Wedding | Emma & Phillip

Tell us a little about yourselves!

We’re Emma and Phillip.

She’s a designer, he works in medical research. We matched on Bumble back in 2019. We’re quite different people, with different upbringings and sleeping habits but we fell in love over our first dates going out for dinners, attending comedy shows and a music festival. We quickly realised we had shared values, appetite, sense of humour, and an eagerness for new experiences.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We had a few key priorities when looking - accessible, weather adaptable and intimate. We also wanted to stay in the same venue for the ceremony and reception for the convenience. 

Phil found Chapel 1885 in Collingwood, only 400 metres from where we first met and it ticked all the boxes. 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed - we ended up only looking at 3 venues before deciding to go with Chapel 1885.

How many guests did you have?

70 guests.

What was your budget? 

We originally budgeted around $30K - we ended up spending around $35K.

This excluded the beautiful wedding cake by Mali Bakes gifted by Phil’s Mum and our wedding rings.

Tell us about your outfits.

We both lean towards simple, classic and a little effortless. 

Emma - Addilyn by Jenny Yoo was the only dress that felt like a ‘say yes to the dress’ moment. A dress that really was easy to style and feel effortless in. 

Phillip - classic black tux with the velvet detail by M.J. Bale was what he felt most confident and classically handsome in.

The wedding bands from Grew & Co. were bespoke so that they partner up next to each other snugly. It follows the natural curve of the engagement ring.

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

We wanted something that felt like us. That didn’t focus on formalities but felt like love with a fun and warm atmosphere for our family and friends. 

That came in the form of feeding everyone and karaoke. We did a first song instead of a first dance, neither of us had practiced our chosen song before the wedding (Lady Hear Me Tonight by Modjo) but really just wanted a fun party starter that encouraged our friends and family to rock the mic, which they dutifully did!

The most important ‘formality’ we kept was creating vows that truly reflected what we value in our relationship and each other. We are getting married after all! Having our friend Guppy as the celebrant and MC made it all the more meaningful.

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

Bicultural as much as possible.

Emma is Chinese Australian and she wanted to make sure that every step along the way there were details that respected her heritage. This included the custom welcome artwork with dragon and phoenix, symbolising marital harmony, translated vows and red as the supporting colour. 

Music that meant something. 

Since we were doing karaoke we didn’t feel we needed a band and Phillip didn’t trust that a DJ would be able to precisely select the music that we love as well as we could. As a result Phillip developed three playlists for the day. Each with a specific feeling he wanted to create for the atmosphere. He was also incredible in creating suspense and a really special moment during the walk down the aisle. His attention to detail made our small moment that much more intimate.

Any tips for couples getting married?

Firstly, congratulations! We hope it’s every bit joyous, loving and memorable too. 

As many before us have said - do it the way that feels right to you. Your day is special because of how you make it your own. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to friends and loved ones. You don’t have to plan or figure it all alone and it makes it that bit more special seeing it come together with touches from your friends and family.

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

We would like to really say thank you to our planner Jenna from The Goodsmiths, who really held our hands with patience and confidence. Our photographer and videographer Brooke McBurnie, who captured the day beautifully and our darling friend Guppy. He is training to become an official celebrant but he is genuinely one of those friends who hosts with warmth, love and so much laughter. Thank you.

Photographer & Videographer: Brooke McBurnie @brookemcburnietakesphotos | Planning: The Goodsmiths @the.goodsmiths | Styling: Organised by the Bride | Flora: Anatomy of Flowers @anatomyofflowers | Ceremony & Reception Location: Chapel 1885 @chapel1885 | Celebrant:  Celebrant a Buddy & Guppy @withloveguppy | Guestbook: Voice Keepsakes @voicekeepsakes | Karaoke Machine: Australian Karaoke | HMUA: Stephanie Ke & Stephanie Kate via Tonic Agency @makeupbystephke @hairbystephaniekate | Nails: Scout Organics  | Grooming: Cutting Kings | Catering & Beverages: Nudo Events | Cake: Mali Bakes @mali_bakes | Dress: Addilyn by Jenny Yoo from The Bridal Curator @thebridalcuratoraustralia | Suit: M.J. Bale @mjbale | Veil: Etsy | Engagement & Wedding Rings: Grew & Co | Shoes: (Bride) Bared Footwear & (Groom) Aquila | Earrings: Faris Bolo | Wedding Artwork/Signage: CreatureCreature Studios

 @creaturecreaturestudios