Michaela & Luke

Michaela and Luke's big day is full of gorgeous details that you'll be coveting for your own big day, even if you're not getting married at an industrial style venue like Trinity Buoy Wharf, that heart light aisle backdrop may have you changing your decor plans immediately... And as well as the gorgeous decor, and looking rather dapper themselves, this lovely pair managed to plan their London wedding all the way from Australia, which is no mean feat considering they embarked on lots of DIY projects too. But when it came down it, they just had to get married in the city they grew up. And in true British style, the summer weather was rather dark and gloomy, but it didn't stop everyone from smiling and meant that Laura from Babb Photo could get some dramatic images of the couple against the London skyline.

The Bride

Michaela The Bride: My dress was by Australian designer Johanna Johnson, I fell in love with her gorgeous embellished silk gowns, and felt like an Old-Hollywood Movie Star! I wasn't keen at wearing a veil at first, but as you only get one chance to wear one I thought what the heck, and went for the longest & simplest silk tulle veil. I also wore a beautiful Johanna Johnson hand chain, and sparkly Jimmy Choos.

The Groom

Luke looked extremely dapper in a fitted midnight tux by Australian designer Calibre, with Hugo Boss accessories. We looked fit for the red carpet if I do say so myself!!

The Venue

Although we adore our life in Australia, it was no question that we would return to our hometown of London & marry in front of our friends & family. We knew we didn't want a traditional wedding, and the very British countryside manor houses & barns just didn't appeal to us. We love the city & are very proud of our London roots, so when we discovered the fabulous Trinity Buoy Wharf, situated right on the Thames, we knew we could create something special there.

The Decor

It's a complete blank canvas, so we were able to let our creative juices flow & make our day unique. There was lots of DIY-ing, which I adored, but wasn't always easy when you're living on the other side of the world! A very special family friend created our heart of lights that we used as our altar & behind our table at dinner. It was an absolute show-stopper & everyone couldn't stop talking about it. It worked perfectly in our venue, a mix of industrial glamour, made of tin cans & festoon lights.

The Flowers

Our florist, Jam Jar flowers, created the most magical blooms, full of beautiful whites & leafy greens. They even managed to source my absolute favourite flowers, white peonies, despite them not being in season. They made the most stunning garland to hang on our vintage door seating plan, and an awesome antique bath filled with flowers. Melissa at Jam Jar is a family friend, and I can't thank her enough for making our day so beautiful.

The Ceremony

Walking down the aisle was the most petrifying & wonderful moment of my life - all those camera phones clicking away - I really felt like a movie star! I walked down the aisle to "The XX- Angels" sung acoustically by The Live Lounge Band, which was just amazing. Our celebrant Gwen created the most beautiful ceremony, which we were able to customise & make really personal. We surprised our mums by inviting them to light unity candles, to unite our families, which was really special & they loved it. My brother Adam did a reading of Love by Roy Croft, and Luke's Mum Lorraine did a reading of A Parents Prayer.

The Entertainment

We had two amazing bands, The Live Lounge Band, an acoustic duet who performed during our ceremony & drinks reception. And in the evening we danced the night away to The In-Laws band. They were both superb!

The Photography

As soon as we came across Laura's work, we knew she was the photographer for us! We love her natural style. But it was her stunning couples portraits that we fell in love with. The British weather let us down, and it was a rainy grey July day, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Laura created the most beautiful moody & dramatic portraits.

Final Thoughts & Advice

The last few months before the wedding I was really freaking out that we had taken too much on with a complete blank canvas venue, that needed setting up from head to toe. It doesn't even have a kitchen, so we literally had to bring everything in the morning of the wedding, and clear out the same night - not an easy task! Planning everything from the other side of the world was definitely challenging! But the day was so perfect, I would not have changed a thing, and I would do it all again, exactly the same, in a heartbeat. Stick to your guns & create a day that is magical & personal to you as a couple, that really reflects your personalities. And finally, the day passes by in a flash, hold on to each other & enjoy every second!