Innholdsfortegnelse for Winter 2015 i Cosmopolitan Bride Australia

Fact: I never, ever want to go wedding dress shopping again. But: I kind of want to wear one again. When I got married, I wore a beautiful gown I felt comfortable, confident and cool in. I’d wear it again in a heartbeat. And yet… sometimes I wish I’d thrown tradition out the window and worn a short number with a pair of fabulously coloured heels (Tiffany blue, maybe?). Sometimes I wish I’d draped myself in gold sequins because – let’s be real – how many times will I ever be reasonably allowed to wear gold sequins in my lifetime, assuming (perhaps incorrectly) I’m never going to be nominated for an Academy Award? Sometimes I wish I’d been courageous enough to wear a red or a black dress – even…

I joined Etsy back in 2007 as one of the company’s first employees. At first, I was working through the start-up phase before getting into merchandising. Then, in 2009, I helped to build up Etsy’s core merchandising team, which is a growing department I’m proud to be a part of today. Since it launched, Etsy has become a destination for all things wedding. It’s a niche market for truly one-of-a-kind and custom wedding details, although at the beginning, it was more of an insider secret. Now, though, it’s huge! We have so many personalised options available, and we’re always seeing amazing new trends that surface across the Etsy marketplace in new, creative and broader ways. This year is all about blush weddings – everything from soft pink to rose gold…

THE GOWN Selena, from Karen Willis Holmes’s Bespoke collection THE INSPO “Selena is a statement piece, with lots of layers and textures. It’s dramatic but feminine.” THE HOW Tools of the trade: A4 Reflex paper and black Artline pens. Number of sketches: Three complete edits. THE WHY “I designed this dress almost as an experiment as I wasn’t sure if brides would go for the volume in the skirt. So I made the organza detachable – that way brides could customise the skirt. I chose the guipure lace for its beautiful texture – delicate against all the drama of the skirt.” THE BOTTOM LINE $6,289 …which works out to around $43 an hour – not including custom fittings. “The skirt features seven organza panels attached to a waistband. These panels…

DATE December 27, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Ross Laurence Photography ( rosslaurence.com ). “He’s incredible and his creativity is next-level.” DRESS Aje ( a-j-e.com.au ). “It was perfect for a Vegas wedding. I felt so sexy.” HAIR & MAKEUP Veronica Valdivia ( veronica  valdivia.com). “She’s an absolute genius.” GROOM’S SUIT MJ Bale ( mjbale.com ). “Cameron looked like a stud.” PLANNER Georgie at After the Rock ( aftertherock.com.au ). “I thought getting married in Vegas would be easy. Book a chapel – that’s it, right? Wrong. Luckily we had Georgie, who took the reins and brought my vision to life.” FLOWERS & CEREMONY The Graceland Chapel, Las Vegas, US ( gracelandchapel. com ). “We wanted the most typical Vegas…

When Eve and Dan got engaged in Cinque Terre, one thing was clear: they had to carry the Italian theme to their wedding – with a gelato cart! Sweetness was everywhere at this celebration, from the morning of the big day, when Eve snacked on chocolate to calm her nerves, to the very end of the evening, when guests took home boxes of old-school lollies. The garden setting proved to be a winner, despite the drizzly morning (the rain stopped just when it needed to!). Even better was when Eve’s 99-year-old grandad toasted the new couple with a funny and heartfelt speech, and then everyone moved on to dancing… and gelato-eating.…

DATE August 22, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Studio Manioros, Greece (manioros.gr). “Luckily we got so many photos of the day to relive the moments.” DRESS & VEIL Mira Mandi› ( miramandic. com.au ). “As soon as I tried the dress on, I knew it was The One. With the silhouette of the dress fitted to the body, a dramatic long veil was the perfect addition.” JEWELLERY “My grandmother gave me a ring to wear on the day. She is in her late eighties and a big part of the reason we had the wedding in Greece. Every time I wear it, I will remember how special it was to have her there.” GROOM’S SUIT J Lindeberg ( jlindeberg. com ). “The navy suit was…

For the 20 days leading up to Jess and Nick’s wedding, the sky had been filled with thunderstorms. And yet, somehow, the day of their wedding shone bright with sun and blue skies – a great omen if ever there was one! Jess’s sister Emma acted as celebrant and had the couple do “rock, paper, scissors” to decide who’d read their self-penned vows first. Then it was all about the party, with guests helping themselves to never-ending food and enjoying the drinks that flowed from Big Z’s Bar, which was named after Jess’s beloved late father. Instead of a cake-cutting, the duo opted for a piñata smash (a huge hit with guests!), while the cake was a stack of gold glitter doughnuts – a super-sweet addition to a colourful love…

DATE September 20, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Cloudface Photography ( southcoastwedding.com.au ). DRESS Essense of Australia at Fashions by Farina ( fashionsbyfarina.com.au ). HEADPIECE Portobello Jewelry ( portobello  jewelry.com). “It’ll be a family heirloom.” JEWELLERY BHLDN ( bhldn.com ). GROOM’S SUIT Suit from Connor (connor. com. au), and bow tie and pocket square from The Tie Bar ( thetiebar.com ). BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bridesmaids Only ( bridesmaidsonly.com.au ). “So feminine.” STATIONERY Save the dates and invites from Norma & Dorothy at Etsy ( etsy.com/ au/shop/normadorothy ). FLOWERS Braidwood Bunyip Jungle ( braidwoodnsw.com/bunyip.html ). CEREMONY St Bede’s, Braidwood, NSW ( stbedesb.nsw.edu.au/stbedesparish ). RECEPTION Garan Vale Woolshed, Braidwood, NSW ( braidwoodnsw.com/…

It’s so easy to get lost in the details of wedding planning that sometimes you forget the most important part: you’re marrying the coolest, most fun person you’ve ever met. Not so for Amy and Louis, who say the best part of their day was marrying the love of their life (naww!). Still, there were plenty of other fun details, too, like the beautiful coastal views all 95 guests enjoyed, the floral arrangements dotted around the ceremony and reception… and the uncensored photo booth! After their self-penned vows, the happy couple enjoyed good food, dancing the night away and their sparkler send-off, before savouring a moment to themselves at the end of festivities to ref lect on it all.…

DATE October 11, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Simon Peter Taylor ( simonpetertaylor.com ). “I love Simon’s ability to capture emotion as it happens around him – and those natural moments were most important to us on the day.” DRESS Isabella Longginou ( isabella  longginou.com.au). “Both my dress and the feather skirt I wore at the reception were designed and made by a close friend. She created a bespoke gown with a plunging back in delicate, imported Prada lace.” HEADPIECE Bo & Luca ( boandluca.com ). “This piece was perfect for the outfit change – a ready-to-party look!” JEWELLERY Sarina Suriano ( sarinasuriano. com). “It was the right amount of sparkle and edge to complement my dress.” HAIR & MAKEUP Makeup by The Makeup Room (07…

“It took two years to undergo the conversion process – a long time to wait when you know you want to marry each other from day one” Self-confessed “anti-bride” Nikki didn’t really want anything too “wedding-y” on her big day. Still, having spent the last two years converting to orthodox Judaism for her groom, there were many Jewish traditions to uphold at their celebration. After seven days of not seeing each other before the wedding, it was finally time for Jeremy to bless his bride and bring down her veil, as is custom. When the ceremony wrapped up, guests went wild – so much so the rabbi had to calm everyone down! But there was plenty of time for excitement afterwards. Keeping with tradition, men and women danced apart, but…

DATE October 25, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Paul at Illustro ( illustro. com.au ). “He has a really candid style.” DRESS & VEIL Johanna Johnson ( johanna  johnson.com). “Glamorous but laid-back.” GROOM’S SUIT Bespoke outfit and custom kilt by Scottish Accessories Shoppe ( www . scottishaccessories.com.au ). “So regal!” BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bariano ( bariano. com.au ). “I chose to have them shortened.” STATIONERY The Little Paper Pantry ( littlepaperpantry.com ). FLOWERS Mikarla Bauer ( mikarlabauer. com.au ). “The end result? Jaw-dropping!” CERMEONY Sacred Heart Church, Mosman, NSW ( shnparish.org.au ). RECEPTION & CATERING Zest Waterfront Venues, The Spit, NSW ( zest.net.au ). CAKE La Bretagne Patisserie ( labretagne…

During the weeks leading up to his parents’ wedding, three-year-old Dash told anyone who’d listen that “we” were getting married – “we” being his mum, dad… and him! But really, isn’t that what happened? So when bride Harlee walked down the aisle to meet Ben and Dash (who looked super handsome in their coordinated suits), she promptly burst into happy tears. After the church ceremony it was straight to the reception, where the happy couple wanted each guest to eat, drink and truly enjoy themselves. That they did, with guests raving about all the delicious food and wine. Then the duo partied into the night, enjoying every minute of their loved-up bash.…

DATE September 13, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Lucas & Co Photography ( lucasandcophotography.com ). “We were drawn to the candid style of their work.” DRESS & VEIL Karen Willis Holmes ( karen  willisholmes.com). “The personal service and attention to detail was so impressive.” HEADPIECE & FLOWERS The French Petal ( thefrenchpetal.com ). “I decided to change from my veil to a flower crown for the reception – it felt a bit more party-ready. I was so happy with the flowers and our hanging floral swing on the day.” JEWELLERY Earrings from BHLDN ( bhldn. com ). “They were the crystal Ishtar design.” SHOES Wittner ( wittner.com.au ). “I wore red suede shoes, while Nathan wore red socks so we were matching.”…

“ Perfect ion was achieved by marrying the love of my life and choosing to have him by my side on that day and every other day” Four years ago, bride Emily went on a mission to get fitter when she met Ben – her boot camp instructor! After several months of making her stay behind for extra push-ups, Ben finally asked Emily out – and the rest, as they say, is history. For their big day, this gorgeous couple showed off the best of the Australian countryside to Ben’s English family by hosting their romantic wedding at the farm Emily’s grandfather had bought in the late ’40s. The wedding itself was a stunning blend of soft colours, beautiful florals and rustic details that the couple had put their own…

DATE October 4, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Figtree Wedding Photography ( figtreepictures.com ). DRESS & EARRINGS Grace Loves Lace ( graceloveslace.com.au ). VEIL & HEADPIECE Veil worn at ceremony by The Bridal Company ( thebridalcompany. com.au ), flower crown worn at reception by Moss n Stone ( mossnstone.com.au ). GROOM’S SUIT Wil Valor ( wilvalor.com.au ). PLANNER Rachael at The Events Lounge ( theeventslounge.com.au ). FLOWERS Green and Bloom ( greenand  bloom.com). “Such beautiful bouquets!” CEREMONY & RECEPTION Private residence, Thandwalla Homestead, Qld. BAR HIRE Refurbished caravan bar from My Vintage Lane ( myvintagelane.com.au ). DECORATIONS Vintage furniture from The Collector & Co ( thecollectorandco.com.au ), wooden tables from Frank & Joy (…

CLASSIC Soft, smoky eyes look elegant and beautiful on the day – and great in photos. Romantic, with a little bit of drama, this timeless look enhances your best features in just the right way. STATEMENT While it might not be the most practical choice, a bold, matte red lip will brighten your face long into the night and look amazing in the pictures. Totally worth the touch-ups. PRETTY Don’t feel like yourself without eyeliner, but think it isn’t bride-y? A thicker, graphic liner elongates the eye to make them look wider and more open. In other words, totally beautiful, so yes, very wedding appropriate. MODERN A glowy base with sparkling plum lids and mulberry-stained lips equals one très chic bride. Pair with tousled, blown-out waves. Very now. FRESH If…

We weren’t all born with Blue Steel photographic instinct (which could be a blessing in disguise), but we all want to look back on our wedding photos with fondness, not regret. If you’re shy or just hate having your photo taken (we hear ya!), there are ways to make it less painful. We asked the best in the business, celeb makeup artist Rachael Brook and photographer John Warren, how to avoid shutter shock. FACE FOCUS Before you practise your posing, Rachael says you should sort out your makeup base, as it plays a critical role in how you look on camera. (And has a huge influence on your wedding album satisfaction.) “Always have a trial for your tan, and get the same therapist to spray you with the same product…

JUST ADD FUN DETAILS! THINK SHARP & SIMPLE…

BRUSHSTROKE BALLOONS When it comes to wedding décor, balloons are on the up (and up). Perfect as a table centrepiece or photo-booth backdrop, you can give a few standard balloons the special treatment just by painting rough strokes of a pastel paint at the base of the balloon. You’ll need: Helium-filled balloons Paint and paint brush Ribbon or string Scissors Estimated time: 5 minutes per balloon Estimated difficulty: EVERY DAY I LOVE YOU S’MORE Treat your guests to a sugary send-off with a miniature S’mores kit. The perfect post-party snack, the delish goodies will have your guests get in on the DIY action, too! Organise all the chocolate squares, biscuits and marshmallows into a pastry box before tying with a bow. What you’ll need: Marshmallows Chocolate Biscuits (try Digestives or…

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIEF Items to discuss with your photographer Colour photographs Black-and-white photographs Sepia tones Combination of colour and black-and-white shots Cross-processing or special effects Online options for loved ones overseas ______________________________ SHOTS TO INCLUDE PORTRAITS Bride and bridesmaids getting ready Groom and groomsmen getting ready Bride portrait Groom portrait Bride with bridal party Groom with bridal party Bride with parents Groom with parents Bride with family Groom with family Full-length portrait of bride (front and back) Bride getting in and out of car Bride and groom portrait Bride and groom with bridal party Bride and groom with bride’s parents Bride and groom with groom’s parents Bride and groom with both sets of parents Bride and groom with both families ______________________________ ______________________________ SHOTS TO INCLUDE CEREMONY Church/venue exterior Church/venue interior Parents…

TROPICAL TIME IN THAILAND CALIFORNIAN ROAD TRIP FAIR VERONA FRENCH RIVIERA…

The first thing I noticed about Mark was his smile. We met in 1971, in Sydney’s Coogee. I was 18, and he was 22. In those days, everyone knew everyone. We all hung out a lot and I had noticed his gorgeous smile. Plus, he was the most handsome chap in the area. Everyone knew that. I actually asked Mark out! I think I said, “We should get a drink some time.” He took me to the races – I believe it was the Golden Slipper, at Rosehill. We didn’t win anything, if I recall correctly! There was no engagement… We just knew we wanted to get married. I didn’t have a ring. But between the two of us, we just decided – this is it. We were in love,…

CAPES It’s been said time and again: fashion favours the bold. And for brides after a statement, of-the-moment look, enter Wonder Woman’s style companion (made for your wedded wonder-land). LONG SLEEVE Whether you’re after a ’70s boho vibe or perhaps a classically conservative feel, you’ll look every bit the standout bride with stylish sleeves… to wear your heart on, too. MIDI A decidedly ladylike air is big news right now: sweet mid-length hems teamed with elegant boat-neck tops and gorgeously feminine silhouettes. BLUSH Forget red: this is the new colour of love TEXTURED Eye-catching details made to wow ROMANTIC Take your pick from a delicate array of soft sleeves, dreamy silhouettes and sheer delights. (Floating down the aisle to his sweet surrender just got easy.) TIERED It’s high drama and…

As a little girl I used to cut all my dolls’ hair off bit by bit and paint their faces. So I was always into doing people’s hair and makeup! That phase passed and I was a tomboy for a while. I actually got into modelling by accident on my first job as a makeup artist – the client asked me if I would model for her. For about 10 years I did both. Now my sole focus is on hair and makeup. Wedding day hair and makeup is like red-carpet styling – it needs to look great from a distance and close up, plus it’s got to last all day. That said, the bride still needs to look and feel like herself. Most of my brides say that they…

The first thing I thought after the proposal was… “Well, nothing! I was so happy I had no words. After it all sunk in I thought, ‘Time to plan a wedding!’" When I found my dress, I… “Was relieved. I believe once you find a dress that you feel comfortable and confident in, the rest of the planning is simple.” Planning the wedding was… “Easy! I know my style and knew exactly how I pictured the wedding. My fiancé, Leith, gave me full reign, which was very fun!“ When I woke up on the day, I thought… “‘Let’s get the party started!’ I didn’t feel nervous at all – I was just so excited to have all my family and friends together on such an important day.” By the time…

Despite starting her day with a long run with her bridesmaids, Amy partied on till after 3am on the night of her wedding – and why wouldn’t she, with such a beautiful, fun reception? The day was all about family – Amy and Josh’s own, and the new one they were creating together. Held at Josh’s family property, the day was filled with special custom touches, like the tables named after Josh’s nicknames for Amy, and the MC, who prepared a race call as part of his speech where all the horses’ names made reference to events in Josh and Amy’s relationship. And while the day – and the ceremony in particular – was emotional, Amy didn’t cry, because she was too happy and excited, of course! Now that’s pretty…

DATE February 16, 2014 PHOTOGRAPHER Love Liz Photography ( lovelizphotography.com ). “I love looking at photos – they captured how we felt.” DRESS $1500 for fabric at Saigon Fabrics ( saigonfabrics.com.au ), plus dressmaker fee. “I wanted something really different.” VEIL & HEADPIECE Handmade veil using antique yellow-coloured fabric from Tessuti Fabrics ( tessuti.com.au ), and antique jewellery headpiece from Rivoli Howard Antiques (02 9953 7788). HAIR & MAKEUP Makeup by Marina Passalaris (0410 424 701), and hair by Stavros at Valonz ( valonz.com.au ). FLOWERS Julia Ibels (0418 449 751). CEREMONY, RECEPTION & CATERING Athol Hall, Mosman, NSW ( atholhall.com.  au). “We had a choice of five walking entrées so people could mingle and relax.” CELEBRANT Jessie Cacchillo (…

For travel-loving Hélène and Steve, incorporating their fondness of the wide, wide world in their wedding was a must. After all, within a week of meeting each other in Mexico in 2007, the pair found themselves on a bus together en route to the Caribbean coast where they spent Christmas on the beach! Naturally, the big day was a blend of cultures, with Steve’s mother reading a poem in French (from a selection his grandmother in Paris had suggested) and the bride and groom performing a salsa for their first dance (inspired by their time in South America). The day was filled with love, laughter and dancing – and champagne, bien sûr!…

DATE December 13, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Matt at The Evoke Company ( theevokecompany.com.au ). “Having Matt there was like having another friend at the wedding.” DRESS Lover ( loverthelabel.com ). “I was after something off the rack by an Aussie designer. The quality of the Lover dresses and the lace was too good to pass up.” HEADPIECE Gypsy Flora ( gypsyflora.com ). “Fresh flowers are the most beautiful way to achieve colour.” JEWELLERY Earrings from Tiffany & Co.( tiffany.com.au ). “I wore pearl studs Nick had given me and a sapphire ring of my mum’s that my sister had designed for her 50th (something borrowed and blue).” HAIR & MAKEUP Hair by Simone at The Bridal Hair Co ( thebridalhairco.com ),…

“All my haphazard ideas were transformed into something truly beautiful in an incredibly short space of time” When Jamila and Jeremy got engaged in the US last year, little did they know that just eight weeks later, they’d find out Jamila was pregnant. Soon after, they decided to bring their wedding forward to before their baby was born – and set about planning their wedding in just two months. The result? Spectacular. After a romantic, casual ceremony (the bride, who’s editor-in-chief at Mamamia, described it as “part promises, part stand-up comedy routine”), guests were treated to champagne, canapés and a game of giant Jenga! But for Jamila, the best part of the day was, without doubt, the speeches, when the couple’s cherished friends and family members brought the house down…

DATE September 6, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Phil at SugarLove (sugar loveweddings.com ). “The shots captured the day as it was – nothing was staged.” DRESS & HEADPIECE Johanna Johnson ( johannajohnson.com ). “I felt amazing.” BRIDESMAID DRESSES White Runway ( whiterunway.com. au). WEDDING COORDINATOR & STYLIST Renee at Event Angels ( eventangels.com . au ). “She kept everything seamless.” STATIONERY Starry Night Paperie ( starry  nightdesign.com.au). “It was very quirky.” FLOWERS Sydney Wedding Flowers ( sydney  weddingflowers.net.au). CEREMONY Balmoral Rotunda, Balmoral, NSW (mosman.nsw.gov.au). RECEPTION The Bathers’ Pavilion, Mosman, NSW ( batherspavilion.com.au ). DECORATIONS Balloons by The Bespokery ( thebespokery.com.au ), chairs, love sign and signing table by Outdoor Weddings ( outdoorweddings.net.au…

They may have been engaged for nine years (yep, really), but to Michelle and Brandt that just meant more time to plan their wedding. For Michelle, the day began with a letter and surprise gift – a stunning bracelet – from her husband-to-be. Blue skies made for beautiful photos and happy guests and, even though Michelle’s late dad wasn’t there to walk her down the aisle, she attached his wedding ring to her bouquet so he was there in spirit. The reception was full of fragrant blooms and stunning details, such as an intricate tree that acted as the seating plan. As the day rolled on, the couple revelled in the fact that nine years on, they were finally husband and wife.…

DATE December 14, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Dan O’Day ( dan  odayphotography.com.au). “I wanted images that were beautiful, but just happened to be our wedding snaps.” DRESS Rue De Seine at The Babushka Ballerina ( thebabushkaballerina.com.  au). “In Jewish ceremonies, elbows and knees must be covered – that narrowed it down for me! I felt like Grace Kelly.” VEIL Nelder-Jones ( nelderjones.com ). JEWELLERY Earrings from Samantha Wills ( samanthawills.com ). HAIR & MAKEUP Makeup by Sarah Damichi ( sarahdamichi.com ), and hair by Stephanie Estephen (0404 396 014). “I don’t wear a lot of makeup, so I didn’t want to look overdone.” GROOM’S SUIT Soraya Tailoring (02 9331 0023). “I loved his bottle-green velvet bow tie, which matched his kippah.” BRIDESMAID DRESSES Warehouse…

“We knew this was the first day of the rest of our lives and all we needed to begin a life of love and happiness” They say that brides are meant to be late – but, after her driver missed the turn-off to the ceremony, bride Jade was convinced the groomsmen thought she wasn’t going to show up at all! When the bride did arrive, she walked down the aisle with her proud dad to the sounds of Angus and Julia Stone’s The Wedding Song – and that’s when things got really emotional. Jade and Jamie had both imagined they’d be the only ones crying, but in the end it was the guests and the bridal party shedding happy tears. Once the union was sealed with a kiss, it was…

DATE June 7, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Ken Leanfore ( ken  leanfore.com). “His pics are fun and natural.” DRESS “A friend of my mother’s made it.” JEWELLERY Nicholas Haywood Jewellery Concierge ( nicholashaywood.com.au ). HAIR & MAKEUP Hair by Beth Porter (0421 201 540), and makeup by Gordana at Dr Freckle and Mr Hide ( drfreckleandmrhide. com ). “I wanted to look like me.” GROOM’S SUIT P Johnson ( pjohnson. com.au ). “Ben wore a custom-made suit.” STATIONERY Zed & Bee ( zedandbee.com.  au). “The letterpress gave it a rich look.” FLOWERS Dot’s Flower Shoppe ( dots. com.au ). “We used a lot of greenery.” CEREMONY St Vincent’s College Chapel, Potts Point, NSW ( stvincents.nsw.edu.au…

For Paige and AFL player Chris, their wedding day was a celebration of two families coming together – quite fitting, seeing as the high-school sweethearts have known each other for so long. The day marked not only Paige and Chris’s wedding, but also that of Paige’s parents, 26 years prior. And their celebrant, Andy, had also married Chris’s brother and his wife! Family moments aside, there was also plenty of emotion – tears flowed for Paige and her father before their walk down the aisle, and Chris, too, got teary when he saw his bride for the first time. But after the ceremony, it was all laughter as the dance floor filled up and and happily ever after began.…

DATE October 11, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Andrew Tallon ( andrew  tallon.com). “We felt comfortable being ourselves around Andrew. He captured beautiful, candid images.” DRESS The Babushka Ballerina ( the  babushkaballerina.com.au). “I loved the vintage, classic style of my dress. It complemented the day’s rustic setting.” HEADPIECE Black Tie: White Lace ( black  tiewhitelace.com). “I wore a vintage comb – a veil would have been too much.” JEWELLERY “I wrapped the necklace my mother and grandmother had worn on their wedding days around my bouquet.” HAIR & MAKEUP Hair by Charmaine at Hair 4 Brides ( hair4brides.com.au ), and makeup by Madeline Mutze ( mirrormirror  makeupartistry.com.au). “I felt beautiful.” GROOM’S SUIT Shirt, trousers and suspenders from Roger David ( roger  david.com.au), and bow tie from…

“It warms my heart to have had so many people contribute to the success and fun of our wedding day” They say rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck – and it’s got to be true when it comes to Lizzie and Rob. While other couples may have rued the wet weather, this loved-up pair embraced it (well, they didn’t have a lot of options!) by handing out a little more booze and joining in the celebrations with their guests. There were special touches everywhere on the day – a gift of a travel journal for Lizzie, decorations handmade by the couple’s loved ones, and talented friends on hand to play some of their most favourite tunes. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any…

1 YOUR MAKEUP ARTIST GOES TOO HEAVY Having at least one trial makeup session with your artist is a good way to avoid this, especially if you’re not a big makeup girl. But if on the day you feel the look is too full-on, you’re not alone. “This is an all too common feeling,” says makeup artist Heidi King (heidiscarlett king.com). “Keep in mind makeup needs to be slightly stronger for professional photos. Take a few selfies to see how your look translates on camera.” If you’re still unhappy, “Ask your makeup artist to pull it back slightly. They can always buff back the look. MAC Fix+ can also soften the heaviness on the skin, and you can blend out shadow with a big fluffy brush,” says Tobi Henney of…

BIANCA JAGGER 1971 married Mick Jagger KATE MOSS 2011 married Jamie Hince OLIVIA PALERMO 2014 married Johannes Huebl MIA FARROW 1966 married Frank Sinatra DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES 1981 married Charles, Prince of Wales CAROLYN BESSETTEKENNEDY 1996 married John F Kennedy, Jr JACKIE KENNEDY ONASSIS 1953 married John F Kennedy…

PAPER CUTS Because everyone throws their invitations in the bin, anyway (sorry, but it’s true… eventually!) Check out Paperless Post and send your invitations via email. You’ll save on designing, printing and postage costs. The only hard part? There are loads of beautiful styles to choose from. Head to paperlesspost.com – you’ll be doing the environment a favour, too. Set up a website that houses all of the wedding details (and you could even upload photos after the big day if your photographer consents), and email the URL to family and friends. If you’re sending out hard copies, try designing your own invitation using free fonts (there are loads of options that aren’t tacky), and buy paper from a craft store to print them yourself. Forget about printing a program…

Leigh and I had only been together for about three months when I knew I wanted to marry her. With her, things were different from the start. There were no games, no tricks and things always flowed so nicely. The way they’re supposed to. I kept saying this was too good to be true. The thing with Leigh is that she’s so hit and miss. Nail it and she will love you forever and a day. Fall short? Well, your life’s not worth living! So I consulted one of her work buddies, Alexis Teasdale – she’s on maternity leave, but just happens to be the managing editor of a little magazine called Cosmo Bride. Being the queen of all things bridal, I bounced ideas off her and she smoothed the…

DRESS STYLES Know the name of the style of dress you’re after so you can head into the store and try on exactly that. DRESS LENGTH Perfect for a retro-inspired party or for a hint of sweet, the shorter hem is having a moment (and we’re loving it!) FABRIC LACE Pretty, feminine and expensive for a reason, lace usually sits on top of another fabric. Varieties include: 1. Guipure: Heavier and slightly raised for a 3D effect. 2. Chantilly: French, very fine and typically floral. 3. Corded: Outlined with fine cord to better hold its shape. SILK Comes in a range of weights, suppleness and sheens, so different silks can be used for different parts of the dress. 1. Silk-satin: Smooth and glossy, with an almost liquid-like appearance. 2. Silk-chiffon:…

Do it right, and your guests will remember your wedding menu long after the final crumb has passed their lips. Consider the time and theme of your day, the dishes you think your guests would enjoy and any dietary requirements they may have. Here are your options explained… SIT-DOWN DINNER You’d usually choose two or three dishes per course (most often an entrée, main and dessert), which are served as an alternate-drop or à la carte style (guests can choose which they’d prefer). This option works for any guest list size and adds a traditional, formal feel to the proceedings – but it can get pretty expensive for larger groups. COCKTAIL Perfect for casual affairs or if you’re tight on space, the focus here is encouraging guests to mingle while…

In my first career, I was a draftswoman. This was way before computers! Basically, you had to create technical drawings for engineers in the firm. The company I worked for had such rigorous standards for their handwriting – I remember when I first started, I’d spend two hours every morning just on getting the handwriting right! The work was OK but I frustrated the engineers because I was forever trying to make the drawings pretty. This will show my age a bit, but… I then did a ticket-writing course, which is a bit like sign-writing. At the time, all the big department stores had handwritten tickets on their merchandise. It’s very old-school! You learnt how to write with paint and ink. I ended up topping the state in it, and…

The original plan went something like this: Cameron wanted to dress as Elvis for his wedding to Jessie. Jessie said no. Their compromise? That Jessie walked down the aisle with an Elvis impersonator – and what better way to do that than in Vegas? After having a massive engagement party, Jessie and Cameron’s wedding day was all about them. Joined by their witnesses (Cameron’s best friend and his fiancé) the happy couple got hitched and then celebrated their nuptials with a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, which was then followed by lots and lots of champagne… and even a late-night trip through McDonald’s drive-thru. Sounds perfect to us. Viva Las Vegas!…

DATE September 20, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Lucas & Co Photography ( lucasandcophotography.com ). “We found not only wonderful photographers, but great friends! They captured every detail just as we had hoped it would be.” DRESS & VEIL Karen Willis Holmes ( karenwillisholmes.com ). “I immediately fell in love with the look and feel of the ‘Josie’ dress. I loved how comfortable it was and how different it was to anything I had thought I would ever wear.” JEWELLERY “My earrings were my ‘something borrowed’ from my mother-in-law, Mandy. They were a family heirloom and the perfect complement to the sparkle featured on my dress.” HAIR & MAKEUP Mia Saunders ( mia  saunders.com). “I loved how natural we all looked on the day.” GROOM’S SUIT “Josh had…

A bride won’t usually get to sleep in on her wedding day, but when you’re tying the knot in Greece, the days are so long (and balmy) that everything happens a little later. With the outdoor church ceremony not scheduled to begin until 7pm, Angela and her ’maids had plenty of time to soak up the whole day… especially the moment that she and Yianni made it official in their traditional Greek ceremony (held just before sunset, no less!). When it was time to get started with festivities, the pair were keen to get everything formal over and done with quickly – so once the cake was cut and the speeches were said, it was on to dancing, including traditional Greek style, of course. Champagne flowed and guests revelled in…

DATE December 27, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Sorrento Weddings ( sorrentoweddings.com.au ). “We laughed a lot during our pre-wedding shoot, and Shannon captured it all beautifully.” DRESS “It was made to order.” JEWELLERY Earrings from Newbridge Silverware ( newbridgesilverware.com ). BRIDESMAID DRESSES “They were from the UK. We chose a multi-way style.” STATIONERY “Steve designed and made the invitations. Modern and eye-catching!” FLOWERS Lilies by Lily ( liliesbylibby.com.  au). “We chose beautiful yellow flowers and added mint-coloured succulents and foliage to match the boys’ ties.” CEREMONY Heide Museum of Modern Art, Bulleen, Vic ( heide.com.au ). CELEBRANT Danielle Binaisse ( www . melbournecelebrantdanielle.com.au ). RECEPTION, CATERING & CAKE Café Vue at Heide Museum of Modern Art, Bulleen, Vic ( heide.com.au…

Given that so much of Alicia and Desmond’s big day was hand-picked and handmade by the couple, it makes sense that, when it came to popping the question, Desmond went the DIY route. In 2012, when they bought their apartment together, Desmond asked Alicia to marry him… by painting the question on one of their new walls! Their rustic, vintage-inspired big day had the same homemade vibe. From quoits and cocktails to the spontaneous after-party, it was a seriously good time. Alicia and Desmond decorated a woolshed with flowers, sequins and burlap to create a stunning atmosphere, and made sure guests felt right at home with a hearty meal and old-school tunes.…

DATE December 21, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah Black Photography ( sarahblackphotography.com.au ). “Sarah uses real, analogue camera film, with a mix of colour and black-and-white shots. The results were gorgeous.” DRESS Anna Campbell ( annacampbell.com . au). “Knowing I’d be 18 weeks pregnant threw a spanner in the works when it came to dress shopping, but I fell in love with my beaded gown. The neckline looked a little Persian – a nice nod to my heritage.” SHOES Tony Bianco ( tonybianco.com.au ). “I wore impossibly high heels because my sister and Jeremy’s family are all very tall!” HAIR & MAKEUP Hair by Lauren at Edwards and Co ( edwardsandco.com.au ), and makeup by Hannah Sinkinson ( hannah  sinkinson.com.au). “My makeup was…

For events planner Leticia, the pressure was on to ensure her wedding was the ultimate party. And as these pictures attest, she pulled it off, and then some. The beautiful bride arrived at her wedding to Mitch in the very same car he’d driven to pick her up for their first date (a good omen!), and was walked down the aisle by her mum. Soon after, it was time for the reception – decorated with rose-gold and copper accents, it set the scene for guests to enjoy antipasti and cocktails as the sun blazed down (there hadn’t been a cloud in the sky the whole day!). The real fun, though, came when Leticia changed into her dance-floor outfit and the happy couple busted a move to Everlasting Love. With the…

DATE August 31, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Marcus Bell at Studio Impressions ( studioimpressions.com. au). DRESS & VEIL Darb Couture (darbbridal couture.com. au). “It was so light and flowy.” HAIR & MAKEUP Jo at Twidale ( twidale. com.au ). “My look was soft and elegant.” GROOM’S SUIT Mark Ferguson at Wil Valor ( wilvalor.com.au ). “The fit was perfect.” BRIDESMAID DRESSES Zimmermann ( zimmermannwear.com ). PLANNER Danielle at White+White Weddings and Events ( whitewhite.com.au ). STATIONERY Cara Marie Designs ( invitation  station.net). “She did an amazing job.” FLOWERS Nicole at Stem Design ( stem  design.net). “They smelled divine.” CEREMONY, RECEPTION & CATERING Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Qld (07 5530 1234). “The reception felt…

For Amanda and Howard’s big day, it was important for the duo to tip their hats – or raise their kilts? – to their shared Scottish heritage. Howard wore a custom kilt, the invitations included a touch of tartan, and the sound of bagpipes filled the air as the pair left the church as husband and wife. The couple, who wanted to keep the vibe light and fun, admit to “bumbling” their first dance, but it didn’t matter anyway because they were soon joined by the entire wedding party! They only stopped dancing to grab more dessert, and left the evening through a tunnel of sparklers – a beautiful way to start the rest of their lives.…

DATE November 14, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER Paul at Finch and Oak ( finchandoak.com ). “Paul was patient, kind and gave great directions. He never made us feel like we were posing.” DRESS Grace Loves Lace ( graceloveslace. com.au ). “My dress was more than perfect – and so comfortable I could’ve slept in it!” JEWELLERY Cuff from Anna Campbell ( annacampbell.com.au ), and earrings by Lovisa ( lovisa.com.au ). “The cuff sparkled all night long and had a vintage look.” SHOES Jane Debster at Myer ( myer.com.  au). “They were nude with a chunky heel.” HAIR & MAKEUP Hair by Rina Hepworth ( rinahepworth.com ), and makeup by Amanda Alida Makeup Artistry ( amanda  alidamakeup.com). “I loved…

“We made sure our day reflected Nathan and me, and we just wanted our guests to have a good time” When the groom moonlights as a wedding singer on the weekends, it’s only natural he’s going to make his own big day one to remember. Cue Amy and Nathan’s wedding, which saw Nathan prerecord the song his bride wanted to walk down the aisle to as a surprise (sweet!). In an extra cute touch, Nathan’s dad married the couple – a huge honour, as Amy says, and the rest of the day was a happy blur of champagne and excitement for the pair. Despite the weather looking doubtful, the rain held out as guests played lawn games and later danced the night away. But the highlight for Amy was Nathan…

DATE October 4, 2014. PHOTOGRAPHER John at Warren Photography ( warrenphotography. com.au ). “Johnny has a natural eye for capturing the emotions of a wedding while remaining inconspicuous.” DRESS & VEIL Pamela Usanto ( pamela  usanto.com). “Pam ‘got it’ straight away.” JEWELLERY Cuff from Samantha Wills ( samanthawills.com ). “I loved the detail.” HAIR & MAKEUP Hair by Angie at Boda Haircutters ( bodahaircutters.com.au ), and makeup by Kristen Hancock Makeup Artistry (0433 837 107). “I still felt like myself.” GROOM’S SUIT Briggins ( briggins.com.au ). “The classic black tuxedo looked so classy.” STATIONERY Mickey Loves Jacqui ( mickey  lovesjacqui.com.au). “Loved the letterpress!” CEREMONY, RECEPTION & CATERING Campbell Point House, Leopold, Vic ( campbellpointhouse.com.au ). DECORATIONS…

Amanda and Klynt don’t do anything by halves, so their day was always going to be everything they’d ever wanted… Naturally that meant the groom and his groomsmen arriving by helicopter! After the heartfelt ceremony under a fig tree planted by Klynt’s great-grandfather years before, they sealed things with a kiss and celebrated with their 150 guests. A vintage caravan served as a bar and guests helped themselves to dumplings and paella. After dinner, Amanda joked she was going to serenade Klynt (who teases her for her singing voice) – but instead surprised him with a Harley-Davidson! Not a bad start to married life.…

DATE April 12, 2013. PHOTOGRAPHER Todd Hunter McGaw ( toddhuntermcgaw.com.au ). “Todd’s shots are imaginative and quirky – his approach suited us both to a tee. He just got us.” DRESS Material from The Silk Society, London ( thesilksociety.com ). “My mum made my dress. It took her 12 months of serious labour and concentration, plus we were separated as she lives in Scotland. But it was exactly what I envisioned.” HEADPIECE “Mum and I made this – at 3am the night before the wedding! We made it from leftover dress material.” HAIR Alice Phoebe Star at Scrap Studio ( littlepiecesofthings.wordpress.com ). “I wanted something simple and practical, plus my ponytail tied in with the ’50s look.” GROOM’S SUIT Waistcoat from Scotch & Soda…

MEET THE EXPERTS GET FIT Taylor Hawkins, fitness expert and PT at Fitness Playground, Sydney, gives us the lowdown on getting strong and sexy. GET HEALTHY Lyndi Polivnick, dietitian and The Nude Nutritionist, tells us all the things happening on the inside that count. The runways are awash with gorgeous new skin-baring styles this season. Detailed backs with intricate open-back keyholes, separates featuring a hint of midriff, and front and side slits to flash those pins. If you’ve picked a dress with one particularly eye-catching detail, you’ll want to be as confident as possible about that area. So we enlisted our health and fitness experts to help you feel flesh-baring fabulous come wedding day. TAUT TUMS GET FIT “High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes or circuit training in the gym…

“I’m selling loads of my old accessories, bags, clothes and shoes on eBay. It’s really surprising how much money you can make. So far we’ve made $500, which is enough to cover the cost of a wedding band. It’s actually becoming a little addictive.” – Leigh “We chose to go without a bridal party because we didn’t expect others to pay for everything, nor did we want to factor those costs into our budget. Instead, we asked close friends and family to take part another way, like doing a reading.” – Lauren “I just bought my bridesmaid dresses from Asos. I’d hunted around bridal stores for ages and so many dresses (that my girls wouldn’t even wear again) were so overpriced. Online shopping meant we could all browse our options…

Traditionally speaking Weddings have changed a lot since your parents got married, but there are still classic groom responsibilities: Engagement rings Flowers (she picks, you pay) Wedding rings (you choose together) Your suit Groomsmen’s suits Marriage licence fees First night hotel Honeymoon Groomsmen’s gift Bride’s gift Groom’s parents’ gift The hard word: Choose your position From the beginning, be all in or all out. Coming in halfway through when your bride’s already confirmed the menu and flowers – only to decide there really has to be beef as a main and you are in no way comfortable spending that much on flowers – just causes stress and puts everything back to square one. If you want to be completely involved, divide your responsibilities up before the planning. “My wife and…

WHO DOES WHAT? FATHER OF THE BRIDE Escorts bride down the aisle, greets guests as they arrive at the reception, makes a speech on behalf of bride’s parents and does the father-daughter dance. MOTHER OF THE BRIDE Helps the bride get ready and greets guests as they arrive at the reception. FATHER OF THE GROOM Greets guests as they arrive at the reception and makes a speech on behalf of the groom’s parents. MOTHER OF THE GROOM Greets guests as they arrive at the reception venue. SISTER(S) Bridesmaid or performs a reading at ceremony. BROTHER(S) Groomsman, hands out orders of service and directs guests to their seats at ceremony, or acts as MC. AUNT(S) AND UNCLE(S) Assist with the ceremony set-up, perform readings at the ceremony or make speeches at…