Location: Sydney, Australia
Setting: Chapel and Art Gallery
Wedding season: Winter
The number of guests: 160
How long did the couple plan the event: 5 months
Wedding theme/style: Classic, modern, romance. The history of the chapel is juxtaposed with the modern art of the art gallery.
In a world where love stories unfold in the digital realm, Josh and Harriet stand out with their modern-day romance that began with a heart-eyed emoji reply to an Instagram story. From that moment, sparks flew, leading to a whirlwind of events, including a memorable five-day first date and a swift move-in within just four months. Their love story culminated in a Christmas engagement, setting the stage for a wedding that unfolded in the vibrant heart of Sydney.
Celebrating over five years of love and companionship, Karlee and Brett crafted their dream wedding in just under a year, culminating in a spectacular day at the Harding Waterfront Estate in Toronto, Ontario. With cherished guests, their vision of elegance, simplicity, and timeless charm painted the canvas of their unforgettable day.
The couple chose the iconic St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill, a place close to Josh’s heart as his beloved high school, for their ceremony. The reception took place at The Art Gallery of NSW, blending the historic charm of the chapel with the modern aesthetics of the art gallery. With a winter wedding setting the tone, Josh and Harriet’s wedding was a fusion of classic elegance and contemporary romance. Describing their wedding theme as “Classic Modern Romance,” the couple aimed to seamlessly blend the history of St Joseph’s Chapel with the modern art of The Art Gallery of NSW. The juxtaposition of old and new created an enchanting atmosphere fit for a modern-day fairy tale.
The couple’s wedding look reflected their sophisticated taste. Harriet donned a stunning Pronovias gown. Bridesmaids, adorned in Bianca & Bridgette, complemented the overall elegance. Hair by Erin Shanley and makeup by Chloe Ashton added the finishing touches, creating a look that epitomized modern sophistication. The choice to dress bridesmaids in black added a modern touch, nodding to the contemporary wedding vibe.
Harriet spent her wedding morning surrounded by her closest friends. Her mother was by her side, assisting her in putting on the wedding dress. Their loving support helped maintain a sense of calm and set a delightful tone for the entire day.
Josh began his wedding day morning surrounded by his nearest and dearest. His friends and parents were by his side, and together, they prepared for the wedding. While donning their suits, there was time for warm and friendly conversations, adding a touch of camaraderie to the pre-wedding moments. Josh and his groomsmen were dressed in MJ BALE suits.
The chapel was adorned in the same style as the entire wedding decor: flowers in shades of white and soft pink complemented by greenery. This harmonized with the chapel’s interior, creating a festive ambiance without drawing unnecessary attention.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the bride walked down the aisle with her mother, leading her to the excited groom. The ceremony unfolded in a touching atmosphere, with tears of joy and laughter. The most significant moment arrived when the couple exchanged vows, binding their lives together.
After the ceremony, guests had the opportunity to take memorable photos with the newlyweds. Photographer Callan Robison captured incredibly poignant moments that will remain a true treasure in this family’s memories.
Callan Robison crafted beautiful portraits of Josh and Harriet, more than just photographs – these were images filled with genuine emotions. Callan managed to capture the entire spectrum of the couple’s feelings, preserving every detail of this significant day for Harriet and Josh.
Before the wedding reception, guests gathered for a cocktail hour – a wonderful time for socializing. During this period, Harriet, Josh, and their friends continued the photo session, and Callan Robison captured beautiful emotional moments for them.
The decor was stunning in its grandeur, yet exuded refinement and aesthetics. White, pink, and peach flowers helped create a uniquely magical ambiance, combining with the modern charm of the gallery to make it a beautiful and unforgettable spectacle.
Before the reception, guests gathered in the gallery’s hall, accompanied by the sounds of live music. They engaged in conversations, anticipating the arrival of the newlyweds. When Josh and Harriet made their entrance, they were met with joyous congratulations. It was time for congratulatory speeches and loved ones expressed heartfelt wishes for the couple. The speeches delivered that evening were exceptionally sincere and touching.
The wedding day coincided with the Matilda’s quarter-final match, injecting an unexpected twist. As the room collectively held its breath for the team’s victory, the celebration erupted into full party mode, with the band playing “Land Down Under.”
One of the touching moments was the speech by the newlyweds. Josh and Harriet expressed their gratitude to their family and friends who shared the joy of this special and important day with them.
Josh and Harriet’s wedding was not just a celebration, it was a collection of unique moments. The couple cut their cake with Harriet’s great-grandfather’s sword, a family heirloom with a rich history dating back to WW1.
After the touching first dance of the newlyweds, the evening unfolded, filled with dancing and merriment. The fantastic musical ensemble, The White Tree, kept the celebration at its peak by performing lively compositions, ensuring a night of joy and festivity.
Advice from the couple:
• You only have the wedding of your dreams once. Do it exactly how you want to do it. The only things you take away from the day are the memories, the photos, and the videos! And don’t wait- we wish our engagement were shorter. We couldn’t wait one more second to be husband and wife.
PHOTOGRAPHER Callan Robison | VIDEO The White Tree | VENUES St. Joseph’s College Chapel, Art Gallery of New South Wales | CAKE Black Velvet Sydney | CATERER The Fresh Collective | MUSIC The White Tree | DRESSMAKER & SHOP Dress Pronovias | MEN’S SUITS MJ Bale | FLOWERS Floreat | SHOES Midas | RINGS & JEWELLERY Australian Diamond Brokers | MUA Chloe Ashton Makeup | HAIR Erin Shanley
