Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Setting: Loft
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 9 months
Number of guests: 250
Wedding theme/style: Art deco, classy, romantic, magical.
Vic and Kimlynn’s love story began with a simple visit to Vic’s workplace. Kimlynn had decided to try a new private optometrist and buy a new pair of prescription glasses, unaware that this visit would change her life forever. Upon meeting Vic’s sister during her initial visit, the two hit it off immediately. When Kimlynn returned to adjust her new glasses, she finally met Vic. A casual chat turned into an Instagram connection later that day, and as they say, the rest is history.
Coming from a Lebanese (Vic) and South African (Kimlynn) background, both Vic and Kimlynn have a deep sense of family and tradition. They wanted their wedding to be a reflection of their heritage, filled with love, culture, and unforgettable moments. Their top priorities for the wedding were the food, the theme, and the entertainment, ensuring every detail had meaning and was perfectly tied together.
The couple drew inspiration from the opulence of “The Great Gatsby” but with a modern, romantic twist, incorporating the magic and whimsy of “Willy Wonka.” Eliska and her team from Ruffles and Bells were instrumental in bringing this vision to life. From the first style guide and brief, Eliska’s team flawlessly executed every detail, making the planning process a delightful experience for Vic and Kimlynn.
We really wanted it to be an experience that the guests would never forget.
Kimlynn’s bridal look was an image of classic elegance. Designed by the incredible Leah Da Gloria, her ball gown featured a corset to highlight her waist and was made of lightweight satin to provide the drama of a ball gown without weight. The gown’s clean lines were accentuated with 3D flower detailing, creating a timeless and modern look.
For her hair and makeup, Kimlynn opted for a simple bridal bun on the first day and a half-up, half-down style on the second day to showcase her long hair. Her makeup was kept light and classic to complement her overall look. She carried a beautiful bouquet of soft pink and white roses, accented with hints of deep purple, creating a romantic and elegant feel.
Vic wore a stylish black tuxedo, perfectly tailored to fit him. His attire added a touch of sophistication and complemented the elegant theme of the wedding. Vic’s boutonniere matched Kimlynn’s bouquet with a delicate white rose and a touch of greenery.
The bridesmaids wore stunning gowns by Bec and Bridge in a soft, elegant hue that complemented Kimlynn’s dress. The groomsmen matched Vic’s sophistication in black tuxedos, adding a cohesive and stylish touch to the wedding party’s look.
Vic and Kimlynn decided to extend their wedding celebration over two days to fully enjoy their guests and themselves.
The first day began with a vibrant Lebanese tradition: Vic’s extended family gathered at Kimlynn’s house with Lebanese drummers and dancers to “pick” her up. This lively and joyous procession set the tone for the day as they headed to the church for their Orthodox wedding ceremony.
After the church, guests enjoyed coffee, canapés, and ice cream in a relaxed and intimate setting.
We made the decision to have a two day wedding so that we could enjoy every moment of our wedding celebrations.
The second day was dedicated to the grand reception, where every detail was meticulously planned by Bec and Bridge. The venue was transformed into a magical space with ceiling installations, flower arrangements, and carefully selected furniture.
The tables were decorated with elegant soft grey linens and featured stunning centerpieces of pink, white, and purple roses in sleek black vases. Each place setting included polished silverware, crystal glasses, and gold-rimmed plates, with white napkins elegantly folded under personalized menus garnished with a single dark calla lily. Varying heights of candles in golden holders cast a warm, inviting glow, enhancing the romantic atmosphere.
The ceiling installation of cascading lights and soft fabric created a magical canopy, tying the whole room together into an intimate, enchanted space.
We worked really hard throughout the process with the team at Ruffles and Bells to make sure that every detail tied into the theme and experience we wanted for our guests.
The entrance was particularly memorable with a Lebanese band, a violinist, and 8 drummers performing a lively dance as Vic and Kimlynn made their grand entrance.
The night was filled with dancing, delicious food, and joyful toasts. A violinist played during Vic and Kimlynn’s first dance, creating a magical moment. Later, Kimlynn changed into a second, playful dress, perfect for dancing the night away.
When we look back at the photos of especially our reception, it’s amazing that we could do that and create something different and so special to us within that beautiful reception space.
Advice from the couple:
• Discuss your top priorities within the wedding with each other from the beginning of the planning. For us, that was making a list of the top 3 priorities within the wedding that we cared the most about, and didn’t want to compromise on. For Vic, for example, one of those was entertainment, and for Kimlynn, flowers. Then, throughout the planning process, we made sure that if we were going to cut down or compromise in areas of the wedding for various reasons, we wouldn’t do so in these areas.
PLANNING & DESIGN Ruffles and Bells | PHOTOGRAPHER Lost in Love Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER C2 Films | VENUE Metropolis Events | FLORIST Ivy and Eve Flowers | MUA Artistry Team KR | HAIR Salon Twenty Three | DRESS Leah Da Gloria | SUIT YSG Tailors | BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bec and Bridge | CATERING Moonfishh Sushi | CAKE Mad About Cakes | STATIONERY State of Reverie Studio | CANDLES The Small Things Co | RENTALS Table Art Event, Event Den, Dann Event | LIGHTING Technical Events, Pro Light and Sound | MUSIC Evangeline Victoria, Zaffet Royale | PHOTOBOOTH Social Exposure | WISHING WELL It’s Yours Collective
