R A E C H E L A N D L U K E
Raechel and Luke said "I do" in a picture perfect wedding surrounded by ivory floral arrangements, crystal candelabras and hanging tea light candles, and it was all beautifully captured by Splendid Photos & Video. Fall in love with every luxe detail from their stylishly suave celebration!
Inseparable...
Raechel and Luke had been in each other's lives for a long time before their love story began. After attending high school together and even going on a double date, they eventually found their way back to one another and quickly fell in love. "Two years after the double date we started talking again, then we saw each other for one week straight, and the rest is history," says Raechel. They both knew it was love after being inseparable for that whole week!
Perfect Proposal...
During a romantic picnic at Blues Point overlooking the twinkling lights of Sydney Harbour, Luke surprised Raechel by getting down on one knee. A speaker had been set up to play "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran as Luke popped the question to make the moment even more sentimental. Perfect, indeed!
Suit Up...
Both Raechel and Luke had 4 of their nearest and dearest next to them on the big day. Luke chose to have his brother and three close friends as his groomsmen, who he asked in a very personalised way. He gave each of the groomsmen a box which contained a small bottle of alcohol, a cigar, a jet lighter, a pair of black socks that said 'Groomsman' and a note that read "Will you be my groomsman?". On the big day, each of the groomsmen wore navy blue suits while Luke wore a black suit paired with a paisley white tie.
Dressed To Impress...
Raechel proposed to her bridesmaids in a very similar way! Her sister, cousin and two good friends each received a box with a bottle of Moscato, a candle, a box of champagne gummy bears, a Victoria's Secret perfume and a card saying, "Will you be my bridesmaid?". Raechel's bridesmaids wore navy blue dresses at the wedding and carried bouquets filled with stunning white flowers to create an elegant bridal party look.
Refined Royalty...
Raechel looked dazzling on the big day in a fit and flare long sleeve gown designed by Demetrios. "I always loved princess gowns, but when I was trying on wedding dresses, the princess gowns didn't catch my eye," says Raechel. The solution? A gorgeous detachable princess train! "I loved the fitted dresses, but still wanted to have the princess feel - so I tried on a detachable train and I fell in love with it!" says the bride. Raechel absolutely nailed the sophisticated princess look!
Simply Splendid Ceremony...
The ceremony was held in the Eternal Garden at Curzon Hall, which looks every bit as dreamy as it sounds! The romantic ceremony was beautifully captured by Splendid Photos & Video, an experienced boutique studio based in Leichhardt, Sydney. "We looked on their Instagram page and saw the amazing work they had captured with previous weddings," shares Raechel, "We made an appointment with them and they were very professional...we booked them as our wedding photographers on that same day!" Splendid captured the magical moment that Raechel and Luke tied the knot perfectly and every detail of their simple yet elegant celebration pops in the pictures.
Styled To Perfection...
The celebrations at Curzon Hall continued as the newlyweds and their guests moved to Lady Mary's Pavilion for their reception where the wedding theme of refined elegance really took shape. "The centre pieces were 12-arm crystal candelabras alternating with floral arrangements with a bit of greenery on gold stands with hanging tea light candles," shares Raechel. The exquisite decor paired with the opulent aesthetic of the venue made for an utterly regal reception.
Too Good To Eat...
After an indulgent sit down meal, the guests were treated to an uber stylish wedding cake! The regal cake was a 5 tiered beauty and every layer screamed understated elegance.
Cheers To Croatia...
Raechel and Luke made sure they paid homage to their Croatian culture amidst their wedding celebrations. Amongst classic traditions like throwing the bouquet, the couple incorporated a handful of Croatian traditions! "We had the rosemary that all guests pinned to their suits and dresses as well as having Rakija shots as the bridal party entered the reception," recalls Raechel.
First Dance Magic...
After a day of magical moments, Raechel and Luke celebrated the start of their new lives together with a romantic first dance. The song they chose to dance to was "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, the same tune that was playing when Luke proposed to Raechel. We're not crying, you are!
Preparation Is Key...
The newlyweds jetted off to Bali after their big day and enjoyed a honeymoon filled with beautiful tropical romance before settling into married life. After reflecting on their picture perfect wedding, Raechel and Luke have some advice for newly engaged couples! "Make sure you give yourself enough time to plan the wedding of your dreams," says Raechel. Weddings as beautiful as Raechel and Luke's definitely don't happen overnight and there's a lot of planning and preparation that goes into the perfect celebration! "Don't let things out of your control upset you," shares the bride, "Take some time to just take a breath and ask your new husband/wife how they are. Enjoy the whole day!" We couldn't agree more!
Are you in love with these uber dreamy wedding photos? We don't blame you! Check out more incredible work from Splendid Photos & Video here.
Photography And Videography: Splendid Photos & Video / Ceremony And Reception Venue: Curzon Hall / Wedding Dress Designer: Demetrios Bridal / Wedding Dress Boutique: The Sposa Group / Wedding Dress Alterations: Finesse Sewing Studio / Wedding Bouquets, Coursages And Buttonholes: Wedding Flowers by Jody / Makeup Artist: Makeup by Tihana Kos / Hairdresser: Lily & Co / Bridesmaids Dresses: Windsor & Lux / Grooms And Groomsmen Suits: Man United Wetherill Park / Reception/Ceremony Decorations And Cake: Curzon Hall / Wedding Cars: Unique Wedding Cars / Photobooth: Mr & Mrs Photobooth / Light Up Love Sign: Limelight Letters