Meeting Lauren and Ty was like catching up with old friends. We joked and laughed as though we'd known each other for years. In fact, such was their contagious energy, I don't think we began discussing their wedding until quite a while into our first meeting. I liked Lauren and Ty immediately and I knew that we would have a ball planning their ceremony. I wasn't wrong.
Lauren and Ty's ceremony was held at the über stylish Encore St Kilda Beach, a venue that has it all. It's a large and versatile space with stylish decor, jaw-dropping bay views, friendly and attentive staff and oh, the trendy Republica is next door. Lauren and Ty had wanted to hold their September ceremony on the rooftop, however Melbourne's weather God's had other plans for us. Fortunately their plan B was equally as impressive.
When Lauren and Ty's guests arrived, after having mingled at Republica, they delivered an instant rush of energy and excitement. A celebratory tone was well and truly set. Which was great, as an already excited Lauren seemed to enjoy her entrance even more so.
Lauren looked breathtakingly beautiful in her JasonGrech White couture gown. Attended by four bridesmaids and her proud father, Lauren entered to Pete Murray's Ten Ft Tall, performed superbly by The White Tree. As she walked towards Ty, her smile never left her face.
I was so fortunate to have witnessed the contrast in emotion between the beaming bride and her proud father.
Lauren and Ty met as teenagers at the local pool. Their story, spanning twelve years to date, elicited both audible sighs and roars of laughter from their guests. More so the latter.
I loved that as I spoke of their overseas travels and Ty's perfect Santorini proposal, the pair enjoyed the moment, reacting so naturally to their guests' animated responses. Together, they were relaxed in the presence of their family and friends.
Lauren and Ty's mothers each presented readings.
On Marriage - An excerpt from ‘The Prophet’ by Khalil Gabran.
Let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of heavens dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.
You Share Today the Joy of Deep Commitment. Author Unknown.
The most precious gift of love
Treasure it, nurture it and encourage it
With all the honesty you used in creating it
You are sharing something rare and beautiful
Always speak the truth and listen attentively
So that you may understand each other’s thoughts and intentions
Inspire each other by sharing your accomplishments
Say I love often to retain the warmth between you
Laugh a lot too, even when you are angry
Remember you are each other’s best friend
Stand together and for each other always
May each day be special
And the fulfillment of your dreams
Lauren and Ty wrote their own vows, promising to always to always laugh with and love each other. They promised to grow old by each other's side, as each other's love and best friend.
The bridal party debriefed as we signed the certificates to I'm Yours (Jason Mraz) and Just A Boy (Angus and Julia Stone), performed by The White Tree.
Mr and Mrs H left the building to a huge roar of applause and the song Sweet Disposition. They were photographed on St Kilda Beach by the very talented duo Mish & Oli.
Congratulations Mr and Mrs H. Thank you for sharing your very happy day with me. I loved every minute spent planning and conducting your ceremony. Don't ever change - your positive outlook, energy and sense of humour are inspiring.
Oh and Ty, may you continue to always cook your way out of any argument!
Click here to view footage by TMC Media
Celebrant: Sally Hughes
Photography: Mish & Oli
Footage: TMC Media
Lauren's Dress: JasonGrech White
Musicians: The White Tree Band