Vintage Fashion Inspired Weddings: Rockabilly Theme

This Rockabilly Themed wedding will take you back in time, and give you a glimpse of some vintage fashion ideas

Vintage fashion inspired wedding decorations

Melanie McNiven Portraits specialise in taking beautiful photos for special occasions. From newborn babies and children to weddings, these photos are unique and timeless. They recently received the opportunity to take photos for a vintage fashion inspired wedding. The theme behind the shoot was “Rockabilly”. We got to share some of the wonderful photos they took, as well as find out about all the different people involved in the shoot. From the makeup artist to the beautifully designed dresses, the detail and time taken made for a truly memorable shoot.

Vintage fashion inspired Bridesmaid ideas

Vintage fashion inspired bridal car

Vintage fashion inspired creative ideas

We got to chat to them about the different people involved in the shoot. The photos show the outcome of the fun and unique photos.

Vintage fashion inspired "I do!"

Rockabilly wedding Vintage fashion inspired

Parasols and design: Parasols with Love

Bride and groom shots Vintage fashion inspired

Vintage fashion inspired Bride and bridesmaids

Just marriedVintage fashion inspired

Flowers: Blooms of Noosa

Beautiful Bride Vintage fashion inspired

Black and white wedding ideas Vintage fashion inspired

bridal flowers Vintage fashion inspired

Makeup: Photo Finish Makeup

Vintage fashion inspired Bridal Party

Bridal Photos Vintage fashion inspired

Vintage fashion inspired Fun bridal party photos

Wedding Dress: Silver Sixpence

Vintage fashion inspired Bride and Groom

Bridesmaids dresses: That Shop

Beautiful wedding Vintage fashion inspired

Models:
Miss Frankie Mae Felon

Colourful Bridesmaids Vintage fashion inspired
Scarlet Tinkerbelle

Flower girl and Page Boy Vintage fashion inspired

Kiki Vanity

Groom Photo Vintage fashion inspired

Jordan Copper - Male Model

Bridesmaids Vintage fashion inspired

Head pieces: Marla Carmeta Designs

Vintage fashion inspired black and white wedding

The stationery used on the day was intricate and unique, adding another element to the shoot.

Vintage fashion inspired Detailed Envelopes
Vintage fashion inspired wedding invite

Vintage fashion inspired Invitation Ideas

Vintage fashion inspired Laser Cut Wedding Invites
They also prepared a beautiful, bright red setting which contrasted beautifully with the dresses and suits.

Vintage fashion inspired reception ideas

Vintage fashion inspired Creative Wedding Invites

Vintage fashion inspired Cute Wedding Name Tags

If you’re interested in having photos taken you can check out the Melanie McNiven Portraits website, or email them here.

Vintage fashion and Fun wedding ideas

 

Country Wedding: Kylie and Matt’s Big Day

Ideas to Get You Thinking About a Beautiful Country Wedding

Victorian couple Kylie and Matt wanted a big celebration that wasn’t going to be too formal. We were lucky enough to get to talk to Kylie about everything leading up to the wedding, including the romantic European proposal and how their wedding day was everything they both had hoped for. From finding the dress to the final details, Kylie and Matt were kind enough to share some of their beautiful photos and stories from the day.

Bride and Groom at their Country Wedding

1. Tell us a little about the proposal and the lead up to the wedding.

The proposal happened on the first night of our 2011 Europe trip. We arrived in Paris that afternoon and explored the beautiful city. That evening we headed out for dinner and to the Eiffel tower to see it with all the lights. We climbed the stairs to see the views and then came down to admire the light show from the park beneath. It was then that Matt decided to get down on one knee and propose. Cue tears and lots of OMG’s and a big fat YES!!! It was a very romantic magical night and one we will never forget. We also kept the big engagement reveal a surprise to all our family and friends until we got home a month later. It was so nice to be in our own little bubble and be happily engaged for a while.

Country Wedding and First Dance

2. What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme and vibe?

From the start we knew we wanted our wedding to be one big celebration and nothing too formal. We went searching for venues and looking up styles and came across Zonzo’s in the Yarra Valley. It fit our brief perfectly and it was from there that our theme grew and grew. We wanted a fun filled, laid-back style that was rustic and could incorporate all of our DIY ideas. Everyone at Zonzo’s could see our vision and were more than happy to help us incorporate our ideas. We were able to really make it our day.

Country Wedding Reception Ideas

Country Wedding Food

3. Favourite detail or moment of the day (besides becoming husband and wife of course! or Wife and Wife, or Husband and Husband!)

For us there was a lot about the day that was amazing it’s hard to pick just one moment. If I had to, it would be when we were standing under the arbor and the cold wind was blowing through the barn doors, my hair kept sweeping across my face and Matt gently tucked my fringe behind my ear for me while I was standing there shaking and shivering away. Cue lots of “oohhs” and “aahs” from everyone. It really felt like it was just the two of us alone up there. Remembering that exact moment makes me all warm and fuzzy.

First Kiss at Country Wedding

4. Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?

Yes! We did lots of DIY for the wedding. It meant hiring a truck and Matt driving it to the venue the day before the wedding to unload all of our masterpieces. We made the arbor we were married under and the double doorway entry that I walked under to reach Matt. We also made a lemonade stand for our guests to enjoy lemonade and iced tea. We hand painted lots of wooden signs that were incorporated into the styling. The lemonade stand and the arbor were purchased from us by the venue and can both now be seen and hired out for weddings at Zonzo’s.

Rustic Country Wedding Sign

We also had a cookie bar instead of a lolly bar or dessert bar. This meant lots and lots of baking of yummy treats in the lead up to the wedding. We had lots of help from family and friends. I don’t think we’ll ever stop hearing about how delicious the white chocolate and raspberry cookies were!

Country Wedding with Lemonade Stand

Jars at country Wedding

We also designed the invitations ourselves. The invites were printed on wood by Melbourne Laser Cutter and completely exceeded our expectations. The team was more than happy to work with our custom template and helped develop our design to get the best results. We then designed and printed the envelopes and RSVP cards ourselves incorporating recycled papers and twine to match the texture and colours of the invitation.

Guest book Ideas for Country Wedding

Finally, we sourced lots of styling items for the day that we knew the venue didn’t have. I ordered mason jars for the lemonade stand, amber bottles and wooden crates so we could move our flowers from the ceremony to the reception. This is why we had to hire a truck to transport it all ourselves! By doing lots of things ourselves it meant that both of us had huge input into the day.

Country Wedding Lemonade Stand

5. What does marriage mean to you?

To us marriage is a one time thing. We had enough time to think about it all and decide where it was we both wanted to be in the future and it was with each other. Marriage to us was the next big leap in our relationship. We had been together for nine years before our wedding and everyone said marriage won’t change a thing it’s just a piece of paper, but you know what? It does change. The changes weren’t huge but things change and it’s nice. It didn’t change the way we feel about each other but I think knowing you are together forever and you always have that one person by your side leaves you feeling content with this overwhelming feeling of happiness. Everytime I think about the wedding day it makes me well up and just feel incredibly happy that I got to do it all with my best friend. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. It truly was a day we will never forget.

Bride and Groom at Country Wedding

Family at Country Wedding

6. Talk to us about your dress, where is it from? how long did it take to find?

My dress is a beautiful Jane Hill Bridal dress called ‘Lottie’ and it truly is a piece of art! It’s so amazing. The dress was a really important part of the day for me and I wasn’t willing to sacrifice anything for it. Leading up to the wedding I had looked at lots of dresses and even went on a girls weekend away to Sydney to see the bridal stores there. But I didn’t find ‘the one’ (not even in Vera Wang which I was convinced I would!!). So I came back to Melbourne and started doing research in dresses and styles. I knew what I didn’t want and it was then I started looking at the custom made dresses rather than existing ones. Once I visited Jane Hill I knew I had to have one of her dresses. She was amazing and made me feel at ease and could see my vision for my wedding. She understood the style and theme for the day and how I needed a dress to fit that feel theme. She knew how to make me feel like the most amazing bride ever! So I left that day knowing my dress would be made at Jane Hill but not what dress it would be. A few months later I visited the store but Jane wasn’t there. I met with Sophie who made me try on ‘Lottie’. I wasn’t convinced but once it was on I had that ‘this is the one’ moment and it was meant to be. I love my dress and want to find a million other times to wear it again but sadly I haven’t just yet. It’s hanging up where I can look at it whenever I feel like it. It truly is an amazing dress.

Beautiful Country Wedding

7. Any funny stories in the lead up to or on the day?

A friend split his pants on the dancefloor while in a break dancing competition with my little brother. Just picture this; a 40 year old busting some moves and trying to do a backflip versus a 18 year old who could do back flips.

Couple photo at country wedding

It surprised everyone that the two of us jumped on the bus home with them at the end of the night. And me tossing my bouquet to the girls as we arrived at our hotel.

Country Wedding Reception Ideas

Finally, Matt ran into my girlfriends on the morning of the wedding in the main town. He was in a bit of a panic trying to find a wedding card for me. My girlfriends thought Matt had totally forgotten some special wedding tradition.

Country Wedding Instagram

8. Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Stick to your guns and do what it is that you want to do. The day is about you two as a couple and making sure it highlights the important things to you. Incorporate family and friends and make it fun for everyone but I think at the end of the day you need to be able to look back and be happy about everything you did for your special day. There isn’t a thing we did that we would change and I like that we were happy with the outcome. From the venue to the flowers to the dress to the style; it all just came together. There were some things we wanted to do and didn’t get a chance to but at the end of the day that didn’t matter. We made sure we got what we wanted out of the day and like I said we’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Just Married At Country Wedding

Beautiful country Wedding

VENDOR CREDITS

Photos: Robert Hock

Bridal gown: Jane Hill Bridal

Veil or hair piece: Jane Hill

Shoes: Wittner

Flowers: Blooming Brides

Rings: Hardy Brothers Jewellers and Lord Coconut

Jewellery/Accessories: Earrings - Samantha Wills Bracelet - Isabel Marant

Bridesmaids dresses: Myer and Cue

Grooms and Groomsmen suits: Dom Bagnato from Myer

Grooms Shoes: Urge Footwear

Bow ties / ties: Dom Bagnato from Myer

Flower girl and Page Boys:  Bardot Junior

Ceremony and Reception: Zonzo’s Yarra Valley

Cake: The Cake Company

Cake topper: Flowers from Blooming Brides

Stationery designer: DIY design by bride and groom and printed by Melbourne Laser Cutter (MLC)

Hair and Make up: Hair by Hannah 0402 008 802 and Make-Up by Belinda  0419 518 459

Music: Baker Boys Band

Celebrant: Guy Gurney

Photo Booth: Photobooth.

 

 

 

Country Wedding Ideas: How a Wedding Planner Can Help

Incorporating Country Wedding Ideas with a Wedding Planner

JN Consulting is a UK based, Event Management Company. It was founded in 2011 by Jo Neville. They are focused on providing high quality service and customer satisfaction. They work to go above and beyond their clients expectations. Wedding planning is one of their services, and one they do very well. We got to talk to Jo about a beautiful wedding that the company worked on recently. Tom and Carly were married in August 2015 and had a beautiful and personalised wedding. As well as chatting with Jo, we are also lucky enough to have some of their wonderful photos from the day. The photos are stunning and give some great country wedding ideas.

Bride and Groom

Bride and Groom's First Dance

Country Wedding band

Country Wedding Ideas Bridal Shots

1. What was your role in the day? And the lead up?

I was the couples Event Manager and their point of contact at the venue. I met the couple three times prior to their wedding. We had two planning meetings and one final meeting. I ran their big day to ensure that everything went smoothly and acted as Master of Ceremonies. I looked after all supplier, staffing and catering on the day and made sure that Tom & Carla’s day was as they had planned it to be.

Country Wedding Ideas couple photos

Country Wedding Ideas and Timber

Country Wedding Ideas

Country Wedding Ideas for stationary

2. What was the inspiration behind the day?

A classic wedding that incorporated Tom’s timber business in to the decoration’s for the marquee. They wanted to ensure that small details like the drinks coasters were all personalised.

Country Wedding Ideas couple

 Flowers for Country Wedding Ideas

Country Wedding Ideas for walking down the isle

Tom and Carla’s Wedding was held at the Ashton Lodge Country House in Warwickshire, UK.

locations and Country Wedding Ideas

Country Wedding Ideas for reception

Country Wedding Ideas for bridal party

The beautiful photos for Tom and Carla were taken by Sarah Salotti.

Country Wedding Ideas

Wedding Reception Ideas

The photos created on the day were beautiful, unique and classic. This tops off the wedding planning process.

Classic Wedding Photos

Beautiful Wedding Photos

Other vendors involved in the day:

Photo Booth: The Vintage Photo Booth Company 

Ceremony and Reception: Ashton Lodge Country House

Event: The Midlands Events Company

Music: Jalapeño Hot Club Band

Photos: Sarah Salotti

Bollywood Weddings: Ideas for your big day

Bollywood Weddings by Sugar & Spice Events.

Sugar & Spice are an events planning company, based in Queensland. While they plan many different types of events, they specialise in stylish and unique weddings. With the beautiful work that they do, Sugar & Spice have been named one of the top 25 Wedding Stylists in the country by Modern Wedding Magazine, two years running.

Bollywood Weddings

Bollywood weddings are beautifully vibrant and fun. These photos are just a sample of the amazing wedding that Sugar & Spice styled. These wonderful photos gives you an idea of how Bollywood weddings can inspire a colourful and entertaining day for you and your guests.

Reception Ideas for Bollywood Weddings

Sugar & Spice recently styled a Bollywood inspired wedding. Incorporating bright colours and stunning textures they created a reception that was truly unique.

Henna for Bollywood Weddings

Creative Director of Sugar & Spice, Decinda MacDonald, described the wedding as “spectacular”, and we couldn’t agree more. These beautiful florals are shown throughout the reception and add even more to the colour and intricacy of the styling.

Setting for Bollywood Weddings

If you’re interested in having an event styled and organised by Sugar & Spice you can visit their website here. 

Beach idea for Bollywood Weddings.

Outdoor Weddings: A Photo Shoot with Classic Wedding Invitation

Outdoor Weddings Shoot to Give You Ideas For Your Wedding Day

Classic Wedding Invitations had the opportunity recently to collaborate on a shoot with some very talented vendors. The idea behind it was to present a wonderful outdoor wedding. This setting, created a green and lush backdrop. While we provided the wedding invitations and photo booth accessories for the shoot, many more aspects were also involved. The photos taken at the shoot present some wonderful ideas for a classic, outdoor wedding.

Wedding Table Setting

Personalised Cookies for Weddings

Wedding Invitations

There is much detail that gets put into all Classic Wedding Invitations invites. From printing, to laser cutting, there are many ways to create your perfect invitation.

Detailed Wedding Invitations

The invitations used in the shoot are our Wilderness Invitation. More about them and information on how to order can be found here.

Beautiful Outdoor Weddings

Ideas for Outdoor Weddings

Bride and Groom photos

Wedding Photos

The beautiful greens of the grass and trees made for beautiful shots of our models. An outdoor wedding is a great option to consider, especially if your day is blessed with good weather!

Outdoor Weddings Couple
Outdoor Weddings Dress Ideas

The beautiful dress worn here is by Karen Willis Holmes, a Sydney based designer. Karen has stores all over the world including in the UK and New York.

Outdoor Wedding Setting

Intricate Wedding Table Setting

Outdoor Weddings Ideas

Ideas for Wedding Props

The intricacy of the shoot, can provide ideas about ways to personalise your reception and ceremony. The flowers used throughout the shoot are by Brett Currell from Wedding Flowers & Styling Melbourne.

Outdoor Wedding Setup
Outdoor Wedding Florals
Outdoor Groom Photos
Wedding Stationary

The cakes and treats used in our shoot were from Little Malvern Cake Company. The detail and care they take with the creation of their cakes makes them perfect for weddings.

Outdoor Wedding Ideas

Beautiful Outdoor Wedding

 

These wonderful photos were taken by Immerse Photography. If you’re interested in their services, you can find out more here.

Photos of Outdoor Weddings
Outdoor Wedding Couple Photos

Our beautiful models from the shoot were Hannah Vanderheide and Matt Crowley.

Bridal Makeup
Outdoor Wedding Shoot
Outdoor Wedding Dresses
Wedding Dresses

The hair and makeup artist was Sue from Magical Makeovers. She created a lovely, natural look for our bride.

Outdoor Wedding Swing
Bridal Hair Ideas

 

Other vendors used in the shoot:

Photos: Immerse Photography

Invitations and Photo Booth Props: Classic Wedding Invitations

Dress: Karen Willis Holmes.

Flowers: Wedding Flowers & Styling Melbourne

Cakes: Little Malvern Cake Company.

Jewellery: Jeanette Maree.

Makeup: Magical Makeovers.

Wedding Music: Finding the Perfect Sound for Your Wedding

Wedding Music with Diamond String Ensembles and Music for My Wedding

Music for My Wedding organise wedding entertainment for couples on their big day. They aim to do this in a way that reduces the amount of time the couple has to spend looking. In a way, it’s like online dating for finding a wedding singer. Couples complete an online form for what they are looking for, and wedding entertainers approach them with a direct quote. Efficient and effective! Founder, Dierdre Le Blang estimates that most couples find what they are looking for within days. We got to speak to Diamond String Ensembles and asked her what her favourite part of her job is, how long she’s been doing it and some of her other projects.

Wedding Music with Violins

1. How long have you been performing / singing for, what are your first memories of performing / singing?

I started playing violin at 6 years old, 23 years of violin playing to date J

One of my first memories of performing is playing in an eisteddfod in Nowra at 6 years old and being thrilled to win the first prize trophy! I also loved busking in Kiama at Christmas time.

Violin Wedding Music

2. How did you get into wedding performing?

When I was 15 years old I put together a violin duo to perform at a wedding. My brother’s friend was looking for some classical string music for her church wedding and my brother suggested I play! Who knew he would kick off my dream career for me?!

Beautiful Wedding Music

Together with my best friend at highschool, Justine, was also a talented violinist and we put together some violin duo music to play at the wedding. We had a ball rehearsing for and being part of the wedding day.

Our music was so appreciated that word spread and we quickly had a bunch of wedding bookings. We called ourselves ‘Grace Duo,’ and started performing at the Illawarra Wedding Expos from Wollongong down to Berry.

Wedding Music Ensembles

It was a much loved hobby over the next 10 years throughout our time at Uni, and as we helped plan each other’s weddings (we were of course each other’s maid of honour!)

After my time studying violin performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, I decided that I would rather perfect playing at weddings than pursue working in an orchestra.

Wedding Music

I performed as a freelance performer for a number of wedding ensembles, as well in Grace Duo. However, I became dissatisfied with the limitations of what a ‘hobby group’ had the time and resources to offer.

I wanted to be able to offer bridal couples a more luxury, personalised service, where everything they could want and need from their wedding musicians had been thought of including gorgeous matching styling.

Wedding Music Style

3. What is one of the most interesting weddings you have performed at? 

Well one of the best locations would have to have been in the Blue Mountains, on Hat Hill Road in Blackheath. It was a warm, crisp winters day and the backdrop for the ceremony was a stunning valley. I performed solo violin with backing tracks and it was just the most dreamy, romantic atmosphere.

I’ve seen a few crazy, unexpected things such as a car crash in the park just before the wedding started (no one was hurt!) and another wedding where the groom fainted. There was a wedding where the fog that was so dense all the guests got lost and the bride had to wait for them. Another wedding the bride and groom ‘released doves’ that they didn’t order; they had no idea where the birds came from!

But don’t let me scare you! 99% of our weddings go to plan, are exquisitely beautiful and everything goes smoothly. After 15 years of playing at weddings there just are bound to be a few mishaps.

Violins and Wedding Music

My favourite Diamond Strings wedding would have been when I teamed up with my husband to play as a guitar and violin duo at our friend’s wedding. We had the most amazing time performing instrumental covers of songs by the likes of Norah Jones, Ed Sheeran, and Julia & Angus Stone. Since then, this newly launched Diamond Strings ensemble has been incredibly popular with brides and grooms wanting a relaxed, chic vibe at their wedding.

perfect wedding music

4. What plans do you have for the future? 

Wow, well since Diamond Strings started in 2013 we have gone from a violin duo, to including solo violin with backing tracks in 2014 and launching the guitar and violin duo this winter.

Wedding Music Ideas

It’s been a whirlwind of kick starting a small business, music arranging, video and audio recording, performing in expos, training up four new violinists and a guitarist, and playing at our stunning weddings.

I actually am hoping that I can relax a little and simply enjoy performing at all the weddings Diamond Strings have booked. Having said that, every winter I get a new idea and throw myself in to it heart and soul, so watch this space!

Hear Diamond String Ensembles play:

Diamond Strings Guitar & Violin Duo - Love Story, Taylor Swift from Diamond Strings on Vimeo.

5. What do you do in your spare time when you’re not performing at weddings? Hobbies or other work?

I have ten adorable violin students whom I teach privately at my home on weekdays. I also perform as a ‘String Angel’ in an electric violin corporate show that performs all over Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

The String Angels is a 20 minute choreographed, highly entertaining show with three beautiful violinists. We wear sparkly ball gowns and play exciting revamped versions of classical favourites - on hot pink violins! It is owned by the entertainment company ‘Mark Bradley International’ who are also responsible for the famous ‘Three Waiters’ corporate act.

During my spare time I love to bake sweet treats, teach myself ukulele, spend time with my family and play with my two adorable Burmese kittens, Dolly and Daisy.

Classic violinists for Wedding Music

6. Any tips for brides choosing the perfect wedding performer or singer for their day?

This is definitely a question that I’ve thought long and hard about in creating Diamond Strings. There are many ensembles available that claim to be perfect for your wedding day but they haven’t actually given much thought to what that actually means.

Classic Wedding Music

A bride and groom ideally need musicians who:

  1. Play beautifully.
  2. Can offer a variety of musical styles to suit different tastes.
  3. Can offer to learn specially requested music.
  4. Are professional, punctual, reliable and experienced.
  5. Have been trained and had rehearsals to perfect their music. (Rather than having musicians turn up on the day that don’t know each other and have never seen the sheet music before!).
  6. Are beautifully presented with formal attire and stylish equipment such as vintage music stands and black leather folders.
  7. Can organise any equipment they might need such as chairs or shade.
  8. Will be there rain, hail or shine - and still look gorgeous in any weather.
  9. Can offer amplification to ensure they’re heard even when guests are chatting and celebrating.
  10. Will liaise with your venue to organise logistics to cut down on the bridal couple’s work.
  11. Will communicate quickly and thoroughly with their clients, and be transparent in the way that they run their business and supply musicians.
  12. Adore playing at weddings and will lovingly look after your wedding music.

If you can find musicians that can promise all the features listed above you have found a very special ensemble indeed!

Outdoor Wedding Music

7. Any additional information for brides or about your business, please include. 

The Diamond Strings ensembles are all available for booking via the Music For My Wedding website. You can also go directly to each Diamond Strings Ensemble combination via these links:

Guitar & Violin Duo

Solo violin with or without backing tracks

Violin duo


Wedding Rings for Men: Unique Wedding Bands.

Find the Perfect Wedding Ring for Men

Lord Coconut specialise in handcrafted wedding rings for men. They are the only specialist men’s wedding ring store in Melbourne. They are a great option if you’re looking for a unique option for the groom or grooms that other jewelers may not offer. Located right in Melbourne, and also available online, Lord Coconut is an easily accessible and unique piece for your ring. We got to speak to Mark from Lord Coconut about choosing the perfect ring, how they got started and the story behind the name.

grooms wedding rings

1. What tips and advice do you give to couples when choosing the grooms wedding rings?

Choose the type of metal used in the ring carefully:

- Sterling silver is cheap but very soft so your ring is unlikely to last as long as your marriage so try to spend that little bit more if you can. If not, and we all know how expensive weddings are, go into it with your eyes open in the knowledge that it will need replacing at some stage.

- Titanium is very light and tough but it does scratch and is dangerous for tradies (if your hand is crushed in an accident its easier to cut your finger off than the ring).

- 9ct gold is durable enough for most people, but it does come in at a fair price. It’s best not to get white gold Rhodium plated as it comes off within 6-18 months. And why hide the fabulous warm 9ct white gold colour?

- 18ct gold is unnecessary unless you like the deeper colours. If the colour variation between 9ct and 18ct isn’t important save your money and go for 9ct. Don’t even think about getting 18ct white gold rhodium plated! The finished colour will be no different to a 9ct white gold rhodium plated ring, and will be twice the cost.

- Platinum rings are the most expensive of all and if you really want to spend that amount on a ring we’re more than happy to help you out.

- Tungsten rings are ones we don’t sell. They are usually made overseas and we get lots of couples coming in after a year or two deciding that they now want a grown up wedding ring. One for the little boys I’m afraid.

hanfcrafted wedding rings

2. When did Lord Coconut begin and how did you come up with the name?

There is a great little story on our website which explains how my great great grandfather may have gotten the Lord Coconut nickname. Its up to you whether or not you believe it. Either way I’m sure the name will stick in your memory!

two tone wedding rings

3. How do you collaborate with other jewellers  How does it work? Where are most jewellers based?

Lord Coconut represents over 40 Australian based jewellers. About half live and work in Melbourne whilst the remainder are scattered around the country. Jewellers have their own unique style. We either hand pick from within their existing ranges or help them develop their first range for men. We also provide advice to jewellers on what is selling within the store. This enables them to tailor their range to meet our clients expectations. We usually have a sample of each jewellers rings in-store and each wedding ring order is custom made to size for each and every customer. We are also able to act as the go-between, between a customer and jeweller if a custom design is required.

Unique wedding rings

4. Do you have any interesting client stories or requests?

Each and every client has an interesting story to tell. As we are off ground level, we can spend the time getting to know the couple to ensure they choose the perfect ring to reflect their personalities. It’s an important choice and we hope our interest in each couples story puts them at ease. Especially when spending a big amount of money. Furthermore, the ring is often the groom’s first.

Wedding rings for men

We did have one couple come in one week before the wedding requiring one of our handcrafted rings. A little odd as who forgets about getting a wedding ring? After a little discussion it was determined that one of the bride’s father’s was ill and unlikely to see the wedding if the original wedding date was kept. It was a bit of a push but we were able to get their custom made ring ready in time. This meant that the bride and groom enjoyed a perfect day with the rings they wanted.

On another note we are selling more and more of what we call ‘proposal rings’. These rings (which are essentially wedding rings) are for same sex couples. A sterling silver wedding ring will be purchased and used as part of the proposal with the view that the ring will be upgraded to a gold version once same sex marriage is legalized. The proposal ring is then retired to the top draw.

Mens wedding rings

5. What types of ring options are there?

Our rings mainly come in sterling silver or gold (9ct or 18ct in white, rose and yellow) but we have a small titanium range and most rings can be made in platinum. We have over 80 different styles in stock ranging from 2mm to 12mm wide, brushed or polished, thick or thin and textured or smooth. We like to think we have one of the broadest ranges of locally made men’s wedding rings in Australia. Even if we don’t have exactly what you have in mind, you’ll walk away with a firmer idea of what you like and what you don’t.

one of a kind wedding rings
If you’re interested in the other rings that Lord Coconut has to offer, or to find out more about the brand, you can visit their website here.

Wedding Photography: Tips to Preserve Your Day.

Wedding Photography Can Be the Perfect Way to Remember your Day.

Your wedding will likely be one of the most important days of your life, so capturing memories is vitally important. You want to find a cheap wedding photographer, but you also want someone who can deliver professional wedding photography. When searching for a photographer, you may want to ask the following questions. We got to speak to Mick from Vladimir Photography about his work and choosing the perfect photographer.

1. How can I find a great photographer when there are so many to choose from?

Start by narrowing your search down. Select a few photographers that really stand out for you and arrange to meet them personally. Make sure that you meet with the actual photographer and not a sales representative or consultant. These people will not be the one doing the actual work and may only be interested in selling their services. Get to know your photographer well so that you can develop a good working relationship.

best wedding photography

2. How many photos will I receive?

Many wedding photographers typically deliver between fifty and 100 photos for every hour spent doing wedding photography coverage. However, you may feel that you need more or less than this. If so, be sure to discuss this with them.

wedding photography

3. How can I get photos with blurry backgrounds?

To get wedding photography with shallow depth fields, request your photographer to use special professional lenses that can create this effect by focusing tightly on the subjects.

classic wedding photography

4. It appears that some of the photographers I found have different types of images, where some of them use soft, pastel images, and others use clean images. Why is there no uniformity among all of them?

Each photographer has different methods of editing their images using computer software. This is known as “post-processing” and most of them use basic lighting and color adjustments to achieve certain looks. The three most popular image styles are:

Clean: when images are lightly processed to appear more natural.

Matte: using a low-contrast look with muted pastels.

High Contrast: vibrant images with rich colors.

Discuss the various styles with your photographer to choose a look that you like best.

natural wedding photography

5. Why does wedding photography cost so much?

Most full-time wedding photographers generally have to invest several thousands of dollars in equipment. On top of that, they also normally have to pay for insurance, taxes, digital software, advertising, albums, equipment repairs, shipping costs, and studio expenses. All of these expenses are included in the cost of your wedding photos. Many photographers generally do not earn a lot when they are first starting out.

Beautiful Wedding photography

6. How can I look my best for my photos?

Just try to relax and leave some breathing room in your schedule so you don’t feel too rushed. If you are rushed, you may be anxious and flushed during the photo-shoot. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water the night before.

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7. What is “shoot and burn” photography? 

This is when a photographer does a wedding shoot and burns the images straight onto a CD without doing the post-processing. This is normally a very cheap way to do wedding photography; however, it means that the photographer cannot make any changes, such as correcting bad lighting and removing distracting elements. Digital files are good to have, but it is also useful to edit the images and have reference proofs printed as well.

black and white wedding photography

8. Should we do a “first look” shoot? 

The first look photos are taken when wedding couples see each other privately before the ceremony. It’s often a great way to get rid of the wedding jitters and spend a few minutes alone together. First look photos tend to be very poignant and emotional for couples.

9. Should I get a second photographer?

You do not necessarily need a second photographer, but they can often provide you with more images and a different perspective. Many photographers prefer to only work with their own assistants. You should ask your photographer how they prefer to work.

Melbourne Wedding Photography

To find out more about Vladimir Photography you can visit their website here.

Music, Family, love and the Perfect Gown

A wedding filled with endless love.

Dane and Aslyn enjoyed a wedding based around something they both love; music. They enjoyed the day surrounded by their family and friends in their hometown. We got to speak to Aslyn about the lead up to the big day, finding her perfect dress and the secrecy around Dane’s proposal.

1. What you do for work:

Dane works for Rio Tinto as an Operator & Aslyn is a Development Coordinator for Mirvac, WA.

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2. Tell us a little about the proposal and the lead up to the wedding?

Dane proposed to me on the roof top of our hotel in Bali at sunset, he was so nervous and at the time I was wondering what was wrong with him. After a cocktail and a shot of vodka he got down on one knee and asked me ‘Do you love me?’ To which I replied ‘yes’, and then he said ‘Enough to marry me?’ I shouted ‘yes!’ and I broke out in tears of happiness.

At the time of our wedding we were located in Perth for Dane’s job but we always knew we wanted to be married in our hometown close to our families and friends, so we began to plan our wedding from the other side of the country!

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3. What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme or vibe?

Dane and I share a passion and love for music, Dane plays the guitar and I’m a dancer so the inspiration for our wedding was ‘music’. We had our first dance song printed as a backdrop for our ceremony, we used Danes old music books (Neil Young & Nirvana) to create our centrepieces and we flew our favourite band ‘Morgan Bain’ over from WA to play for the night.

love

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4. Favourite detail or moment of the day?

At the reception Dane and I took a couple of minutes to ourselves so we could take it all in. I smelt my bouquet and as I looked around our reception room all I could see was our beautiful family & friends smiling, laughing & dancing. That to us was a pretty amazing feeling and the exact atmosphere we wanted for the day.

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5. Did you undertake any DIY projects and if so what?

We hand cut a 100 love hearts from old music books to hang from twine to decorate our ceremony backdrop. My mum made the table numbers & the seating chart for us.

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6. Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?

I wore my great Grandmother’s pearl necklace, which my grandmother and mother also wore on their wedding days.

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7. Talk to us about your dress, where is it from? How long did it take to find?

I wore a ‘Juliette’ gown by Maggie Sottero. I saw it in a magazine when I first got engaged and feel in love with it. I searched for this gown everywhere with no luck. One day I was in the city for a work meeting when I drove past a wedding store called ‘Dion for Brides’ and there it was hanging in the window! 

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8. Any funny stories in the lead up to or on the day?

Dane’s work roster at the time was fly in / fly out of the mines on a two weeks on and one week off roster. So when he purchased my engagement ring he hid it in an old work shoe while he flew back to work for another two weeks before we flew out for our holiday to Bali. While he was away I thought I would do a throw out of all old clothes. I placed all of Danes old clothes, shoes etc in a pile next to the front door for him to sort through when he got home. He said he nearly had a heart attack when he saw his old work boots in the throw out pile, I had no idea ‘the ring’ was in those shoes! 

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9. Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Don’t forget that it’s your day so do it your way whatever that may be!

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Aslyn and Dane have also been kind enough to share their wedding film with us. Please click here to enjoy Aslyn and Dane’s special day. 

Aslyn & Dane Wedding Highlight Film from Design Patrol on Vimeo.

 VENDOR CREDITS

Photos: Tim Coulson

Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero from Dion on Bride’s, Perth WA.

Veil and hair piece:   Dion on Bride’s, Perth WA

Shoes: Forever New 

Flowers:  Tanya from Angel Blooms Florist

Rings: Michael Hill Jewellers 

Jewellery and Accessories: Lovisa & my great grandmother’s pearls

Bridesmaids dresses:  Angelo Alfred from Shazzam at Torronto

Grooms suit: Shazzam at Torronto

Groomsmen suits: Shazzam at Torronto

Bow ties / ties: Shazzam at Torronto

Ceremony: Merewether Surf House

Reception: Merewether Surf House

Cake: Jasmine from Project Cake

Cake topper: Tanya from Angel Blooms Florist 

Reception stylist/any decorations/details: GG Events

Stationery designer:  Melbourne Laser cutter

Hair and Make up: Jessica Clarke – Friend no website

Music: Morgan Bain

Celebrant: Rebecca Skinner from Celebrating Life’s Chapters

Transport: Krusin Kombi

Cinematographer: Design Patrol 

 

Gowns by Tanya Anic

Gorgeous gowns that will take your breath away!

About Tanya
From her studio in Sydney, Australia, designer Tanya Anic presents contemporary interpretations of the most elegant and classic of bridal gowns. Every design is created with attention to detail, using exquisite fabrics imported from many countries including France and Italy. Fabulously jewelled and sequined lengths of organza, layers of soft tulle, intricate laces, fluid satins and delicate silks provide the inspiration towards each new style.

Once you have chosen the theme, the desired feeling for your special day can be achieved with a Tanya Anic custom-designed gown, made especially to flatter the feminine form of your silhouette. This is enhanced with a selection of beading, lace, applique and embellishments, uniquely chosen to complement your personality and distinctive attributes.

Dove by Tanya Anic
This classic bodice design features a beaded and sequined lace imported from France. Details include a creative bateau-illusion neckline and silk-chiffon slimline skirt. The fitted bodice defines structure and curves to compliment this creation. Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Our Carousel
Hair and makeup: Angie Lee
Flowers: Amity Blooms

gowns

Lyric by Tanya Anic
This strapless, bohemian draped skirt design compliments shape and creates movement. Features include a natural bust-line and flattering relaxed fit to the knee with kick pleats of flowing fabric. This soft luxe embroidered tulle has a natural feel with the extravagant look of nobility.
Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Our Carousel
Hair and makeup: Angie Lee
Flowers: Amity Blooms

gowns

Valentina by Tanya Anic
This fitted bodice design features a classic sweet heart neckline with an overlay of lace forming a flattering sleeve and V neckline. The Italian corded lace with luminous sequins gives subtle light reflection upon a leaf-shape pattern. The low V back gives a slimline, contemporary interpretation of a classic gown, with a soft flow, tulle skirt to give movement for a noble, elegant look.
Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Our Carousel
Hair and makeup: Angie Lee
Flowers: Amity Blooms

gowns

Summer by Tanya Anic
This bodice design creates a flattering line with the contrast of a full- flowing skirt. An ultra- soft, French Chantilly appliqued lace brings natural radiance and detail to the neckline to complete a relaxed and feminine look. Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Amy Nelson-Blain

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Zelda by Tanya Anic
This column, Art Deco design features a V neckline and low V back for a glamour flattering fit. The fabric, a champagne silk with pewter lace is embellished with exquisite silver and pearl beads.
Photography: Apple Tree Road (Missy Sippy, Double Bay)

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Seraphina by Tanya Anic
This strapless design features a sweetheart neckline and trumpet style skirt to give a flattering, slim fit. The fabric is a lace ivory with a subtle nude coloured background and embellished with glistening, pearl-shine sequins.
Photography: Lil elements


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