C A S E Y & M I C H A E L
They were the only ones left on a London bus one night when they realised they were going the wrong way. A cab back into the city was just the beginning for Casey and Michael. They got engaged in London but married in Melbourne – a garden celebration at The Willows complete with an à la carte meal and hours of joyous dancing.
“After discovering on our first date that we shared the same birthday and many other things in common, I began to wonder if Mike was “the one”. But it wasn’t until we were forced to say goodbye because my UK visa had run out that we realised we loved each other and didn’t want to be apart,” says Casey. She ended up moving to Dublin and they had a long distance relationship for a year before Michael proposed one Christmas. “We spent the day at Winter Wonderland and Mike popped the question over mulled wine back at his house,” she says.
They decided to return to Casey’s hometown of Melbourne for the wedding and had an international guest list with friends and family flying in from the US, UK and South Africa. It was really important to find a beautiful and memorable wedding venue that really stood out for its aesthetic and service. After months and months of searching, Casey and Michael stumbled upon The Willows on St Kilda Road. “We couldn’t believe it had taken us so long to find it,” says Casey. “It was just what we were after – relaxed and gorgeous with a beautiful garden. We especially loved that they offered à la carte dining; it really made our night.”
One of their priorities was having the ceremony and reception at the one location; they didn’t want to keep their guests waiting around before the party began! Casey wore a stunning gown – the first she ever tried on. Featuring a lace and crystal-embellished bodice and a voluminous tulle skirt, it was an ideal choice for the garden ceremony. In keeping with the pastel colour palette, the bridesmaids wore mismatching floral dresses and carried bouquets of white blooms.
Once wed, Casey and Michael invited their guests into the reception room where an abundance of pastel flowers decorated each table. Cocktail hour was accompanied by an acoustic guitarist and after the sit-down meal, everyone headed for the dance floor.
The newlyweds delayed their honeymoon so they could spend time with their friends and family who had travelled for the wedding.
Photographer Daniella Melfi Ceremony & Reception Venue The Willows Bride’s Dress Anaessia Bride’s Shoes Kate Spade Bridesmaids’ Dresses Louise Hedley, Soho Mode, New York City Groom’s Suit Calibre Groomsmen’s Suits Raffaele Ciuca Flowers Connie & Lydia Invitations/Stationery Artsy Design Co, London
MW x