Planning vintage glam wedding brings Emily and Matt closer together

Emily couldn’t have imagined she would marry Matthew – upon first meeting they weren’t one another’s greatest fan!

“Matt and I met at Monash University where we both lived on campus,” explains the bride. “We didn’t like each other our first year, but safe to say opposites attract and here we are 10 years later!”

They pair, aged 29 and 31 respectively, married at their vintage glam wedding. A ceremony and reception at Acacia Ridge Winery in Yarra Glen, Victoria, included 145 guests under a gorgeous blue sky. Emily, who admits she didn’t really enjoy dress shopping, had a special touch added to her gown. “My grandmother who is no longer with us was a beautiful dressmaker,” she smiles. “I dreamed of her making my dress as a small child, but she died when I was four, so I had one of her labels that states ‘Especially made for you by Frances Spears’ sewn in.”

But what topped the great weather and sentimental touches on their day was a surprise this bride wasn’t expecting. “When people ask, how do you feel now you are married?, I used to think nothing will change, it’s just another day,” explains Emily. “But I was wrong. There is something magical about planning an event for all your family and friends to show and celebrate your love for one another… It brought us closer in a way I can’t explain.”

Photos courtesy of Perla Photography.

Laura handcrafted wedding invitations from material she sourced in Singapore. “They were so cute – but took so long to make!”

The special label Emily had sewn in to remember her grandma.

“Youki and her team are locally based and do an amazing job,” praises Emily of the pretty pastel country style blooms by Sugar Bee Flowers.

Of Perla Photography, Emily comments, “Most things I price-shopped. Laura I didn’t. I just knew when I saw her pictures. I love all our photos and can’t wait to see our album.”

Ann Flockhart married the couple having known Emily from her local town. “She’s a lovely kind and creative woman – I knew she was the right person to marry us from the outset,” says the bride.

“We wanted to bring in the concept of Singapore so our entrees were street carts. One Aussie-themed that served mini lamb burgers, and one Singapore-themed that had Singapore noodles. The team at The Essential Caterer decorated the carts and I brought back Asian style hats and lanterns to help.”

The bride and groom did most of their wedding planning from Singapore. It was challenging at times, hence they hired wedding planners The Valley Collective to help out. “I’m a control freak but it was going to be impossible to keep everything in check on the day!” laughs Emily.

Food trucks are a great way to spice up your event!

Video by Momento Films.