Gabi and Zio’s weekend of love at bohemian beach wedding

Any bride will tell you that the big day goes by in a flash, so Melbourne couple Gabi and Zio decided to make theirs a weekend-long celebration.

Gabi, 26, says she and Zio, 27, shared the same vision for their bohemian beach wedding.

“We wanted a relaxed, casual vibe, surrounded by our closest friends and family and
were adamant that we wanted a weekend event as opposed to just one day because all we were ever told was that the day goes by so quickly,” Gabi says.

The couple found everything they wanted at Phillip Island’s Clifftop Boutique Accommodation, choosing the Labour Day long weekend, in March 2018, to stretch out the celebrations with their 100 guests.

“Entering through the house, guests were led outside to the deck which overlooks Smiths Beach. Both the ceremony and reception were held in this space, with a raised landing for the ceremony and a marquee for the reception,” Gabi says.

“The marquee was decorated with foliage, succulents and candles on three long wooden tables. The colour scheme was very neutral combining timber, greenery and crisp, clean white.”

The bride says the bohemian beach wedding was a special celebration.

“We wanted our wedding to be more than a celebration of us, but a celebration of everyone that has been a part of our relationship,” Gabi says.

Photos courtesy of Bohemian Prints.

Gabi wore two dresses on the big day – a strapless gown for the ceremony and a party dress for the reception from Luv Bridal that she had converted into a tutu. Her accessories were kept simple with a garter from Honey Birdette.

“Zio and I met at a party on St Kilda beach when we were in our early teens,” Gabi says. “We had an instant connection but it took a few years before we made it official – after many years of on again off again flirting.”

“I designed and styled the marquee myself, waking up at 7am the morning of the wedding and setting up each table setting and making sure it was perfect,” Gabi says.

Over the Top Events provided the marquee, dance floor, arbour, marquee lighting, pallets and barrels for the bohemian beach wedding.

Video by Native Weddings.