Urban Opulence in Perth

Photography by Varga Murphy for Megan & Michael.

Megan and Michael’s wedding was defined by elusory. Their day resisted set theme and style, shifted instead from one category to the next, a seamless symbiosis of all that they love. Church pews were adorned with sprigs of greenery, photos snapped before brick walls and old oaks, suburbia giving way to the serenity of the forest.

At the reception itself, guests sat beneath a crystalline marquee. Amongst tables strewn with clustures of olive, they looked out onto a maniqured garden, an inner city oasis tucked between skyscrapers and office blocks. Structuralism met opulance with lavishly cascading blooms and brushed metals in metallic hues; each element a reference to their layered surrounds, to the garden beyond and the city above…

Photography by Varga Murphy.

Our Story

Names / Megan & Michael

Wedding Date / 25^th of March 2017

Guests / 125

How we met…

Michael and I met 10 years ago at a party. We had mutual friends and danced most of the night together. When I got home he sent me a myspace message saying he was going to marry me one day! As corny as it sounds I was super flattered.

Our Engagement story…

In July 2015, we travelled to Europe for the summer. We had planned to start our tour in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The accommodation wasn’t going to be the best. However, Michael tricked me with the dates and surprised me with an amazing hotel that had our own private beach for a few days before the tour started. We wined and dined and lived it up at the Bellevue Dubrovnik and then on the third night after a beautiful candlelit dinner with our very own violinist we went back to the room. Michael popped the question on our balcony. I really wasn’t expecting it but it was truly the happiest moment of my life!

Marriage to us means…

For us marriage means a life long partnership where we help one another to achieve and become the people we want to be. Even when life might get hard we are both fully committed to love, help and support one another forever.

The Details

Wedding Location

Our ceremony was at Christ the King Church, Beaconsfield. We both have sentimental ties to the church and have both attended the church throughout our childhoods.

Our reception was at Lamont’s Bishops House. We always loved the idea of an outdoor wedding but didn’t want to ask guests to travel outside of Perth. Lamont’s Bishops House offered the best of both worlds and is steeped in old world charm that majestically stands among the high rises of the Perth CBD. We had the option of having our reception with or without a marquee depending on the weather. This was a big plus for us as I didn’t want the stress of the weather to impact our day! The venue is breathtaking and surrounded by heritage listed gardens, the lower courtyard is a blank canvas which we thought was perfect to create our dream space.

Theme/Style

From day one of getting engaged there was not a day that I didn’t think about our Wedding. I was social media obsessed and followed every wedding blogger, stylist, florist, venue, makeup artists, hair & dress designer – basically anything related to weddings. I started with individual folders in my phone with hundreds of screen shots so I could show my suppliers exactly what I wanted.

I admit I probably changed the theme/style of our wedding about five times which drove my mum and sister insane. But in the end, I always went back to my first option. The feeling was rustic, romantic and moody.

Photography

We chose Varga Murphy to capture our day who have shot some of the most amazing Perth weddings. Their tones, framing and colour grading is so timeless. Ryan and Lajos were so amazing to work with. We were initially feeling a bit nervous about being in front of the camera but they made us feel so comfortable. The whole day felt very laid back and we got to take it all in and really enjoy it.

Fashion Notes

Bride’s Dress

Finding a dress was initially the most stressful part for me. After shopping around, I knew buying off the rack wasn’t an option for me. I have always had a different sense of style and new my wedding dress wasn’t going to be anything traditional. Even though the thought of getting a dress custom made scared me as I had never had anything made before.

When I visited Zanzis Bridal Couture I had an incredible experience and connected with Jen immediately! After trying on a few gowns, I decided I wanted to have my dress custom made. I showed her some of my inspo and she saw my vision from the beginning every appointment then onwards was a breeze. My gown was hand-sewn and glass-beaded head-to-toe there was a few nude panelling strategically placed throughout the dress. It was floor-length and figure hugging, with a sheer affect throughout. I had a long train and a classic veil. I absolutely loved the way it sparkled at night. The team at Zanzis went above and beyond, I am truly grateful for the masterpiece they created.

Bride’s Shoes

Senso Nialia lace up heels in stone. I was determined for a block heel as I’m totally hopeless in stilettos or anything too high! I loved their wrap around feature and its gunmetal heel.

Bridesmaids’ Dresses

My bridesmaids wore the most beautiful floor-length slip gowns in ivory silk, they were all slightly different in style and shape.

Bridesmaids’ Shoes

All my bridesmaids wore Sol Sana Aubrey Heels in nude.

Flower Girls & Pageboy Outfits

My beautiful flower girls wore a Bebe Luxe dress by Minihaha with cute Tutu Du Monde star sequin hair clips. Our pageboy outfits were from Bardot Junior with oversized velvet bow ties from OTAA to match the groom.

Wedding Rings

My engagement ring was designed by Stefan Diamonds in Perth. Michael did this all on his own (without my knowledge!) He chose a two-tone design Pear Shape diamond surrounded by a halo of white diamonds. And I couldn’t be happier! Our wedding bands are from Creations Jewellery in Fremantle.

Jewelry & Accessories

I wore a pair of gold vintage Chanel earrings from Shopbop and my bridesmaids wore Chelsea De Luca – Carmen earrings. My borrowed item was my YSL clutch from my mum.

Hair

I wouldn’t trust anyone other than the amazing Mel Gesualdo, owner from Renos On St Quentin. Mel has been doing my hair for years and for every significant occasion she is my go-to girl. Initially I was meant to have a textured low pony tail but on the day changed my mind and because I love and trust Mel I wasn’t worried about the last-minute decision. So, we went for sleek look with a middle part and a low twisted bun. My bridesmaids also had sleek middle part but with a low dead straight pony tail.

Makeup

I chose the talented Taylah Jackson as our makeup artist. She made my girls and I glow all day and night. We literally didn’t have to touch up once the entire day! Our looks were all warm & bronzy tones with darker eyes and full lashes. I went for a nude lip for the day and then rocked a bold red for the night time. Myself and the girls were all spray tanned in the express Miami solution by Aviva Labs Australia. The most natural chocolate undertone that evened out all our skin.

Groomsmen’s Attire

Michael and his groomsmen wore black tuxedos from Jack London. Their style was classic and timeless with a satin shawl lapel, super slim pant and a pair of patent leather shoes. He accessorized with a Calibrevelvet bow tie and white pocket square. Michael was also grateful to have Maria Caruso from Groomed Men to take the stress out of getting ready on the day. Groomed Men had the boys feeling relaxed, pampered and out the door on time.

Style Notes

Stationery/Invitations

All our stationery including menus, place cards, seating chart, mass booklets and invitations were made by Nestle & Porter. Our invitations were simple, foiled and striking.

Favors

Our bonbonniere were small scented candles by Mo & Mel in an Amber glass jar with a gold lid. They had our names featured on them along with our wedding date in Roman Numerals: XXV.III.MMXVII

Flowers & Bouquets

Alicia – from The Wild Flower Perth was the creator of absolute magic! I was obsessed with her work as she is different to all the other traditional florists I had come across. I requested for the flower arrangements to be big and overflowing with rich and moody colours.

My bouquet consisted of soft pink kings, red hanging Amaranthus, white gold ball disbuds, gold and black roses. We also had a 2.5 metre floral hanging installation which hung low above the bridal table. It was an incredible feature in our marque which was made up of draping olive leaf, Pampas Grass, whites, golds, burgundy and soft pink tones.

Videography

We knew the day would be over within the blink of an eye so we chose Duane from Orriss Films to film the day. It was so important for us to have footage so we can show our children one day. I know a lot of people contemplate not having a videographer but it was one of the best choices we made. Duane was so easy to work with on the day. At times, we didn’t even feel like he was there, his films are mind blowing and ours really captures the celebrations & emotions of the day.

Florists

Find our handpicked edit of Florists around the world on the Directory.

Discover more

Preparation

We got ready at my parents’ house. We were surprisingly all very relaxed and ahead of schedule on the day. My dad made breakfast for us which we enjoyed in between getting hair and makeup done. I gave the girls their gift boxes which included a Daily Edited clutch with their initials, their Chelsea De Luca earrings, a Kylie Cosmeticslipstick which they wore on the day and a mini YSL perfume.

Wedding Planner/Wedding Stylist

I planned and styled our entire wedding. Along with the help of my sister and mum. There were definitely a few stressful moments leading up to the day. However, I loved feeling like the day was truly a reflection of me and I got to really appreciate it all that much more. On the day, Matthew from Lamont’s was our events coordinator. He made it all come together along with all the other vendors. Alicia, our florist from the wildflower Perth.

Transport

We travelled in a 12 seater white Rolls Royce through Richmond Palace Limousines.

Reception

Ceremony & Reception Décor

We kept the church simple with bunches of asparagus ferns with satin ribbon around the pews. For our canapes in the rose garden we featured clear oversized balloons with gold confetti that were attached to green foliage, thanks to Natasha from Balloon Co.

For our reception, we chose two types of statement chairs from Event Artillery (the Harlow & Napoleon chair) complimented with natural linen Belgian tablecloths from Hire Society. The table setting was topped off with gold vintage cutlery from Meadows of Longton and crystal glassware by Novel Tea Vintage. We used antique brass candle sticks and candelabras from Heart Strings Hire & Style that sat along our flat lay of olive leaf’s in the centres of our tables. It all tied in so nicely to make you feel like you were in a timeless European dream.

Micktric Events also made our venue come to life with light bulbs all throughout the marquee. We also had a black vintage wrought iron style chandelier that hung in the centre of our dancefloor. The menus were black which flowed with the bonbonniere, menus & seating chart.

Cake

Sandy’s Cakes made our 4-tier red velvet cake and it was delicious. The base of the cake was decorated perfectly with a gold leaf finish.

Wedding Songs

Walking down the aisle: “Pachelbel” – Canon in D

Walking out: “Only to be with you” – Roachford.

First Dance: “Latch” – Sam Smith

Entertainment

We have always appreciated live music and were luckily enough to have Proof The Band for the night! They played some acoustic at pre-drinks in the rose garden and then a mix of old-school and newer tracks at reception. Our dancefloor was running hot from beginning until end.

Food & Beverages

Lamont’s is renowned for its high quality and unique dining. We chose a sit-down menu where guests had options of three entrées, three mains and three desserts with roaming canapes on arrival. We had both bar and table service, everyone was raving about how good the food was which was a massive tick from us.

Special Details

Gift Registry

We had a wishing well which helped us with our new home that we are currently building.

Honeymoon

We spent 4 days in Singapore and stayed at Marina Bay Sands which was a memorable experience. We did a lot of sightseeing and were on the go every day. We then headed to our favourite place, Bali, for one week for some much-needed down time. It was an odd feeling that there was no more wedding to plan! We soaked up the sun, got massages every day and drank cocktails.

A memorable moment…

When Michael and I walked into our reception it was the best feeling seeing it all come together, it was truly the most magical and memorable moment that we will cherish forever.

If I could give other Brides to be one piece of advice…

Do what you love and go with your gut. Don’t let the current trends or wedding inspo mess with you! Also stop and take in every moment on the day, I even made my bridesmaids remind me to do this because it’s over in a flash. Soak up every minute!!!