Boy oh boy, this wedding is phenomenal.
Haley Richardson from The Beautiful Collective captured the stunning wedding held at the Old Parliament House Canberra, Australia.
The bride explained the venue choice, “We decided on a venue that would allow the ceremony and reception all at the one place which makes the transition better for guests and the bride and groom. [Also] choosing the Old Parliament House as the venue gave our wedding a wonderful classic feel.”
The couple chose a beautiful colour scheme of Eggplant with soft Purple’s and Grey tones.
The bride wore an exquisite wedding dress by Allure Bridals, while her bridesmaids wore dresses by Allure Bridesmaids. “After looking at all the bridal stores in Canberra and not being successful I decided to head to Sydney where I found my gown and the bridesmaids dresses at Brides of Sydney,” says Rowena.
What made your wedding unique?
“Christian had his own ceremony song while he waited for [me]. He chose ‘Here I go again’ by Whitesnake. Christians sense of humor at its best.
At the reception we got a lot of feedback from the guests that they loved the guest book, which had been made prior to the wedding using our engagement photos and questions to answer instead of just signing their name.”
Did you DIY any details?
“At the reception the guest book and wishing well sat on a table with a collection of past weddings photos of our parents and grandparents which I put in frames and added a photo of us from the night we first met.
I made the ‘wishing well’ from an old suitcase and old lace table cloth and some wooden letters to spell out ‘cards’.
I also made the seating chart from an old mirror that used to hang in my grandmothers house to tie into the heritage feel at the venue.
I did also box and tie up the bonbonniere’s which were delicious macarons from Dream Cuisine in Fyshwick into individual clear boxes. The ones for the kids I included an assortment of lollies.”
What was your biggest challenge?
“Christian and I wrote our own vows. On the day, the biggest challenge was being able to walk out in front of 100 guests and say my own vows. I was so worried about this leading up to it as I have a fear of public speaking that when it finally came to me walking out I couldn’t stop smiling and it was one of the happiest moments in my life. Having my Dad by my side was a very special moment as well which I cherish.”
What was your favourite moment?
“My most favorite moment was the ceremony. I wish that could have lasted a lifetime.
Christian was adamant that he would not cry at our wedding. When he teared up and cried he wasn’t alone and didn’t leave a dry eye in the house. We will both never forget the ceremony, hearing the words ‘you are now husband and wife’ is very special, it felt so surreal through the whole thing.”
Any advice?
“My advice is meet with a few different photographers until you find one that you feel completely comfortable with to help make the day fun and relaxed.
It is true when everyone tells you the day goes so fast, so try to cherish every moment and feel like a princess and just relax and have fun. Remember to eat a big breakie!
[Also] having the ceremony and reception at the one venue is an excellent choice.”
Congratulations Rowena and Christian and thank you for sharing your wedding photos with One Stylish Bride.
Rowena + Christian’s Style Guide
Photographer: The Beautiful Collective / Cake: Stacked Cakes / Florist: Tracey Andriolo, Florist at Parliament House / Dresses: Brides of Sydney / Grooms Suit: Blades Menswear / Macarons: Dream Cuisine Patisserie & Cafe / Invitations: Huetopia Design / Venue: Old Parliament House / Bridal Car: A1 Cars / Celebrant: Peter Harris