When the Maid of Honour and Best Man fall in love
Carla and Michael
14th September 2019
Our beautiful client Carla was first introduced to her now-husband, Michael, as her sister’s husband’s best friend. Carla and Michael were actually paired together as maid of honour and best man at the wedding - a meet-cute straight from a romantic comedy, but the perfect start for Carla and Michael’s love story.
Carla and Michael rocked their entrance to the Calvin Harris’ hit ‘Feel So Close’ - a song that would become something of a theme for these two lovebirds in the years to come.
Image Credit: Mark Jay Photography
Image Credit: Mark Jay Photography
Not long after the wedding, Carla recalls they started hanging out a bit more frequently and after establishing a beautiful friendship and seeing each other for a few months, Michael decided to (finally!) ask Carla to be his girlfriend at the music festival Stereosonic (flashback, am I right?!), right as you guessed it, Feel So Close, was playing.
Carla said they had been dating for six years and she was convinced Michael would never ask her to marry him. As another anniversary approached, Carla said she organised the plans as per usual - lunch at China Doll in Sydney and a hotel in the city to stay after.
But, Michael had other plans. At lunch they received a call from Michael’s cousin who was hosting an event on his boat but had a bit of time before the guests arrived, so he was wondering whether Carla and Michael had time for a quick ride. Carla arrived to a band and photographer who were getting ready for the party guests to arrive…or so she thought! Michael’s cousin surprised them with a hamper as an anniversary gift with a beautiful card and poem written by Michael and, when she finished reading it, Michael was on one knee with the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. And, yes, you guessed it - there, on the boat, was a band playing Feel So Close, as they both enjoyed this moment together.
Image Credit: Mark Jay Photography
Image Credit: Mark Jay Photography
After such an incredible lead up, you just know the wedding would be amazing, right? We loved chatting with Carla to find out a little bit about her perfect day and we know you’re going to love it too.
Where did you start your wedding planning journey?
The year before we got engaged we had taken a trip to Bowral for the weekend. We decided to go to Bendooley for a wine tasting but when we arrived they had closed early due to setting up for a wedding. Instantly I was attracted to the venue and actually emailed them the morning after my proposal. I didn’t want a long engagement and we were given two dates to choose from. We decided on 14 September 2019.
How would you describe your wedding day?
Relaxed, intimate and definitely not a traditional Italian wedding. I really believe our wedding was our own twist and really represented us and our relationship.
Were there any cultural wedding traditions you incorporated into your day?
We played the Italian tarantella which always gets all the guests on the dancefloor.
What was your inspiration or vision when planning your big day?
Simple! I kept everything green, white and neutral. “Classy garden party” was an inspiration.
Image Credit: Mark Jay Photography
Image Credit: Mark Jay Photography
Did you have any must haves or non negotiables?
A garden ceremony.
We were lucky enough to have the same bishop who married my sister marry us. This was important as we are both Catholics and still wanted a religious ceremony. We also wanted to share platters for food, which is Bendooley’s signature. We wanted it to feel like a family dinner with everyone mingling over good food.
What were your stand-out moments from the day?
My sister, who is a makeup artist, did my bridal makeup which was very special
Having all my nieces as my flowergirls and my eight-week old nephew as page boy, along with our cousin's son.
Having the family dog Gigi attend our wedding, and even had a custom suit made to match the groomsmen
Writing our own vows. This was so unique and special to us, and definitely brought on some water works.
Our first dance was choreographed by my husband’s sister. We did a modern tango which was a surprise for everyone.
What advice would you give to other couples currently planning their wedding?
Do what makes you happy, as you only get to enjoy this once! Don't stress about the small things, as only you would notice these. Choose your splurge items early so you can cut back on other areas to keep costs low. And don't forget to enjoy every moment as time flies by so quickly.
Image Credit: Mark Jay Photography
Image Credit: Mark Jay Photography
Image Credit: Mark Jay Photography
And on her experience with Adrienne, Carla said…
Working with Adrienne was a truly great experience. Great communication and beautiful illustration. Even her branding and packaging is a true representation of her work and quality. After my first artwork I knew I wanted more and asked my husband for my birthday for two more to add to my collection. Once again blown away with her work!
A Note From The Artist:
It’s the highest compliment for an artist when clients get in touch a second time. To have someone trust you to create such a sentimental artwork, that represents one of the most important days of their lives, is truly a huge privilege. So, you can only imagine how humbling it is when that client comes back, years later, for another artwork.
Working with Carla again was very special and sentimental. I had created her first piece back when I first started my business and now, over 2 years on, I had the chance to create a larger, more detailed artwork of the couple to celebrate their anniversary. It was such a beautiful way of representing their growth as a couple in the form of art and I’m incredibly humbled they asked me to do so.
Vendors:
Photographer: Mark Jay Photography | Stylist: Madeline Anne Styling and Florals | Gown Designer: Sant Elia | Accessories: Morgan & Taylor (Headband) Ted Baker (shoes) | Rings: Affinity Diamonds | Wedding Bands: Cerrone | Florist: Madeline Anne Styling and Florals | Hair: Teresa Costa Hair | Make-up: Flawless by Rena (bride) - Nicole Hill Makeup (bridesmaids) | Venue: Bendooley Estate | MC: Jimmy White | Cake: Something Blue Cakes | Videographer: Cloud Herd Films | Band: Duke
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