When Conie and Joel imagined their wedding, it was never about following tradition or formal expectations. Instead, they wanted the day to reflect who they truly are. Both have playful, cheeky personalities, and they envisioned a celebration that carried that same spirit. With Conie’s background in event planning, the celebration was styled almost like a fashion event, complete with bold posters and a large signing table that set the tone for a day full of character. The entire story of the day was beautifully captured by for PEARLS and PEARS, whose photography documented the celebration with a natural, editorial perspective that perfectly matched the couple’s vision.
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Style: Untraditional, Fun, Pink
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 60
Setting: Port Phillip Estate
Season: Winter
Conie works in fashion, a field that allows her to express her love for style and creativity every day. Fashion has always been a big part of who she is, and she enjoys putting together looks that feel truly personal. Joel, on the other hand, is a true foodie. Together, they love traveling, discovering new dishes, desserts, and wines, and bringing those inspirations back into their own kitchen, where cooking has become another way for them to share creativity and love.
The couple met seven years ago at a low-key barbecue. Conie immediately noticed how reliable and down-to-earth Joel seemed, while Joel was drawn to Conie’s kindness and natural elegance. Years on, that spark is still there. Joel eventually proposed at home on what seemed like an ordinary day, knowing Conie would prefer something private. He brought out the ring they had chosen together, turning the moment into something simple, intimate, and perfectly true to who they are.
Getting Ready
Conie wanted every wedding look to reflect her personal sense of style. She chose dresses that could live beyond the wedding day, pieces she could wear again to parties or special events in the future. Because of this, none of her looks leaned traditional or overly formal. For the getting-ready moments, she wore a soft pink dress by Cecilia Bahnsen with Chanel shoes.
Conie also carried two bouquets on her wedding day. For the morning preparations, she chose a unique fabric bouquet crafted entirely without fresh flowers. It was not only an eco-friendly choice but also a keepsake she could cherish in the future.
Unlike many couples, in which the bride chooses the groom’s outfit, Joel styled himself entirely. Their shared vision was intentionally anti-formal, so he skipped ties, bow ties, and traditional dress shoes. His ceremony look featured an oversized shirt from Kolor paired with a jacket from Sacai, which combined a blazer-like structure with a bold, slightly playful design.
For the reception, Joel wore a Bottega Veneta shirt, completing the look with Louis Vuitton shoes. The result was a modern, relaxed style that perfectly reflected the couple’s approach to the day.
Bride's Fashion
For the ceremony, Conie wore a two-piece set by Noir Kei Ninomiya that balanced structure and individuality. For the reception, she styled her own look by combining pieces from Bibiy. and Superr, creating a playful and personal look that reflected her fashion-forward approach.
Her veil, by Vivienne Westwood, added a romantic yet rebellious touch to the bridal look. Most of her colorful jewelry pieces were from Simone Rocha, while she kept things timeless with a simple Chanel piece worn with her wedding gown. Hair and makeup throughout the day were created by Yaya Studio, whose soft, refined styling complemented each of Conie’s distinct looks.
Ceremony
Thinking first of their guests’ comfort, Conie and Joel chose to hold their ceremony indoors at Port Phillip Estate, creating a warm and intimate setting away from the winter chill. The space was transformed according to Conie’s vision, with cascading drapes in soft beige and pink, her favorite colors, gathered into a grand bow that set a beautifully personal tone for the ceremony.
Everyone present knows Joel isn’t usually the emotional type. He may be young, but he always comes across as steady and composed. That’s why it touched everyone when he became emotional a few times during his speech, revealing a softer side that made the moment even more meaningful.
To mark the transition from vows to celebration, Conie and Joel arranged a champagne tower for their guests. With practical gifts already received through their registry, this moment was simply about shared festivity. Staying true to their style, they chose sleek silver cups instead of traditional glassware, giving the tower a playful, modern edge that felt effortlessly chic and unmistakably “them.”
Reception
Red and pink became key accents throughout the celebration, chosen not only for their vibrant, joyful energy but also for their deeper meaning. In Chinese culture, red symbolizes luck and passionate love, making it the perfect color for such an important day. Above all, Conie and Joel wanted the wedding to feel true to themselves, free, personal, and full of genuine celebration.
For the reception tables, they opted for something distinctive rather than traditional floral arrangements. A cheerful mix of red apples and a few simple blooms was paired with charming fabric bows, while tiny pearls were scattered across the tables for a delicate sparkle.
The dessert table became a highlight of the evening: a generous, whimsically “messy” strawberry cake prepared on site by a talented pastry chef friend, alongside 60 canelés, one for each guest, served on individual silver plates. Instead of a traditional dessert cart, the couple chose to share their favorite sweets with their loved ones. They also placed disposable film cameras designed with their wedding theme around the space, inviting guests to capture spontaneous memories throughout the night.
Advice from the couple:
• The most enjoyable part of the planning process was keeping everything centered on who we are, instead of who we thought we “should” be. I believe that every wedding should feel like a true reflection of the couple, not a performance or an expectation.
My advice for others would be: stay true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to step outside of tradition if that doesn’t feel like you. That’s why I choose to wear flat shoes instead of high heels. And Joel is not wearing any ties or bow ties to restrict himself. The most magical moments come when you are your most authentic selves—because that’s when you’ll feel the purest joy.
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY For PEARLS and PEAR | PLANNING Conie (Bride) | DESIGN Tarta Event | DRAPING, CHAMPAGNE TOWER & FLORALS Saint Valley Studio | HAIR & MAKEUP Yaya Studio
