A Winter Evening in Melbourne ~ Rachel & Luke 20 August 2011

Luke and Rachel

The absolute best thing about being married is being married.

Some couples are perfectly happy to be committed for life without getting married and this in no way means that their relationship is any less loving, permanent or valued (and sadly, some committed couples are still denied the right to choose whether to marry or not), but I have been pleased to discover that being married – being husband and wife – really does feel different.

I can’t explain how, and I know that Luke and I were completely committed to each other before we got hitched, but nonetheless, being a Mr and Mrs is qualitatively different. I think it is because we have chosen to participate in an institution that has a significant history behind it that I feel that our relationship is now part of something bigger, and something that is a part of the history of human society. In particular, we took care to involve our loved ones in our planning and ceremony, to reflect that we are part of a community who love and support us and with whom we will share our lives.

We chose to take the opportunity to declare and celebrate our relationship publicly, and I’m glad we did.

Our letterpressed invitations were from Chapel Press . Luke’s wedding gift from me were handmade white gold cufflinks with our initials. My wedding ring was by Canturi.

The boy’s gorgeous boutonnieres were made by our friend Zoe. The Groom’s suit was by Briggins and the Groomsmens’ by Formal Red.

My dress was Alencon lace, made by Catherine R Couture. Hair and makeup was by Nicole Groch. My diamond jewellery was from Tiffany and Keshett and the paste jewellery by Stephanie Browne.

The bridesmaids’ dresses were by Two Birds Bridesmaid, at Grace.

We chose to have our ceremony and reception at the Treasury Restaurant, Melbourne. Our celebrant was Melissa Fahey from Mine Forever. Our coordinator was our friend Kat Oborne of Frocked Up Events. We were honoured to be Kat’s first clients.

Virginia Chorley of The Bouquets of Ascha Jolie created my bouquet and the table decorations; my dear friend Zoe Webb made the boutonnieres, the bridesmaids’ bouquets, and a very cheeky throwaway bouquet!

Our bonbonniere were personalised stubby holders – beauxgan!

We rocked into our reception to ACDC.

Luke’s sister, Siobhan Fearnley-Sander of Siobhan’s Dance Studios, choreographed our first dance, to Bobby Darin’s ‘Dream Lover’ …

 Photographs of our parents and grandparents.

Our incredible cake with handmade, cascading sugar flowers was made by Luke’s talented cousin – Bridget Corcoran Design.

We served an all-vegan menu to reflect my ethical beliefs.

The hilarious props table for the photo booth was created by my gorgeous aunt and cousins and was a huge hit on the dancefloor.

Time to throw away that cheeky bouquet!