Location: Cottesloe, Western Australia
Setting: Civic Centre
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Number of guests: 90
Wedding theme/style: Classic, romantic.
Kobe and Izack’s love story began with a mutual friend. They hit it off right away and even showed up to their first date in matching casual outfits: blue jeans, white shirts, and laid-back sneakers. Despite the long-distance start to their relationship, with Kobe studying abroad in Ireland and Izack touring with his rugby team. “We knew it was worth it after just three dates,” share the couple.
Over the years, they lived together in various parts of France and Australia before eventually settling in Cottesloe, WA. This beautiful part of the world felt like home – their little piece of paradise to share with family and friends. When the right moment came, Izack proposed on a balmy Wednesday afternoon on the quietest stretch of beach in Cottesloe, just down the road from where they celebrated their wedding two years later.
The couple chose Sahara Tonkin as the wedding photographer. She focused on Izack and Kobe, understanding that the most important thing was to capture the couple, their moments, their feelings, and their genuine emotions.
The Cottesloe Civic Centre in Western Australia served as their wedding venue. They were attracted to its Italian-inspired romantic ambiance and lush green surroundings, reminiscent of the small French chateau they stayed in during 2021. The venue’s verdant greenery, olive trees, and century-old stone pillars perfectly embodied the combination of nature and history they admired. With just over 90 guests in attendance, the couple’s vision of a classic romantic garden soirée came to life.
Kobe’s preparation for the big day was about being fully present and enjoying every moment. She chose a versatile dress that could transform into different versions, ensuring she didn’t have to spend too much time on outfit changes. “This was so important. The whole day went by too fast, so every moment was planned to avoid getting caught up in the little things and instead focus on celebrating with those I love most,” mentioned the bride.
Her makeup and hair were kept simple and elegant, with a pulled-back mid-bun and soft, glowing touches, allowing her natural beauty to shine through. Her dress, designed and custom-made by Melbourne atelier Mariana Hardwick, featured a dramatic 3.6-meter Italian silk mikado skirt and a delicate “tattoo” lace bodysuit from Maëlle Bridal, creating the whimsical and romantic look she had always dreamed of.
Izack had his suit custom-made by Harry at P Johnson in Melbourne. Being 6’8″, he knew this was his moment to go all out. Not one to usually relish the fashion scene, Izack loved the process. From choosing the fabrics to having pants that fit perfectly, the groom had found his new element. “The suit turned out perfectly, and Izack is already trying to find a function to wear it to again,” the bride laughed.
The ceremony took place on the main lawn of the historic complex, with guests seated on chairs and the couple standing on a stunning stone staircase. The setting was idyllic, with lush greenery and the gentle sound of the ocean nearby. Bronte, an acoustic singer, set the perfect tone for the ceremony. The couple’s heartfelt vows and the intimate atmosphere made the ceremony romantic.
Following the ceremony, the couple invited everyone to enjoy a cocktail hour and exchange warm words that filled everyone after such a touching event. Tom’s saxophone music accompanied the guests, creating a moment that resonated through the notes.
While the guests enjoyed appetizers, wine, and cocktails, the couple managed to grab a moment to immortalize their unique day. Photographer Sahara Tonkin captured the romantic atmosphere and the couple’s excitement about their future together.
The reception was held under a beautiful tent on the lower lawn. The long tables were adorned with delicate white daisies, soft pink roses, and vibrant blue hydrangeas.
“Nothing was more heartfelt than the 90 handwritten letters to each guest waiting for them under their menu. These special thank you letters will hopefully live with them well beyond our day,” the bride recalled.
When the sun went down, the laughter grew louder, and heartfelt words were spoken. After heartwarming toasts, the couple headed to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Friends and family observed with tears of joy, sensing the love in each step they took.
The wedding party was filled with surprises, from opera-singing waiters to a vintage ice cream truck alternative to a traditional wedding cake. These thoughtful touches, combined with the electric energy of Monty Cotton band singing 90’s classics, ensured the party thrived well into the night.
Advice from the couple:
• Plan together; this was the most enjoyable part of the process. Along with our planners, Izack and I bounced ideas off each other and paid attention to what was essential to each of us. All the little aspects were not overlooked – you notice them, and that’s all that matters on the day. We still talk about the antics from the nights before the wedding, fiddling with wax stamps for the personalized letters with our family. Over a few glasses of champagne, we tackled each letter. It was chaotic, yet one of our favorite memories as we reminisced about each guest.
• Make the most of planning together. Get dressed up for your menu tasting and make a day out of the suit fitting—it’s not just the wedding day that is special; it’s the whole lead-up that makes it all worth it.
PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah Tonkin | VIDEOGRAPHER Perth wedding | PLANNER Confetti and Co Events | CELEBRANT Caitlin Di Stefani | FLORAL Rose and Bud | MUAH TxC Collective | DRESS Mariana Hardwick | BODYSUIT MAËLLE | SUIT P. Johnson | CATERING Ultimo | BAND Monty Cotton | SAXOPHONIST Tom Greble | TENT Tp and co
