Classic Wedding Invitations - Wedding Bouquets for Autumn

Wedding Bouquets for Autumn - We’ve Got you Covered!

We may have just found the perfect wedding bouquets for the autumn months, read on to see our alternatives!
Summer is unfortunately over, and with it has disappeared the wonderful summer weddings with delicate light flowers and pastel colours.

Although this is a tragedy in itself, the colours emerging from this years Autumn weddings are to die for, and we’re left wondering why we even have weddings in the summer to begin with?

Choosing flowers for you big day can be stressful, so we have rounded up some of the most amazing Autumn arrangements inspiration for you to gawk at (and we even tell you where to find them). Summer weddings may just become a thing of the past!

A unique Autumn Bouquet by The Flower Fashion, guaranteed to be an eye catching statement!

A beautiful wedding bouquet consisting of exotic flowers by Oscar & Evie

Bridesmaid bouquet to match their Autumn inspired gowns by Emily Cooper

‘Dare to be Different’ Bouquet from Red Wedding Flowers definitely screams autumn with its various hues of orange and earthy tones!

Vibrant red bouquet with pops of green created by Brides in Bloom

A celebration of Autumn flowers from Flowers from The Garden

Traditional Wedding Vows and A Day Filled with Joy, Remembrance and Love

Michael and Panagiota Andreadakis celebrated their special day with close family, friends and a cultural connection that was beautifully highlight in the day from the traditional wedding vows to the religious rituals and other wedding traditions that followed. This traditional Cretan wedding was nothing short of incredible with the rich cultural influence and lively atmosphere that was evident throughout the day!

With less than 9 months to organise an engagement and wedding, the couple did an astonishing job at putting together a traditional Cretan wedding! Their special day, September 6 2014, celebrated all aspects of their life, including their cultural background and traditional ceremonies. Their Cretan culture and traditions were a prominent theme through out the day from the lively music and dancing, to the the delectable cuisine . The night was full of joy and happiness, and we wish them many more in the future!

THE PROPOSAL

The proposal and the lead up to it was a very sweet and bitter story. Michael had proposed just soon after he had lost his dad. It was a moment of joy and happiness and a moment of sadness and emptiness to know that both your parents could not be there to share your experience and the beginning of your new life. The day of the proposal we were meant to just hang out and watch DVDs but Michael wanted to take me to dinner. I thought something strange was going on so I quickly did my hair and makeup to look half decent and my nails in the car – just in case. We had decided on Othellos Restaurant at South Bank. As we walked towards the restaurant it was raining but Michael continued to walk towards the river. I thought to myself with fustration – its raining, I have a cold, im completely freezing, and all I want to do is eat, so where is he going??). He took me to where I took him to sit on his birthday just before dinner when we first started dating. It then dawned on me and immediately yelled out with excitement ‘OMG you are going to do it aren’t you?” and surely enough he proposed to me with a Cretan Mandinada (Cretan poem).

LEAD UP TO THE WEDDING

The lead up to the wedding was very intense as we had only 9 months to organise an Engagement and Wedding.

INSPIRATION OF WEDDING THEME & TRADITIONS

The inspiration and theme of our wedding derived from our culture and traditions. Both been half Cretan/Cypriot we wanted to incorporate as much as we could. We had traditional wedding vows along with many cultural traditions, food, music etc…

Traditions leading up to the wedding included:

The week before the wedding we did our Krevati which translates to ‘the dressing of the bed’. This was done by the single bridesmaids and cousins. Each girls sews a red ribbon cross at each corner of the bed, the sheets are layed, money and Newborns/young children are also thrown and rolled on the bed to symbolise wealth and fertility.

Traditions on the wedding day included:

All of my bridesmaids, flower girl and single ladies wrote their name on the bottom of my shoe. The one that rubbed off by the end of the night was said to be wedded next.
The boys wore Sarikia (traditional Cretan scarf) over their shoulders symbolising Michaels parents, my love for Cretan dancing and most importantly where we are both from – Crete.
Red scarf – is wrapped around the bride and groom by relatives to symbolise luck and fertility
As part of our wedding entrance we offered our guests shots of Commandaria and Raki, traditional drinks of Cyprus and Crete symbolising the welcoming to our event and the beginning of our festivities for the evening
At the reception we also had traditional Cretan dancing from Panagiota’s dance group – Pancretan Association of Melbourne and a Cypriot wine floor show performed by one of our dear friend.

DETAIL/MOMENT

Some of our special wedding details included:

I had made a photo pendant of Michaels parents which I had on my bouquet – in loving memory
Our bonbonierre was a Briki (traditional greek coffee perculator) to complement this Michael godmother arranged traditional wedding biscuits from Cyprus. For us this symbolised the offering of a drink and sweet to our guests, as this would be the first two things you offer guests when they come to visit you at your house.
Framed family photos from our parents, grandparents and greatgrandparents were placed in the foyer of the reception symbolising the generations.
I had ordered personalised letter cut outs ‘Mr & Mrs Andreadakis’ for our bridal table
I had ordered personalised hangers for the mum, girls and myself
During the lead up to the wedding I had organised a pre wedding shoot with our photographer and reception as a surprise for Michael. I had arranged to dress in full traditional Cretan Costumes. Little to his knowledge I had organised to have this professionally framed and a plaque of Crete engraved with the Mantinada (Cretan poem) he had proposed to me with. I surprised him with this on the day of the wedding where he had proposed and later displayed at the reception
In the morning we had musicians playing at both houses to kick off the celebrations and also at the church as panagiota arrived and walked into the church. At the brides home the traditional Cypriot band played and at the grooms home the traditional Cretan band.
I had personalised ‘Mrs Andreadakis Est. 6.9.14’ stickers made and stuck to the inside of my shoes.

DIY PROJECTS

I spent endless hours creating things to personalise our wedding.

I designed and created my own wedding cake, candy buffet and candy thank you boxes.
As family is a big part of who we both are I had found old photos of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents and framed them to be displayed at the reception.
I handmade our bridal party invites asking them to be part of our bridal party
I had made and put together all our table numbers and wishing well suitcase
I made my own garter
We had put together bridal party and parent thank you gift boxes for the wedding day

Girls – mirrored jewellery box which included a perfume, earrings, bracelet, ring, personalised named hanger, silk robe and blingy flats (for throughout the day)

Boys – wooden box which included their bow tie, cologne, cigar, and Sariki (Cretan traditional scarf)

A family friend had helped us put together our church candles and bonbonierres
We had a personalised engraved lock to place on the lock bridge just where Michael had proposed along South Bank

DRESS

Been a girl you always dream of what your dress would look like. I spent endless hours looking on social media, wedding dress shops and bridal magazines for ideas.

I tried on only 2 dresses which I decided to cut and paste different aspect of to make my dress.

FUNNY STORIES

Michael and I had booked our church and reception before he proposed. The week before he proposed his cousin got engaged and booked their church. Turns out we both booked the same church on the same day just different times! As the saying goes, great minds think alike!
Our bed was delivered at 5pm the night before our wedding and left on our floor in slats and bubble wrap…….. At the time this definitely was not funny, but now that we look back all we can do is laugh.
My sister caught the bouquet and out of pure excitement opened her ‘winners champagne’ which showered most of our guests and completely drenched the MC – which is my boss’ husband!

ADVICE

Dedicate at least one day a week ‘date nigtht’ where you do not talk about the wedding otherwise you will go crazy.
Make your wedding about you as a couple and not of other peoples expectations. Do not allow others to get involved!
Be prepared and always have a Plan A, B and C for when things don’t go to plan or fall through. Remember to breathe as what is meant to be will be.
Evaluate what are the most important things to spend your money on

And last but not least

Enjoy your day to the fullest as you will not have the opportunity to feel those emotions, or have those moments again.

VENDOR CREDITS

CHURCH: St Eustathios Greek Orthodox Church

RECEPTION : Normanby House

PHOTOGRAPHER: Dana Tsokas

VIDEOGRAPHER: Cine Style Studio

BRIDAL ACCESSORIES: Imposters Bridal Jewellery

FLOWERS: Balwyn Events

HAIR: Emmanuel Ammo Hairdressing

CARS: Image Limousines

Garden Wedding- Be inspired by love and happiness

Garden Wedding of Jordyn and Mike

Jordyn and Mike might just have you swooning as much as we did when reading their submission about their garden wedding. Their story is absolutely beautiful and inspirational. They say a picture says a thousand words, this couldn’t be more accurate as these photos radiate love, happiness and joy.

What do you do for work?

Mike is a Transport Manager for Siteworx Northland LTD which is an earth moving company. I do work at schools and preschools, teach swimming and work with a health and wellness company called Usana Health Sciences.

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

Mike proposed after 5 months of dating. Mike had a few ideas of how he could propose but I kept guessing them or our friends would ruin them. E.G one of our friends – “Wouldn’t it be so funny if you proposed on the Grand Canyon!” We had a randomly planned beach day with our best friends and their children as well as Mikes daughter. Philippa’s excuse to not walk up Tapeka Point was that she was sick so she will stay with the kids. Tony was walking up the hill with his one year old on his shoulders until he said “Rome just pooped his nappy I’ll have to go back.” Close to the top I said I’ll race you. He ran up and I mostly still walked after I was tired. When I got to the top I could see a beautiful view of the Bay Of Islands and him on one knee. He had an apple in his hand with a hole in it. It was a reference to when I had sent him a joke video from Collage Humor about how engagement rings scam made by jewellers and all you needed to show your love was a simple gesture like an apple. I put my finger through the hole and when the apple opened it was a beautiful diamond ring which I loved. The lead up to the wedding was 6 months and pretty low stress, at the beginning! We both chose 5 bridesmaids and groomsmen. I realised how much time it actually took to plan a wedding however I had a lot of help from my mum and other friends and family.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme / vibe?

The theme was like a garden wedding because I found a beautiful venue with a big pond, ducks and a secret garden we took photos in. Then we choose blue and purple as our colours because my favourite colour is purple and Mikes is blue. Mainly what ever we saw and liked I used and it all came together nicely.

Favourite detail and/or moment of the day!

When Vestam, Mikes daughter, came to give me a hug when I met Mike at the alter. That was special as it’s must be pretty different for a child when your dad gets married.

Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?

I found a lot on the internet and used the ideas. I did the finger print tree and signs. I also had a friend that for our present she designed our programs and table seating numbers etc.

Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?

We are both Christians so we had a pastor marry us. It was special because was my youth group leader when I was at high school and baptized me when I was 18. The ceremony wasn’t super religious we wanted it more relaxed. We wanted the cermony to be short and sweet there was one bible verse read out and prayer before dinner and when we met at the alter..

What does marriage mean to you?

Two people becoming one. Two people committing to work on the relationship for the rest of their life. That you are in a safe place to be your self, share your fears and grow together as much as possible. We also didn’t live together before we got married so it meant I moved in and got used to his snoring.

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

I first looked around shops and found some that were ok but pretty expensive. I found the style that I liked so then I looked on line. I found one I liked where I could put in my measurements and height and that wasn’t too expensive. I cant remember the website; I’ve even looked to recommend it. I didn’t have my hopes up that I would fit it or that I would like it because I got it online but it fit perfectly and I loved it. I did go to a dressmaker to change the top and the front beading and also the straps. She also made me a veil and added places for me to hold it up. I love it so much it was perfect.

Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Advice, yes! Have a list of people you want to take photos with and show the photographer and make sure you get them done. EAT FOOD! I didn’t and it made me feel ill until I ate again. Have make up/hair trials. Bring flats to wear for part of the wedding; I wore them at the ceremony so that I wasn’t taller than Mike. Savor every moment and treasure it because the day goes fast. Don’t feel guilty you didn’t get to speak in depth with everyone, they understand. Spend money on a good photographer. Have the best day ever!

Photos: Cameron Thorp – Little Village Co

Cake: Nicky Gabriels, Whangarei

Stationery designer: Trudi Hewitt, Auckland

Hair and Make up: Pip Hagar, Auckland and Dixie Smit, Whangarei

Kylie and Travis - Fulfilling the Wedding Vows ’til death do us part’

Kylie and Travis Wedding Day - Fulfilling the Wedding Vows ’til death do us part’

Here is a submission of beautiful a couple on their special day who hope to fulfil the wedding vows ’til death do us part’. Kylie and Travis Munchenberg married in the Ballroom at Adelaide Town Hall with the company of their loved ones and family who carried the day with love, joy and laughter.

Background:

Travis is an electrician by trade and works as a Project Manager. I worked in marketing for Elders and Vodafone before becoming a mother 4 years ago - I now have 3 young boys (4 years old, 2.5 years old and 8 months old and starting my own wedding stationery business in partnership called Kiki & Poppi.

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

Travis had been planning to propose on our 5 year anniversary and had been planning the day with my mum. He booked flights to Sydney and proposed on the steps of the Opera House and then we had lunch on a boat on the Harbour.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme / vibe?

A traditional formal affair to keep in the theme of the venue for the reception which was in the Ballroom at the Adelaide Town Hall but it was important to still have a sense of fun, bringing both sides of our family together for a true celebration and for everyone to not just be present but enjoy themselves.

Favourite detail and/or moment of the day!

There are truly so many… I had written special letters to important people in my life such as my parents, aunty maria and cousin Irene… seeing their faces as they read how they had influenced my life and what they mean to our family is so very special to me. Seeing the joy of my flower girls dressed up as princesses for the day and knowing I had made them that happy was beautiful. The first 10 minutes spent as husband and wife as we travelled by horse and carriage alone from the ceremony to the park talking about everyone and the day ahead was special. But I think my absolute favourite was seeing the joy that our union brought to our parents has stamped happy memories on my heart forever.

Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?

Asking a friend to design my invitations meant that I had a hand in everything from selecting the paper to directing the design, plus they were in small card envelopes which I stuck freeze dried rose petals on the base.

Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?

We were married Greek Orthodox - thou Travis was raised Lutheran, so the ceremony was definitely something different for his family. The ceremony incorporated many traditional elements such as our Koumbara (Maid of Honour) placing Steffana (crowns) on our heads and crossing them 3 times representing us being joined from this day forward. The Greek Orthodox ceremony first involves an engagement ceremony and then the wedding ceremony so we had service books created detailing each element so Travis’ family could understand the ceremony.

What does marriage mean to you?

Marriage was something that both Travis and I knew from a young age was right for us. Both being blessed with parents from long marriages (my parents were married for 31 years - fulfilling the vow of ’til death do us part & Travis’ parents have today been married for a wonderful 51 years, I believe that subconsciously this influenced our desire to be married.

Marriage for us is about loving each other, being loyal and faithful and pushing one another to fulfill dreams. For example, Travis is so supportive of me working from home even thou it means our dining table has become my office and his time is often spent helping me and I know Travis enjoys fishing and hunting so I support him having time to enjoy his hobbies.

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

My mother and I headed to Melbourne to search for the perfect dress and whilst we ended up being inspired nothing was perfect so we decided on having it made locally by Calache. It was a soft ivory, with a full skirt and strapless but with crystal strands making straps which draped across the top of my arms. It also had strands of crystals dripping from my waist in between pleats in the skirt.

It had a very long train - approximately 3-4 which was so heavy that it was designed to be stitched on and the cut after the entrance walk at the reception, as it was so heavy hooks wouldn’t hold the weight easily.

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

On the day my flower girls dresses were very tight… my mother wanted to run them back to the dress maker to have them fixed but I refused to have people running around, missing out on the day. My brave little flower girls sucked it up - literally, for the service so the dresses would zip up and then for the rest of the day walked around looking like little princesses from the front, yet when they turned around they looked like little girls halfway through playing dress ups!

Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Talk about what each of you want for your big day - then list what’s most important on the list. Often these days budgets play a part in what is and isn’t realistic but by having a list it means you can invest in the ‘must haves’.

Don’t sweat the small stuff… you can never keep everyone happy but if your in-laws really want to have chicken on the menu - add chicken to the menu… Whilst a wedding first and foremost is about the bride and groom, it is also about the joining of 2 families and the reality is that parents have spent much of their lifetime raising the bride and groom so to a degree - it’s nice they get to have what they want too.

The biggest advice I have is shake off the thought that everyone will repeatedly tell you that “It’s only one day…”. It’s a statement I couldn’t disagree more with.

Weddings are sacred and a huge emphasis is placed on them being they are much more than simply one day. Similar to “Rome wasn’t built in a day” - well weddings aren’t planned in a day either. They take months, weeks and endless hours of planning to come together. Whilst planning - mothers and daughters, best friends and family members spend time together, talking, laughing, bonding and creating life long memories. My advice is to soak up each of these moments. The memories created during this time are banked with the memories from your wedding day which you will reflect on years down the track. Each experience is unique to you and yours to hold on forever.

VENDOR CREDITS

Photos - Photography by Belle Photography http://bellephotography.com/

Bridal gown - Calche

Shoes - Alan Pinkus http://www.alanpinkus.com.au/

Rings - CCJ Jeweller http://www.rundlemall.com/directory/c/city-centre-jewellery.shtml

Grooms suit / Grooms Shoes / Groomsmen suits - Myer http://www.myer.com.au/

Ceremony - Cathedral of Archangels Michael & Gabriel

Reception - Adelaide Town Hall http://www.adelaidetownhall.com.au/

Stationery designer - Designed by a friend

Hair and Make up - Pure by Belinda for Make Up.

Music - Zeus

Transport - Meander Coaches http://www.meandercoaches.com.au/

Laser engraving for wooden signage

Order wooden signs made by laser engraving!

Laser cutting and laser engraving of signs are a creative way to decorate your home, work place, or event. Here is a simple wooden sign held with rope, that we recently created for a friend. We can create various signage for all types of occasions, including weddings. Wooden wedding signs are attractive and are a great way to personalise your big day with funny or special messages. These signs leave a lasting impression on your guests and form a great keepsake. Get in touch today to begin brainstorming your ideas with us!

Romantic landscape wedding cards

Order your custom landscape wedding cards!

Our landscape wedding cards are some what of a specialty at CWI. Here is a custom landscape invitation we recently made for client Alisha. The romantic landscape features the couple at various phases in their relationship. It shows the initial stages of romantic wining and dining, followed by the moment the question is popped. Finally, the landscape card showcases the biggest day of all- the bride and groom on their wedding day. There’s nothing better than a personalised wedding invitation to suit your love story. Get in touch today to design your own custom landscape wedding stationery.

Country wedding invitations- Love Birds on Wood

Order your own country wedding invitations!

Love is in the air! What better way to share the love with your guests than with these adorable Love Birds Invitations? Engraved onto 1.5mm bamboo, this invitation is inspired by nature and would be perfect for an outdoor or country wedding. These photos are from our recent stylised shoot with Lilli Waters from I Got You Babe Photography. To order this invitation or the matching printed stationery complete our online enquiry form here.

Future Emotion - Wedding Planner in Italy

Contact wedding planner Future Emotion to plan your wedding in Italy!

Future Emotion Wedding Planning founded by Patrizia Leonardi in 2011, is a wedding planning agency arranging every detail for a wedding in picturesque Italy. Patrizia plans and creates beautiful events down to the last detail of your arriving and departing in Italy.

The options of your dream wedding are endless as Future Emotion can plan weddings in any part of Italy and work with varied budgets and needs. Patrizia says “support and care of all the details are what set us apart in addition to the constant search for solutions to best meet the needs of our customers.”

If your planning a destination wedding in Italy, check out their blog and get in touch with Future Emotion to bring your wedding dreams to life.

Laser Cut Dress - J’aton Couture

Check out this laser cut dress made for a bridesmaid!

We all love the show-stopping couture masterpieces from the boys at J’aton and we are honoured to have the opportunity to work together on a bridesmaid’s laser cut dress! Worn by the stunning Rebecca Judd, we assisted with the laser cutting of the black dress worn for her sister Kate’s wedding last weekend. Both girls looked stunning in J’aton creations. Here are some pictures of the dress and Kate’s special day. Photography by Erin and Tara.

Vintage Wedding Dresses by Cathleen Jia

Glamorous vintage wedding dresses!

We recently interviewed Cathleen Tan, designer and director at Cathleen Jia Bridal Couture in Melbourne. Cathleen Jia embraces a vintage glam style which appeals to the romantic in all of us. The vintage wedding dresses are all gracefully hand crafted with exquisite fabrics, and intricately adorned with delicate laces and hand-beaded embellishments.

Here is a sneak peak into Cathleen’s story.

What inspired you to work in bridal?  

I have been in Bridal for about 7 years now. Having worked with large fashion chains previously, everything was very structured and stiff. I was lucky enough to be given an opportunity by a small bridal business to redevelop their business 7 years ago. As soon as I was exposed to the intimacy side custom made dresses, I fell in love. The relationships you develop with your client, the chance to work so closely with exquisite fabrics, and being part of such a special moment in a bride’s life makes me love working in the bridal industry.

When did you start your own label and what has been the most challenging part of starting up?

I started my label in late 2011. It all started as an evening wear label. I think the business fashion experience I’ve had made me a bit more cautious of starting up my own brand. So I tested it out with a couple of seasons of ready to wear. Unfortunately, it did not work very well. I think part of it was because I didn’t love it. The most challenging time was the initial stage, getting to know your brand, and working with very limited resources. For me, finally understanding I had all the skills and knowledge required to do bridal gowns and ignore all the what ifs and just think about yourself and the brand was a big step and turning point in my label. At the end of the day, you can not please everyone, but you need to be happy and satisfied with what you are doing.

What did you study? How did you learn the trade?  

I studied fashion at RMIT, Brunswick. It was a more hands on course and we learned quite a bit from design to production. My practical skills and a lot of basic knowledge came from the course. My mum was a machinist for many years, so I was always exposed to sewing. I’m pretty sure the first time I used a sewing machine I was in year 7, and I have never stopped since. I did also try a lot of different techniques and self taught based on what I learned. We construct and cut dresses in a non conventional way. I think that is why our dresses are so popular with modern day brides, because of our fresh approach.

What do you love most about your job?  

Our brides! The friendships we have formed doing what we love is priceless.

What do you recommend to brides when choosing their perfect wedding dress?  

Have an open mind with styles. Generally your stylist can see what suits your body shape, so no harm in trying. Also start trying on early. I know most brides wants to be in their best shape for the dress, but if you love it knowing you are not at your best shape then you will love it even more at your ideal weight.

With your own wedding coming up. Do you have a dress in mind and do you plan on making it? Can we have any hints of what it might involve?

I will absolutely make my own dress! But as to what style, I have no idea yet. The problem here is I can change my mind as often as I want, given its not the day before the wedding. But regardless, I would wear a dress what suits my personality, so expect an element of surprise.