Wedding Date 13.04.19 | Venue Cell Block Theatre | National Art School | Photographed by House of Lucie | Khara Deurhof | Style Lounge Suits & Fancy Frocks | Rustic Chic
Both refined and polished, the beautiful wedding of Steph and Tom looks as though it belongs on the pages of a glossy magazine. From Steph’s chic wedding look and undulating bridal bouquet to the incredibly styled venue, we are in absolute awe of the entire celebration and are so excited to share with you.
The Love Story… We met lounging in hammocks when we were backpacking around Mexico! We chased each other around Central America for a few weeks only to go our separate ways when we returned home to our respective states (Vic & NSW) in Australia. It wasn’t until about 6 months later with a girls trip to Melbourne that we reconnected.
THE DRESS
​
I first came across KWH gowns went trawling through various wedding blogs. I had tried on a few different beautiful gowns but when I put on the KWH Addison gown my mum burst into tears. That was all I needed to know it was the right one! It made me feel special and elegant whilst also being SO comfortable! Also, my mum was running late to the appointment and when she walked in and saw me in the Addison gown she burst into tears – at this moment I knew it was the one!
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
So hard to pick just one! Other than the moment I laid eyes on Tom standing at the end of the aisle and, one of my favourite moments was a reading done by one of our best friends during our ceremony. She chose Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water and adapted it to be about Tom and I. We had asked her to speak but had chosen not to see what she had prepared prior. It was so beautiful, so romantic and so personal.
THE
PROPOSAL​
Tom booked a trip for us to spend the weekend at his families beach house down in Portsea. This was the first place Tom took me when I went to visit him in Melbourne for the first time. It was the place I realised our holiday romance could translate to real life and was were we first truly fell for one another. I requested we spend our Saturday on our favourite beach with a picnic lunch. Luckily for him this was exactly how he wanted it to play out but got away with me thinking the day’s plans were my idea. After a lazy nap in the sun and a stroll down the secluded beach, I turned around to see
Words of Advice… Take time out on the day for the two of you. Be present, take it all in. Readings… An adaptation of Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water
The Tunes… Walking down the aisle: Into My Arms – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Signing the registry: Warm Love – Van Morrison + The Wonder of You – Elvis Presley (live covers). Exiting ceremony: Send Me on My Way – Rusted Root. First dance: Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
The Photographer…Khara Deurhof – House of Lucie Love | My sister in law put me in contact with Khara having worked with her in the past. Upon meeting Khara and seeing her work, Tom and I knew she was the person for the job. She was so lovely and warm we felt at instant ease with her and knew she understood the way in which we wanted the day to be captured. Khara went above and beyond from day dot and the finished suite of photos were so breathtaking. We were so blown away by her work that we subsequently commissioned her to do an album. We had two rounds of feedback on the album, however, didn’t need to give any feedback at all. She built the perfect narrative.
A Photographers insight… ‘The wedding of Steph & Tom at the Cell Block Theatre at Sydney’s National Art School was nothing short of amazing. Being a wedding photographer, I experience so many different weddings throughout the year, each amazing and special in their own way – but Steph + Tom’s beautiful day was a standout for me! I feel it is so important for me to have a good connection with my couples, it allows me to photograph their day in an honest, intimate and beautiful way. Right from the get-go with Steph + Tom I felt like we were really old friends, they are both so easy going and I just knew their day was going to be incredible and so much fun to be a part of.’
‘The National Art School is a really gorgeous, historical venue – with beautiful sandstone buildings that I absolutely loved. After the ceremony, we all strolled around the venue taking photos, while the wedding party popped bottles of champagne and toasted Steph & Tom. That is honestly my favourite way to photograph – relaxed and candid and these guys nailed it. What made Steph & Tom’s day even more special, was the incredible styling of the venue by She Designs. I’ve never seen anything like it! It was stunning to photograph and made their reception so magical. Another thing I have to mention from this beautiful day was the insane amount of love in the room from Steph & Tom’s friends and family. It was a beautiful thing to witness, and I couldn’t help but laugh and cry along with them during the speeches. It was such a pleasure to be a part of, and a privilege to document.’
The Stylist… She Designs | She Designs were brilliant to work with. They have a very distinct style which we thought worked well with the venue but were very receptive to our ideas and ensured their plans aligned with our vision. On the day, the set up exceeded all of our expectations. Personally, one of my favourite elements was their floral work. The arbor they built for us to get married beneath and the floral center pieces for the reception were absolutely breathtaking. They made one suggested addition that was outside our brief; a dome of greenery to segment that dance floor from the rest of room. We decided to trust them and it turned out to be the most amazing centrepiece of the reception.
The Florist …Mandy Costin @_flossie | Bouquets were one of the elements I cared about most and I wouldn’t have trusted anyone else. I had once dreamed of Mandy doing all the florals for our wedding but she moved to London shortly after we got engaged. Safe to say I was over the moon when she decided to move home and agreed to do the bouquets for the day, she truly is the best in the bizz!
The Make Up Artist… Katie Angus | I chose Katie Angus for make-up. Katie nailed the dewy, golden look I was after without making me feel like I was caked up with make-up. Katie was not only concerned with ensuring she nailed the look I was after but also with how the make-up felt and wore on my skin. She gave me advice on my skin care regime in the lead up to the wedding and on the day, made myself, my mum and my bridesmaids feel like glam versions of ourselves!
The Suit… Suit Shop |Tom found the gents at the Suit Shop incredibly helpful. He had a fairly clear vision of what he wanted, but no idea how to execute and where to go. They helped translated his vision into reality and provided him with guidance and advice on where he should go for all his footwear and accessary needs. Â
The Wedding Bands… Michael Chubb Family Jeweller | We went with Michael Chubb, a jeweler my family have been going to for over 30 years and who Tom worked with in creating my engagement ring.
The Catering… Piquant Catering | Piquant Catering had previously run a café on the NAS grounds and knew the venue inside and out. Their food was fantastic and they worked with us to craft the perfect menu and flow of the courses for the evening. The team were so accommodating and professional, they helped the whole evening run seamlessly!
Vendor credits
Photos Credit // House of Luci Love
Dress // Karen Willis Holmes
@kwhbridal
Stylist // She Design
@she_design
Florist // Mandy Costin
@__flossie_
Bridesmaid dresses // Bec & Bridge
@becandbridge
Jewellery // Sarah and Sebastian
@sarahandsebastianjewellery
Make Up Artist // Katie Angus
@katieangusmakeupartist
Grooms Suit // Suit Shop
@suitshop
