Innholdsfortegnelse for Autumn 2017 i Cosmopolitan Bride Australia

There’s nothing quite like ‘that feeling’ when you get engaged. It’s so special, so unique… and so. Much. Fun! We’re incredibly lucky to be constantly caught up in the big-day bubble of excitement all the time while we live vicariously through our readers’ weddings. This month has been extra special for the Cosmo Bride gang, as we’ve had two of our very own team get engaged or married while we made this issue. With all the bottles of champers popped, cake eaten and streamers draped over desks, it brought home yet again just what a magical time it is when you say “Yes.” It also meant I was getting asked loads of questions about everything from, “Is lush greenery the new peony?” to, “What the heck do I do if…

She’s all about symbolic sparkles for your big “I do”! When did your love of jewellery begin? It began when I was a small child. I’d dress myself and my dolls up, then fossick in my mother’s jewellery box to find the perfect finishing touch. At age seven, I was allowed to go to the Saturday matinee at the Strand Picture Theatre in Narrabri, NSW, where I was fascinated by the musicals and all the Hollywood glamour, with the beautiful clothes and the jewellery. To this day, movies remain a significant influence. And when did you decide to make jewellery your everyday work? When the youngest of my three sons went to boarding school, I bought a 20 per cent shareholding in a local country jewellery shop. It was the…

1 For the wedding, I want us to have jumping castles. And let’s have food trucks! Oh YES, let’s get Hot Dub Time Machine to DJ! Wait, how much? OK, a sausage sizzle and Spotify it is. 2 To my man-about-town mate: what do you mean, “Can I bring a date?” I won’t know her name in six weeks. No. 3 Where’s my birth certificate? Really? Won’t my passport do the trick? 4 What’s the difference between rose/blush/pink/fuchsia/salmon/flamingo bridesmaids’ dresses? 5 I don’t care about what chairs we have. Can they be sat on? Then they’re good for me. 6 No, I won’t do anything stupid on my bucks’ night – it’s more for my mates who are getting a leave pass than me. However, I may or may not…

DATE March 5, 2016 VENUE Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park, Vic Lisa spent the night before her wedding with her girls, relaxing and enjoying time together before the big day. Come the morning of, she was the first one up, and a cute note from Richard brought the first of many of the day’s happy tears. Before she knew it, Lisa was on her way to the ceremony and sharing a special moment with her parents, reflecting on the expectations and excitement of the day. Once there, the bride and groom shared what they loved about each other as well as their personal vows. Then it was time to celebrate, with the newlyweds dancing into the night before guests farewelled them with a stunning sparkler send-off. DATE…

DATE February 27, 2016 VENUE Terrara House Estate, NSW After getting engaged during the English summertime, Christina and Rich didn’t want to wait too long to get married, so set the date with just eight months to plan. The couple chose Jervis Bay to say their vows, under beautiful old fig trees. Rich got teary as he watched Christina walk down the aisle and the loved-up pair couldn’t stop smiling during the ceremony! After, the newlyweds got the party started with pre-dinner cocktails then, as the celebrations were wrapping up, helped their loved ones soak up potential hangovers with more yummy food, making sure they were all ready for the beach BBQ the next day – so much fun! DATE February 27, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Jonathan David (jonathandavid.com.au). “He spent…

DATE June 10, 2016 VENUE North Fort Memorial Lawn & Milestone Events, NSW Claire and Laurence honoured both their British roots and their new Sydney lives throughout the big day, from the bride’s London-bought earrings to the native Aussie blooms. Guests were wowed by the views of the harbour at the ceremony, then enjoyed delicious share plates at the reception and the so-sweet speeches. The dance floor remained busy all night – as did the remote-controlled camera for guests to enjoy! – and much fun was had by all. After all the goodbyes, the lovebirds went for a late-night stroll to reminisce about their magical day. And, to top it off, they saw a shooting star, a memory that will stay with them forever. DATE June 10, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER…

DATE May 7, 2016 VENUE The Barn at Honeysuckle Hill, North Carolina, US Harriet and DJ decided to get married in DJ’s US hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. The celebrations began a few days before, with their guests touring the sights, eating, drinking beers, laughing and bonding. The big day started with a fishing trip for the boys and a yoga session on the lawn for the girls. After a gorgeous ceremony in an old barn, guests headed outside to be greeted by a canoe full of craft beer and a food truck serving up delicious Southern food. Everyone then partied into the night, with an ice-cream truck serving sweet treats. The cops were even called – a sign of a truly great party! DATE May 7, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER…

DATE February 26, 2016 VENUE Avalon Sailing Club and The Boathouse Palm Beach, NSW Sarah spent the morning sipping Champagne with her bridesmaids and shared a special moment with her dad when he saw her in her dress for the first time. Then it was off to the magical, waterfront ceremony. The reception was full of surprises, with Randall and the groomsmen doing a choreographed dance to Uptown Funk, plus the groom had organised three Maori men in traditional costume to surprise his Kiwi bride with a haka performance. Later in the night, a dress-up box filled with props was brought onto the dance floor – fun! After hours of dancing, the couple left through a tunnel of sparklers. The perfect end to the perfect day! DATE February 26,…

DATE May 21, 2016 VENUE Gunners Barracks, NSW Walking towards her groom felt totally surreal to bride Stephanie and like they were the only two people in the world – she was so excited, she almost ran down the aisle! After a short and sweet ceremony, the two spent a moment together reflecting on the joy of the day, then shared their first dance under a moonlit sky, continuing their five-year tradition of slow dancing under every full moon. In fact, the night Nic proposed, the happy couple danced under one by Lake Wanaka in New Zealand, so it was an amazing moment to have family and friends accompany them on their first dance as newlyweds. DATE May 21, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Heart and Colour (heart andcolour.com). “Our two photographers…

DATE June 17, 2016 VENUE Cambridge Mill, Ontario, Canada Maegan and Andrew woke up to perfect weather on their big day. After enjoying a beautiful dress reveal moment together before the wedding ceremony, it was time to say “I do.” The happy couple shared personal vows they’d written to each other, with their loved ones laughing, crying and soaking up the love. Soon it was time for the reception, where the pair shared their passion for travel with their guests through decorative touches inspired by all of the places they’d been together. Everyone had an amazing time celebrating, and an Elvis impersonator – who was also a long-time family friend – really got the party started. So much fun! DATE June 17, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Dean from Inlighten Photography (inlighten.com.au).…

THE VEIL Look for a simple veil with delicate edging – so sophisticated and chic! THE HEADPIECE Thin and classic crowns work well with high-neck dresses. THE RIBBONS Fine ribbons woven through a braid make a surprisingly sweet detail. BEAUTY NOTE: Want incredible skin that glows from the inside out? Try a natural supplement that boosts the body’s collagen levels, like Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen, $49.95. It helps reduce fine lines and deliver youthful, hydrated skin. THE FLOWERS Instead of a full-on flower crown, ask your hairdresser to pin in tiny blooms. Pretty! THE HALF-UP, HALF-DOWN Go unstructured and embrace the wispiness of a loose and feminine quiff.…

Do it if… You’re up for a 48hr+ part-aay You’re OK to wait at least a year for it You want an invite list that just features your A-Team You’re prepared to p*ss people off with your amazing Instagram feed Don’t do it if… Your idea of a challenge is finding a park at Westfield You want to be involved in planning every little detail Your A-Team won’t be able to make it You just really want to serve VB stubbies and lamingtons…

1 POPPING THE QUESTION Upon accepting the Bride’s invitation to act as Bridesmaid, both parties agree to react as follows: squeal, embrace, cry, flap hands. Should the Bridesmaid be thinking, “Please, not again” she agrees never to reveal this to the Bride. 2 THE OTHER DRESS The Bridesmaid accepts that having been reassured the Bride “wants her to be comfortable”, her outfit will, in fact, most definitely not be up for discussion. The shade may or may not flatter the Bridesmaid and, if the shape makes her look like a pageant queen from 1987, you’ll still love her on this occasion. After all, in 20 years you’ll both laugh about your questionable fashion choices. 3 THE HEALTH KICK Both parties will mutually agree to undertake a healthy overhaul of your…

YES, says Sasha Mielczarek, winner of The Bachelorette and Movember ambassador “Is this a rhetorical question? It should be more: ‘What would your life be like if you didn’t get her involved?’ Either way, you should include your wife-to-be in everything. As they say, a happy wife means a semi-decent life. Not including your other half in decisions like this may lead to not only a shaky start to married life, but worst case it could leave you standing at the altar like a spare part if she doesn’t show up! Weddings are important for bringing families and friends together, and the bride’s input takes some of the heat off. The guys who I have in mind for my groomsmen are the type that wouldn’t be visiting me while I…

THOU SHALT TELL LOVED ONES THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY Your close friends and family shouldn’t have to find out your big news on their feeds – they deserve to hear it from you. You may want to tell loved ones to keep mum until you’ve managed to tell everyone you want to, so that you can be the first to share it on your socials. Remember, once it’s up, news spreads fast! THOU SHALT USE THE APPROPRIATE PLATFORMS Don’t share your engagement on business-related networks like LinkedIn. Instead, if you’re changing your name, wait until you’re married then take the opportunity to share the news with professional contacts. Till then, stick to the old faithfuls. THOU SHALT NOT OVERSHARE There’s no need to discuss the price of the ring or how…

Her unique and extra special pieces create magical memories for little girls the world over When did your love of fashion begin? One of my fondest childhood memories is rummaging through my grandmother’s attic and putting outfits together for dress-ups with my younger sisters. This turned into an obsession with clothes and fashion magazines in my teens – I’d sketch outfits during school lessons, then make my own outfits for nights out. How did this passion become your everyday work? I knew early on that my career of choice was a fashion designer. Coming from an academic family, there was a lot of resistance – it was only on the condition that I graduated from high school successfully before I could start fashion college. I did and went to study…

DATE April 14, 2016 VENUE Stones of the Yarra Valley, Vic After finding the perfect venue to say “I do”, Alice took it as a sign that one of the only dates left was her late nan’s birthday, who was later also honoured on the day with a candle-lighting ceremony. Once Alice and Vincent had tied the knot, the reception kicked off with a flash mob dance. The performances didn’t stop there, with the bride’s mum and aunties singing while her dad played piano for the newlyweds’ first dance. And, since they’d flown in from London for their big day, the couple made the most of their time with loved ones by hiring a whole retreat for everyone to enjoy together, so the festivities could continue all weekend. DATE April…

DATE January 10, 2016 VENUE Joondalup Resort, WA This couple created a day full of special moments, starting with bride Jenna walking down the aisle to her brother singing. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails, a sushi bar and lawn games, before choosing between vodka and whiskey bars at the reception to get the party going! And, to incorporate their romantic Italian engagement into the day, the pair even treated loved ones to an amazing recreation of the dish they shared at the time. Not only that, but there was an amazing first dance complete with confetti canons, plus a stunning flower-adorned, four-tier cake that Jenna had always dreamt of hanging from the ceiling – amazing! DATE January 10, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Ben Yew (benyew.com). “He captured all the moments…

DATE April 30, 2016 VENUE Snapperman Beach Reserve & The Boathouse Palm Beach, NSW It was the ideal setting for this laid-back, happy couple. A seaside ceremony on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with a gorgeous macramé backdrop brought a sense of chic to proceedings, as well as a hint of Hamptons style – the cue the pair gave to guests as the dress code. After the sun-drenched ceremony finished (with rose petals fluttering over the bride and groom), it was onto The Boathouse, one of their favourite spots. Instead of a formal sit-down meal, they opted for a party feel with canapés plus yummy cupcakes made by the groom’s mum, and supplied guests with Havaianas so they could dance the night away! DATE April 30, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Myles Pritchard (mylespritchard.com).…

DATE December 17, 2015 VENUE Weddings at Tiffany’s, Qld The bride and groom shared a special breakfast together on the morning of their wedding. Once Chris left to meet his groomsmen, Tennille was joined by her mum and ‘bridesies’, including her bridesdude! After some bubbles and a pamper sesh, Tennille shed a brief but happy tear when she realised she was about to marry her love. The journey to the ceremony was full of laughter, then both the bride’s mum and dad walked her down the aisle while Chris poked his tongue out at her to help ease her nerves. So sweet! The pair left the chapel under a shower of rose petals and then the celebrations well and truly began. DATE December 17, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Susie and Kirsty…

DATE April 1, 2016 VENUE Ravensthorpe, NSW Tayte woke up to clear skies on the morning of the big day and, after getting ready at her parents’ house, travelled with her bridesmaids to the venue where she put on her wedding dress. None of the girls had seen it, so watching their faces when she did the big reveal was so much fun, plus she shared a special moment with her dad, who was filled with emotion and pride to see his daughter ready to get married. For Tayte, nothing will ever compare to walking down the aisle and seeing Matt’s face for the first time that day. What followed was a fun-filled night of romance, dancing and laughter that the happy couple will treasure for years to come.…

DATE February 26, 2016 VENUE White House Black, Halswell, NZ Ashley woke up early to catch the sunrise with her bridesmaids, then after coffee and a walk on the beach, they headed off to get ready. The girls shared bubbly and sushi as they relaxed together, but it wasn’t until the bride put her dress on that all the excitement really hit – she couldn’t wait for her groom to see her! As Ashley began walking down the aisle, she couldn’t stop smiling and as soon as she saw Nathan she had to stop herself from running to him! The couple snuck off for photos, then it was on to the reception, where they feasted on amazing food and the bride’s dad and Nathan blew guests away with their…

DATE November 27, 2015 VENUE Lily Pond & The Rangers Residence, NSW There was no long, lazy start to this big day, with family members arriving at the wedding venue at 7am to transform it into a wedding wonderland. Love filled the air as Laura walked down the aisle towards the love of her life (and their cute dog, Wesley!), then a close friend of the couple read out a special piece he’d written – there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. As the sun set, all the fairy lights stirred into action and the guests mingled and danced, with the delicious smell of paella in the air. Later, the talented bride and groom even sang together in an impromptu performance with all their guests clapping and singing along.…

DATE January 29, 2016 VENUE YL Residence No.17, Koh Samui, Thailand Danielle was awoken by beaming sunshine on the morning of her wedding and after a morning dip in the Thai ocean she was ready to be married. A private beachside estate was transformed into a lush floral fairyland for the happy couple, with a different flower-filled experience for guests to enjoy in each section of the day. Danielle and Scott said their vows overlooking the ocean and, once they’d entered the reception as a married couple, launched straight into their first dance, which ended with a fireworks show – all kinds of wow! The celebrations continued into the night with a pancake cart arriving to serve late-night snacks. DATE January 29, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Akaphon Photography (akaphonphotography.com). DRESS &…

GETTING STARTED 1. You’ll need: scissors, ribbon, tropical leaves, heavy duty tape, glitter card and the letters of your wall message printed large but in a simple font. 2. Using the letters as a guide, cut them out of the glitter card. Take a holepunch to the top of each letter to string the ribbon through neatly. 3. Tape the strands of letters to the wall along with the tropical leaves. THE RIGHT EQUIPTMENT Props, camera, action! 4. Add your own flair with a few unique photobooth props. We bought ours, but why don’t you get creative and make your own for a little kick of energy? Show your personality, get crafty and go crazy! PRESS PRINT 5. Add Fujifilm Instax printer and download the app to your phone. 6.…

UP CLOSE…

How to get there Hawaiian Airlines (hawaiianairlines.com. au) flies daily from Sydney and four times weekly from Brisbane to Honolulu, plus to the neighbouring islands of Maui, Kauai and Hawai’i, or Big Island. The airline offers every passenger a free checked-baggage allowance of 64kg per person (2 x 32kg bags), so it’s perfect for bridal parties and honeymooners! Flights from Australia depart in the evening, crossing the international date line and arriving in Honolulu the same morning – bonus holiday time! Meaning you can land and be by the pool with a cocktail in hand by mid-afternoon. The airline even has a Wedding Wings service (hawaiianairlines.com/ weddings), which offers couples getting married in Hawaii (and their guests) a way to earn discounts, such as up to 10 per cent discount…

WAISTCOAT VIBES Waistcoat: $76; shirt: $110; tie: $20, all Topman (topman.com). Pants: $299, Calibre (calibre.com.au). Shoes: $49.99, Spend-less Shoes (www.spendless.com.au). Buttonhole: Ivy Lane Floral (ivylanefloral.com.au). Watch: worn throughout $399, Triwa (triwa.com). MIX & MATCH Blazer: $699; flower pin: $99, both Calibre (calibre.com.au). Shirt: $99.95, TM Lewin (tm lewin.com.au). Shorts: $69.95, David Jones (davidjones.com.au). Shoes: $249, Lacoste (lacoste.com.au). Glasses: $544.50, Ermenegildo Zegna at Healy Optical (healyoptical.com.au). THE SHORT SUIT Blazer: $349; shorts: $99; tie: $59, all Jack London (jacklondon.com.au). Shirt: $99, Ben Sherman (bensherman.com.au). Shoes: $499, Aquila (aquila.com.au). Buttonhole: Ivy Lane Floral (ivylanefloral.com. au). Sunglasses: $569, Tom Ford at Healy Optical (healyoptical.com.au). SKY BLUE SUIT Blazer: $359; pants: $159; pocket square: $49, all Aquila (aquila.com.au). Shirt: $99.95, Zenetti at Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal (ferrariformal.com.au). Shoes: $249, Rockport (rockport.com.au). Tie: $39.95, Issimo…

1 INTRODUCE YOURSELF Any speech begins with a simple question: Why are you the one holding the mic? When I was writing for President Obama, the answer was obvious. Don’t tell us about every class you took with the bride or the year you had a friends-with-benefits situation going on with the groom. Instead, let us know, in just one sentence, who you are and how you know the newlyweds. 2 SHARE A STORY ONLY YOU CAN SHARE A former boss of mine used to tell me, “Speeches are won or lost in the research.” And that’s as true of weddings as it is with addresses on housing policy (although housing policy addresses would be way more fun with a DJ and an open bar). Make a list of your…

Dreamy dresses Enjoy finding your perfect dress with the help of the experts at Penrith Bridal Centre. You’ll be spoiled for choice with gowns from the likes of Karen Willis Holmes, Wendy Makin and La Sposa. Visit penrithbridalcentre.com.au. Heaven by the harbour Soak up the second-to-none views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House on your big day at Aqua Dining. With incredible surroundings and amazing staff, your experience will be truly impeccable. Visit aquadining.com.au. Designer styles The Karen Willis Holmes Fall 2017 collection will take your breath away – think gorgeous, ethereal designs, beautiful lacework, sparkling beading and delicate floral embroidery. Visit karenwillisholmes.com. So much fun Modern sophistication meets traditional charm at Luna Park’s range of romantic, harbourside venues. Their exquisite fine dining, unique photo opportunities and exceptional…

She’s behind the lens capturing a couple’s most special day! When did your love of photography begin? My parents bought me a Pentax film camera when I was 10. Photography was exciting from the very first click! When did you shoot your first wedding? About 11 years ago. I was a little nervous but surprised by how natural it felt to capture the day as a story for the couple. What do you love most about your job? Imagine standing in a room overflowing with happy people, laughter and love… and then you get to do the thing you’re passionate about in that environment! What’s the best part of working within the wedding industry? Seeing people at their happiest and contributing to that. How would you describe your style? Natural…

BE YOUR OWN PERSON Remember that the day is about you and your fiancé. We all appreciate advice and tips, but too often I see brides worrying about that one negative comment rather than focusing on what really matters. Remember to do what you love! STOCK UP ON SHOES No doubt you’ll have beautiful wedding heels but, as a backup, maybe invest in some flats or a smaller heel. After your ceremony, you’ll most likely be running around having photos taken, so saving your feet with some comfy shoes will help you get through the rest of the day. HAIR YOU WON’T REGRET My tip is a simple one: don’t wear your hair up if you always wear your hair out and vice versa. Hairstyles can make or break your…

DATE February 27, 2016 VENUE Hacienda Beach Club & Residences, Cabo, Mexico While it was hard to walk down the aisle without her dad, Jade paid tribute to her father’s memory by wrapping a tie she’d made for him around her bouquet. Jade and Brett said their vows on the beach, the bride in a delicate lace Pronovias gown. After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed lots of special moments together, including their first dance to John Legend’s Stay With Me. The bride’s sister (and wedding planner) Ashley even organised surprise fireworks just after the newlyweds cut their cake! The guests danced all night on the circle-shaped dance floor and enjoyed delicious Mexican food and a funfetti cake – yum! DATE February 27, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Dino Gomez (dino gomez.com). “He captured…

DATE September 19, 2015 VENUE Broger’s End, NSW Wedding photographer Lara had a specific vision in mind for her big day, having been a part of so many others, and the result was spectacular. Before watching Lara and Cass say “I do”, guests enjoyed a flower crown station, adding beautiful blooms to their hair – even the celebrant and singer got involved! The reception included Jewish dancing that set the tone for an amazing evening, with the couple being tossed up and down on chairs, plus conga lines around the fire pit and a hilarious family tug of war game. After the celebrations, everyone enjoyed roasting big, fluffy marshmallows around the fire pit and a live acoustic set. Magical. DATE September 19, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Dan O’Day (danoday photoblog.com). “He…

DATE October 24, 2015 VENUE Maleny Manor, Qld It was just one big party for this happy couple’s special day, and they loved spending time celebrating while surrounded by all their nearest and dearest. On the evening before the wedding, the bridal party enjoyed relaxing massages and a gorgeous dinner together, before all staying the night at a cottage. Both Gloria’s and Raymond’s mums wore matching dresses and gave a welcome speech together at the beginning of the reception, and the couple’s sisters also organised hilarious games to keep the laughter levels up. Full of good times, this was certainly a special occasion the lovebirds will reflect on for many years to come. DATE October 24, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Marcus from Studio Impressions (studioimpressions.com.au). “There was a moment just before…

DATE December 12, 2015 VENUE Billabong Bed & Barra, Qld On the morning of her wedding, Chelsea was awoken by her makeup artist, who was so paranoid about sleeping in that she’d set 15 alarms! The bride’s dad brought breakfast to the villa while Chelsea received touching messages from friends in England who couldn’t make it over – a very special start to the day! There were no nerves for this bride but as soon as she heard the song Luke had chosen for the ceremony, she got goosebumps. After tying the knot, the newlyweds headed to the beach for a photo sesh, singing Can’t Help Falling In Love en route, and then it was on to the reception, where all the fun really began! DATE December 12, 2015.…

DATE March 10, 2015 VENUE W Retreat Koh Samui, Thailand The grooms were blessed with clear skies on their big day, and got ready with the Champagne flowing and the cameras snapping photos of the gorgeous Thai backdrop. Before long, it was time for the ceremony, which was full of tears and laughter as the happy couple was united in marriage. After the first dance, loved ones were treated to a spectacular fireworks display, before the tables turned and the guests surprised Anthony and Mark with a flash mob to Teenage Dream… complete with a Katy Perry lookalike! A special lantern ceremony created magical memories, before everyone let loose and danced the night away. Too cute! DATE March 10, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHER Eak at Eak Samui (photographer-samui.com). “Three photographers captured…

just married DATE September 19, 2015 VENUE Tirtha Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia After meeting and falling in love as teenagers, Melissa and Dane remained inseparable, travelling the world together and getting engaged on the Pont des Arts, or ‘Love-Lock Bridge’, in Paris. They decided to get married on their 10-year anniversary in Bali with their closest friends and family. The couple said their vows in a glass chapel overlooking the ocean that was lined with candles and white rose petals, exchanging their heartfelt vows. Afterwards came the reception, where guests sat under a canopy of glittering light bulbs and fresh green vines to enjoy a delicious five-course French dinner and lots of cocktails – c’est magnifique! DATE September 19, 2015. PHOTOGRAPHERS KM Studios (km studios.com.au) and Tjana Photography (tjanaphotography.com). DRESS &…

DATE September 10, 2016 VENUE Spicers Sangoma Retreat, NSW Before the ceremony, Heather and Mitch treated their guests to hot chocolate and marshmallows to keep them toasty warm in the stunning Blue Mountains location. The bride and groom said their vows under a gorgeous arch lovingly crafted by Heather’s dad, who spent hours making it by hand. This was a big day filled with beautiful touches, including a guest book that posed fun questions to loved ones, making for a hilarious keepsake. There was also a petal toss bar, some gorgeous Australiana décor touches and cute Shakespeare quotes that featured on all the menus. The bride even had three shoe changes – utter perfection! DATE September 10, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHER Image Haus (imagehaus weddings.com.au). “They’re renowned for chic, sleek photography…

Kim K’s done it. So has Jennifer Hawkins and Chrissy Teigen. And earlier this year, even I did it. Yes, my now-husband and I opted to have a destination wedding, a trend that has risen a crazy 400 per cent in recent years* . For us, it was a no-brainer: I’m Australian and we live in Sydney, but he’s from a cool town called Asheville in North Carolina, US, so why not get married there and make a holiday out of it? It may sound easy enough, but 10 days out from our big day it dawned on me that I was about to get married in a venue I hadn’t seen, carry flowers I’d never heard of and serve food I’d never tasted. Yes, planning a destination wedding comes…

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SHORTSTORY When done right, this look really works. Aim for the short length to sit just above the knee – anything shorter is better reserved for your honeymoon! TIMEFORT-SHIRTS You can totally wear a T-shirt on your big day! If you’re having a super-casual wedding by the coast or in the country, this look will work. BREATHE-EASYLINEN Linen is made from fibres derived from the flax plant – which, in English, means it’s your friend. As it’s breathable, it’ll help keep you from overheating. However, linen creases easily, so you may want to just stick to a shirt rather than a whole suit. STYLISHSNEAKERS …are definitely allowed! If you and your partner are into more of a street vibe, get ready to be the most comfortable guy at the party.…

Dreaming about a stylish, modern Melbourne wedding? Simply head to cosmopolitan.com.au/win, tell us in 25 words or less “What’s your dream wedding and why?” and you could win the ultimate big-day package. WHAT YOU’LL WIN: Exclusive use of Woodside event space and a dedicated Hilton Melbourne South Wharf event coordinator Canapés on arrival, a three-course sit-down dinner and cakeage A five-hour silver beverage package Exclusive access to the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf rooftop for the bride and groom to take spectacular wedding photos with Melbourne as their backdrop Lectern, microphone and PA system with technical services from Staging Connections Bridal table, cake table and room lighting Personalised monogram dance floor lighting Centrepieces and bridal backdrop from the Staging Connections collection The competition opens December 12, 2016 and closes January 31,…

LAUREN from Just Sayin’ Girl justsayingirl.com When did you start working with typography? I’ve been writing and painting for years as a sort of stress relief, but it wasn’t until a friend said I should be sharing the work I do that I thought of starting the business. Thus, the creation of Just Sayin’ Girl in late 2014. What’s your favourite way to use typography? I love creating something completely personal, ref lecting the client’s personality. Given that weddings are the most personal day in someone’s life, their wedding invitations should ref lect that, and Just Sayin’ Girl can make it happen! What kind of services do you offer for weddings? I offer a full range of wedding stationery, including save the dates, invites, order of ceremony booklets, menus, place…