so important when you are preparing You canrsquot control everything but it will still be an amazing day - the main thing is

you get to marry the love of your liferdquo

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 78: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

The receptionldquoWe wanted something that felt open with an amazing view and great food Frasers Restaurant was all of these and our first choice - we were so happy with our decision They created a delicious five course reception feastrdquo

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 79: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Photography DeRay and Simcoe Photographers Ceremony St Josephrsquos Church Subiaco Reception Frasers Restaurant WA Flowers amp Styling

Natural Art by Rebecca Grace Cake Edible Elegance Gown Pallas Couture Hair Shane Dias Hair Makeup Lauren Wood Suit Hugo Boss Transport

Awesome Limousine

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 80: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

With so many choices and inspiring ideas having the wedding you want at a price you can afford can be a challenge Here are the best tips for keeping costs under control from brides who have been there done that

1 Choose an economical theme

With rustic and vintage styling a hot trend at the moment there are plenty of opportunities to buy decorations second hand from other brides or op shops Itrsquos also the perfect theme to incorporate some DIY Not wanting to source everything yourself Stylists often provide great value packages of complete looks

2 Hit up the sales

Take advantage of end of financial year sales and online shopping discounts when searching for suits wedding rings and other accessories Many wedding dress designers also host sample sales which can offer up to 90 off

3 Attend wedding expos

Itrsquos a great opportunity to see whatrsquos available and speak with suppliers in person with most exhibitors offering exclusive deals (and some fantastic prizes) as part of the event

4 Consider a planner

Industry contacts are one thing but itrsquos their ability to look critically at every aspect of your wedding and think outside the box for unique cost cutting solutions thatrsquos worth every penny

10 budget tipsfrom real brides

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 81: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

5 Do your research

Have a general budget in mind and then start asking for quotes so you gain a real understanding of each cost Itrsquos

not always about finding the cheapest price but finding the best value for money

6 Get creative with your venue

Host your reception at a restaurant for instant atmosphere to help save on styling costs or hire a local hall and enjoy

flexible catering options including BYO alcohol Donrsquot underestimate the value of inclusions ndash weigh them up

when choosing your venue to count the savings

7 Trim the guest list

This one is much easier said than done but if you can find a way to compress the guest list it will make a big

difference to your bottom line

8 Beware the little things

There are so many gorgeous small touches you can include in your day but they tend to add up very quickly From custom stamps to personalised napkins these are the things that are best kept on the wish list until yoursquove

organised all of the big ticket items

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 82: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Concept amp Styling The Wedding Playbook Photography Lyndal Carmichael Photography Venue Elixir Rooftop Bar QLD Gowns The Babushka Ballerina Hair Lisa Sleep Hair Stylist Makeup Blissful Makeup Flowers Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose Jewellery Nomiki Glynatsis Couture Model Madeline

9 Travel smart

Travel expos are perfect for planning your honeymoon getaway Bundle with a travel agent to save on costs and keep tabs on special offers from airlines by signing up to their e-newsletters Consider the luxury hotspots on your doorstep that will still feel a world away

10 Double up

Serving your wedding cake as dessert or choosing decorations that can also act as bonbonnieres (lolly buffets are perfect for this) can instantly save you a few hundred dollars This can also apply to finding a venue that can host your ceremony reception and accommodation

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 83: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Sarah ampJeffSarah and Jeff met through work but it took a while for them to realise they were meant to be When Jeff proposed on a misty winterrsquos evening in Venice they had to be kicked out of the little restaurant after celebrating until 2am As a busy barrister Sarah had little time to spare for wedding planning but with the help of a great team organised a beautiful celebration in only eight weeks

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 84: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Styling inspirationldquoI think I was the most laid back bride - I shocked people when I told them I had no real theme I depended a lot on Lina from Chanele Rose Flowers and Styling to talk through ideas with me She was amazingrdquo

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 85: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

The venueWith some guests travelling a long way for the wedding Sarah and Jeff wanted somewhere simple and central ldquoThe QVB Tea Room is a stunning venue - therersquos nowhere like it in Sydneyrdquo With modern Victorian architecture soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers itrsquos an elegant space that accommodated the couplersquos ceremony and reception perfectly

The ceremonyldquoEvery time I went through the material the celebrant gave me I cried

It made me so emotional and happy to think about our vows and what it meant to us and our family Jeff and I also incorporated our son Liam in the

ceremony which made it very specialrdquo

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 86: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoI didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 87: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Personal touchesldquoJeff and I are diehard Johnny Cash fans so our ceremony backdrop featured handwritten Cash lyrics We had the wonderful duo Tillee Music perform our favourite love song Sea of Love (Cat Power version) and did a very bad and unrehearsed wedding dance in the Pulp Fiction style one of Jeffrsquos favourite moviesrdquo

Most importantldquoEase and convenience - I know thatrsquos not the trendy thing to say but itrsquos the truth Whilst I wanted it to be beautiful I didnrsquot want our wedding to be a circus I didnrsquot want it to become more about the wedding than the marriagerdquo

Favourite momentsldquoThe entire ceremony my dadrsquos wonderful speech our lsquofirst lookrsquo getting ready with the girls seeing everyone I love in the same room and getting back to our hotel at 1am and having some quiet strawberries and champagnerdquo

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 88: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

The cakeA four tiered creation

featuring strawberry and watermelon cake with

roseacute scented cream and Amedei hazelnut and

chocolate torte

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 89: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Best advice ldquoRelax Outsource Focus on what the day means and make it about you both Focus on some good quality suppliers the kind you would use in the non-wedding worldrdquo

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 90: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Photography Thomas Stewart Photography Venue The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building NSW Celebrant Irene Tourvas Flowers amp Styling Chanele Rose Flowers amp Styling Cake Blackstar Pastry Gown Fashions by Farina Hair Melissa Cauchi Hairdresser Makeup Megan Vaughan Makeup Suit Hugo Boss Bridesmaids White Runway Stationery The Collectorrsquos Room Entertainment Tillee Music Bonbonniere Sweetness the Patisserie

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 91: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

Usually after more than a year of planning and the joy of your wedding day your beautiful dress is packed away carefully and not seen again until your children are tying the knot So what if you could take it on one last outing not to trash it but to celebrate it

Newly married Rachel did just that ldquoI felt it was a waste of such a beautiful gown to only wear my wedding dress once I had always planned to lsquodrown my dressrsquo so when the opportunity arose with Love amp Water Photography whose work I greatly admired I jumped at the chancerdquo

It was a wonderful personal experience ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last time On my wedding day I wanted to be at my most beautiful for my husband The shoot gave me the opportunity to wear my favourite dress and be glamorous just for merdquo

Celebrate the dress

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 92: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

ldquoIt was an amazing way to honour my dress one last timerdquo

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 93: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2

If yoursquore thinking of a post-wedding photo shoot in your dress Rachel says go for it ldquoRelive the glamour of your wedding day - your beautiful gown wasnrsquot designed to stay in the back of a dark closetrdquo

Her thoughts on life together after the big day ldquoAppreciate each other let go of the small stuff and love wholeheartedlyrdquo Sounds like perfect advice

Photography Love and Water Photography

Page 94: The Wedding Playbook Volume 2