Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Paul & I met at ‘90’s night’ at Perseverance in Fitzroy, Victoria. We hit it off straight away (even if I couldn’t understand his Irish accent over the music) and have been inseparable for the last 8 years.
We both have a huge love for travel. We’ve been to so many places together – back to his home in Ireland 3 times, across Europe and the States, Cuba, Vietnam and plan to visit South America and Japan next.
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…
Our style was very much #wedfest. We just wanted to throw the biggest and best party for all of our friends and family. It was a very laid back, festival/boho vibe.
We wanted somewhere outside that had no curfew (irish wedding!) and allowed us to bring in our own marquee and glamping tents. Toolangi Heights was the first that came up and we didn’t look any further. It was everything we were looking for! Bordering Toolangi State Forest, the surroundings were spectacular. Every direction was beautiful forestry, and our ceremony was to die for.
Once our teepee marquee and glamping tents were set up, our little #wedfest was exactly how we envisioned it. We stayed for the entire weekend, heading to the pub in Yarra Glen for some recovery drinks the next day, and back to the venue for a bonfire, wood fire pizzas and a fun night!
Tell us about your main outfits:
I had my heart set on boho lace from before we were even engaged. I found a stunning dress on my first day of dress shopping that was well over my budget, so was a little disheartened. I decided to try Fairytales Boutique in Moonee Ponds as I lived nearby, and right there on the mannequin in the window was a dress with the EXACT lace as the dress I had fallen in love with. I immediately tried it on, and knew this was my dress. Plus it was under budget!
Paul was happy to wear something pretty casual, so it didn’t take us long to find his perfect outfit. The bowtie was made by Peggy & Finn and featured Banksia flowers. Our florist actually helped us choose the best pattern that suited our flowers, and it was absolutely perfect.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
Having so many international family and friends meant the world to us. Paul’s family and best friends flew over from Ireland and England, and my best friend flew over from the States.
But the most memorable moment though was having my dad there, and him accompanying me partway down the aisle. My dad suffered from Lewy Body Dementia, and heartbreakingly passed away a bit over a month after my wedding. So having him there on the day, and having so many beautiful memories and photos with him and our family will be with me forever.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
On your wedding day, don’t sweat the small stuff! So many things went wrong on our day, that to be honest we didn’t even notice until the next day! Make sure you take some time during your wedding day for just the two of you. walk away from it all and just enjoy each other’s company. Take it all in. Most importantly, laugh with each other. There’s nothing more amazing than that.
Venue: Toolangi Heights | Photographer: Tales of Romance Atelier | Celebrant: Friend of the Couple | Entertainment: Paper Hearts | Hire: Always Eventive | Marquee: Under Sky | Flora: Flowers of Yarra Glen | Catering + Beverages: My Little Country Kitchen | Cake: Jennifer Annes Cakes | Bonbonnieres: Crunch Pandas | Car: Fleetwood Limousines | Bride’s Dress: White April Bridal purchased from Fairytales Bridal | Groom’s & Groomsmen Suit: YD | Ring/s: Engagement Ring: Micheli Jewellery Wedding Bands: Angus Coote | Shoes: Betts | Bride’s Earrings: Ruby and Sage | Groom’s Bow Tie: Peggy and Finn | Makeup: Jessica Latina | Hair: Bridal Hair Melbourne | Bridesmaids: Chancery the Label