D a p h n e & A a r o n
Everything about Daphne and Aaron’s wedding was beautiful and understated. After a New York proposal they returned to Sydney to plan their celebration, an urban affair imbued with a subtle kind of luxury. Every moment of the day was brimming with personal touches, every detail had its own significance.
“We met at university in Law School and although we had noticed each other throughout the course it wasn’t until the final semester that Aaron asked me out for coffee,” says Daphne. A trip to Paris after graduation really defined their love and in February 2012, whilst studying his MBA in New York, Aaron proposed before dinner one night.
There wasn’t a distinct theme to their wedding day but the style was most definitely inspired by modern vintage. Daphne and Aaron are both lovers of the written word so scrabble tiles featured throughout the details. “A picture of a scrabble board with tiles reading ‘Daphne Aaron Getting Married’ became the postcard-style invitation and large scrabble canvas letters acted as our table numbers,” says Daphne.
The ceremony was held on the mezzanine level of The Cove in The Rocks. Daphne wore a couture gown by designer Leonardo Salinas, a unique design that she happily admits was her dream dress. “I wanted a vintage silhouette, no back and pockets, I am obsessed with pockets on all my dresses,” says Daphne. She carried a small and neat bouquet of seasonal blooms: peonies, freesias and hydrangeas. Aaron wore a classic suit and bow tie with a boutonniere made from lavender and rosemary tied with twine, a rustic touch. A framed photo of Daphne’s beloved father, who passed away when she was seven, sat on the signing table throughout the ceremony, a beautiful reminder for Daphne and her mother as they walked down the aisle.
Burmese traditions were interwoven into the ceremony; water was poured over Daphne and Aaron’s tied hands and floral garlands were laid around their necks – to signify their union and a happy, long and fertile marriage. Once they were announced husband and wife they enjoyed champagne with their guests before wandering around The Rocks for their location photos, taken by Sarah and Steve of Society Photography.
“Society Photography shot a friend’s wedding a few years ago and I just loved their beautiful, natural shots,” says Daphne. “Sarah and Steve kept us relaxed and we had lots of laughs, the whole experience was so much fun. In the end our wedding photos capture the emotions of the day, they are perfect.”
From The Rocks they walked to their reception at the stunning Simmer on the Bay. Daphne and Aaron really loved the blank canvas of the venue, which allowed them to bring their vision to life. “We liked it’s rustic aesthetic with its exposed wooden beams. And, of course, the location: on the pier near the water. They do great food too and that was a priority for us,” says Daphne.
Over the course of their engagement Daphne and Aaron had collected over 200 glass jars from friends and family to use as vases and candle holders. Intent on adding a DIY touch to the day, Daphne individually decorated each jar with lace and twine. Some jars featured photos from their dating years and mocked up pages of a dictionary, where words such as ‘love’, ‘marriage’ and ‘forever’ were highlighted. Centrepieces were a collection of vintage books and miniature airmail envelopes as place settings and bomboniere holders.
Daphne bought mini postcards of Paris (where they fell in love) and New York (where Aaron proposed) for guests to write messages on – a quirky guest book of sorts.
A cluster of white paper lanterns hung from the wooden beams to delineate the dance floor and a corner of the space became a temporary family album with embroidery hoops holding family photos. Dessert also became a main feature of the decoration. Aaron surprised Daphne with a Sundae Bar in lieu of a wedding cake featuring exotic ice-cream flavours – coconut, green tea, black sesame – sweet toppings, lollies, fruit and syrup.
The following week the newlyweds were blessed at the Burmese Buddhist monastery before embarking on their five week honeymoon. First stop? The luxurious Gili Lankanfushi in The Maldives.
Photographer Society Photography Hair Nikki Mahera Makeup Leanne McDonnell Celebrant Sue Fairclough Bride’s Gown Leonardo Salinas Groom’s Attire Georgio Armani and Emporio Armani Bridesmaid’s Gowns Online Groomsmen’s Attire Their own Event Stylist/Wedding Planner Helen Foukkare of Pocket Full of Sunshine Caterer Simmer on the Bay Entertainment Cat Wood (pianist at the ceremony) and Tatum Co Trio (band at the reception) Transport Hire car Florist Helen Foukkare of Pocket Full of Sunshine Sundae Bar Ice-cream from the Sundae Bar was supplied by Passionflower Stationery Made our own Wedding Night The Sebel Pier One Honeymoon Maldives, Europe, Bangkok
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