"Love is beyond either condition: without spring, without autumn, it is always fresh." Rumi
To all our newly engaged couples. Congratulations! Be yourselves and create a wedding that truly reflects who you are together. We hope we inspire you and introduce you to the wonderful world of weddings.
Lightspace, Brisbane, QLD
Photography by Jessie Dains
It is a Sunday in February and Tom and Phoebe are headed out for a picnic, intending to relax the day away in their usual style, reading in the gorgeous Queensland sunshine atop blankets and pillows. "It seemed like just another typical Tom/Phoebe picnic – we often take a blanket, some pillows and a book to a park and sit there for hours. On this particular day though, Tom appeared restless and no picnic spot was good enough – first there were ants, then there were too many people, then it started to rain." Eventually they find a spot that Tom is satisfied with, and for 45 minutes or so the couple read and relax in each other's company, just as they have done many times before. Then, out of the blue, Tom rolls over with a ring in his hand and asks Phoebe to marry him. Thinking back on that special day, Phoebe couldn't be happier with how he presented his proposal, recalling, "It was very relaxed, which perfectly sums up how we are together."
OUR FIRST DANCE
"Our first dance song was to 'The Wedding Song' by Angus and Julia Stone. We both love music and there are so many great options out there for first dance songs. It was a hard choice! We just loved the lyrics and felt that they represented our relationship."
Tom and Phoebe gave themselves plenty of time to plan their wedding, with 13 months separating their engagement and the big day. This gave them an opportunity to really enjoy the planning process, which was further aided by Phoebe's passion for listmaking and Tom's adroitness with an Excel spreadsheet.
"People often think that I’m the super organised one (I suppose that is true too), but Tom actually created an incredible spreadsheet complete with formulas to help us plan the wedding. Never underestimate the power of spreadsheets. When you combine excessive list making (Phoebe) with spreadsheet formulas (Tom) the end result is magnificent and will definitely assist with wedding preparation de-stressing."
"We have so many special memories and plenty of highlights from our day. We wanted to share our day with our family and closest friends and to make it a day full of love, fun, and good food and wine. We succeeded – it was the best day ever!"
When Phoebe arrived at Paddington Weddings she knew straight away that she would be getting her dress from there - it was just a matter of deciding which one!
With the assistance of her mother and sister and the helpful advice of the expert staff at Paddington Weddings, Phoebe tried on many gowns of different styles. Ultimately, she chose one that she knew in her heart of hearts was exactly what she was supposed to be married in.
"Growing up, I always thought I would have this type of dress, but I think for that reason I was trying to look at different options. But in the end, we all knew that it was the one for me. Everyone had the obligatory cry and we locked it in."
GIFTS Knowing that their loved ones would want to bring a gift even if they told them it wasn't necessary, Phoebe and Tom chose to set up an online gift registry for guests who wanted to give a physical present. They also invited guests to contribe towards a piece of art to adorn their new home.
Phoebe and Tom exchanged their vows at the architectually celebrated Queensland Terrace at the State Library of Queensland, with it's high ceilings, marble floors and oak cabinets brimming with a collection of tea cups and saucers. Although the sky literally tried to rain on their parade, nothing could dampen Tom and Phoebe's spirits on such a happy occasion.
"A huge thunderstorm and flash flooding decided to grace us with its presence, about 10 minutes before our ceremony was supposed to begin. All of our guests were piled into a lecture theatre while the staff ran around with a mop. It was still pouring and several sirens were wailing through our ceremony. It didn’t really bother us, and all you can do is laugh really. Despite this, our day was fairly stress free!"
The reception was held at Lightpace in Fortitude Valley, a unique venue that represents the very epitome of rustic industrial chic. Paying homage to its past as a warehouse, Lightspace features lofty high ceilings and a raw, industrial asthetic, matched flawlessly with gorgeous vintage furniture and modern design elements.
Phoebe and Tom echanged their vows at the architectually celebrated Queensland Terrace at the State Library of Queensland, with it's high ceilings, marble floors and oak cabinets brimming with a collection of tea cups and saucers. Although the sky literally tried to rain on their parade, nothing could dampen Tom and Phoebe's spirits on such a happy occasion.
KEEPSAKE Phoebe and Tom were married beneath a wreath crafted by Wild at Heart Flowers, which also took centre stage at their reception and now is a permanent fixture on their verandah at home.
"We always struggled when people asked us what our theme was. Let’s go with modern/industrial/rustic? It was basically lots of wood and greenery in modern/industrial rooms. We just decided to start with choosing elements that seemed to 'fit' with our style and personalities and the rest evolved from there."
A PIECE OF ADVICE
Phoebe and Tom walked away from their special day without a single regret and maintain they wouldn't change a thing, even to stop the massive storm that threatened to saturate their ceremony. They wanted a relaxed and fun day with all of their family and friends, and they absolutely succeeded in delivering that. What can other couples take away from their experience? Phoebe sums it up perfectly when she advises,"Learn
to compromise and have fun!"
Aside from actually getting married to one another, one of Phoebe and Tom's favourite wedding memories comes courtesy of their fabulous photographers, Josh and Shannon, from Jessie Dains Photography.
"It was really the first time we were ‘alone’ as a married couple and Josh and Shannon made it lots of fun. We finished up taking photos outside Doughnut-Time in Fortitude Valley. We were starving so got some doughnuts and Josh thought it would be funny for us to get some photos in the middle of the road with the doughnuts in our mouths. The ridiculousness of it was a really fun and relaxed way to finish the photo shoot."
gown: Paddington Weddings www.paddingtonweddings.com.au
photographer: Jessie Dains www.jessiedains.com
ceremony location: State Library of Queensland, www.slq.qld.gov.au
reception venue: Lightspace, www.lightspace.net.au
reception caterer: Al’FreshCo, www.alfreshco.com.au
reception decorations: Furniture, ladder, books and crates - Hampton Event Hire www.hamptoneventhire.com
Lighting AV Ideas Pty Ltd www.weddinglighting.com.au
shoes: Kate Spade
bridal hair piece: Jennifer Behr, www.jenniferbehr.com
wedding rings: Sols Diamonds: solsdiamonds.com.au
groom’s and groomsmen: MJ Bale, www.mjbale.com
bridesmaids: Zimmerman, www.zimmermannwear.com
flowers and floral styling: Wild at Heart Flowers www.wildatheartflowers.com.au
celebrant: Benjamin Breitenstein, www.bb-mc.com.au
transport: Corporate Limousines, www.corporatelimousines.com.au
hair & make-up: Elina Valttila, www.evhairandmakeup.com
singer: Matt O’Donnell, www.soundcloud.com/mattodonnellau
gift registry: Peters of Kensington, www.petersofkensington.com.au
first night: Emporium Hotel, www.emporium.com.au
honeymoon: Maldives,
Meeru Resort, www.meeru.com
