Wedding Alley ISSUE SIX September 2015
The
THE LIGHT ISSUE
our biggest edition yet...1
The
Wedding Alley
Cover Photo
Gown: Gowns of Elegance Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko Model: Laura
Contents In this Issue 4 Instagram must sees 5 MBFF 6 Radiant beauty 18 Delectable detailing 50 Love story 58 Having bridesmaid issues? 86 Take the plunge 88 Lush beauty 102 Park life 110 Illuminate your love 120 Concours d’elegance 128 WFML Launch 136 The city of light 138 Fairy tales begin here 142 Danger – cost saving ahead 160 Transformation 162 Wedding invitation essentials 180 City heat 182 Sea of shining stars 192 Dark matter 198
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The Wedding Alley showcases the best in bridal fashion, inspirational ideas and unique accessories through stunning styled photo shoots in spectacular locations created by the best professional in the business - all delivered to you advert free.
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In this Issue It’s all about the light in this edition. We’ve got beautiful tropical light, the city lights of Brisbane, subtle ambient interior lighting and thousands of fairy lights just for good measure. We are showcasing a multitude of gowns from a range of Brisbane’s most talented designers in an array of beautiful locations and we have some magnificent styling suggestions as well as one very special vintage Rolls Royce. We have a run-down of the latest wedding events, including a round up from the fabulous Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival and a sneak peek at some of the latest collections from our burgeoning bridal design industry. Our cover features our favourite model, Laura Herden in her second cover shoot with The Wedding Alley. Having bridesmaid issues? We have the answers, and you can win a photo shoot with your bridal party (see page 86). We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Remember to follow us on our social media channels to stay up with the latest in bridal fashion, wedding styling and industry news. from The Wedding Alley x
The
Wedding Alley
instagram Must Sees Who are you following on Instagram for your daily wedding inspiration? Here are a few of our favourites @mindyweiss
@ralphandrusso
@tiffanyandco
@colinweddings
@100_layercake Who should we be following? Let us know your favourites.
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MBFF 2015 As it reaches it’s 10th anniversary, MBFF keeps getting bigger and better every time. I have to admit I wasn’t sure about the switch from the CBD to the RNA showgrounds when it was first announced. However, this year’s venue, the John Reid Pavillion, may turn out to be the smartest move the festival has made. The location in a quieter part of the city means your arrival feels more like an exclusive European experience – you have arrived somewhere special for something unique, and the genial hosts and the avenue of gleaming Mercedes certainly helps to set the perfect tone. Once inside, Lindsay Bennett and his team have created a simply phenomenal set of flowing spaces within the cavernous, industrial environs of the building. There is ample space to mingle, and the provision of two media wall’s, one manned by the official photographers, the other available for selfies is a big plus. The photowalls are simply stunning this year and help transform the space, whilst the fashion bar had plenty of counterspace and never felt busy despite the full-house crowd. The VIP space was elegant, with plenty of break-out space and the right mix of seating and standing space to permit mingling or more serious business negotiations.
Read more on our blog
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Darb Bridal Couture
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Elizabeth de Varga Crushing on the wow factor of
the big reveal of
these Elizabeth de Varga creations
Check out
this amazing playsuit!
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George Wu
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Jordanna Regan
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Jack Sullivan
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Paul Hunt
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Brides Desire by Wendy Sullivan
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Alter Ego
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Are you a wedding industry professional looking for unique ways to talk to brides? Click here to find out about becoming a vendor member. 17
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Radiant Beauty
Shafts of light through tropical foliage illuminate a plethora of precious, sparkling embellishments
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Gown and Headpiece: Gowns of Elegance Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko Model: Laura
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Gown and Veil: Gowns of Elegance Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko 32 Model: Laura
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Gown: Gowns of Elegance Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko Model: Laura
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Delectable detailing Exquisite floral patterns in this lace gown are reflected in a beautifully tonal modern bouquet creating a sophisticated demur bride
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Bridal Gown: George Wu Bouquet: Pollen Florist Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair Model: Boss Models Venue: Brookfield Hall
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Bridal Gown: George Wu Bouquet: Pollen Florist Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair: House of Zion Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair Model: Boss Models Venue: Brookfield Hall
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Venue: Brookfield Hall | Bridal Gown: George Wu Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly | Stylist: Celebrations by Alysia Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Florist: Pollen Florist | Lighting and Love Sign: AVIdeas Love Story Framed Print: La Papeterie Tiffany Chairs: Styled Group with Preston Bailey Linens & Chair Covers Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair Models: Boss Models
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Venue: Brookfield Hall | Bridal Gown: George Wu Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly | Stylist: Celebrations by Alysia Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Florist: Pollen Florist | Lighting and Love Sign: AVIdeas Love Story Framed Print: La Papeterie Tiffany Chairs: Styled Group with Preston Bailey Linens & Chair Covers Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair 67 Models: Boss Models
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Having bridesmaid issues?
Here’s the perfect answer… The joy of being chosen as a bridesmaid can quickly wear off when the realisation of the commitment involved becomes clear. We’re not talking about the bridezilla type of weddings either. The commitment is one that 99% of your best friends will love and rise to the challenge of. However, there are those days where bridesmaids are going through their own issues, and really don’t want to hear about the perfect day you have planned. Here are some ideas to lift the mood of your bridal party, and set the tone for the wedding of your dreams. • Don’t just get together to talk about your wedding. Make plans that involve activities and doing thing together. Watch a movie, go bushwalking, do a course together, and most importantly have fun. • Reduce the wedding conversations. If you find you keep going back to your wedding in conversation, think about it, and change the subject. Let your bridesmaid chose the conversation topic. You’ll be surprised how often they will bring it back to your wedding, without you mentioning it. • Thank them. Your bridal party love you, and want you to have an awesome day. Thank them for their ideas and interest. You don’t have to always agree but a mutual respect and appreciation is a great start to planning your perfect day.
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At The Wedding Alley we love weddings and we want your day to be perfect. To thank your bridesmaids we’d love to give one lucky bride the opportunity to have a photo shoot with their bridal party before their big day. Simply email us at editor@theweddingalley.com.au and let us know: your name, wedding date, how many bridesmaids, where you are located and your phone number. Good Luck! Terms and Conditions: This prize is not redeemable for cash. The date and location of the photo shoot will be arranged between the bride and the photographer. You will receive a photo shoot (max. 2 hours), and one 8x10” group photo of your bridesmaids, and one 5 x7” group photo for each person in the bridal party photo shoot.
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Low necklines and deep sexy backs, add some lace and bling for instant sensuality 88
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Gown: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko Model: Laura
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Gown: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko Model: Laura
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A verdant backdrop of spring growth complements sheer lace and flirty fun
Bridal Gown: George Wu Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair 102 Venue: Brookfield Hall | Models: Boss Models
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Bridal Gown: George Wu Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair Venue: Brookfield Hall | Models: Boss Models
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Park life A classic shape enhanced by modern embellishments, this spectacular design comes to life
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Gown: Gowns of Elegance Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko Models: Laura and Scott
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Gown: Gowns of Elegance Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko Models: Laura and Scott
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Venue: Brookfield Hall | Bridal Gown: George Wu Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly | Stylist: Celebrations by Alysia Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Florist: Pollen Florist | Lighting, Draping and Floral Wall: AVIdeas Cake: Krissy’s Cakehouse | Cutlery: Gold Wedding Hire Stationery and Gift Boxes: La Papeterie Tiffany Chairs: Styled Group with Preston Bailey Linens & Chair Covers Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair Models: Boss Models
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An immaculate Rolls Royce, a stunning gown, a beautiful lane way. Sounds like a fine show to us.
Venue: Brookfield Hall | Bridal Gown: George Wu Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Florist: Pollen Florist Wedding Transport: Somerton Limousine Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair 129 Models: Boss Models
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Venue: Brookfield Hall | Bridal Gown: George Wu Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Florist: Pollen Florist | Wedding Transport: Somerton Limousine Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair Models: Boss Models
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When you take one cool Bardon location, add one hundred and fifty excited guests, a raft of stunning gowns and a pinch of genius, with a caravan bar just for good measure, then you have the recipe for an incredibly successful launch party. Vanessa Hoe from When Freddie Met Lilly is having a stellar year with her gowns gracing the catwalks of major events and is soon to have her own showcase on the ultimate stage at New York Fashion Week. Read more on our blog
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the city of light
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heating up winter nights in Brisbane
Gown and Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko | Models: Laura and Scott
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Gown and Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video 140 Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko | Models: Laura and Scott
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Fairy tales begin here ... All you need to turn your childhood dreams into modern day reality is your passion and a little magic. Enjoy your Cinderella moment!
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Bridal Gown: George Wu | Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Stylist: Celebrations by Alysia Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Florist: Pollen Florist | Lighting and Draping: AVIdeas Ceremony Programs: La Papeterie Wedding Transport: Somerton Limousines Tiffany Chairs: Styled Group with Preston Bailey Linens & Chair Covers Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair Venue: Brookfield Hall | Models: Boss Models
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Bridal Gown: George Wu | Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Stylist: Celebrations by Alysia Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Florist: Pollen Florist | Lighting and Draping: AVIdeas Ceremony Programs: La Papeterie Wedding Transport: Somerton Limousines Tiffany Chairs: Styled Group with Preston Bailey Linens & Chair Covers Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair Venue: Brookfield Hall | Models: Boss Models
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Danger! Cost-savings ahead... So, you’re eight months out from the big day, you’ve locked in the perfect venue and found your dream dress, but it’s come at a cost, a big cost and your budget is completely blown. You could always get another credit card, or perhaps hit up your parents for a bit more, but you’re also going to have to make some cuts and compromises so where do you begin?
The most important thing is to fully understand what you’re missing out if you go for the low cost solution. The old adage of you get what you pay for is more relevant today than ever before. One option that has increased in popularity is to choose a low cost photographer - either someone who is trying to build their portfolio or perhaps a friend or family-member who has a DSLR. The benefit is obvious - the cost, but what about potential negatives? How do you know that this newbie, or willing-amateur, is going to perform and capture everything you have put into your big day? What happens if they don’t capture it the way you want and what’s your fall back option if the person decides they don’t want to do it at the last minute? Of course for some people the photos aren’t the important part of the day, so saving money this way can make sense. But for others the decision is a real financial choice so here are some tips on what to look for in your wannabe photographers portfolio: 1. Few photos of people, but lots of wedding styling. That’s the easy bit. No movement and people to work with. This is a warning sign. 2. Over use of filtering and effects on their images – natural beautiful images are classics that will last a lifetime. Filters date photography - just look at those soft-focus horrors from the eighties that now hide in corners? Likewise, questionable composition can be jarring in the future - and if every shot has unfocused elements maybe this is a bad habit rather than a style.
3. Local knowledge – if they are lacking in photographic experience then knowing the venue or photo shoot location is a must. An experienced photographer will be able to turn up to any location and manipulate the light and landscape to achieve perfect results, but a novice may need to think about composition, the light and how they will work together to get the results you will want. 4. Insurance - does your photographer have the requisite policies in place to cover any unfortunate incident? Anybody shooting for money, even if it’s only for pocket money, has to have public liability as a bare minimum. If they don’t, and something goes wrong, you could be liable as the person who hired them! 5. Who owns what? Any professional photographer will have you sign a legally binding contract that states exactly what you can expect, what conditions are involved and who owns what regarding the copyright of photographs. If you haven’t signed a contract then who owns the imagery is up for grabs. If your “up and coming” photographer does hit the big time will the price stay the same, or will you be up for higher costs to produce the album? And if you aren’t paying at all, what is there stopping your photographer selling the images to a stock library? At the end of the day, all you take away from the wedding day are warm memories and the photos and video so perhaps it is worth saving money elsewhere and booking the best photographers and video you possibly can?
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Transformation From rustic country show hall to sophisticated reception venue
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Venue: Brookfield Hall |Stylist: Celebrations by Alysia Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Florist: Pollen Florist | Lighting and Draping: AVIdeas Cutlery: Gold Wedding Hire | Cakes: Krissy’s Cakehouse Stationery & Gift Boxes: La Papeterie | Catering: Noosh Catering Tiffany Chairs: Styled Group with Preston Bailey Linens & Chair Covers Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair Bridal Gown: George Wu | Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Models: Boss Models
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Wedding Invitation Essentials We love unique wedding stationery that represents the individuality of our couples. It’s those little touches that really stand out and sing. You’ve seen your dream stationery online or in a bridal mag and they match your million-dollar lifestyle dreams but not your budget. You know the ones - those letterpress cards on 600gsm board with gold foil and laser cut lace edges - they look amazing, but they aren’t going to fit within your budget. We spoke to the team at La Papeterie Wedding Stationery & Design about how to make your stationery unique within a more conservative budget. Here are their top five essentials to consider when planning your wedding stationery.
1. Make the envelope special
We don’t receive that much mail anymore these days, so when it’s not a bill and it’s something more exciting you want to shout about it. Use coloured envelopes, metallic or pearl are our favourites. Hand write the name with calligraphy, or print directly onto the envelopes in a beautiful script. Avoid the mass mail feel, and make the opening of your wedding invitation feel special. Glitter or sequins inside can be cute, but also bear in mind where your guests may open the envelope.
2. Customise your design
Make your day even more special with your own monogram, or stylised design element. Splurge a little on an individual designed piece of typography and save on the embellishments. Good design doesn’t always need a lot of extras.
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3. Complete your invites
If you have multiple pieces as part of an invitation, such as an RSVP card, map or extra information then package them together elegantly. Don’t have them fall out of the envelope in a mess. Use twine, ribbon or a band at the very least to keep everything looking it’s very best.
4. Double Check Everything
Proof read every piece, and then proof it again and again and again. Ask someone else to read them as well so that it makes sense to your guests. Your wedding stationery may look amazing, but if you have errors or typos that’s all anyone will remember.
5. Time is not your friend
Gorgeous stationery takes time! Especially if lots of handwork is necessary to put it all together. If you’re going to put together the invites yourself then time how long it takes to make one, then multiply that out by the number of invites by about three as you will get sick of making them and need lots of breaks. And make sure you order plenty of extra copies of each piece (printers call them overs), just in case it doesn’t go as well as you had planned.
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City Heat
turn up the temperature with sultry, form-fitting lace and a dash of chemistry
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Gown and Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko 183 Models: Laura and Scott
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Gown and Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko Models: Laura and Scott
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Sea of shining stars
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Venue: Brookfield Hall |Stylist: Celebrations by Alysia Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Florist: Pollen Florist | Lighting and Draping: AVIdeas Tiffany Chairs: Styled Group with Preston Bailey Linens & Chair Covers Hair: House of Zion | Make Up: Kelly Weavers Bridal Makeup & Hair Bridal Gown: George Wu | Grooms Suit: When Freddie Met Lilly 194 Models: Boss Models
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Dark Matter For every yin there is a yang, and for white there is black. Can you resist the seduction from the dark side?
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Gown: When Freddie Met Lilly Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Mieko 200 Model: Laura
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For exceptional wedding industry professionals contact
The Wedding Alley Vendor Members bridal gowns Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions George Wu Gowns of Elegance JK Couture Designs When Freddie Met Lilly
suits When Freddie Met Lilly
wedding stationery and graphic design La Papeterie hair and make up Shelley Veitch Make up and Hair Stylist Aleesha Darke Professional Hair Stylist Whisk Hair Ashgrove
venues The Pullman Hotel Brisbane Hamilton Hotel
flowers Francesca’s Flowers
wedding stylist and planning Celebrations by Alysia Fashionable Society Events
photography Masterpieces Photography + Video
wedding transport Golden Gate Limousines
Thanks to our models featured in this issue: the gorgeous Laura and Scott, Boss Models - Billie, Jackson and Owen, and our lovely, cute as a button, flower girl, Maggie.
The
Wedding Alley
Gown: Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions Photography: Masterpieces Photography + Video Hair: Aleesha Darke Professional Hair Stylist Makeup: Suzi Dent Model: Katz Models