A Glamorous Australian Wedding Showcasing Fun and Couture Mastery

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Setting: Ceremony: On the river; Reception: Outdoor marquee
The number of guests: 130
How long did the couple plan the event: 18 months
Wedding theme/style: Classic with hints of glam, traditional but fun.

In the world of modern love stories, where paths cross in the most unexpected ways, the tale of Harry and Courtney shines with a special air. It all began a year or so before they officially met, at a charity function where Courtney was working at the door, checking off the guest list. At that time, Harry was known to her only as ‘Kelli’s son.’ The initial meeting was uneventful, but it marked the first time they crossed paths after Courtney had known Harry’s mother for a good 7 or 8 years.

Their destinies truly intertwined when they went for dinner with their mothers, Kelli and Katie. Harry had previously interviewed Courtney’s mom for a university assignment, an endeavor in which he excelled (or so we’re told). Grateful for her mother’s help, he seized the opportunity to express his gratitude and suggested taking Kelli out for dinner. Courtney, ever eager to spend time with Kelli, promptly agreed to join in the gathering.

The evening began in the charming neighborhood of Mount Lawley. As they arrived to pick up their mothers, Courtney went to the house to inform them of their arrival. Kelli, dressed and ready, sat on the couch in anticipation.

However, their initial dinner plan took an unexpected turn. Courtney had to leave the dinner early, as a friend needed her assistance. As the night went on, she returned to the house and discovered that Harry was enjoying the company of some of his friends. He extended a warm invitation for her to join, which she gracefully accepted. Out of the blue, Harry produced a bottle of Mumm Champagne and two crystal glasses, making Courtney feel incredibly special. Although she stayed for only one drink that night, it began a beautiful connection that would change their lives forever.

From that point forward, Harry and Courtney continued to talk and grow closer, their friendship blossoming into love. Their shared laughter, secrets, and dreams solidified their connection, creating a bond that nothing could break.

Come a little closer to learn more details.

As the wedding venue, the lovebirds chose Bishops House, a heritage-listed home dating back to the 1850s and operated as a formal dining venue by the Lamont Family for the past decade. With its incredible private gardens and stunning heritage home, the venue provided an exquisite backdrop for their special day.

Paper and Ink Studios masterfully crafted the “Save-the-Date” and other stationery for Harry and Courtney’s wedding. Their classic design with a touch of glamour set the perfect tone for the wedding, offering a glimpse of the timeless beauty and elegance that awaited their guests on this special day.

Courtney’s dress experience was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the incredible talent of Loui Col Designs, with her very own mother, Katie, being the genius behind the operation. With roughly 20 to 21 dresses in total, the variety was breathtaking. The bride wore not one, not two, but three magnificent dresses throughout her special day.

For the ceremony, Courtney’s main dress was an elegant A-line style in a soft pink color, adorned with a massive skirt that flowed behind her, boasting a 2.5-meter train. This dress exuded grace and romance, complemented perfectly by a 3-meter personalized veil. The veil was a work of art, featuring “Mrs. Massey” written alongside the significant date, 25.03.23, and the heartfelt phrase “love is a splendid thing” delicately inscribed near the end of the skirt train. To complete the bridal look, Courtney chose to wear stunning blue Manolo Blahnik heels and exquisite Rohan Jewelry earrings.

But Courtney wasn’t the only one who got to express her style on this special day. Her seven bridesmaids had the delightful opportunity to design their dresses. Under the expert guidance of Loui Col Designs, they crafted stunning white, floor-length gowns with unique elements, texture, and sparkle. It was a beautiful expression of individuality within the unified theme of elegance.

The bride’s dress journey was a family affair, as her mother, Katie, played a central role in crafting the dresses and walking her down the aisle. The bride’s mother also had an exceptional button made from Rohan Jewelers as a family heirloom to be Courtney’s top dress button, which also can be worn as a necklace. Here is how Katie recalls it: “When it came to making Courtney’s gown, I wanted to add some special details. A custom-made diamond Blue sapphire button from our talented friends at Rohan Jewelers was the perfect finishing touch. I had some OLD diamonds we used from a ring I wasn’t wearing. The button was NEW, and it was a piece to be BORROWED from me, and the stunning center sapphire was something BLUE!” This story behind the button is a testament to the love and care that went into every detail of Courtney’s wedding, and it will be a cherished heirloom passed down through generations.

The bridal wedding dress experience was a true labor of love and a celebration of family, tradition, and individuality, making her wedding day all the more special and memorable.

Behind her stunning bridal look was a talented team of beauty experts who played a pivotal role in ensuring her radiance on her wedding day. Makeup artist Kathryn Colgan worked her magic on Courtney, enhancing her natural beauty. Amy Gama styled Courtney’s hair, creating a look of elegance. Bridesmaids received expert makeup artistry to shine on this special day.

Harry, the groom, radiated sophistication in a custom three-piece black tuxedo from Suit Vault, accented with a black bow tie and stylish black Gucci mules. His groomsmen followed suit, dressed in matching black tuxedos from Suit Vault, with Loui Col crafting pink bow ties to match the bride’s dress. This impeccable and coordinated attire showcased their timeless elegance and attention to detail on this special day.

The Matilda Bay ceremony, held by the river, was a testament to natural beauty and the union of love. The gentle waters, lush greenery, and expansive skies created a breathtaking view that, combined with the exquisite floral arrangements in soft, delicate hues, made this outdoor ceremony a truly magical and unforgettable moment for all.

Katie, the bride’s mother, walked Courtney down the aisle to share the joyous celebration. Her role in this special moment was a heartwarming addition to the proceedings, symbolizing the love and support surrounding the lovebirds as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives.

As the moment of truth arrived and the ceremony began, Harry’s eyes eagerly searched for his beloved Courtney. When he finally saw her in her glorious gown for the first time, tears welled up in his eyes. The sight of Courtney, radiant in her wedding dress, was a breathtaking moment that captured the depth of their love and left an indelible mark on their hearts. In that instant, words were unnecessary, as the emotions spoke volumes, uniting them in the purest celebration of their love.

At the heart of this ceremony, love and laughter were the show’s stars. These precious moments, filled with affection and joy, illuminated the atmosphere. The exchanged vows were not just words, but promises of eternal devotion, and the shared laughter echoed the lightness and genuine happiness that defined their love.

The talented photographer behind the lens at Harry and Courtney’s wedding was Keeper Creative. With an eye for capturing the most beautiful and meaningful moments, they skillfully documented every detail of the day, creating a visual narrative that will be cherished for a lifetime. Their ability to freeze time and encapsulate the love, laughter, and all the special moments was extraordinary.

The reception, held outdoors under a marquee provided by Lamont Bishops House, was a magical affair, where the couple and their guests dined and celebrated under the open sky, surrounded by enchanting garden views.

A Little Bohemia, the talented floral artisan, worked their magic at the couple’s wedding. They adorned the tables with approximately 390 candles, complemented by a striking centerpiece. What truly set their work apart was their creative reuse of ceremony flowers, framing the table ends, and seating arrangement at the reception. Their exceptional work added an enchanting and unified atmosphere to the celebration, making the day even more memorable and visually stunnin

The first dance was a breathtaking moment, beautifully choreographed to perfection. As they took the dance floor, their eyes locked, and the world seemed to fade away. The dance was a mesmerizing display of grace and love, symbolizing their journey and their commitment to a future filled with harmonious steps together.

Shakey, the live painter, was a captivating addition to this event. Throughout the entire celebration, he artfully painted a portrait of the couple, capturing their special day from dawn till dusk.

Their vision for the celebration was clear: they wanted everyone to have an absolute blast, transforming the evening into a grand party. To kick off the reception in style, they enlisted the talents of ‘Brass Party,’ a lively live Brass Band. The band not only introduced the bridal party in a spirited manner but also got everyone on the dance floor moments after they arrived at the reception – even before the first bite of the entrée! It was a rousing start to the evening, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of revelry.

As the night continued, DJ Envy, helmed by the skilled DJ Adam, took over the entertainment reins, keeping the dance floor alive and the celebration in full swing. The transition from the live band to the DJ ensured a seamless flow of music, guaranteeing a non-stop party atmosphere.

Harry and Courtney put a unique twist on the traditional guest book, opting for a phone where guests could leave heartfelt voicemail messages, adding a personal and modern touch to their reception. With this ‘Glad you Called’ feature, they not only captured memories but also received warm wishes and kind words from their loved ones.

During the evening, Courtney made a magical transformation by removing the extravagant skirt at the entrance. She then donned tuile wings adorned with lace and crystal beads, adding a whimsical charm to her ensemble. To dance the night away, she slipped into pearl Jimmy Choo shoes, embracing comfort and style simultaneously.

The reception was a reflection of the couple’s commitment to celebrating their love in the most joyous way possible. By infusing tradition with entertainment and modern touches, they created an atmosphere that was not just about celebrating their love but also about creating cherished memories with all their guests. It was a night where the wedding party celebrated with all the fun and flair of a big, joyful party, setting the stage for a lifetime of happiness and shared laughter.

Advice from the couple

• I know everyone says it, but don’t sweat the small stuff. Please do what you guys want to do and try to plan as much of it together as you can because it is enjoyable to choose everything. It’s your wedding! Don’t worry about what other people would want/think! Be you!