K A R E N & P E T E R

F R O M T H E B R I D E ...

The Meeting...

We met through friends back in 2005.

Love...

When Peter booked a flight to visit me in India, whilst I was on a 3 month secondment arrangement for work. He even sacrificed celebrating his birthday with only me in India!

The Proposal...

We got engaged on 28th September 2012. Peter proposed prior to having dinner with friends. I was feeling nauseas at the time (I was 4 months pregnant) and needless to say the ring cured any sickness!

Wedding Style...

We wanted a formal black tie event. Our colours were predominantly black and white with a touch of red to flow with the red carpet feel. We wanted our guests to feel as if they were attending the Logies or similar event. We had requested our female guests to wear gowns and the men to suit up. Our guests were greeted by 'paparazzi' (various photographers), as they entered the reception venue walking down a red carpet and having their photo captured behind our customised wedding backdrop, prior to receiving their beverage upon arrival. Our guests were also greeted by our roving reporters (the video crew) who interviewed guests to say a few words.

Ceremony Venue...

St. Peter & Paul's Catholic Church in South Melbourne.

Reception Venue...

Showtime Events Centre, South Wharf.

The Dress...

I have always been in love with the bridal gowns designed by Israeli designers BERTA and Galia Lahav. I discovered that both designer gowns were stocked at a store in Sydney known as Brides by Francesca. I had always pictured myself in a slim fitted backless dress, however have always had concerns about my bust area. I have never been fond of a typical Cinderella dress. In the end I went for a dress where my back was covered in transparent polka dot material and part of the front of my dress was also transparent but remained classy. The trail of the dress wasn't too long either, which suited my shortness in height.

Bridesmaids...

Since all my bridesmaids were different in shape and size I had their gowns individually made by a family friend who happens to be a dressmaker. The girls were all dressed in black lace and each had a unique style to suit their needs.

Groomsmen...

Our groomsmen wore white shirts, black suits and bow ties supplied by David Marcs Formal Hire in Moonee Ponds. Peter on the other hand had his suit custom made in navy blue to match our son who was paige boy. They were both in ties and during the church they wore white shirts and both had a wardrobe change to black shirts come the reception.

The Flowers...

I wanted less colour to keep with the black and white theme. Our florist suggested anemones and black berries, along with classical white David Austin roses. She then added silver suede foliage to break it up a little. They turned out more beautiful than I imagined.

Wedding Styling...

With the assistance of Centrepiece by Design and Cherry Soda Events, our reception venue looked nothing less than class and sophistication. The venue itself is essentially a shed and is quite dark. We had a beautiful chandelier and draping installed in the centre of the dancefloor. Together with bright white pin lighting and LOVE letter lights, this also brightened up the room. The reception venue use white napkins so we selected black linen throughout the venue. The unique centrepieces were a black bamboo tower, with red Gladioli floristries intertwined. We decided on the colour red for the flowers to add to our touch of red theme and complement the red carpet and our stationery.

On the Menu...

Canapés:

Wood smoked chicken breast, toasted walnuts, pimento threads, celeriac remoulade in wonton shells

Flash fried crispy black tiger prawns, cumin & sumac salt, saffron aioli, lime cheeks

Beef fillet mignon, beetroot chips, horseradish bearnaise, micro herbs

Entrée:

House made jumbo ravioli filled with buffalo ricotta, artichoke & walnuts, lemon butter sauce, broad beans, watercress

Pressed Otway pork belly, red cabbage puree, carrot tagliatelle, snow pea tendrils, sweet sherry glaze

Main Course:

Black Angus eye fillet with confit garlic pomme puree, sautéed rainbow chard, port braised shallots, tarragon & chervil butter

Pan seared Queensland barramundi fillet, cauliflower puree, carrots ribbons, pinenuts, fried capers, beurre noisette, frisee & snow pea salad

Side Dish:

Salad greens, cucumber batons, chives, toasted pinenuts, pomegranate & lime dressing

Dessert:

Belgium white chocolate rocky road, dehydrated raspberries, pistachios, toasted coconut flakes

Blood orange tartlet, double cream, dehydrated mandarin

Mini 'Choc Top' ice cream, coated in dark chocolate & chopped nuts

Wedding Bomboniere...

Rather than spending money on a bomboniere item, we decided to donate the money we would have spent to the Royal Children's Hospital. Each guest received a card to say that a donation was made on their behalf as an alternative to a bomboniere gift. We chose the Royal Children's Hospital as this foundation is close to our hearts. Our son has been treated at the hospital on a number of occasions.

Wedding Photography...

Rosebud Photography was a recommended supplier from our wedding planner. We met with the owner Edita who was very easy going and accommodating. She knew what we were after in terms of a more candid approach to taking photos and there were no issues as to where the event was being held. We found that other photographers wanted to know the location(s) prior to agreeing to provide their services.

The locations chosen to take our wedding photos were unique and not your 'standard garden' location. There were so many images to choose from once we received the final product, which made choosing our favourite images to enlarge and frame a difficult task.

Highlights...

The entire day and night was a memorable event. However seeing our son walking down the aisle and being a part of our day made our wedding that extra special.

Wedding Songs...

Florence & The Machine - You've got the love

Ellie Goulding - How long will I love you

James Vincent McMorrow - Higher love

Above & Beyond - Thing called Love

Cold Play - Magic

Cheryl Cole - 3 words

Honeymoon...

The U.S.A and the Caribbean.

The Future...

We are expecting baby number 2 due in January 2016! Yes a honeymoon baby

Photography Rosebud Photography Wedding Planning/Styling Centrepiece by Design Ceremony Venue St. Peter & Paul's Catholic Church, South Melbourne Reception Venue Showtime Events Centre Bride's Dress Brides by Francesca Bridesmaids' Dresses Custom made Flowers Floral Accent Cake CJ Sweet Treats Styling Cherry Soda Events

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