Shani & Christian

A Mornington Fairytale

Shani Pedley and Christian Vetter, November 22, 2009

When both the bride and groom-to-be work in the wedding industry, you can rest assured that their own nuptials will be nothing short of spectacular. High School sweethearts, Shani and Christian tied the knot in their hometown on the Mornington Peninsula in a ceremony their guests would not soon forget.

While many couples find it difficult to decide on a theme for their wedding that truly encapsulates what their relationship means, for Shani and Christian it was a no-brainer. With the question popped to Shani on a cold rainy evening atop the most romantic landmark in the world, the Tower d’Eiffel, the theme of ‘old world France’ for the big day was the obvious choice.  The theme expanded to include the delicate colour scheme of peach, duck-egg blue and chocolate, giving the whole day a whimsical fairytale atmosphere. Bouquets of peonies and metalina roses intertwined with dodavine tied into the pastoral theme and complimented Shani’s unique choice of a pink champagne coloured gown. The Grandeur gown was, as Shani describes, ‘the ultimate wedding gift’ from Wendy Sullivan of Brides Desire by Airs & Graces, a designer Shani had been in awe of for years. Her connections in the wedding industry came in handy as she had been aware of and keeping an eye on Sullivan’s designs for her whole career! Shani remembers trying on ‘the’ dress; ‘my heart fluttered and I couldn’t wipe the smile of my face!’ Definitely a match made in heaven! Choosing Shani’s accessories for the big day was also made easier by her wedding expertise. As a designer and manufacturer for Connie Montarna Jewellery, the bride-to-be had access to the most glamorous of jewels and accessories. To top off the perfect wedding, Shani arrived at the The Briars homestead in Mount Martha in a classic Rolls Royce that made her feel ‘like a princess stepping out onto a red carpet’ as she made her way to the ceremony.

Shani and Christian describe the rain that fell on their wedding day as ‘lucky’ as it caused the ceremony to be moved from the gardens into the Edwardian room of the homestead, making the day much cosier and more intimate. The enchanting day was captured in beautiful photographs taken by Lucas Piera of Lens to Life, the photography studios that groom, Christian works for. As a locally-operated venture, Lens to Life pays close attention to the natural beauty of the Mornington Peninsula that both Shani and Christian love so much. And really, the spectacular photos speak for themselves!

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed old world French themed mini-picnic baskets of champagne, cheese and biscuits while the new bride and groom posed for location photography. Afterwards, everyone moved into a rustic tin barn at the The Briars where the reception was held. Once inside guests got a first look at the beautiful cake; a tiered duck-egg blue creation topped with peach blooms and chocolate sweet nothings inscripted along the face. Decorations that also tied into the colour scheme transformed the barn into a romantic pastoral getaway. Tea lighting on tabletops created a romantic mise en scene that allowed guests to be caught up in the magic of the day. The bride and groom performed their first dance to Gyspy Kings’ ‘Volare’, a song fitting for their first dance as it was one of the first songs they danced to at the beginning of their relationship. This personal spin on a traditional custom made the reception truly special and unique.

Another way Shani and Christian made the most of their big day was by turning it into a year’s worth of fun and preparation. During the year leading up to the big day, Shani and her bridal party caught up once a week to have planning ‘workshops’ where they created handmade decorations and invitations; an intimate tradition that included good food and wine! Their work definitely paid off and could be seen everywhere from the detail in the table displays to the flower-like lanterns that adorned the dance floor. Among these clever creators were bridesmaids, Jess and Kylie and wedding guru, Cheryl Frey. Shani’s Maid of Honour and childhood friend, Taliah, made up for lost time, flying in from South Africa to stand by her best friend while she wed the man of her dreams. Christian’s groomsmen consisted of two close friends, his brother and Shani’s brother who completed the wedding party and supplied endless amusement at the reception. The bridesmaids wore gowns designed and hand-created by Shani’s ‘Fairy God-mother,’ Cheryl Fray, while the grooms wore suits from local boutique, Spurling Formalwear.

Before the big day, both Shani and Christian spent some quality time with their support systems. Christian and the boys spent a long day in the paintball trenches, allowing them to bond as brothers in arms, before heading off for a boys’ night out on the town in true Buck’s night fashion! The girls, not to be left out, enjoyed a cheeky lingerie party on the beach and then headed out to Pole Divas pole dancing studio for some fun lessons that won’t be forgotten in a hurry! Regardless of the activities, this couple made sure that the fun had by the wedding party began long before the DJ whipped out the tunes at the reception!

One of the most touching aspects of the day took place even before Shani began to get ready for the ceremony.
‘Mum came to my room with a card with her own words that touched my heart and brought us even closer, it was so special to share that moment together as mother and daughter before my big day started’.
Shani’s mother also gave her daughter her ‘wedding day perfume’ – Coco Chanel, which has since become ‘her scent’ and allows her to recreate those special memories of the big day every time she wears it. Shani’s father also made the wedding extremely touching and insightful. Shani remembers the pride with which he presented his (34 minute!) speech, reflecting on the life Shani had led so far. He added a very sentimental touch by closing his speech by singing heartfelt rendition of ‘Daddy’s Little Girl’.

Dress:  Wendy and Graeme Sullivan, Bride’s Desires www.bridesdesire.com.au

Photography:  Lucas Piera, Lens to Life www.lenstolife.com.au

Jewellery: Connie Montarna www.conniemontarna.com.au

Veil: www.dreamtimedesign.com.au

Hair: Splash of Red (03) 5975 2227

Shoes: JN Bridal (08) 8363 1071

Groomsmen: Spurling Formalwear Frankston (03) 9783 4451

Flowers: Ocean Flowers (03) 9589 3279