Olivia + Chris by It’s Beautiful Here - Together Journal

Our colour palette was inspired by the Australian desert—soft, warm, and inviting.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

Chris and I have been together for nine years, building a life we love in Melbourne. He’s an Assistant Manager in the Public Service, and I’m a Branch Coordinator in the same field. Chris has a talent for turning the ordinary into something special, fuelled by passion, grit, and what I like to call his ‘passion tantrums.’ His motto? ‘I like to be ready for anything’—and trust me, he truly lives by it. And in many ways, he’s taught me to do the same.

I’m ambitious, driven in everything I take on, whether in work or play. What makes us work is the space we give each other to be fully ourselves—we live life to the beat of our own drum. We’re both creative souls, though our styles couldn’t be more different. A classic case of opposites attract, yet at our core, we’re perfectly in sync. We find joy in the little things—our ‘secret club’ of simple pleasures. Art and film, our fur-baby Little-Bob, pasta, cartoons, reality TV, coffee, outback roads, and a good Pinot Noir—this is our kind of life, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

Chris and I met at work many moons ago, right at the beginning of our public service careers. I still vividly remember his first day at the office—though, in true Chris fashion, he has no memory of meeting me! So much for first impressions, right? Haha! Once we finally figured out who the other person actually was, we clicked instantly. What began as an easy friendship soon grew into something deeper, lasting all the way to marriage.

Over the years, we’ve bonded over so many things, but right from the start, it all began with The Dark Crystal—a film I genuinely believed no one else on Earth had ever seen. That was quickly followed by Labyrinth, and to this day, “Dance Magic Dance” is still our unofficial anthem

When did you first realise that this was someone, you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

It’s been a journey full of revelations, some of which are still unfolding today. For us, it all started with that big leap from friends to partners. We found ourselves at a crossroads, wondering if we should stay where we were or take the leap of faith and move forward together. The choice was obvious. The moment we decided to jump, we both knew it was the right move.

Chris and I often joke that we find more peace in each other’s company than we do on our own. It’s something we realised early on in our relationship. In the simplest, quiet moments, we started to see what we really had. At the end of the day, we’re each other’s best friends and we can’t live without each other.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

Classic and Traditional Melbourne. Chris and I absolutely adore this city—its rich history, iconic landmarks, and beautiful architecture. Choosing to get married at some of Melbourne’s most recognisable sites was an easy decision. Not just because they’re iconic, but because these were the very places where our relationship began to grow and flourish. We didn’t want to just look back on our wedding day—we wanted to be able to revisit those special spots, time and time again.

Our colour palette was inspired by the Australian desert—soft, warm, and inviting. While we’re city people, outback adventures are a big part of our story. I remember showing a single painting to my styling vendors and saying, “This is it—capture this, and you’ve nailed it.” Every detail of the day was chosen with intention; everything had meaning and purpose.

When it came to how I wanted to feel and look, I drew inspiration from my dancing days—ballerina-esque, graceful, and elegant (though this time, with a sensible Jimmy Choo shoe!). The look was classic, minimal, and very much me—no tan, no fuss, just timeless.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

The florals were nothing short of perfect—and truly one of my favourite parts of the entire day. I was lucky enough to work with two incredible vendors: Botanics of Melbourne for the bridal flowers and reception, and Styled by Event Hire for the ceremony. Each brought something unique and special, and together, they worked their magic.

Everywhere you looked, the flowers seamlessly tied everything together. From the hotel to the garden to the reception, they transformed each space with warmth, beauty, and a deep sense of connection. It was also where my colour palette really came to life! Every detail was so carefully thought out, and I was completely enchanted—honestly, I never wanted to let go of my bouquet!

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

At First? Absolutely Nothing. Honestly, who enjoys planning something they know nothing about? I had no idea where to begin. Who do I talk to? What’s a run sheet? I didn’t even know how to use Excel—haha!

My biggest tip? Get off your phone. I fell deep down the social media rabbit hole and was completely overwhelmed by trends and expectations. At one point, I felt totally paralysed by it all. So I threw out everything the world was telling me to do and stripped it right back to the basics: Who am I? Who is Chris? What does this day truly mean to us? What do we love?

Finding my “why” throughout the planning process became the part I enjoyed the most—it’s what kept me grounded and brought me back to earth every single time I started to drift.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

My Dress
I honestly wish I could wear my wedding dress every day. Finding it was a journey, and for anyone who feels confident enough, I highly recommend doing it solo. That’s exactly what I did, and it became one of the most memorable parts of my wedding planning experience. Walking into Bluebell Bridal on my own, I felt a mix of nerves and quiet excitement. Fashion has always been something I loved, but I never really saw myself as “a bride.” I had no idea what I was looking for—except that colour was going to be important. One thing I did know: I didn’t want to wear stark white. It felt too harsh, didn’t flatter my skin tone, and didn’t fit the warm, soft tones I envisioned for the wedding style. A few moments later, that dress was found. In all its ivory glory, it was a match made in heaven.

My Mum’s Outfit
I knew I wanted my mum’s outfit to stand out. She’s in no way the typical mother of the bride—she’s eccentric, beautiful, and a true ‘child of the sixties,’ as my dad lovingly calls her. She has a love for fashion, makeup, and a cheeky Ouzo and coke! I needed an outfit that matched her vibrant personality, colourful spirit, and boldness. I stumbled upon a brand called ‘Sleeper,’ known for its mid-luxury pieces that celebrate womanhood in an authentic way. The Suzi Maxi Dress was perfect. Mum felt fabulous and comfortable, and together; we absolutely nailed it.

What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Photography and Videography
I didn’t even hesitate to book both—photography and videography were an absolute must. We were lucky enough to find the perfect vendors, who quickly became part of our hype team. We struck gold, so much so that our guests were completely enamoured with them and loved their company. I firmly believe that no matter how everything else turns out, having it all captured is simply priceless. What we’re able to relive through the work of It’s Beautiful Here and Gregory Films is beyond words. The memories they’ve given us are indescribable.