Real Wedding: Julia and Anthony

Posted on 4 August, 2017

After a proposal on the four year anniversary of their relationship, Julia and Anthony wanted a wedding that was inclusive and fun with food and drink flowing freely.

GETTING READY

Anthony got ready at his parents’ place in Kingston and I got ready at the Hyatt which was a favourite drinking spot with my two bridesmaids and best friends. We were joined by Amy and Kath, my glam squad, who were fabulous!

Both venues were ten minutes from the Boathouse. Our guests got there easily and our interstate and international guests had a pick of hotels nearby.

THE DRESS

My dress was custom made through a designer in Sydney and I was very particular about what I wanted – waterfall skirt with pockets and the off the shoulder sleeves.

It didn’t exist so I had it made. Very elegant but fun to dance in! I also wanted modern elegant bridesmaid dresses in a vibrant colour that could actually be worn again – the complementary but not matching cocktail dresses were perfect and my bridesmaids looked so beautiful.

THE VENUE

Both of us wanted one venue for the entire celebration, with the ceremony held outside and drinks and food flowing as soon as we had said I do.

We didn’t want our guests to have to kill a couple of hours going between venues or waiting while we had photos – we wanted it to be one location and once our guests were there they could settle in.

We looked at a few places but the Boathouse won us over for a few reasons – the beautiful grounds by the lake, the exceptional food, wine and service and the professionalism of James and his team – they’re old pros at weddings and it shows!

Anthony and I are from Canberra but live in Sydney and really appreciated how comparably easy it was to organise logistics in Canberra – no nightmare traffic to contend with!

THE CEREMONY + RECEPTION

The day itself was magical – the most gorgeous, golden delicious Canberra autumn day – it was spectacular!

Walking down the aisle towards Anthony and looking out at the faces of our family and friends was just the most wonderful thing. And having a couple of hours on the grounds to actually spend time with our guests was so special. It was intimate and joyful and the Aperol Spritz was flowing! And we tore up the dance floor.

It was also wonderful to have a photographer we were really comfortable with so when we did disappear to take photos it was fun (you’re a legend Thommo!)

BUDGET

In terms of budget I think it’s important to focus on the five or six things you really care about – for us music, great food and wine, a killer photographer and that the day be easy and fun- and let go of the rest.

There’s so much you could spend your money on, and while little details can pack a real punch, I’ve never attended a wedding and remembered or cared how the chairs are decorated. I do think having one venue for everything, and a venue so seasoned at weddings, made life simple – the Boathouse had lanterns, an easel, printed the menus, and flowers from Moxom and Whitney were included, and the dessert was so delicious we didn’t see the need for a cake.

We are also very lucky to have some talented friends and family – our DJ Jem is a dear friend and our sister in law Laura made our table numbers and some of the decorations.

I would invest in a photographer – looking at our beautiful photos and reliving the memories is so special and worth the cost.

We were very lucky to have such a beautiful wedding, and I was very proud of the incredible talent in Canberra. All our suppliers were amazing – it takes a village. Thank you!

THE LITTLE DETAILS

PHOTOGRAPHER James, All Grown Up Weddings

CELEBRANT Judy Aulich

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Ginger and Smart

BRIDE’S SHOES Shoes of Prey

JEWELLERY Fletcher and Grace

GROOM’S SUIT P Johnson

BRIDE’S HAIR Kath, 121 Hair

MAKEUP Amy Capeda

FLOWERS Moxom and Whitney

LIGHTING + CHAIRS We rented some filament lights and ceremony chairs from Show Pony

CARS Arrived in Dads old jag

VENUE The Boat House

STATIONERY Paperless Post

DECORATIONS Laura, @thecreativemuster

DJ Jemist

GUITARIST Alex Clarke

WALK DOWN THE AISLE An acoustic version of ‘The Ship Song’ by Nick Cave

FIRST DANCE ‘Slice of Heaven’.