Romi + Edden by Briars Atlas

Romi: I’m a theatre director and producer, and love gardening and reading. Edden is an animator, works in customer service, and loves drawing and gaming. We both initially connected through our art forms — performance and animation. This blossomed into a shared love of many things, such as nature, animated films, authenticity and building our life together.

We met at school when we were 14. We became good friends and started dating a year later. Little did we know it would turn into something so special. By the time we turned 30, we had been together for almost 14 years.

Experiencing many milestones together has been wonderful and the longevity of our relationship is something we are grateful for. All relationships have their challenges. For us, the biggest difficulties have been during big life changes or transitions, but those difficulties have made our relationship incredibly strong. Having been together for so long, it’s hard to know, but we’d like to believe it was our strong and committed love from the start that allowed us to grow. Communication has been key to making it work so well.

Edden proposed on Valentine’s Day in 2019. He came into the living room with a huge bunch of red roses. We are Jewish, and getting married was a big moment for us. We had a Chuppah ceremony (held under a canopy, which symbolizes the home the couple will build together), followed by a brunch reception with lots of horas (Jewish circle dancing). We wanted the ceremony, which Rabbi Menachem Wolf led outstandingly, to be focused on spirituality and connection. The ceremony was held under a big beautiful gum tree, and the reception room looked on to stunning parklands.

Our band, led by Adam Starr, was incredible as well. They brought so much life to the room. My close friend, designer Yahav Ron, created my dress. It was a true collaboration and a lot of fun getting to create something so unique. Standing under the chuppah together, and realising that we were getting married, was a special moment for us. It had been a long time coming, so it felt surreal. To be honest, married life isn’t that much different from our lives before. But it was a big moment for us. In Judaism, when you marry, your souls become one, which feels very meaningful.

Oli (photographer): Romi and Edden’s special day was filled with the brilliant tradition inherent in Jewish weddings, the beautiful layers of human theatre and ritual, but they made the day theirs. It had every dynamic imaginable: beautiful moments of pause, incredible food, honouring tradition, the batshit-crazy dancefloor that can only ever happen at Jewish weddings, and a soft portrait session at the end of the day, before they eased into a gentle afternoon with close friends.

photographer Oli Sansom, Briars Atlas / videographer C2 Films / bride’s attire Yahav Ron / groom’s attire Politix / venue Malvern Valley Golf Club / shoes Habbot / earrings Koko Jewelry, 333 Brunswick St, Fitzroy / headband Ford Millinery / rings Yossi Jewellery / makeup & hair Kim Tavares / celebrant Rabbi Menachem Wolf / entertainment East St Kilda Klezmer Ensemble / chuppah The Arbourists / planner Planned to Perfection Events / flora Simeon’s Florist / catering Roquette /