‘Delicate’ is the story of a country coming together during some of the hardest times it has seen in the past 100 years. It involved all six states of Australia, as well as the Northern Territory. Australia, like everywhere else at the moment, can be found somewhere along the unknown trajectory that is COVID-19. However, both despite and during the pandemic, businesses from all over Australia pulled together and supported each other as part of a dreamy collaboration.
The wedding industry, like a lot of industries, is currently heaving under the weight of postponements, cancellations, and sometimes conflicting and confusing government guidelines. It seemed the perfect time to focus on creating some magic together and, in turn, lifting collective spirits. Therefore, the shoot was as joyful and light as the colour palette.
Many Australians enjoy spending spring in Europe. It will be a while before we can pound cobblestone footpaths in Prague, sip rose while watching the sun dip over Santorini, or sample chocolates in Belgium. The team brought Europe – France, in particular – to our own backyard. We channelled relaxed Southern France vibes and created a spring-inspired elopement oasis within the vineyards of Sarabah Estate and Winery.
The Queensland-based venue provided the perfect backdrop to showcase all elements, including silk ribbons and ring box from New South Wales, cufflinks from Victoria, French oak leaf brooch from Tasmania, shoes from South Australia, ceramic flowers and stationery from Western Australia, and a beeswax wrap from the Northern Territory. (The very first image in the dropbox link is a flatlay showcasing items contributed for the shoot from all around Australia.)
The shoot took place during a time of social distancing. The impact of this requirement had ripple effects. Our couple had to be real-life. The wedding party also required some consideration. We had some options: a) no wedding party, b) an awkwardly socially distanced wedding party, or c) a COVID-19-safe alpaca party. The resulting decision was unanimous: option c. The alpaca party – Sam, Jack & Napoleon – did not disappoint. From eating roses plucked straight from floral arrangements to a quick dust bath during reception to photo-bombing sunset portraits, the alpaca party was in fine form.
The team weaved vintage elements throughout the shoot. The gold filigree bracelet and soft pink gloves, among other vintage items, were provided by Marisha, a stylist, and were taken from her mother’s & grandmother’s collections (Evelyn & Vivienne, respectively; our stationery incorporated a nod to the inclusions from these ladies). Needless to say, the gloves are a common accessory on people’s minds at the moment and seemed representative of this snapshot in time.
We incorporated some elements of sustainability, too. Some of the items were sourced through op shopping – such as the painted purple plate, plates for the table setting, platter used for grazing, and the dessert forks. The beeswax wrap continued the theme of sustainability when making impactful, day-to-day lifestyle choices. We wanted the shoot to be relevant at multiple levels and sustainability was a crucial one.
Finally, two members of the team are healthcare workers – the groom muse and the ceramicist are both practicing doctors on the east and west coasts of Australia. As a team, we would welcome the opportunity to both recognise and express appreciation for the hardworking healthcare workers relentlessly managing the current healthcare crisis.
Accessories: @bellefoliebridal // website
Beeswax Wrap: @noneofyourbeeswaxnt // website
Bride Muse: @theprofessionalcinderella // website
Brooch: @catelowrydesign // website
Cake: @ekats // website
Car: @ourweddingcars // website
Catering: @amour.platters // website
Celebrant: @moorecelebrations // website
Ceramic Flowers: @bronsceramics // website
Chapel: @honeytub_wedding_hire // website
Chocolates: @littlecocoa_au // website
Cufflinks: @peggyandfinn // website
Dress: @sewmasterfashions // website
Florist & Stylist: @le_sans_souci_flowers // website
Groom Muse: @notreallyjarrad // website
Harpist: @shiny_harpist_td // website
Hire: @brisbanefurniture // website
Hire: @scenicrimweddinghire // website
HMUA & Submissions: @tynealehahnmakeupartist // website
Macarons: @mamamacsmacarons // website
Pen: @latheandchisel // website
Photographer & Planner: @poppyandsagephotography // website
Planning & Stylist: @magnolia.studios // website
Ribbon & Ring Box: @thewholebride // website
Shoes: @luminousassembly // website
Stationery: @laladesignperth // website
Suit: @wilvalor // website
Venue: @sarabah_estate_vineyard // website
Videography: @visualrealityproductions // website
Some hurdles to be overcome:
• The shoot needed to be in line with current guidelines (1.5 m distancing; our couple is real-life)
• It needed to be bright and cheerful; it needed to provide a positive outlet for all individuals involved
• It needed to be cohesive despite so many moving parts
• It needed to overcome country-wide delays (everything arrived with one postal day to spare!)
• It required everyone present on the day to be in full health (it was shot during a cluster of infections in Brisbane at that time)
• At least one business pushed through with a staff member away while awaiting test results
• A food vendor pulled out last-minute due to having to be tested; they were replaced on the Friday night of the Sunday shoot
The shoot was a perfect marriage of stylists, artisans and service providers (specific details where necessary below):
Venue (Sarabah Estate and Winery):
• Chalet for preparation
• Rolling green hills for chapel (ceremony) to perch on one
• Olive grove for reception
Planner & co-ordinator & stylist (Magnolia Studios):
• Incorporation of some vintage elements - Marisha turned to her grandmother's collection of gorgeous pieces and was delighted to be able to include her beautiful gold filigree bracelet, gloves and hat box and a variety of crystal ware
Hair & Makeup artist (Tyneale Hahn Makeup Artist):
• Created two polished hairstyles teamed with a makeup look to softly feature the bridal muse’s porcelain skin and allow the eyes to hold all the emotion and detail
Stationery (Lala Design):
• Created romantic styled stationery using traditional cotton paper, printed antique gold tones ink, complemented with soft watercolour florals in tones of peach and pink, and finally finished with gold leaf accents, wax seals and a custom dyed silk ribbon
Cake (Ekat’s Couture Cakes):
• Featured delicate sugar ruffles and pastel watercolour shades showcasing handmade wafer and rice paper flowers
Flowers (Le Sans Souci):
• Drew inspiration from lush garden-style showcasing Australian-grown blooms, such as Grandiflora Roses and botanical chandelier designs featuring simplicity and lightness – all inspired by French country life
Dress (Sew Master Fashions):
• Created a whimsical tulle gown inspired by dreams and wishes of brides everywhere; classic yet fashionable, the tulle skirt was paired with romantic balloon sleeves that are perfect for a formal ceremony but can be detached for a relaxed reception vibe
Hair accessories (Belle Folie Bridal):
• Pulled from the Garden of Delight collection and features fabulous florals in hues of gold, champagne and blush
Platter (Amour Platters):
• Created an authentic gourmet French platter with a selection of charcuterie meats, blue ash creamy goat's cheese, a smooth blue cheese embodied in a natural rind, triple cream brie layered with fresh honeycomb, gourmet beetroot dip, an array of antipasto, golden pears, lavish crackers, heavenly dried & fresh fruits of the forest, organic edible flowers & herbs, combined with a French garlic baguette drizzled in olive oil to capture the true essence of France.
• Also created French-inspired classic desserts: an assortment of 1) mille feuilles (French for a thousand sheets) layered with rich decadent pastry creme, layers of French butter pastry, sweet & sour raspberries and dusted with sweet angel icing, 2) short pastry profiteroles filled with rich crème then rolled in decadent dark chocolate & sprinkled with fairy dust, and finally 3) classic French Butter Madeleines dipped in almond butter icing & rolled in chopped toasted almonds.
Shoes (Luminous Assembly):
• Comfortable, show-stopping, pink leather heels
Silk ribbon and ring box (The Whole Bride):
• Octagonal ring box and silk ribbon
Car (Our Wedding Cars):
• Rolls Royce 1948 “Emily” Silver Dawn motor vehicle
Chocolate(Little Cocoa):
• Handcrafted chocolate praline favours with white chocolate ganache and berry fillings (elegantly presented in a two-piece box with luxe foil embossing)
Celebrant (Jac Moore Marriage Celebrant):
• Professional, vibrant, authentic
• Relaxed, meaningful, fun ceremonies
Cufflinks (Peggy and Finn):
• Wooden cufflinks
French oak leaf brooch (Cate Lowry Design):
• Impressed, pierced, patinated fine silver
Pen (Lathe & Chisel):
• Pen made specifically to suit the palette of this shoot
• Pearlescent/white/white opal acrylic/hand-poured artisan resin/handcrafted fountain pen
Ceramic flowers (Bron’s Ceramics):
• Individually handcrafted and painted kiln fired flowers, bringing everlasting joy
Suit (Wil Valor):
• Dark beige suit, white shirt, and pastel bow tie and pocket hank
• Light-weight Italian wool
Furniture hire x2:
• Brisbane Furniture Hire: provided a uniquely Parisian-inspired dining setting and featured furniture creating an intimate and authentic French reception setting.
• Scenic Rim Wedding Hire: included an ornate white linen sofa and tiffany chairs to set the scene within the elegant open air chapel. Their gold cutlery and candle sticks graced the reception table while the gold lace chair added a whimsical flair to the shoot. The final contribution was the gold charger plate for the bread display.
Macarons (Mama Mac’s Macarons):
• White chocolate filling with gold fleck
Harpist (Shiny Harpist; President of the Harp Society of Queensland):
• Added a note of elegance, sophistication and exclusivity
French-made perfume