Kayla and James’ Classic Urban Wedding

Kayla & James

Kayla and James decided on a classic urban wedding for the start of their marriage. They kicked it all off with a traditional, beautiful church ceremony before going completely urban with a reception at the bare space of industrial space Lightspace. They chose Simon Peter Taylor to be there to capture it all.

James and I met through friends in late 2007 and finally had our first date in June 2008. “As we got to know each other more we realised we had been at many of the same parties, concerts, places – destined to meet!”

The couple made sure to add plenty of sentimental touches into their wedding, the bride recalling, “I wore my Mum’s wedding veil (my parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in February the same year). Unfortunately my Uncle Rob passed away in May so I organised a small keyring with his photo on one side and a photo of my maternal grandparents on their wedding day (who have also passed) on the other side. This was a nice addition to my bouquet and very special.”

“As a wedding gift, my beautiful friend and co-worker Abbie Williamson did all the make-up for the bridesmaids, mum and I. She was absolutely wonderful and made us all feel so comfortable and beautiful! The make-up was perfect! Jodi Martin- Bye Bye Birdie Hair & Makeup is a brilliant stylist and as I was quite indecisive throughout the wedding process, Jodi ensured I still felt and looked like me – she is totally amazing and a lot of fun, she made the pre-wedding process a breeze!”

Kayla tells, “I actually misplaced my earrings the day before so decided that night to shorten (with the help of my dad) my favourite chandelier drop earrings I had purchased in a little boutique in New York which became my “something old”. I also wore a pearl and diamond ring given to me by my parents a few years ago and a small love heart ring from Catbird Brooklyn which is a friendship ring between myself and two of my bridesmaids.”

The ceremony was held at All Hallows Chapel, the bride explaining, “We got married at All Hallow’s Chapel where I attended school. I absolutely love this chapel and there is something so peaceful and angelic about the space. Since I was 13, I always imagined myself walking down the aisle there. I was so happy when James had as much appreciation for the chapel as I did!”

Kayla walked down the aisle to “Yiruma- River Flows in You, this would have to be one of my favourite songs – it is so delicate, calming and romantic – the perfect touch to start our day.”

“Our family were all involved in the service, our siblings read and nephews and nieces made up our flower girls and page boy. They totally stole the show!”

The groom and groomsmen wore custom made suits from The Black Label while the bridesmaids wore sequin floor length gowns from White Runway.  I actually changed my mind on the bridesmaid dresses 3 weeks before the wedding (talk about last minute) and so happy I did, the girls looked stunning and shone bright in photos! They were the perfect touch.”

Of their photographer, Kayla tells, “Simon was amazing, we actually didn’t realise he was there most of the time which is what we wanted. His images are fun and warming, you can remember and feel every moment that he captures – we loved this! When we received the photo’s we were blown away, they are absolutely divine! Having an engagement shoot really helped as a “practice run” before the big day as well as giving us great photos!”

The couple chose white+white weddings and events to design and manage their wedding, noting “They were AMAZING!”.

Kayla and James chose Lightspace  for their reception, the bride telling, “We decided to have the reception at Lightspace – it had everything we were looking for; something different that you could really make your own by picking every aspect from food and alcohol to lighting and chairs. It allowed us to really express ourselves. The styling was fabulous and we were so happy with all the detailing, so much thought goes in to every item and it was nice to see and hear about our guests enjoying it all too!”

Kayla tells, “The seating plan was printed and stuck on to a gorgeous gold mirror my mum and I found at an antique store in Paddington. The table numbers were bought online through Etsy and then spray painted white, our wedding planner also helped us tie a thick black ribbon around each napkin which was the perfect touch to each place setting. We also had hand painted gold glitter votives which sparkled all night with tea lights.”

Kayla remembers, “Our wedding was the most romantic and glamorous day surrounded by our favourite loves: beautiful family and friends, special Brisbane locations, sentimental music, delicious food and wine, love, laughter and fun!”

For their first dance, Kayla remembers, “James and I had been tossing up between two old favourites; My Stunning Mystery Companion by Jackson Browne or Crazy Love by Van Morrison. We decided last minute to have Crazy Love and then on the night Browne’s song started playing- meant to be! We saw Jackson Browne live when we first started dating and his acoustic music is a Sunday afternoon favourite of ours accompanied by long conversations and numerous glasses of Pinot!”

The floral arrangements on the day were styled by The Butterfly Lounge  who also fulfilled another of the brides wishes. Kayla tells, “As we were leaving for our honeymoon a few days later (which was a a complete surprise organised by James and I did not know until I arrived at the international airport), I couldn’t bare to think all the amazing flowers from the Butterfly Lounge would go to waste. Susie is just incredible with creating an ambiance with flowers – she completely nailed what we had dreamt about! At the end of the night we set up a “Flower Station” so when guests left, the W&W team helped us to bunch flowers together in butchers paper and twine to thank them for attending and sharing in our special day. It was a beautiful touch and allowed the wedding memories to last a few more days in their homes!”

Congratulations Kayla and James! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Simon Peter Taylor and white+white weddings and events for sharing today’s wedding with us!