Wedding | Cheree & Will

Tell us a little about yourselves!

We are both lawyers based in Melbourne, Australia, and have been building a life together for the past ten years.  It really was love at first sight, and we became inseparable almost immediately. Our first date felt like the start of something real and we’ve considered it our anniversary ever since.

Over the years, we’ve grown not only as individuals but as a couple, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and two Cavoodles who are utterly spoiled and the very core of our family.  Our shared interests reflect our appreciation for the finer things in life— indulging in good food and wine, travelling, admiring fast cars, and supporting Will’s ever-growing Lego collection. 

Will proposed on Lake Como in August 2024, a moment that felt both intimate and emblematic of our journey together—a blend of elegance, adventure, and heartfelt commitment.  At our core, we value authenticity, creativity, and a deep connection to those we love, and these values guided every aspect of our wedding and continue to shape our life together.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We chose to hold an intimate, private ceremony in our hotel suite at Crown Towers with only our bridal party in attendance. That quiet, personal moment felt deeply meaningful and set the tone for the entire day — a true celebration of our love in a space that felt like our own. The day we chose as our wedding day also happened to be the date of our 10 year anniversary.

For the reception, Vue De Monde was a natural choice. We wanted elegance, extravagance, impeccable service, and a culinary experience worthy of sharing with those most important to us. It was imperative that our celebration embodied refinement and warmth, with exceptional food and wine as a centrepiece to bring everyone together. Vue De Monde delivered on every level, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

How many guests did you have?

We had 58 guests join us at our reception at  Vue De Monde, creating the most intimate and vibrant atmosphere. The evening was filled with love, laughter, and genuine connection — the kind of energy you can only feel when you're surrounded by your closest, most cherished people. We were very intentional with our guest list, inviting only those who truly shaped our lives and love story. Thankfully, we both come from small families, which allowed us to keep things beautifully simple and avoid any difficult conversations.

What was your budget? 

We didn’t set a strict budget from the outset — rather, we began with a notional figure in mind, which we comfortably exceeded once we started receiving quotes for the key elements. For us, it was never about cutting corners; it was about working with the right people who understood our vision. We were incredibly fortunate to be in a position where we could create the day we truly wanted, without compromise. In the end, we spent approximately $120,000.

Tell us about your outfits.

Fashion has always been a shared love of ours, so naturally, our wedding day looks were carefully considered. In fact, Will had his tuxedo picked out a decade ago — a timeless vision he never wavered from.

As for me, the moment I saw the Costarellos gown — just one day after we got engaged — I knew it was the one. It was the very definition of “Cheree”. While I explored collections from Australia’s most sought-after bridal designers over the following months, nothing captured my style quite like that dramatic lace gown. It was romantic, detailed, and unapologetically me.

For my second look, I collaborated with Linda, the incredible founder of Maelle, to create a custom midi dress. I had a clear vision from the beginning, shared a few references, and what she brought to life far exceeded anything I had imagined — refined, sculptural, and effortlessly chic.

Accessories were equally important to me in achieving a look that felt polished yet non-traditional. I styled both looks with heirloom diamonds, statement pieces, and a bold blue Dolce & Gabbana Sicily clutch — my nod to something blue, with a twist.

We asked our guests to join us in black black-tie — tuxedos and floor-length black gowns — which brought such a rich elegance to the evening. The evening felt cinematic in its entirety.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

The most important thing to us was working with the right people — a team that not only understood our vision but shared our values. Every one of our vendors was a brilliant, creative woman chosen as much for her personality as for her talent. It was important to us that the entire experience felt collaborative, intuitive, and deeply personal.

We weren’t interested in anything overly curated or performative — we wanted everything to feel candid, raw, and real. From the way the day unfolded to the way it was captured, it had to be honest. We gave each of our vendors the freedom to interpret the brief in their own way, encouraging them to create from a place of instinct and emotion. That openness is what made the entire day feel so alive — perfectly imperfect in the most beautiful way.

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

Absolutely — every detail was carefully chosen to reflect the elegance and luxury we envisioned for our day. We wanted our celebration to be both sophisticated and personal, with experiences that would delight our guests and create lasting memories.  Instead of traditional flowers, the entire bridal party enjoyed Ruinart Rosé Champagne during the ceremony—a simple yet meaningful choice that set a celebratory and non-traditional tone from the start.

Other key elements included a bespoke cigar bar and a curated whiskey station, which embodied our shared love for timeless indulgence and added a warm, intimate touch to the evening. Our guests were welcomed with classic Negronis, setting a stylish and spirited tone for the evening.

And for a sweet finale, we imported pink champagne truffles from Charbonnel Et Walker, my favourite chocolatier — a delicious and refined treat that perfectly complemented the luxurious atmosphere we sought to create.

Any tips for couples getting married?

Our top tip for couples getting married is to be decisive—and then trust your choices fully. Once you’ve made a decision, whether it’s your venue, your dress, or your vendors, resist the temptation to keep searching. Clarity and confidence in your decisions will allow you to focus on what truly matters: creating a day that feels authentic and meaningful to you both.

Equally important: don’t open the door to endless opinions. It’s tempting to seek advice from everyone, but too many voices can dilute your vision and create unnecessary stress. Instead, surround yourself with a small circle of trusted people who respect your vision and empower you to stay true to yourselves.

Embrace the imperfections, the candid moments, and the raw emotions — those are what will make your wedding uniquely yours.

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

Working with Maegan from Maegan Brown Moments was one of the most wonderful decisions we made for our wedding day. Maegan’s artistry and professionalism are truly exceptional — she captured the candid, raw, and real moments of our celebration with such grace and sensitivity.

Maegan effortlessly blended into the day, making everyone feel comfortable while documenting every detail with a refined, editorial eye. Her ability to create images that are both timeless and emotive perfectly reflects the spirit of our wedding — authentic, elegant, and full of genuine love. Her presence was calming and inspiring; her thoughtful approach allowed us to relax and be ourselves, resulting in photographs that tell the story of our day beautifully and honestly. We are beyond grateful to have these stunning memories captured so thoughtfully and cannot recommend her highly enough.

Olivia Sutherland, the gifted woman behind Olivia And Living was an absolute dream to collaborate with. Her creative vision and keen eye for detail brought our wedding story to life in a way that felt authentic, elegant, and timeless. Olivia’s content beautifully captured the mood and nuances of our day—from the candid moments to the refined touches—telling our story with warmth and sophistication.  Her ability to intuitively understand our aesthetic made working with her seamless and inspiring. Olivia’s content has given us memories we will cherish forever, and her work continues to resonate beyond the day itself.

DJ Perri Lee also brought an incredible energy and vibrant spirit to our wedding day that truly made the celebration unforgettable. From start to finish, her lively and joyful presence kept the dance floor buzzing and our guests smiling all night long.

Beyond her undeniable talent behind the decks, Perri’s kindness and genuine warmth made working with her an absolute pleasure. She was so intuitive in reading the room and effortlessly blended our musical tastes with crowd favourites, creating the perfect soundtrack to our day.

Her fun-loving personality and professionalism combined to deliver a party atmosphere that felt both electric and personal —she’s simply the best at turning any event into a celebration to remember!

Lastly, working with DecorIT Studio was also an absolute pleasure from start to finish. No request was ever too big or burdensome — their dedication to bringing my tablescape visions to life was truly remarkable. Every detail was carefully considered and flawlessly executed, creating an atmosphere of effortless elegance and luxury.  The team’s commitment to perfection ensured that the décor complemented the overall aesthetic of our day and the venue beautifully, making each setting feel personal and refined.

Photographer: Maegan Brown Moments @maeganbrownmoments | Styling & Flora: DecorIT Studio @decor.it.studio | Videographer: Olivia & Living Content Creation @oliviaandliving | Ceremony Location: Crown Towers @crowntowers | Reception Location: Vue De Monde @vuedemonde | Celebrant: Nat Sproal @natsproal.melbournecelebrant | Makeup: Abbey Parke @abbeyparkemakeup | Hair: Jasmine Kara @hairbyjasminekara | Stationery: Self designed & printed | Entertainment: DJ Perri Lee @djperrilee | Ceremony Dress: Costarellos Bridal @costarellos | Reception Dress: Maelle

 @maellebride | Suit: Godwin Charli @goodwincharli | Engagement Wedding Rings: (Bride) Australian Diamond Company & (Groom) Cartier | Shoes: (Bride) Jimmy Choo @jimmychoo & (Groom) Dior @dior | Groomsmen: Formal Red Tuxedos | Bridesmaids: Black gowns, various labels | Scent: Tom Ford F*cking Fabulous @tomford | Bag: Dolce & Gabbana @dolcegabbana | Party Favours: Charbonnel et Walker @charbonnel1875