Catherine and Marlon's Intimate Garden and Gallery Wedding
Wedding Date: 06/02/2021
Gown: Catherine looks stunning in our Tyler Gown and Clementine Jacket from Bluebell Bridal
Photography: Catherine and Marlon’s wonderful photos were taken by Dan O’Day.
What was your wedding venue (ceremony & reception) and why did you choose there?
Our wedding ceremony was held in Melbourne’s Fitzroy Gardens and our reception was held at Arc One Gallery on Flinders Lane. After changing plans last minute due to COVID restrictions, we wanted a wedding venue that felt relaxed, intimate, and was easy for our guests to travel to. We loved getting married in the beautiful gardens which were only a 10 minute walk from home - being in nature was something that mattered to us - and it’s nice to know we can easily visit the gardens in the future to remember our special day.
Did you have a wedding theme/style? If so, tell me about it please!
I would describe our wedding style as relaxed, classic, modern, and natural. We wanted nature to be a feature at our ceremony and whites, blacks, and greens were core colours at our reception along with simple, laid-back decor which allowed the gallery itself to remain a feature.
How did you and your now Husband meet?
We met on a dating app! A very millennial story.
What is your proposal story?
We had booked a short trip away to Vanuatu in January 2020, staying at a beautiful boutique hotel called the Palm House. Little did I know, Marlon had pre-arranged a romantic picnic on a private beach to be set up by the staff for the afternoon we arrived. Because the staff suggested it when we arrived, I was not at all suspicious! As the sun was setting by the ocean and we were enjoying champagne and cheeses, Marlon got down on one knee and proposed.
How did you hear about Prea James Bridal?
I did a lot of online research (mainly instagram) and came across the stunning Prea James Bridal gowns which were relaxed, classic, and effortlessly chic. I really wanted a dress that would match my own style which is typically pared-back, non-fussy, and natural and I knew instantly her gowns were a perfect match.
From where did you purchase your gown?
What do you love most about the gown?
I love the luxurious feel of the heavy silk and crisp ivory colour. I also adored the addition of the Clementine Jacket which gave a soft, feminine, and romantic feel to the look.
Are there any special details about your wedding that you would like to share? (A particular reason you chose the venue, or the date, or did you have a special ritual in your day that was important to you?)
I surprised Marlon at our wedding by changing into a sari at our reception. With the help of Marlon’s mum and sisters over the course of several weeks before the wedding, I had a sari made especially for the day. Along with some delicious Sri Lankan appetisers served at our ceremony, the sari was another way to include Marlon’s Sri Lankan background in our wedding, and I hoped would be a meaningful, touching surprise on the day!
Finally, Do you have any words of wisdom for couples planning their big day?
COVID restrictions meant our wedding plans changed dramatically from a 130 person wedding at a large winery to a very small and intimate affair. In the end, I absolutely loved having a small wedding, and I’d encourage couples to remember that you really don’t need a huge expensive wedding with all the bells and whistles for it to be special, memorable, and one of the best days of your lives!
Wedding Vendors
Photographer: The absolutely incredible Dan O’Day.
He is beyond talented and also one of the nicest human beings you’ll meet
Videographer: My exceptionally talented videographer brother Patrick Auld kindy filmed our ceremony for us - his instagram handle is @patrickauldfilms
Celebrant: Kate Morgan
Band/DJ: The amazingly perfect Kwamena from Melbourne Entertainment Co sang at our ceremony and DJ’d at our reception
Hair & Makeup:
My makeup was done by Katie Wrinkler
My hair was done by Kelly Xu
Accessories (Veil/headpiece/jewellery): I borrowed my sister’s earrings and wore the most stunning shoes from Aquazzura
Groom & Groomsmen’s Suits: Oscar Hunt
Florist: Allie from Flowers of Yarra Glen did a wonderful job with our stunning ceremony arch flowers and wedding reception flowers.
Catering:
Cumulus restaurant served our amazing food, wine, and cocktails at our reception
The Little Bar Cart did an outstanding job serving our ceremony drinks (champagne and negronis) in the gardens
Hire/Prop furniture hire: Weddings of Distinction