Tell us a little about yourselves!
I met Chris in Norwich, England whilst I was on a working holiday. And although I was living in this romanticised version of England (thanks to Cameron Diaz from The Holiday), I was desperate for the sun! So, I moved back to Oz with an Englishman. Now we live with our daughter Evelyn in Millowl (Phillip Island). We both work from home, Chris is a software engineer and runs his own business, and he is also a Melbourne coffee convert who often contemplates opening his own little coffee cart (not that he has the time for it!). I work in research, specifically dance and disability. We spend our days together as a family, catching up with friends and surfing the island.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
I wasn’t always sure about getting married in a church, but when it came down to it, nothing else felt quite right. I was baptised at St Dominic’s by a family friend, Father John McKenna. He was the priest in the village where my mum was born (Wagina, Solomon Islands) and he played an important role in my mums’ life growing up. It’s the reason why I feel so connected to this church. Chris on the other hand is agnostic, he doesn’t believe or disbelieve, but he has never questioned my wanting to get married in the church.
When choosing a venue for the reception, Stones of the Yarra Valley was an easy choice; we looked at a few places out of obligation, but honestly, I think our hearts had already picked Stones. It had everything we wanted: the intimate reception space, on-site accommodation to make it easy for those who had children, as well as our overseas guests, on-site after drinks at Ernie’s Bar and brunch the following morning. Stones was able to give us the time we wanted to spend with each of our guests.
How many guests did you have?
43! We were really considered with our guest list. It was important to us that everyone who was extended an invitation to our wedding, had enriched our lives in some way.
What was your budget?
$45, 000.
Tell us about your outfits.
Chris is almost always drawn to navy, so it wasn’t a surprise that the suit he picked was also navy. He chose a three-piece suit from MJ Bale with a subtle plaid pattern, reminiscent of the traditional Harris Tweed check popular in the UK. He paired it with oxford brogues in tanned leather and blue suede made by English brand Barker’s, timeless stainless-steel cufflinks from MJ Bale and a tie that my Nana had given to him a few years ago, because she thought the bear on it looked like Paddington.
I made both my dress and veil, drawing inspiration from Dana Harel Design and Kim Kassas Couture. It was a three piece and included a corseted mini dress with an overskirt and bolero. I used peach nude tulle with an overlay of ivory tulle for the main bodice and appliqué lace, ivory tulle with appliqué lace for the bolero, and a complete lace overskirt. I had originally planned on having a tulle skirt with appliqué lace as well, but the night before the wedding I decided that it wasn’t modest enough for a church, so at 5:00 that evening I used the remaining lace to make a new skirt! It wasn’t perfect, and there are quite a few things that need to be fixed, but I did it!
The last piece that really completed my outfit, and brought in an element of my Kiribati background was a yellow head garland. Handpicked by my brother from my mum’s garden, my mother wove together native frangipanis to make me a garland to wear on my wedding day.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
To know why we were making the choices we were making, that those choices were because we wanted to make them, and not because it was ‘tradition’.
We did away with cake, with being separated the night before, with taking someone’s last name, and formal entrances, instead we opted to attend cocktail hour and walk in with our guests. We had children at our wedding because we are parents ourselves, and family is the foundation to Kiribati culture.
The traditions we kept, we kept because they were important to people: the first dance and father daughter dance, which our daughter Evelyn was able to join in halfway through with Chris. We even discussed the idea of having both my parents walk me down the aisle.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
Having our daughter included in as many aspects as possible made our day so special. She stayed with us the night before, she got ready with the girls the next morning and went across to Chris’ room to spend time with him. She was the most beautiful flower girl, and was so proud of herself because she walked down the aisle by herself.
The cultural elements we incorporated into our day were also really important. Especially the traditional dances at the reception, this included the welcome dance, where my sisters were able to present important guests with a head garland, as well as the Kiribati and Polynesian dances.
Any tips for couples getting married?
Think about the things that are necessary and ditch the rest of it. The more you have to do on the day the less time you have to actually enjoy it all. And if you have any duties like speeches, dances etc. get them out of the way as early as possible so you can relax!
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Our photographer, Maegan Brown Moments was stunning in every single way. I had so many guests ask me if she was a friend that I had known before the wedding. I honestly felt like Maegan could have been another one of my sisters (and I wish she was!). I felt so safe with her, and it was a blessing to share such a special day with not just the kindest person but the most talented photographer. She’s an artist. I look at photos from that day and I can feel every magical moment. Her photos are pure magic!!!
Sarah Pascoe from Wild in Love was my beautiful flower fairy. Her arrangements are like a dream and I knew she would be able to bring my vision to life. I was after a very soft and ethereal feel, and it made the world of difference knowing I could relax and leave it all with Sarah. When I stepped into the reception on the wedding day, the room was so beautiful. It was honestly a fairytale. Sarah was the loveliest person to work with, so authentic and open hearted.
The team at Stones of the Yarra Valley were exceptional, and really contributed to the atmosphere feeling light and relaxed. They continually checked in on us to make sure we were happy, and they always managed to fill up our drinks before we even realised we were low. In fact, they heard Chris mention he would kill for a beer halfway through our portrait session and before we knew it, he had a cold one in hand. The quality of the food was also amazing!
Thank you to my husband, daughter, dad, mum, sisters and bridesmaid. From all the DIY, handmade dresses, travel arrangements, babysitting, co-ordinating etc. The day wouldn’t have been possible without their support.
Photographer: Maegan Brown Moments @maeganbrownmoments | Flora: Wild in Love @wild_in_love.floral | Ceremony Location: St Dominic’s Catholic Church | Reception Location:
Stones of the Yarra Valley @stonesoftheyarravalley | Celebrant: Father Paul Rowse | Hire: The Event Merchant Company @eventmerchantco & MUX Events @muxevents | Makeup Artist: Holly Davies
@hollymakeupartist | Catering & Beverages: Stones of the Yarra Valley @stonesoftheyarravalley | Stationery: DIY | Entertainment: Hey Jack @heyjackco Ceremony) & Melbourne Entertainment Company @melbentco (Reception) | Dress & Veil: Handmade by Natalie | Suit: MJ Bale @mjbale | Engagement Ring: Gregory Jewellers @gregoryjewellers | Wedding Rings: Burlington Antiques @burlingtonjewellery | Shoes: Barker @barkershoes1880 | Head Garland: by Natalie's Mother | Bridesmaids Dress: Mareta Threads @maretathreads | Flower Girl Dress: by Natalie's Mother