Location: Perth, Australia
Style: Fancy black, minimalist vintage
Number of guests: 40
Setting: Cottesloe Civic Centr & COMO The Treasury
Season: Summer
From the very beginning, Jake and Rachel approached their wedding with intention and creativity. Pinterest boards, mood references, outfit inspiration – every detail had a purpose. The vision was to create a chic black-tie experience, but with minimal wedding formalities. With the incredible Blonde and Blue behind the planning and styling, and beautifully documented by photographer Sarah Tonkin, the day unfolded like a dream – thoughtful, stylish, and fully them.
Bride's Morning & Fashion
The morning started with laughter and all the right energy as Rachel got ready surrounded by her closest people. Every beauty and fashion detail was sourced locally, a meaningful choice that brought intention to every element of the day.
Her ceremony gown, a couture dress by Coutil Studio, took over 12 months to create, crafted through a series of ten fittings with designer Faith Anderson. Hair and makeup were done by her own beauty salon team from CARMO House, with Brooke Hayward and Brodie Lee leading the glam – a moment shared with the artists she trusts most.
She wore it all with timeless accessories: Jimmy Choo heels, Dior earrings, a Cartier Love Bracelet gifted by the groom, and a wedding ring by She Fine Jewellery, another local favorite. Her signature scent, Baccarat Rouge, and a clean bouquet of white roses by Natural Art Flowers, sealed the bridal vibe: elevated, personal, and unmistakably hers.
Groom's Fashion
Jake originally planned to wear a classic black tux for the ceremony, but about a month out, he decided to switch things up. He had a double-breasted dark brown suit custom-made by Suitsupply, and it literally arrived the night before the wedding. For the reception, he brought the cool-factor with a cream dinner jacket and black trousers, another custom piece by P. Johnson.
Ceremony
Jake and Rachel’s ceremony took place in the outdoor gardens of the Cottesloe Civic Centre in Perth, Western Australia, chosen for its natural beauty, coastal charm, and dramatic staircases that created a picture-perfect backdrop. Instead of a traditional aisle entrance, Rachel made her way down from the top of the stairs toward Jake, adding a unique, cinematic moment to the day.
The florals were designed to feel organic to the space, as if they’d always belonged there, while statement details, like elegant ceremony chairs, refined glassware, and a live string quartet, elevated the atmosphere. The couple co-wrote much of their ceremony script with their celebrant, including personal vows, for a truly intentional and heartfelt experience.
Cocktail Hour & Moments Together
After the “I do’s,” guests enjoyed cocktail hour with fresh oysters and signature limoncello spritzes. Meanwhile, the couple took a quiet moment away from the buzz – walking the venue gardens together, soaking in the just-married feeling before heading back to join the party.
Photographed by the incredibly talented Sarah Tonkin, the portraits felt cinematic, intimate yet effortlessly stylish. From sweeping staircase shots to golden-hour walks, each photo told its own story while perfectly complementing the day’s elevated aesthetic.
Planning & Decor
From the beginning, COMO The Treasury felt like the only choice. Having shared countless special moments and staycations there, the space already held deep sentimental value. Inside the heritage venue, they transformed the blank dining room into a romantic, cinematic scene.
Floor-to-ceiling draping softened the architecture and created a cocoon-like atmosphere, while vintage silver candelabras and deep red roses layered in texture and drama. The design struck a balance between timeless and bold, an intimate dinner party elevated with elegance and intention.
Reception
The reception began with the couple’s entrance to Sunday Kind of Love, performed live by their celebrant Ali Bodycoat. They headed straight into their first dance, setting a laid-back, romantic tone. Dinner followed with a custom menu by Post Restaurant, where they’ve celebrated countless milestones. In a fun personal twist, the chefs even brought back their signature Rigatoni just for the night. A smooth playlist of vintage jazz and love songs kept the vibe effortlessly stylish and nostalgic.
Into the Night
After the groom’s speech, the couple made a quick escape upstairs for a wardrobe change, with the bride changing into her second look: a striking red dress. As they re-entered the room, the uplighting shifted to a deep red, setting the tone for an epic party moment and officially kicking off the dance floor. It was the perfect transition from an elegant dinner to full celebration mode.
A day where every detail felt purposeful, every moment felt cinematic, and love was the true centerpiece.
Advice from the couple:
• Take as many moments throughout the day to stop and be present with each other, to really take it all in.
PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Tonkin Photography | PLANNING & STYLING Blonde & Blue Styling | CONTENT CREATION Open Project Studio | FLORALS Natural Art Flowers | VENUE State Buildings | HAIR Brooke Hayward | MAKEUP Brodie Lee| BRIDAL GOWN Coutil Studio | HIRE & STYLING ELEMENTS Event Artillery, Brellco, Blanc on Briggs | STATIONERY Paige Tuzee Designs | MUSIC & STRINGS Dolce Ensembles | CELEBRANT Ali Bodycoat | CATERING Ultimo Catering | DJ ASLAN | LIGHTING Festoon Lighting
