Kimberley and Daniel were high school sweethearts: they met in Year 11 and have been together ever since. Daniel proposed during a special holiday to Queensland, following a night on the beach at the Gold Coast. “He proposed to me after I broke his glasses on a ride at Movie World,” laughes Kimmy.
Getting ready to tell me their story, Kimmy prefaces with “We’re crazy, and we love to have fun! I’ll just tell you that first!” Of course, I’m absolutely intrigued. And rightly so… the native Melbournians decided on a destination wedding in Sydney, giving their friends and family the opportunity to indulge in a getaway, along with attending the wedding. “We wanted a vintage theme, with birds and other quirky elements,” says Kimmy, “originally inspired by my two cockatiels at home.” Soft pink, peach, latte, ivory, pearls, lace and feathers all combined to create a lavish decor theme.
They held their ceremony on-board Matilda Cruises in Sydney Harbour. “Our celebrant was Philip Holland,” says Kimmy, “who allowed us to write our own asking, including Dan’s saying that I will vacuum the floor and play more Xbox, and mine saying we will go for more late night coffee runs and camp down the stairs more often with the birds. Dan was also asked if he will ‘love me like a fat kid loves cake’ in our vows!”
“After the ceremony, we jumped off the boat at Luna Park and had some photos there and around the bridge. We stopped off at Luna Park, and ate some fairy floss and played around, before being kicked out, but we had all the photos by then!” she says.
“I fell in love with designer Clarissa Grace,” says Kimberley. “My gown was based on Over the Rainbow, but with the addition of some lace and cap sleeves to finish it off.” The bodice was embellished with latte, ivory, pinks and a touch of gold. “Every time I looked at it I found something new!” said Kimberley. “The shredded silk down the back of the skirt was so pretty and really added something different.” Kimmy’s gorgeous hair and makeup was done by Simona Janek. “Simona was amazing, she really made everything come together on the day, with the dress and the theme,” she said. Kimmy finished off her look with a gorgeous flower, pearl and feather hair clip by Lynette Day Designs.
Kimmy found her flowers at Des Flora in Melbourne. “I chose silk peony roses, as being October, I didn’t want them to wilt before I walked down the aisle. My florist put feathers in between the silk flowers to soften them up and continue the bird and vintage theme.” Kimberley and Daniel chose an alternative to the traditional bridal table set-up, known as Viking Style. “We had two enormous long tables so all of our guests were around us. It had a much more family style feel to it.” L’Aqua provided the perfect reception venue. Jane at Romeo’s Chair employed twisted willow, hanging birds, flowers, votive candles and birdcages to bring the couple’s theme to life. Pink lighting by AV Impact finished off the reception theme perfectly. “We also had a ice luge from Art of Ice with our bird monogram in it from all our stationary, that all the guests had with a shot of Slivovitz, which is plum brandy, a family tradition.”
Guests dined on a sumptuous three course meal, and were treated to Halloween themed bomboniere. “We had trick or treat bags,” said Kimmy. “They were brown paper bags with a hand made stamp on them saying trick or treat and inside was full of lollies and a gag present, like a mask or a funny trick. There are a lot of great photos of our guests playing with them. Also as it was Halloween, our guests came prepared for the reception, fitted out with witched hats and dress ups. They all go so involved in it, it was so fun!”
Guests danced the night away to the likes of Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam. “We didn’t have any of that ‘lovey dovey’ wedding music,” said Kimmy. “I wanted my guests to have fun!” Kimberley and Daniel spent their wedding night at the Park Hyatt, and had fun the next day trashing Kimmy’s dress in a water feature in Darling Harbour. They still live in Melbourne, but they loved their destination wedding in Sydney and are planning on spending Christmas in Thailand. “I have just started my cake business, Mudpies and Pat-a-Cakes, and Dan is in IT. We will just follow the wind and see where it leads.”
Congratulations to Kimberley and Daniel Lawrence! Are you getting married on a special date? Will you be theming your wedding accordingly? Let us know! Leave your comments, stop by Facebook or tweet us.
This amazing wedding:
Gorgeous Photography: Expressions Photography
Bride’s Gown: Clarissa Grace and Afective Bridal
Bride’s Hair Piece: Lynette Day Designs
Bridesmaid’s Gown: Ravish
Groom’s & Groomsman’s Suits: Vintage
Bridal Party’s Sneakers: Converse Chucks
Flowergirl’s Dresses: Etsy
Bride’s Makeup and Hair: Simona Janek
Ceremony: Matilda Cruises, Sydney Harbour
Celebrant: Philip Holland
Reception: L’Aqua
Decor & Theming: Jane from Romeo’s Chair
Flowers: Des Flora
Cake: Mudpies and Pat-a-Cakes (Bride’s Own Company)
Handmade Hanging Birds: Dan’s Mum and Grandma
Lighting: AV Impact
Ice Sculpture: Art of Ice
Music: Musiq
Looking for more real weddings? Check out A Rare Romance and Soulmates. After something completely different? Why not look at a Scary Wedding Shoot or Gorgeous Gowns Galore!
Enjoy!
Rosemary xox