Be Inspired - Small Wedding Ideas for an Intimate Experience!

Be Inspired - Small Wedding Ideas for an Intimate Experience!

If you’re looking for a small and intimate wedding experience, then we have the perfect small wedding ideas for you! Take a leaf out of  Kristen and Mark’s special day and be inspired by the simplicity of their wedding.

Bride and groom, Kristen and Mark wanted their wedding event to be a close, memorable day where their guests could relax and enjoy the simple things. Their unique affair on August 15, 2020 was simplistic and beautiful, and the moment shines through these photos from the day. Here is their wedding story.

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

Exactly one year prior to the wedding on the 15^th of August 2013, Mark proposed at our favourite restaurant.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme / vibe? 

Our wedding was an intimate evening with just 30 guests. We wanted the wedding to be first and foremost about our relationship, and the bond we have as a couple with our two boys – Lewis and Hugh. The styling and décor was a true reflection of our taste, it was elegant with a 1920s vibe.

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

Having our three year old son present us with our wedding certificate was a beautiful moment.

Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?

Yes – we hosted a ‘post-wedding party’ at the sub-penthouse of the hotel. On the dining table I had my favorite framed photos of our past 6 years together and made sure there was at least one photo of every guest. I didn’t try to match the frames, it was an eclectic mix and it made the room feel like ‘home’.

Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?

No, I actually tried very hard to make the day all about us, and not follow any typical wedding ‘rules’ or traditions. I didn’t have a bouquet, there was no bridal party – just our children, and there were no formal speeches, just a few impromptu toasts.

What does marriage mean to you?

Marriage is the final piece of the puzzle for us. We have already built a life together over 6 years with two beautiful children and a successful family business. Marriage is our commitment to continue to build a wonderful future together, and give our boys the best life possible. It is also lovely to share the same last name as my boys.

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

I decided long ago that I wouldn’t be wearing a traditional wedding gown. I wore two dresses, the ceremony dress was a George Gross evening gown with a silver sequin slip covered with a lace overlay and flower detail on one shoulder. The style had a 1920s influence and the jewelry also had an ‘art-deco’ feel. For the reception dinner, I wanted to make a statement. I wore a fully sequined fitted gold dress with a black cropped jacket. Both dresses were unique and hopefully, memorable.

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

On the night of our engagement, my mother-in-law actually hid behind some nearby trees and took pictures of the moment Mark proposed! She eventually came out of hiding, it may have killed the romance a little bit but it’s nice to have photos to look back on.

Advice for other couples planning a wedding?                                              

Don’t feel that you have to ‘follow the rules’ when it comes to weddings. We didn’t have a bridal party, no bouquet, no MC, no speeches, no bridal waltz… but we did have an intimate, memorable day that many of our guests said was the most relaxed and enjoyable wedding they have ever been to.

VENDORS:

Photos: Leigh Warner Photography 

Bridal gown: George Gross

Flowers: Moss n Stone, Chirn Park

Rings: LeGassick

Jewellery/Accessories: Peter Lang

Grooms suit: Ted Baker

Children’s outfits: Hugo Boss

Ceremony: Soul, Surfers Paradise – ‘The Secret Garden’ courtyard

Reception: SeaDuction at Soul, Surfers Paradise

Cake: Cupcake Passion

Stationery designer: Melbourne Laser Cutter

Hair and Make up: La Bouqui, Stylist: Angela Parr

Music: The Hansen Trio

Celebrant: Lisa Grosskopf