Luke and Damien wed in a luxurious country setting, surrounded by glamour and elegance. It’s safe to say that this is one of the biggest Australian weddings of 2019, with the four day celebration being shown on Channel Seven’s show ‘Extreme Weddings’ later this year. Complete with over one million florals, countless crystals and dozens of diamantes, this wedding is out of this world!
The Couple…
Luke and Damien are a match made in heaven. When Luke finished university, he moved to Newcastle where Damien happened to be living. As both were in relationships at the time, their connection began as friends. After over two years of mixing socially and getting to know each other, the couple began their relationship. As time went by, it became even more obvious that they were meant to be.
Surprise!…
One sunny weekend, the couple caught a sea plane to the Hawkesbury River to enjoy Damien’s birthday celebration. It was here they they were able to relax for an intimate and romantic dinner together. Whilst taking some pictures on the wharf, Luke dropped to one knee and presented Damien with the most beautiful, dazzling ring. “We returned that evening to a suite at the Hilton and had dinner with close friends. It was 100% a day to remember.”
If You Want Something Done Right…
…do it yourself! That is the idea the couple went for when it came to planning their dream celebration. “Planning a wedding is fun but we struggled. After seeing over forty wedding planners, it was difficult to find someone who was up to the job of our wedding event. We laugh now but at one stage, we were going with three different wedding planners just so that it was manageable!” the couple explained. In the end, Luke held the role of groom AND wedding planner. In a beautiful twist of fate, this was how his wedding planning business LukDesign and Events was born!
A Luxe Country Wonderland…
From the beginning of planning, the couple knew that a country location would be ideal. Despite initially planning a two day event, the end product consisted of a fabulous four day extravaganza. “For everyone that knows us, luxe and opulent are given in our nature. Once we had the one sentence that put our vision into words (White luxe country wonderland wedding event), we went about breaking down every part that would make it all come to life.”
Pre Party…
The wedding took place at a family owned B&B in Palmyra, Forster, located on the North Coast of New South Wales. The venue was surrounded by tranquil bushland, providing a sense of privacy and intimacy. Celebrations began when attendees were transported to the Bago Maze winery. Everyone was then treated to a decadent lunch whilst they sipped on wine and enjoyed the views of the valley. Adventure followed, with guests having to make their way through a 6km maze. Several hours later, all guests reached the finishing line and were transported to the evenings dinner celebration.
The Dazzling ‘I Do’…
The aim of the ceremony was to wow the guests. Decor included one hundred and fifty metres of imported luxe Columbian roses which created a path through the venue. From here, the stage where the couple said ‘I do’ was filled with a fifteen metre white floral structure which supported the curtains. This detail consisted of over two hundred thousand Swarovski crystals. The sparkling detail was truly brought to life with the natural sunshine providing the ideal lighting.
Sparkling Grooms…
Both Luke and Damien sported unique but equally stunning outfits. Damien was dressed in a show stopping Swarovski crystal beaded jacket, completed with the regal touch of a crystal crown. Luke wore a Chanel inspired design which featured an encrusted black jacket and matching bow tie. Later in the evening, the duo switched to custom designed suits which were crafted from imported Italian fabrics, each featuring a bold and elaborate print.
Major Celebrations…
Following the magical ceremony, guests joined the couple to celebrate in the elaborately styled marquee. The ceiling and walls were covered in white draping, with crisp white florals and bold greenery suspended from all around. Sparkling chandeliers carried on the glimmering theme, with enormous candelabras added to each table. The mesmerising white flooring was handcrafted with gold designs, creating the perfect dance floor for the couple to make their entrance onto. Bringing even more of a lively vibe to the reception was the Zaffe drums which was played as the couple arrived.
Styling Extravaganza…
The overall styling of the venue carried across every area, from the finer table details, to the elegantly styled bridal table. The tones and textures throughout the decor oozed drama and romance, bringing the couples vision to life. A final touch of beauty was added with candles placed across tables, providing a delightful glow.
Squad Goals…
Dressed by couture designer Velani, the six bridesmaids were a vision of opulence. Each were dressed in voluminous ballgowns with textured skirts, all designs that a bride herself would dream of. The looks were finished off with bespoke jewellery creations, designed to match the groom.
White Wonderland…
Each and every detail of the dream day created the ultimate look of glamour. Pops of masculine design were added through the use of black detail in the bomboniere and chair layout. Suede grey menus contrasted perfectly with the stunning gold detail of the acrylic foils, name tags and cutlery. Each table was topped with a mirror surface, which when combined with the chandelier detail, created a sensational shimmer. The nine tier cake added another layer of opulence, with elements of soft lighting being added between each section. The dessert was finally topped with five hundred hand made, eatable roses.
A Firework Finish…
Taking advantage of the golden detailed dance floor, the couple treated guests to a magnificent performance. “With Damien being a professionally trained ballroom dancer, it was nothing short of amazing.” Luke explained. What followed was the ultimate ending to such an opulent event. A spectacular fireworks display lit up the sky for all of the guests to enjoy. The following two days were filled with recovery brunches, adventures through the fun park and relaxing by the pool.
From The Start…
If anyone has some important wedding planning advice to share, it’s the couple that pulled off this lavish event. “Our biggest piece of advice is to secure a wedding planner from day one. Pick someone you can go for dinner or have a drink with. You will be very close and personal with them for the whole planning process and lead up to the wedding. Even if you are organised and have a structured plan, you need to enjoy the wedding and not stress over the production. Leave that to the professionals and enjoy your wedding – it comes and goes so quickly!”
To The Future…
With news of the incredible wedding spreading all over the world, the couple have been overwhelmed with the beautiful comments received. Whilst they are back to normal life, the Luk Design and Events brand continues to grow. With many future weddings booked, we are sure to be seeing this opulent styling again soon!
Modern Wedding were lucky enough to have Luke as part of our industry event styling team. Check out his incredible work here!
Wedding Planner: Luk Design and Events / Venue: Palmyra B&B / Video: Soda Films / Photography: Inlighten Photography and Ariana Photography Studio / Ceremony Suits:George Elsissa/ Reception Suits:Brent Wilson Fashion / Bridesmaids Dresses:Velani/ Special Effects: Vibrant Photography and Coloured Smoke / Transport: Rolls Royce Hire Sydney / Celebrant: Anka McMahon / Boho Styling: Martin & Ko / Glamping Tents: Simple Pleasure Camping Co / Stationery: Ooh Aah Invitations / Acrylics: Letters by Lou Lou / Pyrotechnics: All Occasions Pyrotechnics / Catering: Fennel & Co Catering / Beverage Service: August & Lucy / Gelato and Coffee Station: Hugo’s Coffee Cartel / Lighting and Sound: Scion Audio / Marquee: Newcastle Event Hire and Prestige Event Hire / Floral Styling: Vesna Grasso Floral Designer / Rigging: Jay Productions Event / Decor Hire: Harbourside Decorators / Candles: White Label Hire / Chandeliers: Chandeliers To Die For / Ceremony Styling: Outdoor Wedding / Entertainment: Limited Edition Band, Brown Sugar Music & Soul Empire Music / Drummers: C’darz Entertainment / Cake: Sweet Bloom Cakes / Winery: Bago Maze and Winery / Stationary: Luk Design and Events / MC: Mark Palmer / Power Supply: Coates Hire / Amenities: Viking Rentals / Flowergirls: Coco Blush Boutique / Jewellery & Crown: John Khoury Design / Makeup: Illiana and Marisa HMB / Grooms Cosmetics: Rodan and Fields / Hair: Hardys On Hunter / Robes: Roman and French