Table of contents for Issue 37 in Melbourne Wedding & Bride

While wedding rituals evolve over time and traditions are redefined to suit the modern couple, the sanctity of marriage is still something we hold close to our hearts. When two people stand hand-in-hand, reciting vows and exchanging rings, it is more than just a legally-recognised union. It is a promise to stand by each other, in good times and in bad. In a world where differing opinions tear at the fabric of our society, the significance of two people pledging a lifelong partnership has become even more extraordinary. After all, what is more beautiful than unconditional love? This issue of Melbourne Wedding & Bride explores modern weddings along with the traditions still standing strong in the industry. Within these pages, you will discover the best tips, tricks and advice from…

GWM Wedding opened in 2017 and has always believed that a bride’s gown should not only reflect the bride’s style and personality but also make a lasting statement on her special day. Having collaborated with many international designers over her many years in the wedding industry, Tran is well versed in everything bridal fashion. “A wedding dress speaks to the dreams of all brides since they were little,” Tran explains. “It is a time when they can express themselves in their own way and become their own dream.” GWM Wedding offers both ready-to-wear bridal fashion and a custom-made service for those who want a personal, bespoke creation that may or may not push the boundaries of conventional. I Want To Break Free Brides, forget your traditional dresses for a moment.…

Pretty Woman Bridal is a staple of the Croydon area, having been on Main St for more than twelve years. Rose Van Holsteyn and the team are proud of the fun and friendly atmosphere at the boutique. “So many brides are scared or unsure when trying on dresses, and we love to create an environment in which they feel safe and happy,” she says. “One of our favourite parts of working with brides is helping them find their inner bride-boss, to be confident in their own body and transform into their most beautiful self.” Pretty Woman Bridal has grown its range of bridesmaids and deb dresses while carefully curating the bridal range based on what brides are asking for. More recently, the team has introduced a range of mini reception…

Family heirlooms are precious and priceless. Keeping loved ones close in any form is human nature - we cherish a material thing they left behind, like a piece of jewellery, as if it were a piece of them. “I would say it’s a way of keeping that particular person’s memory alive,” Splatt says. “If you have diamonds from your grandmother’s ring in your wedding ring, it’s a nice way to have them be there with you, particularly if they’ve long since moved on.” Reworking old jewellery breathes fresh life into a piece, keeping both the memories and the gems alive. A wedding day is emotional, filled with love for those sharing it with you and bittersweet sadness for those not able to. Jewellery can have the most unexpected effect. A…

Having owned Magical Makeovers since 2010, Ms Gargano and her team, now 50 strong, are a multi-qualified and diversely talented group with backgrounds in fashion, film, TV and theatre. As the senior artist, she has seen and done it all. Bridal makeup is a unique style of its own, requiring precise care and understanding to get that perfect glowing finish. Ms Gargano’s favourite moment is witnessing the bride’s excitement and confidence when she sees herself in the mirror. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of that transformative process, helping the bride feel beautiful and empowered as she prepares to walk down the aisle.” With three decades of experience in the bridal makeup industry, Ms Gargano knows her way around a glam look. Read on to learn the ins and…

Cyndi De Rossi has been in the wedding industry for twelve years. Initially trained in floral design, she completed a wedding planner course but found herself constantly drawn to styling and florals. Despite her love of flowers, she grew tired of seeing the constant waste associated with fresh florals and wanted to explore other options: enter faux florals. It’s important to get one thing straight – these are not your grandmother’s fake flowers. Those gaudy, papery imposters have made way for a far superior alternative, which is what De Rossi found when she started researching faux florals. “They have changed hugely over the years,” she says. “I discovered real touch faux florals and honestly, it was so hard to tell the difference.” It was then that Flowered Up Events was…

Froggy’s journey with cake and sugar art began eleven years ago, where he discovered his true love and talent for the craft. Over the years, Froggy has honed his distinct skills and has created over fifty beautiful wedding cakes. Today, Froggy continues to venture forward, with the opening of his very own cake studio and shop. Froggy’s expertise and vision ensure that every creation isn’t just visually stunning but is equally delectable. Always ready to embrace a challenge, his cake range spans from classic design to modern boutique and colourful masterpieces. “I have made what I thought was impossible, possible, and also tasting amazing,” Froggy remarks proudly. A Feat Of Engineering As Froggy notes, “a wedding is the time for creating memory and sharing moments, tastes and experiences with everyone.”…

Wedding photography is about capturing the best day of someone’s life, every emotion and experience. Because of this, it becomes extra noticeable in photos if someone is not having a good time. Vendors, like your photographer, work together to make that special day perfect. Finding the right people to help show off your love is important, but the most important aspect is finding a team who can work together seamlessly. Nick Da Fonseca is a photographer based in Melbourne who went from documenting his travels, to capturing his first wedding in 2021. Going full time in 2022, he has photographed every type of wedding out there and has seen it all and really knows what makes a perfect wedding tick. Capturing The Perfect Shot “A ‘successful’ wedding comes down to…

The first fireworks were believed to be bamboo shoots thrown into a flame that exploded with a loud crack and bang as the branch overheated. However, the fireworks we know today can be traced back to around the 9th century in ancient China, where Chinese alchemists combined saltpeter, sulphur and charcoal into a mixture that revolutionised entertainment. Modern fireworks are a combustible device filled with gunpowder and other chemicals which causes explosions and spectacular effects when ignited and is most commonly used in celebrations. In Chinese culture, fireworks are used on Chinese New Year to ward off evil spirits and welcome a fresh start. In Europe, fireworks were largely associated with religious and royal events and symbolised the intervention or might of a monarch. In modern times, fireworks are used…

You won’t find someone more entrenched in the rich history of fairytale weddings than Emma Stott. “Having grown up here at Overnewton Castle, I have fond memories of watching brides prepare for their special day as a young child and then working alongside my family to facilitate special celebrations over the last thirty years,” she says. Stott’s reverence for weddings comes not just from witnessing the events firsthand, but from her connection to the special venue that hosts them. “As time passes, so does my appreciation for the historical value of this incredibly unique venue. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to care for the venue because of its historical significance, but also its sentimental value.” Overnewton Castle has evolved to cater for modern couples, all while preserving what…

Angelo Salerno knows a thing or three about suits, having been in the wedding and suit industry for over thirty years. The first Mens Suit Warehouse store opened in 1995 and has now expanded to have four stores across Melbourne, all working to help grooms, their families and groomsmen get suited up for the special day. “It’s always a pleasure helping families get sorted for such a special occasion and our vision is always to do so with simplicity in mind,” details Salerno. Mens Suit Warehouse boasts the best selection of brands, so it can cater for all budgets and looks. “When you’re shopping for your wedding party, you want to have enough options to complete your look within the theme you’d like and keep within your budget,” Salerno explains,…

KAYLA THORLEY HMUA Centred in Werribee South, Kayla Thorley HMUA offers professional and unparalleled service for your bridal party or special event. Kayla has been a makeup artist and hairstylist in the bridal industry for over five years and specialises in natural makeup and soft glam looks. Kayla has a modern approach to beauty. Her philosophy is to use makeup to make you an enhanced version of yourself, without taking away from your natural beauty. Kayla has built her business on making clients feel like a better version of themselves and prides herself on making her clients feel beautiful in their own skin. For that fantastic finish you want on your wedding day, give Kayla Thorley HMUA a call. Mobile: 0488 181 209 Email: hello@kaylathorleyhmua.com Website: www.kaylathorleyhmua.com /kaylathorleyhmua @kaylathorleyhmua LINEA…

PHOTOGRAPHY Allie Claire Creative hello@allieclaire.com.au 0424 699 165 www.allieclaire.com.au VENUE Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne 649 Bridge Road, Richmond (03) 9246 1200 www.amorahotels.com CAKE Cakes by Tash 0418 425 473 www.cakesbytash.com.au CAKE BON APPE-SWEET 0411 053 184 www.bonappe-sweet.com CAKE CAKE ME CRAZY (03) 7009 8400 www.cakemecrazy.com.au CAKE BON APPE-SWEET 0411 053 184 www.bonappe-sweet.com CAKE WHAT FROGGY BAKES 0431 030 557 www.whatfroggybakes.com.au CAKE CAKES BY TASH 0418 425 473 www.cakesbytash.com.au CAKE BON APPE-SWEET 0411 053 184 www.bonappe-sweet.com BON APPE-SWEET Bon Appe-Sweet came from a hobby and a love of decorating cakes. As baker, decorator and owner of this small business, Lynda was decorating from a young age as she grew up watching her mother decorate cakes. This is where Lynda’s creativity flourished and her love for the craft of cake decorating started.…

When Cheryl Chamberlain and Mick Mcmennemin were persuaded to create a vintage photobooth caravan for their daughter’s wedding, the idea for Penny Lane Photobooth was born. “You cannot go wrong with a photobooth at your wedding, your guests will have a blast!” Chamberlain explains. “They will be entertained for hours, especially once your guests have had a few bevvies and get a little bit rowdy, that is when the best memories are made.” For over four years, Chamberlain and Mcmennemin have travelled all over the state to be a part of many incredible weddings and functions with their two vintage caravans: Penny and Dee-Luxe. The Gals Being self-proclaimed full-service fun machines, the Penny Lane Photobooth caravans have been renovated with love to create an incredible spectacle. The company currently owns…

Abigail Egan describes herself as a “one stop shop for couples who want to engage a range of services from one vendor,” as she is an authorised marriage celebrant, MC, bespoke crown creator and will soon be offering rental floral arches and plinths. Egan officially launched her business at the Melbourne Wedding & Bride Expo in January 2024 after realising she was perfectly suited to a celebrant job with the ability to command a room well and land a decent joke. Another reason why she decided to become a celebrant is that she “wants to be part of the next generation of celebrants who unapologetically celebrate marriage equality every opportunity they get.” Egan went on to explain that “as a queer, disabled, neuro-spicy woman who grew up in country Victoria,…

Suitably has been in operation for about seven years now, “and it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster,” says Pillai. “We started as an online-only e-commerce store, but with time, we’ve grown into one of Melbourne’s most respected wedding suit experts.” Pillai has personally managed more than a thousand weddings in this time. He’s thrilled to have had the opportunity to help so many people during one of the most important moments of their lives. “As far as my vision goes, it’s a question of being as present as I can be for my customers to provide the best service.” This has always been Suitably’s main goal, and the way Pillai achieves this has changed and evolved. This is characterised by his commitment to tenets of equality and social responsibility.…

Yalda and his brilliant team of bartenders have been operating their luxury cocktail bar since 2018. “We’ve been in the wedding industry for years,” he says. “We want guests to be wowed, to keep our bottles as keepsakes, to cherish the memories, take photos and videos to look back at for years to come.” Yalda himself has been a bartender for about fifteen years, and he always brings a very people-focused philosophy when it comes to offering his services. “There’s nothing more I love than bringing people together,” he says. “We go above and beyond to make every single event that we’re involved in meaningful and memorable; it’s all about promoting quality service.” Tipsy To Your Table “When COVID happened, when we were doing events, I didn’t know how to…

There’s nothing quite like a classic ride for your wedding day. Caddyman has been a part of the wedding industry for decades, providing the iconic silhouettes of classic Cadillacs to couples on their special day for more than thirty years. Wayne and Clare Perry are the latest owners, the company having had two prior owners over the years. “We feel honoured and passionate about our business,” says Wayne, and they’re proud and fortunate to still have the previous owner alongside them as a driver, who brings with him his years of knowledge and wisdom of the industry and their precious fleet. Arriving With Flair For the Perrys, the business they run with their Cadillacs has been an endless source of joy and satisfaction. Beyond taking care of their iconic cars,…

Operating in the wedding industry for more than five years, Unique Party Boutique is a family-owned business that takes the stress out of wedding planning by handling all signage, flowers, décor and decorations for both the ceremony and reception. Providing a service for both ensures a seamless flow of the theme, and couples only have to deal with one person. Weddings are a wonder to attend but a nightmare to plan, so having someone who understands your vision and what makes a wedding fun comes in handy. Taylor says, “We love celebrating love and bringing couples’ love stories together through what we do. We truly have the most special job to be able to be a part of so many couples’ most special day.” It Has Got To Match When…

Circulating the wedding scene for nearly twenty years, Baker Boys Band has provided the score for more than a few special days. As students studying music in Melbourne, Barberis and the band first started performing around town, and these public gigs quickly turned into requests to play at festivals and private events. It wasn’t long before the full dance floors and joyful faces inspired the band to make providing live music for private events their specialty. With an expanded repertoire, perfected event planning skills and added members, Baker Boys Band established itself as an all-inclusive wedding entertainment service and leaders in providing memorable live music. Elevate The Energy When it comes to getting the party started, there is no denying that live music stands out from the alternatives. “Live music…