Mel & Mike

A modern wedding with a touch of vintage glamor? Why I think that might be a splendid way to spend a day! Mel and Mike met at university but it took them a while before they became a couple, they wed in a beautiful ceremony that had the perfect mix of relaxed elegance and retro beauty.

Mel and Mike’s photographs were taken by Sarah Kate Dorman. I love the beautiful light in Sarah’s images she has captured!

Mel wore an asymmetrical gown from Aurelio Costerella with sparkly bronze shoes from Nine West. She added a bracelet from Samantha Wills and barrette from Mimco. Gail Winton styled Mel and her bridesmaid’s makeup.

Mel walked down the aisle to “Sweet Thing” by Van Morrison. She remarks “I chose the song because it feels like love. There is a real sense of hope and joy in the structure of the song.”

Mel and Mike were married at Claremont Museum (Not available for private hire). Mel explains “Mike and I had been searching for a ceremony venue unsuccessfully for a few weeks. We wanted a space that was unique and intimate. We wanted our guests to feel like they were a part of the ceremony rather than being a spectator. We had driven into the car park of the Claremont Museum to check out the nearby park. We didn’t like the park but the museum caught my eye since I had never noticed it before. We walked through it and the barn doors, the enclosed space & the view overlooking Swan River meant it was perfect.

When we approached the council to use the space we were told they’d never have had a wedding performed there but we were more than welcome to use the public space.” Lesley Gasmier performed the ceremony.

The floral arrangements were styled by Sweet Floral.

Of their photographer, Mel says “We found Sarah after she was recommended by another photographer, who was unavailable on the day. Lucky for us because she turned out to compliment our vision for what we wanted to capture on the day. She was also very approachable and the whole wedding party felt very comfortable with her. The resulting photos were true to our personalities and timeless.”

Mel says “The day felt like us. We wanted both our personalities to shine through the day from our outfits, the music, our vows and the venues.”

Mel and Mike held their reception at Matilda Bay Restaurant. Mel explains “We have a lot of connection with Matilda Bay in general. In the summer Michael and I often have sunset set picnics of Fish ‘n Chips & champagne down by the river. I went to UWA and Michael and many of our close friends grew up in the area so choosing Matilda Bay Restaurant for our reception felt like a perfect fit. ” Mike handmade the shepherds hooks that decorated the ceremony while the flowers and decorations at the reception were provided by friends.”

Mel and Mike had a casual and fun first dance. “We danced to ‘For Annabelle’ by Band of Horses. There is a sweetness and light to this song that isn’t overly sentimental. We were supposed to have practiced the dance but because we were so busy in the lead up and the day we never got the chance. So we winged it and I think we did alright. Luckily Mike is a great dancer.”

Guests had a surprise in store, Mel explains. “I loved having a flash mob of 20 samba drummers (Wasamba)  play later on in the night. This is also a band that the mother of the groom plays in. It definitely took the party vibe up a level.”

Congratulations on your wedding Mel & Mark! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Sarah Kate Dorman for today’s photographs!