Innholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2016 - 2017 i Cosmopolitan Bride Australia

There are some seriously talented and creative people in the wedding industry who really love what they do. Often wedding suppliers are unsung heroes who wake up at dawn to install magical flower arches and polish wine glasses. They meticulously hand stitch delicate laces and carefully craft icing flowers, or perch in a tree to get that perfect candid photo. We meet so many talented experts that we dedicate an entire section to them each issue (page 29) and even ask all our ‘I DO’ brides for their vendor contacts so in every wedding (from page 41), you can meet their bridal team! But this issue we went one step further. I was lucky enough to meet the elegant and super-fun Emma Watkins, who you may know better as Emma…

When did your love of parties and styling begin? Marie: For as long as I can remember I’ve always had a love for parties, but I fell head over heels for styling when I stumbled upon US wedding styling blogs when planning my own wedding. Sarah: I’ve always been a fan of parties but my obsession started after I started working at a creative agency that had an events arm. I realised creating unique and memorable experiences was my true passion. What was the first party you styled? M: Pretty sure it was my birthday party in primary school – nothing amazing but Mum let us go nuts with streamers. S: My birthday parties growing up were pretty epic (I made a mean lolly bag!). When did you decide to…

DATE April 9, 2016 VENUE Hopewood House, NSW It’s a match made in Australian entertainment history! Emma, the Yellow Wiggle, and Lachy, the Purple Wiggle, met and fell in love on set, so it’s no surprise that their wedding day was full of fun, singing and dancing! The day started with Emma’s bridesmaids helping her into her custom couture gown, which took 45 minutes! Lachy added a touch of tartan to his outfit for his Scottish heritage, and then it was time for the ceremony. Blue Wiggle Anthony Field played the bagpipes as Emma walked down the aisle. After a heartfelt ceremony (which included a choreographed sword fight thanks to Emma’s dad), guests were treated to drinks, nibbles and mini goats to play with. Soon enough, everyone was seated inside…

DATE February 13, 2016 VENUE Zigfrids Dining Hall, Vic After managing to get all their loved ones in the same room for their engagement party, Shelbi and Francis decided to surprise all of their guests and get married! On the day, the happy couple took photos with the bridal party before rushing off to their “engagement”. They mingled with their guests before the bride’s sister, Mikala, announced that they wouldn’t have to wait much longer for Shelbi and Francis to say “I do”, and everyone roared with excitement as Shelbi and her dad began walking down the aisle. After the first kiss it was time for them to party the night away with all their ecstatic guests. DATE February 13, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Shannon from Sorrento Weddings (sorrentoweddings.com.au). “He has the…

DATE January 16, 2016 VENUE The Atrium at The Grounds of Alexandria, NSW After having lunch one day at The Grounds, Jess and Jarred knew it was the perfect place to get married! Their big day was filled with family tributes and personal touches. Jess carried in her bouquet a small photo and the birthstone of her Nan who had recently passed away, and both the bride and groom’s grandmothers walked down the aisle with the flower girls! The guests enjoyed a delicious feast and a grazing table, before Jess and Jarred’s first dance to a beautiful cover of “This Old Love” by Lior. They felt the love, surrounded by their family and friends and lots of magical fairy lights, under the stars. DATE January 16, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Damien Furey…

DATE December 12, 2015 VENUE Kogarah Greek Orthodox Church & Albert Palais Events, NSW After being engaged for over four years while Peter studied away from home, the happy couple were so excited when the big day finally arrived. The celebrations included live bouzouki duos playing while everyone got ready, and a Greek Orthodox Church ceremony filled with tradition. It was then on to the reception where guests were treated to a huge feast and danced to both English and Greek music. Peter’s father surprised the couple with a piano accordion performance, and they even had a bouzouki player at the reception to get everyone into the traditional Greek dancing – opa! DATE December 12, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Photography and Cinema by Filmography (02 9529 4150). DRESS & VEIL Lisa Gowing…

DATE November 28, 2015 VENUE The Willows, Vic Jen woke up feeling relaxed on the morning of her wedding and enjoyed a big, hearty breakfast before her nerves finally kicked in. Soon it was time for the emotion-filled ceremony where the couple were married by the pastor of their church, and Pieter surprised Jen with sweet handwritten vows, the nerves now long gone. After originally not planning to perform a choreographed first dance, the mood was certainly set when the couple performed a last-minute routine at their reception. Guests then enjoyed a three-course dinner, cake and speeches, and some hilarious photo booth fun! DATE November 28, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Karen Woo (fashion photographymelbourne.com.au). “We loved Karen’s energy and positivity.” DRESS & VEIL Jane Hill Bridal (jane hill.com.au). “I love that my…

DATE January 16, 2016 VENUE Babylonstoren, South Africa Kate spent her morning getting ready with her bridesmaids, and calming her nerves with the cricket on and some Bloody Marys! When it was time to get married, her mum and brother walked her down the aisle in place of her late father, while John waited for her with tears of emotion in his eyes. The couple’s wedding rings were passed through the hands of their family and friends for love and blessings, and as they were signing the register, Kate and John surprised their guests with a 17-piece African children’s choir! Soon everyone was dancing into the reception, which was filled with local, fresh flowers and fairy lights. DATE January 16, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Sophie Smith Photography (sophiesmithphotography.com). “Sophie was an absolute…

   …

       …

NUDE & GOLD Dress: $389, Adrianna Papell (02 8987 3400). Shoes: $149.99, Wittner (wittner.com.au). Dress: $3400, Alison Davis Collection (alisondavis.com.au). Shoes: $179.95, Wittner (wittner.com.au). Cuff: $40, Kookaï (kookai.com.au). Dress: $211, Asos (asos.com/au). Shoes: $49.95; earrings: $5.95, both Forever 21 (02 8036 4579). Dress: $250, Bec & Bridge (becandbridge.com.au). Shoes: $259, Senso (senso.com.au). Top: $369; skirt: $369, both Morrison (morrisonshop.com). Shoes: $149.95, Nine West (ninewest.com.au). Necklace: $525, Lucy Folk (lucyfolk.com). COLOURFUL Dress: $420, Sant Elia (santelia.com.au). Shoes: $439, Ginger & Smart (gingerandsmart.com). Bracelet: $250, Ae’lkemi x Samantha Wills (aelkemi.com). Clutch: $39.99, Forever New (forevernew.com.au). Dress: $270, Bec & Bridge (becandbridge.com.au). Shoes: $800, Stuart Weitzman available at Hermanns (hermanns.com.au). Clutch: $650, Furla (furla.com.au). Dress: $1999, Rachel Gilbert (rachelgilbert.com). Earrings: $9.95, H&M (hm.com/au). Dress: $599, Ginger & Smart (gingerandsmart.com). Shoes: $554, Stuart Weitzman…

   …

NEW SOUTH WALES CENTENNIAL PARKLANDS DINING, CENTENNIAL PARK (trippaswhitegroup.com.au) Why it’s amazing: Set in the heart of Sydney’s Centennial Park with floor-to-ceiling views of the picture-perfect green lawns, this venue has plenty of gorgeous outdoor spaces and sundrenched decks for you and your guests to enjoy. By night, the grounds are closed to the general public, giving you completely private access. Your ceremony can be held anywhere in the parklands, allowing you to choose the perfect spot. And there’s more: If you’re after an outdoor garden wedding but don’t want to risk any unpleasant weather surprises, this is the place for you. The dining area is surrounded by nature, offering a flowing indoor/ outdoor space. The food is centred on flavoursome, high-quality dishes that reflect the Australian seasonal and sustainable…

Big skirt For that classic Cinderella moment Beaded From sparkly to deco-embellishments. It’s your time to shine Pants A less traditional but totally cool option Ruffles Feminine frills that’ll feel fun and look special Lace Sheer, sexy, sweet – lace is a win for everyone! Blue Make your something blue your gown! High neck Right on trend, a high neck looks fashion forward Back Don’t forget a show-stopping back for that aisle walk Off the shoulder A little cold shoulder has never looked so pretty Minimal Clean, elegant and sophisticated for brides who don’t like fuss Long sleeved Whether you’re a winter bride or just love a good sleeve, there’s plenty of options Short Who says your gown has to be long? Not us!…

When did your love of shoes begin? I never could find a pair of shoes that I truly loved; there’d always be something just a little off – the heel height wasn’t quite right or the colour would be just a little different from what I was after. I started having my shoes custom made. I loved being able to customise all of the beautiful details. I knew I was onto something when all my friends started asking about my shoes and if I could commission their designs too. When did you decide to make it your everyday work? I wouldn’t have thought to turn the idea into a business had it not been for my two co-founders Mike Knapp and Michael Fox. They were working at Google and were…

DATE December 29, 2015 VENUE Dunbar House, NSW In the final moments before leaving for her ceremony, Lauren shared a precious moment that she will never forget with her closest loved ones, before walking down the aisle towards Stephen under the gorgeous fig tree at Watsons Bay. After the ceremony, the couple surprised their family and bridal party with a harbour cruise, where they enjoyed champagne and canapés in the sunshine, and there was even a roaming saxophonist! The reception was a huge party filled with hilarious and heartfelt speeches and lots of dancing throughout the night, and no one wanted the celebrations to end. DATE December 29, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER SugarLove Weddings (sugarloveweddings.com). “We couldn’t have been happier with the photos. They really captured the pure joy and happiness we…

DATE November 20, 2015 VENUE Carousel, Vic Kirsty spent the morning of her wedding day getting ready surrounded by family and friends. The ceremony took place under a gorgeous archway that the couple had designed and built together, and it was both emotional and hilarious, with the bride vowing to listen to Daniel’s advice, “and occasionally take it”, and the groom vowing to be open and honest with Kirsty, and “patient until she realises I’m right”. And at the end of the night, just when they needed it most, a burger truck arrived before midnight to feed the guests who’d spent the night partying on the dance floor – yum! DATE November 20, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Warren Photography (warrenphotography.com.au). “Johnny is absolutely hilarious and kept us giggling all day.” DRESS &…

DATE December 31, 2014 VENUE The Biltmore Ballrooms, USA Tia’s morning was filled with special treats and Starbucks before it was time for her to head off to her ceremony. In a non-traditional twist, Tia and her father were met by her mother at the end of the aisle where they all shared a special moment before she said “I do”. After the vows, the newlyweds snuck off for a private peek at their reception space, where Chris gifted Tia with a Tiffany & Co. locket with pictures of her grandparents inside. Once all the guests had arrived the party really kicked off! The happy couple celebrated their night sharing in the promise of a fresh new year with the ones they loved. DATE December 31, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Rob &…

DATE February 20, 2016 VENUE St Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church & Curzon Hall, NSW On the morning of her wedding Justine felt full of emotion, and as her dad walked her down the aisle towards her groom, they both shed tears of happiness and sadness. When she saw Sonny, though, it all melted away; she felt so excited to start her new life with the man of her dreams. After a traditional ceremony it was time for the reception, and the newlyweds entered led by 20 drummers, two fire-breathers and three Lebanese singers! The celebrations continued with the couple sharing a romantic first dance in a room filled with gorgeous white flowers, candles and ornate candelabras. DATE February 20, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Inlighten Photography (inlightenphotography.com). “Our photographer was absolutely incredible to…

DATE November 1, 2015 VENUE Whitehaven Beach & Qualia, Qld This happy couple decided to share the beauty of Hamilton Island with their family and friends in an intimate beach ceremony by the water. While the groom and the guests travelled by yacht to the ceremony, Brittany and her dad boarded a helicopter! After the couple had exchanged vows, it was back into the helicopter to fly to an amazing private island for pictures. The newlyweds then enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner, surrounded by flowers and their loved ones, and they even had a butterfly release, where the couple were able to watch their butterflies fly off into the sky together – sweet! DATE November 1, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Marcus Bell at Studio Impressions (studioimpressions.com.au). “Marcus captures exactly how you’re feeling…

  DATE September 25, 2015 VENUE St Matthew’s Catholic Church & Jaspers, NSW When it came to choosing a ceremony venue, there was no other option for Annie and Scott, who were married in their family church filled with special memories. After a sentimental reading by Annie’s nanna, the couple officially became husband and wife and it was on to the reception, which was filled to the brim with gorgeous flowers. From the moment they began their first dance, until the newlyweds were sent off by their family and friends at the end of the night, the dancing didn’t stop. Even Annie’s two-year-old nephew, Harry, was a crowd favourite, carving up the dance floor all night long! DATE September 25, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Magnus Agren Photography (magnus agrenphotography.com). “Magnus was so…

“Your list of priorities changes. It’s no longer how things affect me, it’s how they affect us. It’s much more complex” GEORGES & PHOEBE Married May, 2015 What made you decide to get married? Georges: I was 38 when I proposed, and this is my first marriage. People say when you know you know and I honestly believe that’s true. There was no other option for me; after a particular time, Phoebe was it. Phoebe: Being with Georges, I made some big changes. I moved to Australia from England; I took the relationship seriously from the beginning. Marrying Georges was the path I was on from the very beginning. What kind of advice were you given about marriage? G: My dad said you don’t have to feel like you’re madly…

“Yes. There are two days in a woman’s life where she can tell people what to do and feel no guilt. One being the day she gives birth and the other being her wedding day. If you are lucky enough to be invited to someone’s wedding, you follow every instruction on that beautiful, gold, embossed invite. If one of the specifications is to dress a certain way, you nod your head and happily oblige. After all, the bride and groom are probably forking out $250 for you to shovel chicken or beef into your mouth and guzzle back their fine champagne, so if the bride requests her guests wear yellow or red or a feather on your head… just do it. The truth is, weddings can all become a bit…

Family is extremely important to me and establishing a good connection with my in-laws is paramount to having a good relationship with my wife. It’s also inevitable that both sides of the family are going to cross paths throughout our lives so getting them acquainted at an early stage helps. My wedding was a surprise to our family and friends – that was something we wanted to do – so there wasn’t a chance to get my now-wife’s family on board for the preparations. Would they have wanted to get on board had we done it differently? One brother cried from happiness when we surprised them with the wedding, so I’d take that as a yes – they would have! I would think my father-in-law would have experienced more wild…

When did your love of fashion begin? I love film. Art. Music. Dance. Food and culture. My love of fashion is derived from all of these influences. Though my personal style is very minimalistic, I opt for comfort and elegant clean lines, which is synonymous of Vera’s style. And when did you decide to make fashion your everyday work? I decided to leave the media industry after 10 years to embark on a fashionable change. What led you to Vera Wang? Taking on board the role of CEO for YTD has exposed me to the company’s portfolio of brands, including Vera Wang Bride. What do you love most about the Vera Wang boutique? The Vera Wang Bride Sydney boutique is special because it is the ultimate destination for brides. It’s…

@unbirthdaybakery Bright! Artistic! A scene stealer! @sugarbeecakes Like a confetti drop and cake in one. @fayecahillcakedesign Go naked with just a fun flower. @katherine_sabbath Make your cake an artwork! @andybowdy Decadent and dripping in goodness. @cake_ink Simple + luxey = amazing. @thecakethatateparis Magical marble is a showstopper. @jonathan_caleb_cake Let the icing do the talking… @allthingssweetbycarissa Pops of bright pink add fun. @sweetart_official Watercolour art on your cake! @tome___ Add macarons for extra sweetness. @hanselandgretelcakes Palm fronds say fresh and cool. @hellonaomicakes Navy and white always looks right! @sweetmamacakes Drenched in figs? Yes please! @ninecakes A crown for a cake – so regal! @cakesbyaantafel So simple, so fresh.…

DATE October 31, 2015 VENUE Colony 29, USA The Palm Springs location really inspired Julia and Daniel’s big day; their vows were said in front of a desert backdrop, with mountains, cacti and a DIY macramé wall hanging. The happy couple entered their reception to “The Circle of Life”, followed by a “Power 15”, where guests would take a shot of beer every time the song changed. After lots of dancing, the newlyweds made their way through the “tunnel of love” formed by their guests, and Daniel surprised Julia with a white horse-drawn carriage, all lit up with fairy lights, which Julia found hilarious. It definitely was the perfect end to a perfect day! DATE October 31, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Hugh Kretschmer (hughkretschmer.net). “I had always loved his unusual and dark…

DATE January 24, 2016 VENUE Runnymede House & Peppermint Bay, Tas After getting ready at a boutique hotel, Hannah made her way to her ceremony – it was time to get married! The happy couple exchanged emotional hand-written vows before they kicked up their heels with their bridal party (of 14!) and had an absolute blast travelling in a stretch Hummer to each photo shoot location. Their guests travelled by boat to the reception, which was decked out in white florals and greenery, and BJ and Hannah spent the night partying on the dance floor with their friends and family until they boarded the boat back home through an archway of their guests holding sparklers. DATE January 24, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Fiona Vail Photography (fionavailphotography.com.au). “She captured every moment perfectly and…

DATE March 5, 2016 VENUE Merribee House, NSW It was a perfect sunshine-filled day for Weekend Today weather girl Natalia’s wedding. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when the couple said their vows to each other and while guests enjoyed a delicious feast, Carl performed a song he’d written for his new bride, leaving everyone speechless. The room was filled to the brim with love! There was a huge focus on music, with friends of the couple, including Carl’s bandmate, getting up to DJ through the night. One friend, who’d never spun before, was the hit of the night, dropping everything from Spice Girls to John Farnham. The party never stopped! DATE March 5, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Nick Cooper from Apertunity Productions (apertunityproductions.com). “My brother takes the most amazing…

DATE February 6, 2016 VENUE The Deck, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, NSW Laura spent the morning of her big day surrounded by her loved ones, who had planned a thoughtful surprise, getting her friends to write down advice for the day and reading it out to her as she got ready. From the moment Laura and Ryan saw each other, everything felt right, and as they were introduced as Mr and Mrs Walsh for the first time, they couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces. The celebrations continued into the night with guests having a ball in the photo booth, and the newlyweds sharing their amazing wedding cake with their family and friends after the reception. How sweet! DATE February 6, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Katie Nolan Photography (katienolan.com.au). “I love her style,…

 DATE September 19, 2015 VENUE New Farm Park & WATT Brisbane, Qld After Graham proposed at New Farm Park and walked Kerrie to their surprise engagement party, they both knew they wanted to say their vows in the exact same spot. It was all part of the atmosphere when spectators in the park started watching their ceremony and celebrating with the newlyweds, and soon it was on to the reception, where Kerrie and Graham were excited to show Brisbane off to their guests. Their venue was the perfect place to do just that with a view of the Brisbane River and a hatted chef delivering amazing food to the party – and no one complained of an empty glass all night! DATE September 19, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Kait Photography…

Vida Glow offers a range of hair, skin and nails supplements. Vida Glow marine collagen is formulated with the highest quality hydrolysed collagen powder, which assists the body to form new collagen structures and provides the amino acid building blocks that stimulate the production of new collagen. Taken daily Vida Glow helps to combat the signs of ageing, and is a natural solution to beautiful hair, skin and nails. Vida Glow marine collagen is low molecular weight collagen peptide powder that is highly bioavailable ensuring maximum absorption. The collagen ingested is delivered to the collagen matrix below the skin’s surface, efficiently achieving results. Our Original Vida Glow is tasteless and odourless, making it convenient to include into your daily diet. Or you can enjoy one of the delicious flavours of…

     …

Your leading ladies will look their best thanks to tons of divine dress inspo…

The suit inspo he needs to look totally sharp on the big day…

Marcus STUDIO IMPRESSIONS (studioimpressions.com.au) Karen & Grandmother “I love this moment between Karen and her grandmother a few minutes after she walked out of the church. For me, this image is a constant reminder about how I love capturing weddings. They are so much more than just two people getting married, so much more than how pretty the gown is. There is so much depth to a wedding, with each layer you peel away revealing so much more about each of them.” Dean INLIGHTEN PHOTOGRAPHY (inlighten.com.au) TIna & Frank “One of the greatest fears I often hear is, ‘What if it rains?’ The answer is ‘Something spectacular!’ Tina and Frank were starting to get concerned we weren’t going to get that ‘Wow’ shot due to the rain. My assistant and…

The party doesn’t stop at midnight… inspo for your best afterparty ever!…