White Magazine |Wedding and Marriage | Issue 37 by White Wedding Magazine

A MARRIAGE AS BEAUTIFUL A S Y O U R W E D D I N G D AY

ISSUE #37 : 2017 ISSN 1834-3589

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Photography by Athena Grace

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello lovely ones! Thanks so much for picking up this beauty! With every edition, we try our utmost to soak every page with love and inspiration for you. In the lead-up to your wedding things can get a bit chaotic and I hope that as you turn through the pages you gather a sense of calm and are relaxed by its simplicity. We’ve pulled together the most amazing creatives and writers, and the words of one of our much-loved writers, Richard Miller, have really resounded with me: “But love itself is not simple, especially through years—decades, you hope—of marriage. In this complicated and cluttered world, it’s a good thing to strive for simplicity—especially in the most important relationship in your life. It’s also good to recognise that even your most precious partnership will occasionally make you want to scream, cry, and curse the lack of clear instructions. Sometimes, your best guess at how to proceed will turn out to be wrong—and you won’t know until you turn the whole thing upside down.” Marriage definitely doesn’t have all the answers and I think that this is the beauty of it. The journey you’re about to embark on takes time and effort, but the adventure is well worth it. I do truly believe that marriage is more than the bit of paper issued by a minister or celebrant. There are some that may never hold a marriage certificate but are more committed and faithful in their relationship in more ways than we’ll ever know. There is something deeply spiritual and significant though in making a covenant promise in front of loved ones when you are entrusting your lives to each other. These people are your biggest supporters, cheering you on from the sidelines! I’ve been to ceremonies where the guests are asked to stand and make a vow back to the couple, to support the sweet pair through the thick and thin. We always stand and say, ‘We do,’ but I feel these symbolic words have become more of a nice sentiment that isn’t carried through when times get tough. I know I’ve dropped the ball in this and am conscious to not hold back when I recognise rough patches in my closest circle of friends. As you are about to embark on the next stage, recognise who the people are that speak into your life—this is important as an individual and as a couple. We all need trusted souls who have permission to acknowledge the things we don’t want to hear; after all, no marriage is an island. Always keep building trust—a united marriage is an unstoppable force!

ISSUE THIRTY SEVEN SEPTEMBER 2017 publishers luke + carla burrell

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EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS WHITE LOVES

editor carla burrell carla@whitemag.com

deputy editor cassandra holland cassie@whitemag.com

advertising + partnerships

planning

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FROM BRIDE TO WIFE KEEPI NG

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SOFTLY SWEPT BEAUTY

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cover photo janneke storm editorial contributors amanda viviers, athena grace, erica bartle, richard miller photographic contributors athena grace, brown paper parcel, courtney illfield, the robertsons photography, dawn thomson, I got you babe weddings, james bennett, james simmons photography, janneke storm, jose villa, keegan cronin, lara hotz, logan cole—branch & cole, phil chester, sara k byrne

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ABN 31 725 316 171 ~ ISSN 1834-3589. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for inaccuracy or for submissions by organisations or individuals and/ or printers’ errors. © 2017 white Magazine (Aust). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited.

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creative contributors amy clarke, inkling design, jardine botanic floral styling, kaela rawson, little wren flowers, loho bride, running wild florals, sierra ramke, the nouveau romantics, veronika moreira

WEDDI NG FULL OF MEANI NG

KATE + JEFF LIZ + CALLAN MONIKA + SHAUN LAUREN + LLOYD EMILY + GARY LAUREN + STEVEN MAGALI + GABE

A NOT SO SIMPLE FAILURE LOVE

I TSELF I S NOT EASY

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KEEPING CONNECTED WHAT

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STAYING INTIMATE R E- ESTABLI SH YOUR CONNECTI ON

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STILL THE ONE I LOVE SAY HELLO TO PAMELA + RONALD

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THE BRIDEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S M A R K E T I S YO U R LO CA L B R I S B A N E A N D MA SO U T H E AST Q U E E N S L A N D B R I DA L D I R E C TO RY A N D T W I C E Y E A R LY T W I L I G H T E V E N T P E R F E C T FO R A L L B R I D E S , G RO O MS , FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S .

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INGA CAMPBELL ILLUSTRATOR

ATHENA GRACE PHOTOGRAPHER

AMANDA VIVIERS WRITER

JAMES BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHER

ERICA BARTLE WRITER

Inga is the talented creative behind Inkling Design, a company that offers art direction, branding, styling, custom illustrations and invitations. Her illustrations have graced the pages of some of the country’s best known magazines, including Elle, Dolly, Inside Out, Girlfriend and Cosmopolitan (Australia and worldwide).

Athena is an Australian living in Seattle who thrives upon photographing unrepeatable moments of joy. She allows the people she photographs to free their inner beauty while she captures the visual story. “I love beauty, intimacy and depth. I can’t get enough.” With a wondrous sense of adventure, she welcomes crazy shoot ideas.

Passionate about helping people find their own voice, Amanda is a writer, speaker and creative coach. Along with managing her own business and a CMA award-winning daily blog, she is an expert at juggling a full work schedule while still making time for family, friends, social justice and her love of writing.

Based in the Hunter region of New South Wales, James left a career in graphic design to pursue his true passion— photography—and he hasn’t looked back! He has shot weddings in Bali, New Zealand, Georgia, Hawaii and also lots of interstate weddings in Australia. He also has a particular flair for film photography.

Erica is a freelance journalist with a Bachelor of Media degree, and is the founder of the blog, Girl with a Satchel. She previously worked as deputy editor for Girlfriend magazine, and has contributed to Total Girl, Cleo, Cosmopolitan, The Sunday Telegraph, Sunday Life, Eternity newspaper and The Walkley Magazine.

KEEGAN CRONIN PHOTOGRAPHER

JOSE VILLA PHOTOGRAPHER

JARDINE HANSEN FLORAL DESIGNER

DAVID ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHER

SIERRA RAMKE STYLIST

Keegan is an Australia and New Zealand photographer who describes his work as “capturing raw emotions and documenting organic stories.” With a rich background in studying art and design, expressing himself through image making was a natural choice for the talented creative.

Jose is a talented fine art wedding photographer whose goal is to “craft vibrant and energetic images that are as unique as the people in the photographs.” His work has been published in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Instyle Weddings, Brides Magazine, Modern Bride, Martha Stewart Weddings, and many more.

Jardine’s passion for plants and flowers began when she was a child, meandering through gardens with her grandma. As an adult, she has channelled this love into creating loose, romantic arrangements that favour locally grown florals. She creates arrangements for weddings, events and corporate spaces.

David and his wife Shobana founded The Robertsons Photography to capture the love that takes place at weddings. As the primary photographer, David’s passion for his craft continues to grow after five years in the industry. The Robertsons Photography is based in Newcastle, Australia.

After just one decade in the wedding industry, Sierra developed several of her own brands and has helped lay the foundation for businesses specialising in niche bridal concepts. She is the company director and creative behind Babushka Ballerina, and the creative director and designer for Love Found True, Delila Fox, and Match Made Bridal.

SEARCH OUR VENDOR DIRECTORY

WHTE.CO/DIRECTORY

WHITE LOVES

just my type White Ink Design Co. merges gorgeous typography, colour and simplicity into personalised wedding stationery and signage to promote your special day. Pretty, classic or cursive, see their range at whiteinkdesignco.com.au

cosy covers

sweet aroma

Staying under covers just got a whole lot better with Mulberry Threads Co.’s bamboo sheet sets. Available to fit you and your partner, try them in blush or sky for a cosy morning in. mulberrythreadsco.com.au

Set the atmosphere of your home with delicious Aromatique Room Sprays by Aesop. Spritz in the air as often as desired to enrich your senses with hints of wild florals and spices. aesop.com

WIN

tutu cute The little lady in your wedding party will look adorable in one of these Tutu Du Monde dresses, made from soft tulle and filled with all the fun and frills to fulfil a girl’s dreams. Choose your colour or browse their full collection at tutudumonde.com

one for all Urge Footwear prides itself on providing high-quality streetwear shoes for guys and gals alike. It’s inspired by fashion from all over the world, and you could win a pair for yourself at whitemag.com/win or see more at urgefootwear.com.au

WIN

plate up Renton Bishopric is a crafter of ceramic art, producing a mix of handmade domestic items as tableware or even corporate gifts. Win this set for yourself at whitemag.com/win or see more of his work at rentonbishopric.com

play pretend

true love

There’s nothing like a pretend wedding to help you plan for a real one, right? The Big Fake Wedding sources local vendors to showcase their services at a mock wedding, where brides- and grooms-to-be can attend as guests. It’s the bridal expo with a twist! thebigfakewedding.com

Love Find Co. is about celebrating you finding love, and what better way to do that than helping you find ‘the’ wedding dress and accessories for your big day. Check out this beautifully curated online bridal destination at lovefind.co

back to nature “Solitude is a celebration of finding your thoughts free and clear, and rediscovering life as it should be.” One Seed has encapsulated this all in the one little bottle. Win a scent for you and your partner at whitemag. com/win or see more at oneseedperfumes.com

WIN

on record

daring denim At Outland Denim, the everyday staple of jeans has been used for something so much more. Founder James Bartle started the ‘Denim Project’ to give overseas victims of human trafficking a career pathway to independence. See outlanddenim.com

With gold foil typography and a white fabric cover, this sweet 200-page guest book is a beautiful token for your big day. And Blacklist are giving you the chance to win one for yourself! Head to whitemag. com/win or see more at blackliststore.com.au

white loves

WHITE LOVES

sitting pretty “We’re inspired by the woman behind the bride. She’s spirited, she knows her own style and she seeks to start her own traditions.” See Tania Maras’ gorgeous collection of headpieces and bridal accessories at taniamaras.com

with fresh eyes See and be seen with these cheeky pastel frames from Bailey Nelson. With beginnings at Bondi Beach, they are now a global brand that believes your specs should be a fun expression of your personality. See more at baileynelson.com.au

a taste of paris Georgia Young Couture’s Je T’aime collection mirrors the beautiful essence of Paris, with billowing gowns full of movement and texture. It is pure opulence, and pushes the boundaries of bridal fashion using designs that open up a realm of imagination and glamour. See more of the collection at georgiayoungcouture.com

joyful ink Delicate details and rustic edges create a hushed vintage vibe in this adorable stationery by Gemma Milly. The design stays pretty long after the meal and into the marriage for a perfect keepsake. See more at gemmamilly.com, and choose from her selection of semi-custom options—which means you can adapt them to suit your style.

you’re in lük Achieving a nude gloss or a bold lip colour has never come more naturally! Lük’s Lip Nourish range is made completely from earth-friendly ingredients, providing gorgeous lip colours that are easy to use. lukbeautifood.com

work of art We love a body care range that also cares for the environment, but Aesop goes one step further to involve art and culture as the inspiration for their stores. In each shop, you’ll find products like this Redemption Body Scrub, which contains finely milled pumice and bamboo stem, enlivened with essential oils of fir and pine needles, sage leaf and clove. aesop.com

soft as silk The delicate presence of silk ribbon is an easy way to add extra charm to flowers, gifts, keepsakes and more. These beautiful ribbons are hand-dyed, each exuding a rich uniqueness. Choose yours at songbirdsilk.com.au

pure luxury Jubilation XXV by Amouage is a reinvention of scent, crafted for the luxurious man to be an expression of himself and a showcase of prestige. It opens with hints of frankincense, and has elegant notes of rose, orchid and smoky gaiac wood. Find out more about this bold fragrance at mensbiz.com.au

have your cake Tastebud tingling desserts and exquisite art come together in Ivy + Stone’s repertoire of sweets. Based out of their couture cake studio in Sydney, NSW, their array of baked goods will leave you absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to your wedding. See ivyand stonecakedesign.com.au to view more.

hidden comfort Shh, girl talk! Wave goodbye to bottom-checks and spot leaks; Thinx’s underwear range is specially made for each stage of your cycle, offering extra protection that is good for the earth and a boost for your confidence. shethinx.com

good for your sole WIN

Designed by a podiatrist, the shoes at Bared Footwear blend fashion and comfort—so say goodbye to hurting heels! Win a pair from their range at whitemag.com/win or head to bared.com.au to peruse more of their sleek footwear.

white loves

WHITE LOVES

make a statement Have a peek at these pink and gold Peggy sunnies from Oscar Wylee! If you’re scared they won’t suit, don’t fear. With home try-on, you can test these (and four more pairs) at your own house for free. Head to oscarwylee.com.au to order or see more of their selection of stylish shades.

beach vibes

down to earth

Combining a longing for the ocean and beauty in the home, the Indigo Bath Collection from The Beach People is the ideal bathroom comfort for you and your new love. See thebeachpeople.com.au to view more of their iconic beach and home essentials.

Samantha Wills uses the beauty of natural and semi-precious stones paired with lashings of gold, rose and silver metals to create looks that are both intricate and polished. Check out her luxe boho range at samanthawills.com

natural beauty

class of its own

Nourished Life offers a wide selection of organic skincare and makeup products. Their range includes beautiful Butter London polishes in everything from baby blue hues to a daring khaki green. Find your colour at nourishedlife.com.au

Paolo Sebastian’s 2017/18 AW Couture collection is a statement of elegant class and exquisite design. The range evokes a regal aura, with intricate beadwork and sheer lace bodices. paolosebastian.com

weave around Hints of the French countryside and easygoing afternoons are interwoven into this practical and versatile Olli Ella Bannet Bag that is bound to be associated with good memories only. Add instant chic in the coming season by visiting olliella.com.au

let’s face it If you didn’t think there was a facewash for men that preserves masculinity, let us introduce Bro-To. ‘Properly Clean’ uses willow bark to maintain oil levels and ensure a soft feeling. gotoskincare.com

laced up Get comfortable with Mae’s Sunday’s No.7 Robe, designed to be worn with a cup of tea or glass of champagne in hand. There are a range of colours to choose from, such as natural, latte, frost, cameo and black. maessunday.com

WIN

bespoke beauties

purposeful polish

A little bit of ribbon and a whole lot of handmade love have combined to create these adorable Seniman Calligraphy His and Her Vow Books. See more designs at senimancalligraphy.com

For managing your own manicure, Kester is the new black! Offering nail polish in delightful splashes of colour, Kester Black is not only pretty to look at, it’s kind to the earth. Win a set at whitemag.com/win or check out kesterblack.com

how romantic This super delicate comb from All About Romance is the perfect hair treasure for a bit of extra elegance on your special day. If you see yourself as a hopeless romantic, and a lover of pretty, handmade things, have a look at allaboutromance.com.au

well-groomed The search for a natural, vigorous but soft-feeling soap for men is over! The Hunter Lab’s Exfoliating Hand & Body Bar is great for removing the dirt and leaving the hunter. hunterlab.com.au 13

white loves

SIMP L E + IN T IM AT E DESIGNING A MINIMALIST WEDDING THAT IS LADEN WITH MEANING. Words: Amanda Viviers | Photography: James Simmons Photography

ne of the fondest memories from our wedding day was the moment we quietly sneaked away from

our reception and stood in the woods watching our guests dance. I’m not a traditional event planner but I’m not unorthodox either. I’m just an Australian girl, who wanted my wedding to mark the beginning of something lifelong. I wanted to have a meaningful celebration of our nuptials, but a simple celebration that came in under our budget of 10 thousand dollars. And we did it, with a guest list of over 250 people, on Easter Sunday in Perth, Western Australia and it was so much fun. Planning a wedding can be a testing time. There are so many tasks and opinions to consider: finances, family, friendships and expectations. The question that I have for you in the lead up to your big day is this … What are you doing out of obligation rather than celebration? The way we start our married life impacts the foundation of our relationship. In this season of preparation, taking the time to budget, plan and talk is an amazing tool in refining the communication muscle in your relationship. It is like doing

SIMPLE + INTIM ATE

~ “WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT OF OBLIGATION RATHER THAN CELEBRATION?”

a minimalism challenge for your wedding day. Asking yourself questions like, ‘What are the absolute essentials for my wedding?’, ‘What decisions are we making based on fear?’, ‘Where do you want to focus your money and time?’ The lessons I learnt have strengthened my marriage, and helped us plan a simple but deeply meaningful wedding. Prioritise your needs over the ‘shoulds’ of the crowd: We left our wedding reception at 8pm. Yes, we did! We had better places to be and a hotel room waiting. We only said a quick goodbye to our parents, and our bridal party had no idea that we had left the building. On our way out, we watched our guests dance on the foreshore of our city, to a fabulous set list. The thought of walking around a circle, with snide comments from uncles about what was next to come, was the last thing that I wanted to remember from our day. We stood together, prioritising each other over the crowd and we drunk in the atmosphere of our gathering.

This is my fondest memory of our wedding day. It was the

and attitude towards the challenge. In the midst of those

moment when we secretly stood afar and removed ourselves

seasons when we cannot control circumstances, our attitude

from the expectations of the crowd. Here is a question for

and perspective can change everything. What decisions

you in planning a simple but meaningful wedding … What are

are you making based on fear? Often we make expensive

the absolute essentials for your wedding day? Write a list and

choices based on fear or comparison with what other people

a plan to keep it simple and meaningful.

have done or are doing. The worst is never the worst.

The worst is never the worst: Often we are convinced to

Find your style: My fiancé and I had already decided that

make expensive and complicated decisions out of fear. If

there were many things we would forgo in our wedding, so

you asked me leading up to our wedding what my greatest

we could focus our funds on things that were important to

concern was, I would have quickly told you the weather. The

us. We had no wedding cake at our reception; we didn’t cut

week leading up to our big day, I stressed incessantly about

the cake or believe in the superstitions surrounding it. We

it. Our wedding was outdoors and it was the one thing I

had a bevvy of amazing cakes, each named after favourites

could not control. And guess what? It rained on my wedding

from our family. ‘Grandma’s Honeycomb Delight’, ‘Nan’s

day. And it became the talking point of our day. We danced

Carrot Cake’, ‘Mum’s Malteser Chocolate Overload’ and

in the rain and umbrellas made our photos iconic. Often what

‘Dad’s Lemon Cheesecake’. Another way that we found our

we think is the worst is never the worst. It is our perspective

own style was the bridesmaids and groomsmen chose 17

SIMPLE + INTIM ATE

~ “NURTURE THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SMILE AND FORGET ALL THE ‘SHOULDS’ THAT

my bouquet from the women in my life who had impacted

BACK YOU INTO A CORNER.”

me greatly. At the end of the aisle, my florist was waiting to whisk away the bouquets that I had collected and brought them back to me, wrapped with love and perfection. Your wedding day is a fantastic opportunity to discover your quirks as a couple. To be meaningful, it does not need to be complicated. It’s not necessarily about what happens on the

their own outfits and everyone wore black. They wore their

day, but what is important to each of you. As you learn your

own shoes, suits and dresses, most of which had been

personality as a couple, it absolutely helps you in the different

worn before. My bridesmaids borrowed dresses and they all

seasons in your future. As you prepare for one of the biggest

looked amazing. I made a silk flower for each of them and

days of your life, remember to question what you are doing out

they all wore it in different places—in their hair, as a brooch

of obligation or celebration. It’s a great communication tool that

or on their arm as a bouquet. We bought all the groomsmen

will help you develop your identity as a couple. Communication

their matching ties. My bridesmaids didn’t walk before me,

is the greatest gift to a marriage. What if you decluttered your

they lined the aisle as I walked down. I asked the florist to

ideas around what a wedding day should be and recreated

separate my bouquet into thirteen separate bunches. Yes,

something simple but profoundly laden with meaning? Nurture

I had 10 bridesmaids but I also had my mum, her identical

the little things that make you smile and forget all the ‘shoulds’

twin and my grandma as the last three bunches that I

that back you into a corner. Often it is just the simple things that

collected. As I walked the aisle, I collected the flowers of

make a wedding like this the most memorable.

Photo by Jason Robins Photography

A picturesque wedding destination in Milawa, Victoria, with a beautifully restored historic barn and a backdrop of vines and distant mountains.

brownbrothers.com.au/weddings

LESS IS MORE USE THIS SIMPLE BUT MINDFUL CHECKLIST TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING DAY TRULY YOURS.

DO WE KNOW WHAT OUR PRIORITIES ARE FOR THE BIG DAY?

DOES OUR BUDGET REFLECT HOW MUCH WE CAN REALLY AFFORD?

CAN WE SIMPLIFY SOME AREAS WITHOUT COMPROMISING OUR VISION?

ARE THE LITTLE DETAILS AFFECTING OUR RELATIONSHIP?

ARE WE BEING REALISTIC WITH OUR TIME AND FOCUSING ON THE IMPORTANT THINGS?

ARE WE TAKING ADVICE FROM THE RIGHT PEOPLE?

HAVE WE BEEN COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER PROPERLY?

ARE WE MAKING ANY CHOICES BASED ON FEAR?

ARE THERE ANY WEDDING ‘TRADITIONS’ WE DON’T WANT?

ARE OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPECTATIONS AFFECTING OUR DECISIONS?

IN FULL BLOOM SIMPLE STEMS FOR THE MINIMALIST BRIDE. Florist: Little Wren Flowers | Photography: The Robertsons Photography

There’s a sweet simplicity to using a single stem in your floral arrangement. Sticking to the one type of flower, but in abundance, may be just the ticket to pull off something rather gorgeous.

Magnolia Meaning: ‘Love of nature’.

White Blossom Meaning: ‘Beauty’.

Pieris Meaning: ‘Happy thoughts’.

Poppy Meaning: ‘Peace’. Blushing Bride Meaning: ‘Bashful’.

hearts + flowers

Tulip Meaning: ‘Love and passion’.

Anemone Meaning: ‘Expectation’.

Sweetpea Meaning: ‘Bliss’.

Ranunculus Meaning: ‘Radiant charm’.

ARTISANS OF SIMPLICIT Y “TO BE CREATIVE MEANS TO BE IN LOVE WITH LIFE. YOU CAN BE CREATIVE ONLY IF YOU LOVE LIFE ENOUGH THAT YOU WANT TO ENHANCE ITS BEAUTY ...”—OSHO Planning + Design + Styling: The Nouveau Romantics | Photography: Jose Villa | Videography: For the Love of It | Florals: Running Wild Florals | Dresses: LOHO Bride | Hair + Makeup: Chiali Meng Artistry | Stationery: Kaela Rawson Hire: Casa de Perrin, Crate & Barrel, La Tavola | Candles: Jamali Garden, Creative Candles | Jewellery: Heidi Gibson

t is a testament to mindful collaboration when a group of creatives can pool their talents to achieve a sense of

intimate balance. These designs showcase a considered arrangement of crisp, white gowns and creamy pink florals detailed with petite adornments. And of course, what romantic setting is complete without candlelight? Cherish the experience yourself as you find pure simplicity in hues of blush and blue.

artisans of simplicity

CHRISTY BAIRD Dresses—LOHO Bride We try to be a curated collection of fashion forward gowns

~ “SIMPLICITY IS THE GLORY OF EXPRESSION.” —WALT WHITMAN

that step outside of the wedding industry norm. We want to question what ‘norm’ means. Above all, we listen and deliver. Our girls want an intimate setting that makes them feel ‘like them’. A lot of the wedding industry can at times dictate ‘how you should be as a bride’, but we let them decide. I’ve always been inspired by other women because we can

KAELA RAWSON Stationery

be each other’s greatest support or worst critic. My goal with LOHO is to find what drives women, what makes them

I think that my own small contribution to the industry is

comfortable and to let them live in their element.

having the ability to be given any project and at the end, people can recognise that no matter the various parameters, my voice will always come through. I keep a focus on the client in everything that I do. I try to forego trends and instead focus on creating a unique approach that expresses the quintessence of the couple’s taste and vision for their day. My goal at the end of a couple’s wedding is to have created pieces that feel like an extension of themselves and complement everything they had envisioned for their day.

artisans of simplicity

ELIZABETH MCKELLAR Stylist—The Nouveau Romantics I’ve realised through time that my ability to understand space, anticipate flow, and then design to that while also balancing the conceptual story from our clients is unique to me and The Nouveau Romantics. I dissect everything I see into components, evaluating what I like and what I don’t, what surprises me and through that, inevitably some inspiration pops up. I’m also having a lot of fun returning to my roots in architecture and seeing how the things that inspired me 10-15 years ago have circled back to breathe life into my creative brain in a way that I never imagined.

JOSE VILLA Photographer

My style of photography offers a fresh take on shooting

“LOVE OF BEAUTY IS TASTE. THE CREATION OF

weddings. I capture the best essence of the genuine couple,

BEAUTY IS ART.”—RALPH WALDO EMERSON

and I find I am most inspired when I’m in clean, simple locations that are organic. I keep my work simple and intimate by not over-directing, and allowing things to just happen. Don’t bring your stressed attitude to the table— leave that at home. I hope to move into more commercial work soon, while still shooting 20 weddings a year.

artisans of simplicity

BUSINESS FE ATURE

IV Y & BLEU + LEE CALLE JA THOMAS A COLLABORATION OF CREATIVE MINDS, ALL FOR SHOWCASING LOVE.

Magic happens when a pair of creatives

ensures the overall aesthetic and streamlined

photography was my calling.” Her signature

merge to produce the dream day for a

running of the day is consistent and stress

style of photography is self-described as,

happy couple. Ivy & Bleu and Lee Calleja

free.” Looking forward, Mandi says, “I would

“Natural and candid with a fashion edge

Thomas Photography fell in love with their

love to see Ivy & Bleu continue to build its

wherever possible” and she has a couple of

creative practices early on and have both

reputation in the industry for beautiful, organic

loving words of advice for those preparing for

become experts in their field, now joining

styling and florals.” Their aim is to keep on

their special day— “To all the brides out there

forces to create a powerhouse of professional

offering high quality services for all aspects of

… let yourself enjoy all the moments leading

wedding services.

the wedding, and love to provide couples with

up to your wedding day; enjoy the planning,

“exactly what they had envisioned.”

make it a special journey of shared time with

Ivy & Bleu: Ivy & Bleu is an all-rounder event and wedding planning business that began

Lee Calleja Thomas Photography: Lee fell

in 2011, but for its founder, Amanda Turner

in love with photography at a young age, when

(Mandi) it seems to be a job she was destined

she first started playing with her dad’s Pentax

for. “From a young age, I had always shown

K1000, taking photos of him working around

a talent and interest (aka a little bit of an

the house. She says, “Even then I think I

obsession) in the planning and organisation

understood I was capturing a moment in time.”

of any event that crossed my path.”

The first shoot Lee ever did was at aged 12. It

Since then, Ivy & Bleu has grown to be a company that believes in “creating trends rather than following them” and loves to push the boundaries in the services they offer: styling,

involved taking pictures of her best friend, with

your loved ones (like trying on the dress) and don’t let anything stress you out on the day ... it will work out. It’s really about the two of you at the end of the day, and of course make sure you plan your day so that your photographer gets the best available light to capture those precious photos of you and your new hubby. For us, it’s all about the light.”

big 80s hair and a DIY lighting studio complete with candles, lamps and foil reflectors. The darkroom was, of course, her laundry.

planning, hire and floristry. This means that Ivy

It was only through TAFE and assistant work in

& Bleu can be involved in your whole wedding

Melbourne that Lee was able to really develop

process, right from choosing a venue through

her skills as a professional photographer.

to ensuring picture-perfect details on the day.

“When I realised that I could combine my love

These services are available individually, but

for photojournalism and interest in people, and

info@ivyandbleu.com.au

Mandi says, “We find having the ability to offer

capture real life and raw emotion on couples’

ivyandbleu.com.au

all these things under the one umbrella saves

wedding days (Is it wrong to say I love to see

info@leecallejathomas.com.au

both time and money for our clientele and also

a guy tear up?), that’s when I knew wedding

leecallejathomas.com.au

business feature

FROM BRIDE TO WIFE

“WHEN I DREAMED OF MY WEDDING DAY, I NEVER EXPECTED IT WOULD BE SPLIT ACROSS THREE EVENTS, 12,000KM AND FOUR MONTHS.” Words + Photography: Athena Grace | Gowns: Karen Willis Holmes Hair + Makeup: Michelle Cato | Jewellery: MEZI Australia | Florals: Hey Little Wildflower | Model: Jordan Gallagher

first saw him outside a food truck in San Diego. It was almost 40 degrees Celsius and he was wearing a

beanie. He was a handsome, bearded barista from Portland, who walked right up to me and told me he liked my accent. When I met and fell for Camron, I didn’t know that two years on I would have moved overseas, left everything I’ve ever known, and that I would be about to marry an American. I didn’t know that all my dreams and expectations about my wedding day would be radically redefined as I accepted the difficulties of marrying someone from across the world. Choosing to marry Camron was also choosing the ache of long distance, a life split between two homes, divided time between two families and the difficulty of beginning life all over again away from Australia.

from bride to wife

~ “AS A BRIDE, I DON’T WANT TO HOLD MY BREATH; I WANT TO BREATHE DEEP, TO SLOW DOWN TIME WITH PRESENTNESS, THANKFULNESS AND STILLNESS AS I PREPARE TO BECOME A WIFE.”

Then he asked me to marry him, knee-deep in powdered

I want to be real for a second here. I’m writing this with

snow near a frozen waterfall outside of Seattle. As we began

only 25 days until my wedding. I’m right in the heights of

telling our family members of our grand plan to celebrate our

what is usually a ‘stressful’ and ‘chaotic’ time—last minute

marriage equally in both countries, and elope in between …

planning, everything coming together, absolute busyness and

let’s just say it didn’t go over well. When I dreamed of my

functioning at your fullest capacity. In the first few months

wedding day, I never expected it would be split across

of our engagement, I was unable to make myself stop from

three events, 12,000km and four months, and that it would

my own busyness. My life was too loud to seek quietness,

be a huge point of tension for us on top of the tensions

too fast to slow down. Hyped up by coffee, but without the

engagement already brought.

awareness of a vibrant feel for the ‘now’. I’ve seen it in myself

Since that day in the snow, my fiancé and I have felt, for the most part, like we’re holding our breath. I think if I’m honest,

too; in all my haste, I think I’m making up for time, but it turns out I’m losing it. “Hurry always empties a soul”—Ann Voskamp.

the end goal and finish line for us has felt like the moment we

But I discovered something that has completely changed my

say, ‘I do’ and it’s all over; all the goodbyes, all the traveling, all

heart. It has helped me live with healthy perspective now,

the saving, planning and creating. I see this same mentality

right in the midst of this chaos. And it was learning to reorient

all the time with couples; as they date and begin to seriously

my mind toward the real goal of marriage: not being a bride,

talk about marriage, they prepare their hearts, finances and

but becoming a wife, and preparing for a lifetime with the

circumstances for it. But from the moment they get engaged

man I love. I want to always keep this at the forefront of my

the focus of these things switch to the wedding day.

mind; weddings are good, but marriage is better. The first day is important, but the choices you make now are better made in light of the last day. Don’t get me wrong; being a bride is a beautiful thing and it is unspeakably exciting. Even calling them ‘fiancé’ is special! The root of the word ‘fiancé’ simply means ‘future’, so I often just call Camron my ‘future’, a constant reminder of what’s to come. So here’s the thing—when you have a healthy perspective that the end goal of your wedding is the marriage, your heart is liberated to make healthy decisions, both small and large. Time goes fast during engagement, but I encourage you to weigh it down with thankfulness so

from bride to wife

you can live slowly, presently, appreciating the unique beauty

being a wife is for the rest of your lives together. The party

of this time so that you can prepare to love your future-

is over in a few short hours, but that’s when the millions of

husband fiercely, fully and faithfully. True joy runs deeper than

hours afterward really begin—life living with your best friend

just this one season and will overflow into your marriage.

and adventure partner, and choosing to fiercely love one

As a bride, I need to reorient the way I think about my

another even when it’s really hard.

wedding. Being a bride is not the end goal; becoming a wife

I’m with you in this. Together, we’re not doomed to say,

is! Though I have spent more hours of my life dreaming of

‘Engagement was the worst, and we have so much we

being a bride then dreaming of being a wife, now I can say

regret.’ I don’t want to see our wedding day as the finish line,

that I’ve honestly spent less time stressing and more time

where we sit there on our honeymoon reeling like we’ve just

swooning over my future-husband. I have chosen to focus

run a marathon. As a bride, I don’t want to hold my breath; I

less on the small details of the day and more on my future

want to breathe deep, to slow down time with presentness,

with Camron. Being a bride is for a short moment in time—

thankfulness and stillness as I prepare to become a wife.

B E A U T Y IS IN T HE DE TA IL S SWEET ACCESSORIES SERVED ON A PLATTER. CREATIVE DIRECTION CARLA BURRELL PHOTOGRAPHY THE ROBERTSONS PHOTOGRAPHY therobertsonsphotography.com PLATES RENTON BISHOPRIC CERAMICS rentonbishopric.com

LUXE ELEGANCE HEADPIECE MARIA ELENA HEADPIECES mariaelenaheadpieces.com.au JEWELLERY MEZI mezi.com.au PERFUME ONE SEED oneseedperfumes.com LIPSTICK + CHEEK + LIP BALM ERE PEREZ ereperez.com RING BOX AMONIE amonie.com.au SILK SONGBIRD SILK songbirdsilk.com.au

BOHO BEAUTY HEADPIECE BO & LUCA boandluca.com EARRINGS + RINGS MEZI mezi.com.au BANGLE SALITA MATTHEWS salitamatthews.bigcartel.com NAIL POLISH KESTER BLACK kesterblack.com RING BOX AMONIE amonie.com.au PERFUME HANAKO THERAPIES hanakotherapies.com SILK SONGBIRD SILK songbirdsilk.com.au

BE AU T Y IS IN THE DE TA IL S

SOFT ROMANCE HEADPIECE ALL ABOUT ROMANCE allabout romance.com.au EARRINGS MEZI mezi.com.au RING NATALIE MARIE JEWELLERY nataliemarie jewellery.com WATCH THE HORSE thehorse.com.au PERFUME KAI kaifragrance.com LIP CRAYON ILIAâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;MECCA mecca.com.au RING BOX AMONIE amonie.com.au SILK SONGBIRD SILK songbirdsilk.com.au

NATURAL APPEAL HAIR WREATH LITTLE WREN FLOWERS littlewrenflowers.com EARRINGS NATALIE MARIE JEWELLERY nataliemariejewellery.com RINGS RUUSK ruusk.com PERFUME VANESSA MEGAN vanessamegan.com LIP BALM LÃ&#x153;K BEAUTIFOOD lukbeautifood.com NAIL POLISH ENDOTA SPA endotaspa.com.au SILK SONGBIRD SILK song birdsilk.com.au

BE AU T Y IS IN THE DE TA IL S

A SUBTLE EDGE HEADPIECE CRYSTAL ECLIPSE CROWNS etsy. com/au/shop/CrystalEclipseCrowns WATCH THE HORSE thehorse.com.au RING NATALIE MARIE JEWELLERY nataliemariejewellery.com PERFUME LE LABO—MECCA mecca.com.au LIPSTICK ILIA— MECCA mecca.com.au NAIL POLISH KESTER BLACK kesterblack.com SILK SONGBIRD SILK songbirdsilk.com.au

so phiebak er ph ot ogr aphy.com

@j e n n i f e rg i ff ord d e s i g n s j e n n i f e rg i ff ord d e s i g n s . c o m

S O F T LY S W E P T FEMININE INSPIRATION WITH A ROSY GLOW. Words: Amy Clarkeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Halcyon Agency | Illustrations: Inkling Design

PRAIRIE FRENCH TWIST Loosely curl the hair in small sections, alternating curl directions. Run fingers through the hair to separate the curls. Use texturising spray. Starting at the bottom, tightly twist the hair to create the French twist. Secure with pins. Finish by pulling out tiny sections around the front hairline to frame the face. Moisturise the skin well. With fingers, apply a cherry-toned cheek stain blush to the apples of the cheeks, tapping the remaining colour onto the lips. Add lip balm to the lips and cheekbones for some shine. Define brows with a pencil, and set with a clear gel to keep in place.

SOPHISTICATED CHIGNON Sophisticated, timeless and stately are hallmarks of this updated classic. Twisting, braiding and rolling are key techniques to perfecting this delicious French bun recipe. Roll up a loose three-strand braid, pinning at the nape of the neck. Take a strand on either side, twist and pin into place. Add a bit of glow using a pearl-toned liquid highlighter to the cheekbones, chin and inner corners of the eyes. With your fingers, dab a bit of silvery eyeshadow along the upper and lower lash lines to give dimension. Fill in the lips using a nude liner, and top with shimmery lip gloss.

S OF T LY S W E P T

BUSINESS FE ATURE

POLLEN & PLUME EMBELLISHMENTS MADE WITH LOVE TO DETAIL YOUR SPECIAL DAY.

Alison Moncrief swapped high fashion

(which sit neatly around the waist), chokers

business moved to the building opposite us

for the high country—all in the name of

and cuffs. I use the best materials, such

in Fitzroy. Every Friday at 5 o’clock he’d open

love. Her bridal accessories collection is

as hand-pressed silk petals and Swarovski

his window and call across the laneway, ‘Al,

another heartfelt leap.

crystals, and I think it makes a huge difference.

time for wine!’ I loved how easy it was to be

A luxurious, complementary accessory won’t

with him—we’d see each other and never talk

break the bank and it can mean you can keep

about what was next. Then things got serious

the rest quite simple. I do ready-made and

and he revealed his ‘10-year plan’—including

bespoke pieces and love working closely with

moving to the country. I was having a grand

brides to capture what they’re about.

old time in Melbourne, and it was not on my

It’s hard to imagine a business that sums up a person better. Alison grew up in Derbyshire, studied fashion, then scored a job in London as a high-end embroidery designer. After a decade jetting between Melbourne, India and Europe, she fell for an Australian man and moved with him to Yackandandah, in the Victorian high country. She now designs and makes couture-quality bridal accessories with a well-trained eye for natural beauty. How did Pollen & Plume come about? I have two young boys, and they were starting to need me less–so I thought, time to get my creative life back! My previous career with designer Megan Park had spoilt me. I

Who was your first customer? I made a sash for a friend who was married in Melbourne’s biggest cathedral, next to two bridesmaids and 10 sexy groomsmen! It had ostrich feathers and Swarovski bling and she rang me in tears the day she received it to thank me. I’ve also made sashes work very well in the opposite sort of wedding—outdoor and informal events, where the bride might wear a simple dress with the sash as the special element.

radar. But as life moved on and we had our first son, Jack, I realised I wanted the freedom I’d had in Derbyshire for my kids. Moving to the country has been an adventure and I wouldn’t want to share it with anyone other than Chris. How has life changed? The fashion industry is insane, particularly high fashion. I don’t miss the pressure. Now, I work from home with a view of the chooks, the hills and the bush. I get to bring up my kids in the country, design and make beautiful pieces for my brides, and sit

used to work a lot in India, where I’d spend

Is there a meaning behind the name ‘Pollen

down at the end of the day with Chris, a glass

weeks scouring the markets and working with

& Plume’? I cracked the name with the help

of wine and a killer view. Bliss.

karigars (local embroiderers) on designs. It was

of two dear friends. ‘Pollen’, as all my pieces

a very organic, intensive, careful process. I

use pressed and veined petals, and ‘Plume’,

wanted to continue to produce special one-off

referencing the first sash I made using ostrich

items, as opposed to everyday fashion, so

feathers. It also has a ‘birds n’ bees’ feel,

bridal accessories were the perfect fit.

which seems fitting for a wedding business!

Tell us about your collection. I design and

How did you fall in love? I’d met Chris

alison@pollenandplume.com.au

make embroidered hairpieces, wedding sashes

before through friends in Melbourne. Then his

pollenandplume.com.au

business feature

Photography by Georgie James Photography + Ben Glezer

SWEET SERENIT Y “THERE IS BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY.”

CREATIVE DIRECTION + STYLING SIERRA RAMKE sierraramke.com PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY jamesbennett.com.au HAIR + MAKEUP VERONIKA MOREIRA veronikamoreira.com FLORALS JARDINE BOTANIC FLORAL STYLING jardinebotanic.com.au MODEL RACHAEL WHITE—BELLA MANAGEMENT bellamanagement.com.au

DRESS DELILA FOX delilafox.com RINGS RUUSK ruusk.com

sweet serenity

THIS PAGE DRESS DELILA FOX delilafox.com RINGS RUUSK ruusk.com OPPOSITE PAGE TOP + SKIRT MATCH MADE BRIDAL matchmadebridal.com RINGS ABBY SEYMOUR abbyseymour.com

sweet serenity

THIS PAGE DRESS DELILA FOX delilafox.com EARRINGS THE SLEEVELESS SOCIETY thesleevelesssociety.com.au RINGS RUUSK ruusk.com OPPOSITE PAGE DRESS DELILA FOX delilafox.com EARRINGS THE SLEEVELESS SOCIETY thesleevelesssociety.com.au RINGS RUUSK ruusk.com

sweet serenity

THIS PAGE DRESS JEANNELLE LA AMOURâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com VEIL BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com RINGS ABBY SEYMOUR abbyseymour.com OPPOSITE PAGE DRESS BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com HEADPIECE TWIGS & HONEY twigsandhoney.com RING ABBY SEYMOUR abbyseymour.com

sweet serenity

THIS PAGE DRESS DIVINE ATELIER—BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com OPPOSITE PAGE DRESS JEANNELLE LA AMOUR—BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com VEIL BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com RING ABBY SEYMOUR abbyseymour.com

sweet serenity

THIS PAGE DRESS JEANNELLE LA AMOUR—BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com RINGS RUUSK ruusk.com OPPOSITE PAGE TOP MATCH MADE BRIDAL matchmadebridal.com SKIRT CATHERINE DEANE—BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com

sweet serenity

K ATE + JEFF U S A

“YOU TAUGHT ME HOW TO OPEN MY HEART, AND SHOWED ME WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE LOVED.” PHOT OG R APHY Loga n C ole — Br a n c h & C ole

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kate + jeff

DEAR JEFF We took a chance on each other, so I hope

will be there to be strong for me. I want to

we never stop taking chances throughout

continue always lifting each other up and

our life together. I hope we make decisions

challenging one another to be better. I hope

that aren’t easy, but are right, because they

we never lose the sense of adventure we

are done so with love. I want to continue to

have now. I hope that only grows as we

respect and support each other’s dreams

embark on the biggest adventure—starting

and independence. You told me today that

a family. I dream of all the love and kindness

part of being married means we are a team

you will give and teach. I can’t wait to see

and don’t have to face things alone, and it

your smile when that next journey begins.

grounded me and reminded me that it’s OK

I hope to have endless days filled with Van

to have moments of weakness because you

Morrison, sunshine and lots of kisses.

kate + jeff

DEAR KATE All I want to do is continue to love you.

and compassion are second to none. And

I can’t imagine anything more satisfying.

the positivity you give to this relationship

Each memory we create together, every

almost brings me to tears. And when the

new experience we have, my fondness

time comes, we will begin a family of our

grows deeper. I want to be better at

own. I can’t wait to raise children with you.

telling you in the moment though, so it’s

Your calibre of a human being is something

something we can recognise together. It’s

that needs to be passed on. I know how

what you deserve and it’s what I want to

important family is to you and you will be

give you. I will continue to appreciate our

such a good mother. I don’t think someone

differences that make us individuals but

could get so lucky as to find someone like

also our shared passions that make us

you. I think it was written somewhere in the

one. I will say this to the day I die—I have

big picture. Kate, you are beautiful in every

never met a better person. Your strength

way. I am so proud to call you my wife.

kate + jeff

CEREMONY Beacon Rock State Park, Washington PLANNING Branch & Cole STYLING Benjamin Holtrop GOWN + SHOES Etsy CROWN Anna Marguerite VEIL MelindaRoseDesign—Etsy HAIR + MAKEUP Beth Level JEWELLERY + WEDDING RINGS Catbird GROOM’S OUTFIT ASOS FLORALS Selva Floral Design STATIONERY Rachel Jacobson CAKE Little Red’s Bakeshop

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kate + jeff

LIZ + CALLAN A U S T R A L I A

“I AM SO LUCKY TO HAVE YOU BY MY SIDE, AND HONOURED YOU’D CHOOSE ME TOO.”

PHOTOGRAPHY Janneke Storm

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LIZ + CALLAN

DEAR LIZ

Every day since we’ve been married I’ve

and the shine will wear off with time like it

enjoyed being able to look across at you and

does for everybody, I know I can rely on you

think to myself, Damn, I must have done

to shake things up occasionally and reveal

something right to end up here. To be fair, I

a bit of that excitement and wonder. I can

thought that before we were married—I guess

rely on you to remind me that there is more

I’ll always think it! I am so lucky to have you

ahead and that where we are is not where

by my side, and honoured you’d choose me

we’re going to be. I’m so lucky to be part of

too. Our wedding and the times around it have

this relationship and this marriage with you,

become memories central to my being; thank

going through this evolution with you, and

you—they are the best days of my life … so

I look forward to family, fortune and the fun

far. I’m excited to see what the future for us

that awaits! I know that you’re going to roll

brings. Although those magical days are

your eyes at how corny my letter is—I live

behind us now and the routine sets back in,

for those eye rolls!

LIZ + CALLAN

DEAR CALLAN

You look at me like maybe I am magic;

weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also share moments of illumination.

it makes me want to be brighter and

May those storms always be followed by

more exciting than the ordinary world for

metaphorical rainbows. Together, lover, you

you. I hope to always bring a sense of

and I can leave this world a little brighter

spontaneity, childlike delight and adventure

than we found it! I want to grow old with

to our lives together. We have already tested

you, watch the lines from smiling trace a

our love and we know the foundations are

map of our memories on your face. To still

solid. There will be times when our love feels

hold your hand tightly when our strength is

like a thunderstorm, when skies are dark,

failing. To fall asleep on your shoulder at our

and hopefully, in those moments of thunder,

own grandchildrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding receptions.

LIZ + CALLAN

CEREMONY + RECEPTION + PLANNING Yandina Station, Sunshine Coast STYLING CL Weddings and Events BRIDE’S OUTFIT Divine Atelier—Babushka Ballerina (top), Venita Drennen (skirt) SHOES Chinese Laundry HAIR Gemma Casinelli-Morales, Evalyn Parsons Hair MAKEUP Makeup by Jess, Jenna Turner Makeup Artistry JEWELLERY By Charlotte—Lily & Mitchell GROOM’S + GROOMSMEN’S SUITS George & King BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Needle & Thread—ASOS, Zimmermann RINGS Grew & Co FLORALS W illow Bud CAKE Tome

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LIZ + CALLAN

MONIK A + SHAUN A U S T R A L I A

“WE HAVE LAUGHED, WE HAVE CRIED, BUT ABOVE ALL, WE HAVE LET EACH OTHER GROW.” PHOTOGRAPHY Brown Paper Parcel

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monika + shaun

THE PROPOSAL Shaun proposed to me on our sixth

staying at and completely had me in tears

anniversary. He organised a lovely weekend

with all the beautiful things he said about our

away to Hepburn Springs. He had been very

life together—we had just had a spa bath and

nervous up until our anniversary and I thought

were soaking up the comfort of our massive,

something was up. He didn’t quite give it

white, comfy robes when he proposed. I, of

away but I thought there might be a chance

course, said ‘yes’ immediately! At dinner that

that it was the day as we had spoken about

night, I couldn’t contain my joy and had to

marriage many times in the lead up. Shaun

have Shaun do all the ordering as I couldn’t

proposed at a beautiful house we were

keep a straight face from all the grinning!

monika + shaun

AS A COUPLE … We’ve always been very close and talk to each other about everything. This, of course, is a cliché but we’re each other’s best friend. Despite this, we also acknowledge that we need to make our own mistakes and have time for ourselves, so we’re always conscious of when to give each other space. A common love of music, film and travel definitely helps us to stay close and enjoy what’s most important in life. We simply cannot imagine our lives any other way.

CEREMONY Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbour ne VIC RECEPTION French Saloon, Melbour ne VIC GOWN Gabriela Hearst SHOES Stuart Weitzman HAIR Saint Louie Hair MAKEUP Cammi Tu Makeup Artistry JEWELLERY Eddie Borgo GROOM’S SUIT Oscar Hunt RINGS Charles Rose FLORALS Loose Leaf CAKE Spring Street Events HIRE + SETUP Pepper Sprout Hire Co CELEBRANT Susan McBride—McBride Celebrations

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monika EXCLUSIVE CON T E N T + shaun

LAUREN + LLOYD A U S T R A L I A

“YOU INSPIRE ME EVERY DAY TO SMILE HARDER, DREAM LOUDER AND BE BETTER.” PHOTOGRAPHY Courtney Illfield Photography

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lauren + lloyd

DEAR LAUREN I vividly remember how difficult it was to

would be), and of my eagerness to begin

concentrate, writing that note as I made

our next big adventure together. But I could

my way from beach to church; absently

never envisage just how extraordinary our

listening to the chatter of my groomsmen

wedding day would end up being. I feel

while comfortably familiar landmarks

immense and genuine happiness every time

whizzed past my peripheral vision.

I look at our photos. Through your style and

Resisting the urge to begin with “Webster’s

coordination, you weaved atmospheric magic

dictionary defines”, I told you how I felt

for both us and our guests. The celebration

in that moment; how much I anticipated

of our marriage was the phenomenal party

seeing you walk down the aisle (perhaps

we’d always wanted, and I will be forever

not foreseeing just how overwhelming this

grateful. You are my favourite person.

lauren + lloyd

DEAR LLOYD I prefer the German word for ‘marriage’, which is ‘Ehe’. I expect you’ll glimmer at the irony of it too. Such a glib exclamation, you can almost see the shrug of some indifferent shoulder that accompanies it, the frivolous flip of hair. An answer to a question that is no answer at all. The irony! Such a tiny, trivial word for such a vast and valuable thing. How can any word be large enough to describe what it means to have every joy ricocheting between us like an echo, multiplied and magnified over and over again? How can any phrase be profound enough to express how it feels to have every sorrow halved, dissipated and diminished over the surface of two hearts instead of one? Life is such a grand adventure, but it is nothing without love. You inspire me every day to smile harder, dream louder and be better. You make the adventure worthwhile. To Ehe.

lauren + lloyd

CEREMONY Chapel of St Michael The Archangel, West Leederville, WA RECEPTION The Old Pickle Factory, West Perth, WA PLANNING + STYLING The Girl Blooms GOWN Zanzis SHOES Jimmy Choo HAIR Hair by Hatem MAKEUP Hendra Widjaja JEWELLERY Kezani Jewellery GROOM’S SUIT Joe Black Menswear BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES White Runway BRIDESMEN’S SUITS Calibre RINGS T iffany & Co. (bride), Rosendorffs (groom) FLORALS Zinnia Floral Designs STATIONERY FentonInk CAKE The Cake and I DRINKS The W ine Thief HIRE + SETUP Maisey Collections, Hire Society LIGHTING Festoon Lighting Perth

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lauren + lloyd

E MILY + GARY N E W

Z E A L A N D

“YOU ARE MY LOVE, LIFE AND ETERNAL HAPPINESS.” PHOT OG R APHY Da wn Th om son P h otogr a ph y

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emily + gary

GARY’S VOWS Emily Murphy, you are my love. My mischievous, intelligent, generous best friend. You entirely have my heart. I’m proud of the woman you are and the man you have made of me. I’ll dream with you and scheme with you. I’ll explore with you and desire of you. You brighten my world when times are tough and laugh beside me with all your love. I love you. Very simple, very true.

emily + gary

EMILYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S VOWS With my whole heart, I take you as my husband. I respect you for the man you are, the man you were before me and the man you will become. I promise to be faithful and supportive. I look forward to our challenges, knowing what we are already capable of conquering. I will dream with you and scheme with you. I will drink with you and dance with you. I will laugh and fight and explore and learn and grow with you. I promise to always keep you warm at night. I will be yours in sickness and health, triumph and failure, difficulty and ease. Since the day I met you and for the rest of my days, you are my love.

emily + gary

CEREMONY+ RECEPTION Mt Nicholas Station, Queenstown PLANNING + STYLING Colour Me Happy BRIDE’S OUTFIT THEIA (top), WardrobeByDulcinea—Etsy (skirt) HAIR The Salon, NZ MAKEUP Muse Hair & Makeup JEWELLERY T iffany & Co. (earrings), Harriet Goode Jewellery (necklace) GROOM’S + GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Barkers BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES ZARA RINGS Harriet Goode Jewellery FLORALS The Flower Room STATIONERY Whitelaw Mitchell HIRE + SETUP Bespoke Weddings and Events (lighting + hanging foliage features) TRANSPORT Souther n Discoveries

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101

emily + gary

LAUREN + STEVEN A U S T R A L I A

“FROM THE MOMENT I MET YOU, I KNEW I WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.” PHOT OG R APHY L a r a H otz

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lauren + steven

DEAR LAUREN When we first met at a little bar in Balmain,

relationship that we need to make it official.

I thought to myself, Wow, she is a feisty,

Pulling together all my hard-earned cash,

charismatic, beautiful lady who loves

selling anything in sight, all to put a rock on

construction … where do I sign up! We

that finger. It took me six months to search

talked the night away like two souls who have

for that perfect stone, as I knew that such

been reunited, both looking over one another,

a stone would bring out the biggest smile,

analysing each movement and word to see

and to me I would sell it all again and more

if this moment was real. We have grown into

to make sure that smile is around forever.

one another’s lives, feeding off each other’s

If this is how we have started this journey,

success and failures; helping one another

my heart fills with desire to see how we can

in every situation and importantly enjoying

expand on our dreams and make fruitful life

our new-found life. Realising rapidly into our

memories, of families old and new.

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lauren + steven

DEAR STEVEN From the moment I met you, I knew I would

that we can make little babies and that they

be taken care of for the rest of my life. In

have the same spunky, beautiful qualities

return, I will do my best to take good care

like us. We both work so hard and will

of you always. You are so caring and calm;

continue to do so, so that our children will

you are loving and someone to easily fall

have a wonderful upbringing and live in

in love with on a daily basis. I know I keep

a house that we have renovated or built

you on your toes and keep it interesting

together. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always ensure that we laugh,

constantly, even when you want a plain

communicate and tell our deep thoughts to

and boring day. One day soon, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope

each other until we have false teeth.

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lauren + steven

CEREMONY St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Balmain NSW RECEPTION Carriageworks, Eveleigh NSW PLANNING Love 2 Love Wedding and Event Planner STYLING + HIRE + SETUP She Designs Events GOWN Paolo Sebastian SHOES SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker HAIR Toni & Guy MAKEUP Michael Haldar Beauty JEWELLERY Aurélie Bidermann (bracelet), Kate Spade (earrings) GROOM’S SUIT Hugo Boss RINGS Cerrone (bride), Boucheron Paris (groom) FLORALS Poho Flowers STATIONERY Momental Designs CAKE Andy Bowdy CATERING European Catering

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lauren + steven

MAGALI + GABE A U S T R A L I A

“WE CAN’T IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT EACH OTHER, AND WOULDN’T WANT TO.”

PHOTOGRAPHY I Got You Babe Weddings

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magali + gabe

AS A COUPLE â&#x20AC;Ś More than anything, we are best friends. We

our dogs at the park. We like conspiracy

canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine life without each other, and

theories, cacti and the outdoors. We are 100

wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to. We are both know-it-alls,

per cent genuine around each other. Our

self-assured and a bit weird. We are family-

friends have been telling us we are in the

focused and love the simple pleasures in life,

honeymoon phase for the past two years

like cooking together at home, listening to

and things will change. We love our friends,

music, going for a swim or hanging out with

but unfortunately, they are wrong on that one!

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magali + gabe

THE PROPOSAL I proposed a year before our elopement, on the last night in Sydney together, as we had both packed up our lives and were planning on moving to Newcastle the following day. All that was left in Sydney was our three-legged schnauzer puppy, Shelby, a car packed to the roof with all of our cacti and plants, and each other. On the eve of our move to Newcastle, we wanted to spend it at the very first place we met each other, The Royal Hotel Paddington—and we even sat at the exact same table! We watched the sunset and sipped on margaritas from the rooftop overlooking the city we were leaving, and were thankful for all the good times we had had here. We were so excited for the next chapter (less work, more life!). After dinner and drinks, we went home to my already packed up room, now completely empty other than an inflatable mattress for our last night’s sleep, and this is where I proposed. Without actually saying, “Will you marry me?”, the intention was pretty clear when I pulled out the ring and said that it was us forever. Magali replied with, “Are you serious?” about one hundred times before putting the ring on. As a young man, I had always envisioned myself going to ridiculous lengths for an elaborate engagement, like writing their name in the sky, or hiring a private plane to some exotic restaurant somewhere secluded, and in the end the most ‘right’ place and time to do it was on an inflatable mattress in my empty room!

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magali + gabe

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magali + gabe

A NOT SO SIMPL E FA IL URE CAN AN AFTERNOON BLIGHTED BY FLAT PACK FURNITURE EVER BE REDEEMED? RICHARD MILLER GATHERS UP HIS COURAGE—AND HIS ALLEN KEYS—IN A QUEST TO FIND OUT.

with superglue; my pants were torn, my wife wasn’t talking to me and we’d long since run out of coffee. Our laid-back Saturday had been sucked into the abyss commonly known as ‘Hours of Our Lives We Would Never Get Back’. As simple as it first appeared? Not quite. I guess we should’ve

Words: Richard Miller | Photography: Phil Chester

been better prepared. Lots of others have lived through similarly harrowing experiences; we’re hardly alone. With more realistic expectations, we might’ve still ended up frustrated—but probably not to the point of desperately clutching the instruction page and wailing at an uncaring sky, “What B5? There’s no such thing as B5!” As with our flat pack odyssey, we began our marriage a little naively—and again, I don’t think we’re alone in that. I’ve heard plenty of people say that marriage should be simple. All you need to do is love each other, right? That’s true, in a way. But love itself is not simple, especially through years— decades, you hope—of marriage. Thinking it will be is like sitting down on a Saturday arvo with the delusion that your allen keys are going to match your little bolts, or that your instructions will be written in something resembling a human language. In this complicated and cluttered world, it’s a good thing to strive for simplicity—especially in the most important relationship in your life. It’s also good to recognise that even

t all looked so simple: three big cardboard boxes, a sheet

your most precious partnership will occasionally make you

of instructions, a willing co-worker and an in-case-of-

want to scream, cry and curse the lack of clear instructions.

emergency pot of coffee. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, the stereo was cranked, and we had (naively it turns out) agreed it would be a fun, bonding experience to assemble a flat pack chest of drawers and change table for our soonto-be-born baby daughter. What could possibly go wrong? Short answer? Everything. Long answer: As we looked more closely at those ‘instructions’, dark clouds gathered.

Sometimes, your best guess at how to proceed will turn out to be wrong—and you won’t know until you turn the whole thing upside down. But persevere, because one day, a year or two later, you’ll realise that the simple things in life are great—but the things that mean the most are the ones you really have to work for. One day, you might be changing your baby on a change table you built, and the drawer handle will come

These were not (as promised on cardboard box #1) a

off in your hand. And you won’t be able to do anything but

clearly printed, easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide. Instead,

laugh as you stand there, remembering a ridiculous Saturday

obscure pictures and mangled hieroglyphics covered the

afternoon and the thousands of small-scale defeats and

page, like something Tom Hanks might decipher in a horrible

victories that, together, make your marriage meaningful.

Hollywood blockbuster about a secret alien civilisation that

steals the Mona Lisa and something, something World War Three. Yet, like an intrepid, bald Hanks I set to with my array of allen keys, which ranged in size from toothpick to

“LOVE ITSELF IS NOT SIMPLE, ESPECIALLY

robot arm—and discovered none of them matched any of

THROUGH YEARS—DECADES, YOU HOPE—

the bolts we’d been given. Six hysterical hours later, I found

OF MARRIAGE.”

myself in a scene of carnage, rocking in the corner, coated

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KEEPING CONNECTED

“INTIMACY IS SOLD TO US IN THE SHAPE OF WEEKEND GETAWAYS AND SEXY LINGERIE. AND WHILE THESE MIGHT HAVE THEIR PART TO PLAY, THE GIST OF INTIMACY IS NOT ARTIFICE, BUT BEING UNASHAMEDLY OURSELVES.” Words: Erica Bartle | Photography: Sara K Byrne

t’s a Sunday evening at winter’s end and I sit in my lounge room nestled next to the fireplace with

Despicable Me playing on the TV. My husband is splayed on the couch in a comatose state, and my four-year-old is bashing him with a ballerina doll so he will stay awake. Story time is nigh, and an important ritual in our household. We’ve spent the day at The Farm Byron Bay, and we’re all spent, so engaging in our respective activities (together, alone) is our way of disengaging (or ‘conscious disengaging’ if you want to be all Gwyneth about it) ever-so-gently, yet still within the safe confines of this quintessential modern family scene. On our coffee table is a chaotic mess of newspapers (unread), mobile phones (ping, ping, ping!), laptops, iPads, teacups with cold contents, my daughter’s expansive Crayola colour set, and a book published by The School of Life aptly titled How to Stay Sane. Did I mention that nearby there is a sleeping seven-month-old baby in a bed? Inside my mind the thoughts swirl: a stack of unanswered work emails I really should get to (eep!), trivial concerns (When did my face get so many wrinkles?), and familial worries (What school should we send our first-born to?) beset my weary head. Busy, overwhelmed, overtired … intimacy between my husband and I doesn’t stand a chance tonight. In the public domain the term ‘intimacy issues’ has come to be associated with shortcomings of the sexual variety.

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keeping connected

Whole industries have sprung up around the idea of libido amplification, from expos where you can explore the latest

gadgetry to pharmaceutical companies and plastic surgeons

“A MARRIAGE WITHOUT INTIMACY IS SIMPLY

augmenting your private bits for optimal performance. But

UNSUSTAINABLE IN THE LONG TERM; IT’S

a lack of sexual intimacy, excitement and will often goes

MORE LIKE BEING HOUSEMATES.”

deeper than that; coitus terribilis* or coitus non-existent can be the result of a lack of intimacy in other parts of your marriage; of a failure to give your marriage the time, room and nourishment it needs to flourish; or of some lack in one or both of you that really should be addressed together. Intimacy is described variously as ‘closely acquainted; familiar’ and ‘private and personal’. To me, intimacy is being completely and utterly vulnerable. It is love exchanged unconditionally. It is knowing your spouse better than anyone else in the world. It is being together and not needing to say a word. It is seeing each other at your best and your worst. In a world that can be a bit flippant about marriage, one in which we are familiar with the sordid details of many a marriage trial and failing (fictional or otherwise), and in which you can outsource your sex life to Tinder, put yourself forward as a candidate for reality TV marriage, publish your spouse’s latest #partnerfail to Facebook and capture your honeymoon for Instagram, the idea of preserving

have their part to play, the gist of intimacy is not artifice, but being unashamedly ourselves. Knowing someone—really knowing them—requires a degree of vulnerability on both of your parts, as well as the investment of time. If you are a closed-book type, or too busy doing things other than your marriage (because marriages require doing as well as being), or beset by a host of personal issues (perhaps some seriously dysfunctional ones), this presents its challenges. Inside a marriage, you shouldn’t have to hide. You should be free to be both the good you and the bad all at once. Marriage should be a safe place, a place where we can feel free to be our horrible, messy selves, and yet find in each other comfort and solace, and the space and support to grow at our own pace.

something intimate for you and your partner alone is sort of

Marital intimacy is cultivated on many fronts: the physical

quaint. ‘Fake intimacy’ is proffered to us through the world

(sex, touch, tangling in bed, cuddles and proximity), mental

of celebrity (we know them, but do they know us? No!),

(sharing thoughts, ideas, dreams, learning, problems and

Instagram and highly curated media that lets us see only the

solutions), emotional (disclosing worries, fears, joys and

bits that are sellable. Intimacy is sold to us in the shape of

sorrows) and spiritual (growing together on a spiritual

weekend getaways and sexy lingerie. And while these might

ascent … or at least in the same direction).

In the heady early days of your relationship, you might nail

on course. A marriage without intimacy is simply unsustainable

each one of these areas as you progress at rapid speed, kind

in the long term; it’s more like being housemates.

of like how infants grow phenomenally in their first 12 months

Like Adam and Eve lured by the fruit of the tree, disrupting

and go from helpless bebes to walking, talking tiny humans.

their perfect union, we are convinced by the world that this

This is prime time for long drives, talking into the night and

and that will satisfy our thirst to feel full, and so we chase

basking in each other’s golden presence. In fact, in ye Olde

these things—even the ones that look good on the outside

Testament times, before cohabitating for years prior to tying

(the self-help books, the gym, work, the MBA, the beautifully

the knot was de rigueur, a soldier was not permitted to go to

curated Instagram account, charity work)—but then wake

war during the first year of marriage; this time together was

up one morning and feel incredibly lost. And our spouse is

considered that foundational to your future as wedded people.

nowhere to be found. Where did he/she go when you were

It would be unrealistic to expect to continue on the same

busy fooling around with those things that ultimately could

trajectory as your lives become more seamlessly one than

not satisfy your soul? Hopefully not elsewhere for intimacy!

two halves of a whole, especially if and when children enter

Ten years from now, you do not want to be that clichéd

the fold, or you go through a period of intense busyness

couple sitting in a restaurant looking miserable with nothing

(like trying to start a new business, or completing a master’s

to say. You want to be enjoying each other’s company every

degree by night). Advice such as, “Couples should practise

single day. When your youth has vanished, some of your

setting aside a period of time every day for sharing and listening

dreams have fallen by the wayside, and life has not exactly

to cultivate their friendship,” makes my eyes roll. Please!

lived up to expectations, you still want to be able to say to

And yet if we fail to meet each other beyond surface interactions

the person lying next to you in bed, “As long as I’m with you,

regularly, like passing ships on the sea, then we are depriving

it’s okay.” So get down with intimacy. It’s the safest place

our marriages of the essential touch points that keep it tracking

your marriage can be.

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S T AY I N G I N T I M A T E TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE ON RE-ESTABLISHING CONNECTION WITH YOUR SPOUSE. Photography: Keegan Cronin

elcome to white’s very own social experiment, where we delve deep and see if we can make an

impact on marriages! We provided four couples with a set of guidelines to follow over the course of a week—if you are game, take up the challenge yourselves and see if our methods help inject some more intimacy into your relationship with your spouse. They are simple tips based around what couples could achieve amidst a busy schedule, so don’t be

GUIDELINES

intimidated by the list. In the meantime, see how our couples faired with being intentionally intimate.

• G o for a stroll in the evening at least twice this week, preferably hand-in-hand to really connect and take some time out to catch up. • S how each other some affection—give one another a five-minute massage before bed. • C hat for 10 minutes every night this week before you fall asleep, not about work or kids if you have them. Purely about what you are grateful for when it comes to your partner. • T ake a moment out—spend two minutes just staring into each other’s eyes each day. This may feel weird at first, but keep at it and let it progress as the week goes by. • C ook dinner together at least once this week (with music blaring so you can both dance in the kitchen like they do in the movies!) • H ave a date night, and do something that you both enjoy and makes you feel closer. • Most importantly, don’t forget to communicate with each other throughout the week.

EVA + JOSH: BE INTENTIONAL Eva: Communication is something we need to keep working

expect each other to be mind-readers—that’s not their job.

at, especially now that we have a baby and life is busy. It’s so

And while we’ve made many mistakes, we’re slowly learning

important to be on the same page, to be open and honest

to do this better. Eva: Going on a recent date was so, so good.

and affirm each other with words and affection. Non-verbal

Being able to connect in the way we used to before baby was

has been the best sometimes—a cuddle is a great thing

so important. We laughed, chatted about bits and bobs and

and says it all. Encouraging each other and talking about

enjoyed some good wine. It’s hard to get these moments now

how we both feel is really important in making sure we stay

that we have a baby but it’s crucial. He’s my best friend so it

connected. Josh: When we communicate well we feel such

was good getting out of the house, walking hand-in-hand and

a deeper connection and safety in our relationship, especially

loving being in each other’s company. Deep connection doesn’t

when we’re tired or going through difficult things. We can’t

happen automatically. It takes time and intentionality.

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DAVID + SHOBANA: COMMUNICATION IS KEY For us, the intention of communication is the birthplace of

partner. Always keep discovering who they are, and who they

connection. Open and honest communication leads to a place

were created to be. Make time to do things together that take

of vulnerability. We believe that C.S. Lewis says it best—”To

you out of the day-to-day aspects of being married—instead

love at all is to be vulnerable.” Open communication above the

be adventurous and keep spontaneity alive. Find out how

momentary functions of the day leads us to see deeper into the

your spouse receives love (touch, gifts, etc) so they can fully

soul of each other. To never take each other for granted, and to

receive the love you have for them. Keep dreaming together—

remain deeply connected and intimate with each other in every

when you share dreams, it draws you closer in a wonderful

season of life. Never assume you know everything about your

way. At the end of the day, you get out what you put in.

BELLA + MICHAEL: BRING THE FUN I think in all of this, the revelation that we cling to is that

the pressure of being new parents combined with sleep

we can’t have everything but we can have something. So

deprivation, but in all that we still try to find moments that

even if our dates are one hour long or 20 minutes for a

are just for us; special pauses in time that keep the everyday

walk around the block alone, it counts. Michael and I are a

exciting and wonderful. No-one should be too busy to invest

peculiar couple. We really thrive on being a team—we’re two

in their marriage, but to ensure it stays fun and exciting, take

peas in a pod, and we’ve always been like that. Quality time

some of the ‘planning’ out of it. Maybe allocate the time, but

is important to us, but the season we’re in at the moment

allow one partner to actually plan something for the other …

with our eight-month-old is difficult to navigate. There’s

fun is so important in our experience!

127

S taying intimate

ERIKA + RYAN: APPRECIATE THE SMALL THINGS Ryan: Erika and I have been best friends since we were kids,

side by side fighting the good fight. One soul to anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;my

and whether it has been long chats on the landline or face-

heart in his. That type of thing will give a girl butterflies any

to-face conversations, we have always shared the life that

day. Ryan: I believe with my whole heart that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the small,

we believe we were destined for. For me, the focus of the

small commitments that will make the biggest difference in

social experiment totally re-emphasised the power of sharing

the future. Erika: You have to see the beautiful in the grit and

moments together. Erika: There is something so magical

stretch to create heartwarming moments in the everyday, no

about being face-to-face in a moment together and not just

matter how tired you are.

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STILL THE ONE I LOVE

PAMELA + RONALD: A CARING MARRIAGE Photography: Keegan Cronin

ow approaching their 59th wedding anniversary, Pam and Ron Wilson were a couple that struck love at first

sight, and continue to do so each day. Over the years they’ve learnt how to be ‘one’, which is cultivated from a whole lot of care and generosity. How did you meet? Pam: We met at The Brighton Ballroom in Newcastle upon Tyne. I was there with friends, and Ronnie came and asked me for a dance. We danced around and he told me he would like to dance with me again the following Saturday. The next week, he asked if he could take me out on Tuesday where he met me with a bunch of carnations. Ron: I was standing on the side of the dance floor and I saw this vision in a pink dress. She was dancing with a man who was blind and I fell for her straight away. Do you remember your wedding day? What was it like? Pam: It was a lovely wedding. It was in February and the snow had been. The church grounds still had snow on them but the sun shone—it was the beginning of a summer heatwave and lovely year. Ron: It was a beautiful, sunny day near the end of winter. We had a marvellous day. Everybody danced, and afterwards we caught the train to Edinburgh for our honeymoon. How did you know your partner was the one? Pam: After meeting him, I went to work and the girls said, “Pamela, you’ve gone absolutely gaga after him.” They were right—I thought he was wonderful! Ron: I felt it in my heart. I’d never wanted to get married before I met Pamela. She had a beautiful smile and personality. What more could you ask for?

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still the one I love

How have you kept your relationship strong all these years? Pam: Caring for each other, sharing and talking things out. Ron: Because we always agree with each other. We have the odd argument but it’s just trivial, nothing big and nothing that can’t be settled. How do you both deal with conflict? Pam: Talk about the issue as soon as it happens. Don’t let the sun go down on

~ “YOU’VE GOT TO BE HONEST AND YOU’VE GOT TO SHARE EVERYTHING LIKE WE ALWAYS HAVE DONE. IT’S NOT ‘YOURS’ AND ‘MINE’, IT’S OURS.”

your anger. Ron: I usually agree with her. I find it hard to deal with conflict and she can deal with anything. Have there been any challenges in your relationship?

What advice do you have for young couples? Pam: To

Pam: The biggest challenge would be emigrating, in the

love each other, to be honest and to share everything. Not

sense that you have to believe that God is looking after you

have ‘his’ and ‘hers’. Don’t pretend to each other and don’t

so everything will be alright. Who we met and surrounded

pretend everything is okay if it’s not. Say something as early

ourselves with along the way made a huge difference.

as you can instead. Ron: Get to know each other before you

What are the three most important ingredients to a successful marriage? Pam: Love, honesty and caring. I

decide to make a commitment. Be honest, trust one another and share everything.

don’t think you’d have a good marriage without them. Ron:

What is marriage to you? Pam: Marriage is belonging. In

Love is the most important. You’ve got to be honest and

the Bible it says two become one, and you think, how is that

you’ve got to share everything like we always have done. It’s

possible? But it is in a good relationship. Ron: Marriage is

not ‘yours’ and ‘mine’, it’s ours.

everything; complete happiness if you have the right person.

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still the one I love

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Boring ceremonies are so last season! Amy Watson is a modern celebrant, storyteller and party starter, creating bespoke ceremonies that are sure to make your day shine.

crystaleclipsecrowns@gmail.com | crystaleclipsecrowns.etsy.com

amy@idometoosydneycelebrant.com | idometoosydneycelebrant.com

Image by Lauren Metzler Photography

JAPONICA

WANAKA

Our ethos is simple: gorgeous design, beautiful seasonal blooms and textural foliage. We live and breathe wedding and event flowers. Based on the Northern Beaches, Sydney.

Located in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand, this stunning alpine and lakeside town is one of the most dramatic and romantic places on earth.

florals@japonica.com.au | japonica.com.au

wanaka.co.nz

LITTLE BLACK BOW PHOTOGRAPHY

MUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Little Black Bow Photography are relaxed, allowing for a fun experience where you get to enjoy the day as it happens. We don’t do awkward or bossy, just good vibes!

We offer brides and grooms candid and natural wedding photography. Inspired by photojournalism, we capture your wedding story as it unfolds truthfully and creatively. We have a passion for capturing movement, life and joy.

hellolittleblackbow@gmail.com | littleblackbowphotography.com.au

info@musephotography.net.au | musephotography.net.au

TESS FOLLETT PHOTOGRAPHY

THE WEDDING NEST

“I love to document love. It makes me feel ridiculously happy, and I aim to make the couples I work with feel ridiculously happy, too. Every couple has their own story to tell and I like to capture the story as it unfolds.”

The Wedding Nest is a boutique wedding gift registry specialising in unique gifts that are design- and stylefocused—not available on other registries. Custom Wishing Well and Honeymoon funds are available.

me@tessfollett.com | tessfollett.com

info@theweddingnest.com.au | theweddingnest.com.au

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LOVE AND STUFF PHOTOGRAPHY

UNDER THE MOON ELOPEMENTS

“Love and Stuff Photography is for the adventurous hearts. We celebrate your love and joy, minus the fake or cheesy poses—just a relaxed, fun experience to document all your authentic moments.”

The ultimate glamping wedding experience. The team creates all inclusive wedding packages tailored to your needs, and set the bell tent camp in their beautiful and wild locations (or yours).

hello@loveandstuff.co | loveandstuff.co

info@underthemoonelopements.com.au underthemoonelopements.com.au

YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY

PUSHING PANSIES

Your Wedding Ceremony offers high quality and stylish ceremony furniture for hire. We have bundled up all of the costs, installation, transport, dismantle and furniture hire to create one nice, neat little package so you get the best value for money and a hassle-free service on your wedding day.

Artistically structured floral arrangements and the passion for providing those with something a little different is what the duo behind Pushing Pansies aims for. Located in Newcastle, they specialise in wedding florals and daily bouquets. hello@pushingpansies.com | pushingpansies.com

hello@yourweddingceremony.co | yourweddingceremony.co

FLEUR MY DARLING

ESPLEY’S OLD SAWMILL

Whether for an intimate gathering or large public event, Sydney-based Fleur My Darling specialises in creating lush, romantic and on trend floral designs to surprise and delight our clients.

Espley’s Old Sawmill is nestled at the foot of the Watagan Mountains in the prestigious rural valley of Martinsville. It’s a space with rich history and rustic country charm.

fleurmydarling@hotmail.com | fleurmydarling.com.au

espleysvenue@gmail.com | facebook.com/EspleysOldSawmill

HOSTCO

LOVER OF MINE

Say ‘I do’ with HostCo catering and venues. Offering fine food and wine, exceptional service and event planning down to the finest detail, HostCo will work closely with you to ensure your wedding day is unforgettable.

We are a husband and wife duo and our passion is to craft beautiful, wholehearted images so you can remember and cherish your moments for as long as you both shall love. hello@loverofmine.com.au | loverofmine.com.au

info@hostcosydney.com | hostcosydney.com

WEDDING DEETS

MAKEUP BY BONNIE LEE

The easiest way to create your own beautiful wedding website. Share it with friends and family and manage your RSVPs online. Save the Date and Invitation options available.

Bonnie Lee is a freelance makeup artist and hair stylist based in the Newcastle/Sydney area with a passion for creating. She loves styling looks that are both fresh and timeless, ensuring you feel beautiful in your own skin for your magical day.

hello@weddingdeets.co | weddingdeets.co

contact@makeupbybonnielee.com | makeupbybonnielee.com

CRAB APPLE HIRE AND STYLE

HELLO NAOMI

Dreaming of a whimsical vintage, relaxed country or industrial inspired wedding? We’d love to help bring your vision to life. Our warehouse is packed with event furniture and decorative goodies, all available for you to hire (styling optional).

Hello Naomi offers a boutique wedding cake service including delivery to Newcastle, Sydney and the Hunter Valley. Cakes are lovingly baked from scratch with a truly delicious flavour. They use a modern approach to design, specialising in sugar flowers.

hire@crabapplevintage.com.au | hire.crabapplevintage.com.au

hello@hellonaomi.com.au | hellonaomi.com.au

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ENDLESS I N S P I R AT I O N

Our online Directory is a mecca for wedding planning; an intuitive little hub full of the best creatives in the business.

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W W W . T O M E K P H O T O G R A P H Y. N E T

Photo: Ann Marie Yuen

DESTINATION WEDDING CINEMATOGRAPHY