ISSUE FIVE February 2015
Wedding Alley
The
The Gold Edit English Heritage Hot in the city
The
Wedding Alley
Cover Photo Credits Gown Elizabeth deVarga Exclusive Fashions Flowers Francesca’s Flowers Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Makeup Artist Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Model Jamie Lee - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
Contents In this issue 2 Light on detail 4 Hot in the city 18 Passion fruit 24 Sultry silhouette 26 Top trends for 2015 32 English heritage 36 More than sparkling 50 Gold rush 52 Masquerade ball 64 Happily ever after 74 Real life wedding 84 Behind the candelabra 90 Cheery brightness 94 Out & about 96 Pop up perfect 98 Q&A with Tammie Nitschke 108 Announcing mr & mrs 110 Contributors 126 The Wedding Alley editor@theweddingalley.com.au www.theweddingalley.com.au
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74 110 The Wedding Alley showcases the best in bridal fashion, inspirational ideas and unique accessories through stunning styled photoshoots in spectaculart locations created by the best professionals in the business - all delivered to you advert-free.
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In this issue ... Welcome to the gold edit Gold Fever has hit the Wedding Alley this edition and we’ve been inspired by every shade of this most luminous of precious metals. From super sparkly yellow-gold through to burnished old-gold, there’s a colour, fabric and style to suit any bride-tobe on the coming pages. A more traditional bride might fall for the stunning embellishments on the capped sleeve gown in the Light on Detail shoot whereas a more daring bride will absolutely swoon over the stunning gold sequined gown in the Gold Rush shoot. Once again we are featuring a wide range of gorgeous gowns from our amazingly talented contributors, including When Freddie Met Lilly, Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions and JK Couture Designs. The grooms have been well catered for too, with stylish suits that would provide a virtuoso accompaniment for any gold bride. The gowns are featured in a range of locations, but mostly at the Hamilton Hotel, which provided a perfect backdrop for this elegant attire. The venue was made even more stunning by the expert wedding styling of Celebrations by Alysia who contributed to all the setups around the hotel. It’s all in the details, and continuing in the vein of gold, another of our contributers, LaPapeterie Stationery and Design, are showcasing some of their design work in several small feature articles. Our real life wedding for this issue features Alyssa and Tim, a beautiful Brisbane couple who married last year in a sentimental ceremony styled with vintage glamour. We hope you enjoy seeing a little of their special day and learning from Alyssa’s sound advice. Finally we have our regular round-up of events and happenings from the industry. We’ll be back in the Autum with more the news and more exciting and stunning bridal inspiration.
Enjoy! The
Wedding Alley
from all the team at The Wedding Alley
xxx
Gown When Freddie Met Lilly Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Location Hamilton Hotel
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Light on detail There is nothing more simple, nor more beautiful, than light streaming in through a window. Here, this most natural of phenomena is illuminating the details on a stunning gown, and creating dramatic profiles that accentuate any bride’s best features.
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Gown When Freddie Met Lilly Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Jamie Lee - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Sen - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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Gown and Earrings Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
Hot in the City
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Passion Fruit
Fruity and colourful this drinks station encourages fun and frivolity. Wedding sign by LaPapeterie Statinery & Design 24
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Sultry Silhouette
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Gown Elizabeth deVarga Exclusive Fashions Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Jamie Lee - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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the experts tell us their
top trends
for 2015
Vanessa Hoe, When Freddie Met Lilly www.whenfreddiemetlilly.com.au 2015 is going to be a big year for us - already we have found ourselves putting together custom one-off pieces more than ever before! Our 2015/16 brides are seeking designs that are like no other. They must be modern with vintage elements, and showcase a real piece of the personality of each client (whether they are edgy, or really feminine). Silks, fine tulle and french lace fabrics are our favourites, and we place a real focus on Bohemian. Embellishments are becoming more prominent and lavish on our gowns. Backs are low, necklines are classic. Our designs celebrate the old with the new. It is also the era of the multi ways gown - We have clients of all shapes and sizes, and bridesmaids particularly who are seeking a dress that they can wear to more than one occasion - They want something that is an investment, stylish and reflective of their personal taste (as well as the brides!). Our multi-ways range grants our bridesmaids the opportunity to get creative and personal. Our Milla in chiffon fabric is a real forerunner in the multi-tie style. Soft fabric, comfortable fit, flattering to the silhouette, and 20+ ways to style!
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Kasey Twidale, Fashionable Society Events http://www.fashionablesociety.net 2015 is seeing some great trends coming through for wedding styling. A lot of couples will be looking for raw timber tables instead of the traditional white linen draped options. These are then lined with lush greenery garlands which are very popular with brides and grooms! The food truck revolution is also creeping its way into wedding plans. Couples are looking to private properties and venues that have expansive land where they can bring in marquees or create a wedding fair atmosphere with food trucks feeding guests instead of the traditional sit down two course dinner. Guest favours are also seeing a revival with personal touches being added by the bride and groom. We’re loving mini mason jars of jelly beans and candy or even seeds in a hessian bag for guests to be able to grow their own beautiful plant to remember the wedding day. Couples are also getting their oven mits on to make homemade jams or jars of ready to make cookie mixes where the guests just need to add the wet ingredients and bake for themselves.
Duane Prasser, Golden Gate Limousines www.gglimos.com Comfort and trust are the trends for 2015. With the increasingly unpredictable weather of Queensland it’s important to have all the options covered and air conditioned comfort can be a big factor on a warm and humid summer’s day, giving you chance to refresh and relax. Another big trend we have seen is the desire for understated class. Couples want a limousine service that is stylish and elegant. The gender roles of wedding decision making are on the move more than ever before too, with the ladies deciding on the mode of transport, and wedding limos are one of the most popular choices amongst brides. Super stretch limos often work out more convenient, and can be more economical with more people in each vehicle. It also makes for a fun day, shared with all the bridal party on the journey together. Trust is a massive factor too, especially with the entry into the market of lots of new operators. We are proud to have the reliability of the largest fleet of limos, having operated in South East Queensland for over 20 years. 33
Melissa Hislop, Hamilton Hotel www.hamiltonhotel.com.au In recent years, the trend toward individuality and personal touches for a wedding has gained significant momentum. This enables couples to incorporate items that wouldn’t normally be considered classically ‘coordinating’ but perfectly suit the couple – making their wedding uniquely theirs. The trick with this is having the vision and balancing a few quirky items or personal touches that stand out from the usual. A wedding stylist
or reception coordinator can help you with this if you are unsure. A few ways to do this is to have a signature cocktail made with your favourite flavours,a bonbonierre with a difference, or DIY charger plates that double as name cards. If you’re looking for a colour theme that never looses its style; the classics like blush tones and opulent golds – particularly in our H Lounge as the room suits this look so well with gold chandeliers already over the bar – are timeless. Brights and baby’s breath are also having a fairly big moment with brides choosing blues, pinks, yellows and oranges for florals and matching their bridesmaids gowns to this colour pallete - a little bit Sex and the City, a little bit bold and a lot of fun! My advice I always give to brides and grooms? It is your wedding- do what you love, and spend the day with the people you care about this is the most important and what will make your day magical.
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English Heritage
York, one of the beating hearts of English history, is the setting for this eclectic shoot featuring well known locations, stationery and some quirky local delicacies. York is a town that predates Roman times, with a rich tapestry of history woven into it’s narrow streets and laneways. The blending of old, (and we mean really old!), the not so new and the modern creates an almost endless supply of great panoramas, and being a chocolate town, we couldn’t waste the oppiortunity to try, sorry showcase, some of the local products...
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Chocolate Hotel Chocolat Stationery LaPapeterie Stationery & Design Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Model - Emma
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Chocolate Hotel Chocolat Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Model - Emma
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More than sparkling Champagne is always pretty special, but here’s a way to make these little bundles of bubbliscious fun even more special...bubbles and sparkles - who could ask for anything more?
Designed by LaPapeterie Stationery & Design
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StylishRush Seaside Gold
Sophistication
Everybody loves a beach wedding! You can’t beat that combination of water, golden sands and blue skies! Elegant wedding attire just seems to complement that scene to perfection! We’ve gone one step further in this shoot, with classical stark white furniture for the ceremony and reception, accompanied beautifully by elegant decorations and sea breezy stationery. The billowing backdrop echoes the motion of the water and the grasses, and the formality of the setting reflects the colours and tones of their natural surroundings.
Gowns and Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Wooden Bow Tie and Pearl Necklace Thousand Island Dressing New Farm Hair Stylist Aleesha Darke Make Up Suzi Dent Wedding Ceremony and Reception Styling Fashionable Society Events Stationery LaPapeterie Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Reagan, Melody & Sam - Katz Model Management
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Wedding Stationry & Signage LaPapeterie Stationery & Design Wedding Styling Celebrations by Alysia Flowers Francesca’s Flowers Gown and Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia & Sen - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
Gold. Timeless, priceless, elemental!
Gold has fascinated, and tempted us, for millennia. People are drawn to it’s magical lustre and it has a mystical power to seduce. The highest awards in our society are always gold, the best quality products use gold to improve their performance, or accentuate their appearance. Gold is everywhere, and yet it retains an allure all of it’s own. In this shoot we also see gold in everything, from the magnificent gown to the smallest table adornments.
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Wedding Stationry & Signage LaPapeterie Stationery & Design Wedding Styling Celebrations by Alysia Flowers Francesca’s Flowers Gown and Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia & Sen - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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Masquerade Ball
Gown and Earrings Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia & Sen - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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Gown When Freddie Met Lilly Earrings Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia & Sen - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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Happily Ever After
Gown and Headpiece Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions Wedding Styling Celebrations by Alysia Flowers Francesca’s Flowers Signage LaPapeterie Stationery & Design Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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Gown and Headpiece Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions Wedding Styling Celebrations by Alysia Flowers Francesca’s Flowers Signage LaPapeterie Stationery & Design Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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Real Life Wedding Tim and Alyssa Bowden
One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans … The people you have in your “wedding team” aka “your suppliers” have the ability to make or break your day. Make sure you choose people you are comfortable with, who you trust and above all who are professionals – to ensure your day is as perfect as possible and allow you to relax and trust that everything will be taken care of.
how they met ...
Tim and Alyssa met through work. Although it took more than 18 months before the sparks really flew at an after work function where they spent the whole night chatting. The connection was made, and the next date was set immediately. That was four years ago now.
the proposal ...
The proposal was planned perfectly, with collusion from both sets of parents, at Lennox Heads in Northern New South Wales. On the Queen’s Birthday long weekend Tim proposed with an emotional and sentimental speech on the beach. To Alyssa’s surprise all of their parents were awaiting their return to celebrate the joyous news. After a wonderful family lunch, the couple received a lovely gift from Alyssa’s parents - romantic accommodation at a nearby stately manor. the day ... The morning of the wedding saw the groomsmen relaxed and getting ready for the big day in style at The Emporium Barber, while the girls sipped on Verve Clicquot getting their hair and makeup done. Aylssa wore a french chantilly lace gown with a sweetheart neckline from Ann Wilson Couture. The theme of vintage glamour was incorporated in many places, but none more sentimental than the lace neck piece with lace taken from Aylssa’s mother’s wedding dress.
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That wasn’t the only special inclusion in the day, as the couple also enjoyed an original song written by Aylssa’s father, and sung by him and Alyssa’s friend Laura Bailey. Tim had everyone laughing and crying with his incredible vows which included a very clever & sentimental poem: I promise to make you laugh, whenever you’re stressed Tell you you’re beautiful, while you get dressed I promise to kiss you and miss you, give you the blanket when you are cold Love you, hug you, support you when do something bold I’ll buy your favourite coffee, every Saturday morning I promise to not sneeze loud, without first giving you a warning I promise to listen to you, when you are mad Take you to the beach, whenever you’re sad I will do the dishes in our kitchen sink, So we can sit together later and enjoy a drink I’ll put the couch pillows back, the way you like You have a system, with the bath towels right? I love your amazing eyes and your beautiful smile I am happy just staring at you for longer than a while I can’t wait for us to start our new life I know you are going to be the most amazing wife
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Inspired by the Great Gatsby and 1920’s glamour, the reception was set up with long banquet tables. Each table had a sequined table runner in a champagne and cream chevron design. Over 80 decanters and cut glass vases of various sizes and shapes were on the tables filled with peonies and cottage roses along with tea-light votive candles.
If I could give other brides-to-be one piece of advice… Things can and will go wrong on the day BUT it’s not the end of the world! On the morning of our wedding, one of my bridesmaid’s dogs got hit by a car and had to be rushed to the vet (he was ok, thank god); our Best Man split his wedding suit pants from his crotch to his knee and our photographer had to sew it back up for him, and only 5 of our 10 flowered button holes arrived. But, we managed to find a solution for every issue and in the scheme of things, the only important thing that needs to happen on the day, is that you get to marry the love of your life - Anything else is just a bonus!
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Gown: Ann Wilson Couture – Strictly Bridal Bride’s shoes: Joanne Mercer Bridesmaid’s gowns: Forever New Hair & Makeup: Obsidian on Brunswick, New Farm WeddingStationery: Designed by Alyssa’s bridesmaid, Stacey Joseph Transport: 1967 Daimler Ceremony Venue: La Trobe Chapel, Paddington Brisbane Reception: Mirra Private Dining, Fortitude Valley Brisbane Cake: Slices of Heaven by Anita Bonbonniere: Lolly Buffet by FunCionZ Flowers: Wilde Flora Photography: Blue Tulip Imaging Videography: Goliath Productions
Real Life Wedding Tim and Alyssa Bowden
Behind the Candelabra
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Gown JK Couture Designs Earrings Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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Cheery brightness Be brave and add some colour. The highlights of orange in this drinks stationery add a summery feel, complementing the classic cheers sign by LaPapeterie Stationery and Design
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&
OUT About
with
The
Wedding Alley
What’s happening? 2015 is shaping up to be a big year in the bridal industry in Australia, full of exciting events, launches and fashion parades. In just a few short weeks the autumn wedding expo season will be here and we can’t wait! There are lots of new, bespoke events and venues coming onto the calendar as well as the more traditional big shows. Our team will be out and about at lots of these events, both big and small, and and our blog will be regularly updated with features on what’s been happening for brides. Make sure you’re one of our VIPs to find out first. Join at www.theweddingalley.com.au/member
Have an event coming up? Like to feature in The Wedding Alley? Contact us to arrange one of our photographers to attend editor@theweddingalley.com.au
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When Freddie Met Lilly Collection Launch
George Wu Couture Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival
Begitta High Tea Pop Up Marina Mirage
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Pop Up Perfection If you’re going to have a beach wedding, you have to have some photos down by the water! Yes, the bottom of the dress may get a little damp, but the resulting shots will be worth it. Live the moment and enjoy every sun filled second.
Gown Begita Bridal Couture Hair and Makeup Velbella Model - Alya- Katz Model Management
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Gown Begita Bridal Couture Hair and Makeup Velbella Model - Alya- Katz Model Management
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Q&A
with Tammie Nitschke What piece of advice would you offer to brides when it comes to choosing the perfect gown? Be true to yourself and choose what you feel amazing in. Choose what you love. There are no rules when it comes to choosing your gown. Be informed and ask questions. What current trend do you think is worth following? Simple elegance - remember that photos last a lifetime. Who is your style guru? Coco Channel - a true innovator that was well before her time. She faced adversity and became a style icon. What are you most proud of? My sons - they are my world ... apprentice designers and dressmakers in training. What is your ideal gown? Or who is your ideal client? Each and every client has their story and helping them find what they love is a real honour. I become part of their story - even if only for a short time. I fully dedicate myself to each client as if they are my only client. I attend each and every fitting ensuring every detail is perfect - this makes the experience that much more special. Why did you become a wedding gown designer? I love taking something and changing it, seeing it evolve into something beautiful and unique, both technically and artistically ... not sure this is the correct answer but it feels right. What qualities do you think are essential in a quality gown designer? Honesty. Integrity. Understanding. Knowledge. Experience. Tell us about a time you have gone the extra mile for a client. I like to think I give my all to every client but recently there was a bow needing to be added to a gown that was very sentimental for the bride. The wedding was the next day and the bride
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had already left for the destination as had the bridal party and all of the guests, so we made up three versions of the bow and a sewing kit and off I went. A four hour round trip to deliver and attach the bow ... the bride’s smiles and gratitude makes it all worthwhile. Would anyone have known if there wasnt a bow? No - no one but the bride and I, and that’s a good enough reason to ensure that it was perfect and it was. What’s your favourite movie? I love lots of movies. My all time favourite if I’m truly honest would be the 5th Element with Milla Jovovich ... it was so ahead of its time and different costumes were amazing inspired quite a few competition entries as a student designer. It helped me understand inpiration. What are you reading? I don’t get a lot of time to read (mostly when I’m travelling). I have a lot of books of various topics on the go ... The Super Nanny, Growing Great Boys (I refer to these quite regularly), The Decision Making Book, Do One Thing Different, Chanel the Couturier at Work and multitudes of Dr Suess ... books depend on the day and what hat I’m wearing lol. Where is your ideal getaway? A remote stretch of coastline with no one for miles, little or no phone reception and my boys x (maybe some brie and vino too :-) ) Are you a cat or dog person? Historically a dog person but I am currently a chook and duck person (my boys love them and we have heaps of them) but sercretly I really want a goat - not sure what that says about me lol. What inspires you? I find inspiration everywhere fabrics, shapes, colours, patterns, nature ... inspiration is all around us, and generally appears when you least expect it. Making a sketch book and pencils an essential part of every journey anywhere. If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would you choose? So many greats to choose from (if we are talking living) Karl Lagerfield, Monique Lhullier, Martha Stewart, Richard Branson, Collette Diinigan , Anna Wintour - all for very different reasons ( or there is that really amazing Brisbane based wedding gown designer someone Nitschke ... she sounds interesting lol )
Tammie Nitschke is the head designer for Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions www.devarga.com.au
1/414 Logan Road, Stones Corner, Brisbane
Announcing MR AND MRS
Gown and Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Wedding Styling Celebrations by Alysia Flowers Francesca’s Flowers Signage LaPapeterie Stationery & Design Gown and Headpiece Elizabeth deVarga Exclusive Fashions Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Hair Stylist Aleesha Darke Make Up Blissful Makeup Make Up Suzi Dent + Video Photography Masterpieces Photography Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia & Sen - Katz Model Management Model - Melody - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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In ancient mythology, the Sirens were beautiful creatures whose haunting beauty is legendary around the Mediterranean. We think this beautiful gown from Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions. Particularly alluring is the captivating detail and stunning features that make it perfect for a beach wedding.
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Gown Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Flowers Francesca’s Flowers Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia & Sen - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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Gown and Headpiece Elizabeth deVarga Exclusive Fashions Hair Stylist Aleesha Darke Make Up Suzi Dent Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Model - Melody - Katz Model Management
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Gown Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Flowers Francesca’s Flowers Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia & Sen - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
Gown JK Couture Designs Suit When Freddie Met Lilly Earrings Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Flowers Francesca’s Flowers Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia & Sen - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel
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Photo Shoot Contributors Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions
Jewellery and Designer Bridal Gowns
When Freddie Met Lilly
Bridal, Bridesmaids and Men’s Suits
JK Couture Designs
Bridal Gowns
Begitta Bridal Couture
Bridal Gowns
LaPapeterie
Designer Stationery & Signage
Whisk Hair Ashgrove
Hair Stylist
Blissful Makeup
Make Up Artist
Celebrations by Alysia
Wedding Styling and Planning
Francesca’s Flowers
Flowers and Gifts
Masterpieces Photography + Video
Photography and Film
Models Jamie Lee, Nadia, Alya and Sen - Katz Model Management Emma
See more contributor members to The Wedding Alley at www.theweddingalley.com.au
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Styled by The Wedding Alley
The
Wedding Alley www.theweddingalley.com.au
Gown When Freddie Met Lilly Wedding Styling Celebrations by Alysia Flowers Francesca’s Flowers Signage LaPapeterie Stationery & Design Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove Make Up Blissful Makeup Photography Masterpieces Photography + Video Models - Nadia & Sen - Katz Model Management Location Hamilton Hotel