High school sweethearts. Cliche, but that’s the best way I could describe us. Johan and I got together at the age of 17. He was the charmer that every girl wanted (and dreamt of), and lucky me somehow caught his attention. He was the sweet romantic who used to slip love letters in my locker and write poems on a paper aeroplane and fly them into the classroom window. He even declared his love (and officially asked me to be his girlfriend) by hanging up a huge banner at school with the words “Be Mine Nia”. Yep, we were young and very much in love.
Five years later, Johan took me on a ridiculously early morning surf trip to our local beach in North Narrabeen. I have to admit that the only thing that got me out of bed that morning was the promise of a hot breakfast afterwards. As soon as we arrived, Johan suggested we take a walk down to the beach to suss out the surf closely. Tired, cold and hungry, I (regretfully) wasn’t the biggest fan of this idea but went along with it anyway. It wasn’t until Johan pointed out some graffiti on the North Narrabeen wall that I had the shock of my life. I realised that the graffiti was directed right at me. There it was – the words “Marry Me Nia”. As I looked to Johan, he was already down on one knee with the ring in his hand.
From the beginning, Johan and I promised that our wedding would be as relaxed and fun as we can make it. Because of our strict budget, it meant that we had to get creative with a lot of DIY things. This is where the bridal party of 6 bridesmaids and 6 groomsmen came in handy. The girls and I pretty much DIY-ed most aspects of the wedding; from sewing our own napkins from vintage material, making paper flowers and lanterns for decorations, and even going to the flower markets to design our own bouquets! Johan and I custom-made our wedding invitations. We bought vintage paper from The Paper Place and printed on them at home, and tied burlap strings around them to give it a vintage feel. Both our mums helped with designing flower centrepieces for both the church ceremony and reception, whilst a talented cousin of mine Pauline from Sophisticated Yum designed the most delectable and gorgeous dessert table.
I absolutely fell in love with a Monique Lhuillier, Scarlet gown as I have an undying love of lace! I was so fortunate to come across the same dress, brand new and unworn, through OnceWed in the U.S. I took the big risk of buying my dress from overseas, but found later that I had nothing to worry about. When the dress came it was perfect! I custom designed my veil through Marisol Aparicio (also located in the U.S) who did such an amazing job of meeting my requests.
The morning of our big day was extremely relaxed. My girls and I sipped tea, shared a few laughs, ate toasts and some even took naps whilst taking turns getting our hair and make up done! The girls each not only chose their own dress, but also chose their own hair and make-up style. Thank you Eternal Elegance and Yvonne Grice Makeup (0411 505 978) for the amazing job you both did!
The ceremony was just perfect – everything ran as smoothly as we’d hope it would! Johan chose “Hideaway” by Karen O and The Kids as the song for me to walk down the aisle to, which I admit I got a tad emotional to. The most important aspect of our special day was to share it with close family and friends, so we decided to host a relaxed afternoon tea in the church garden where we could mingle with our guests. Once again, Sophisticated Yum, with the help of my amazing mum were responsible for organising such a beautiful table!
Our fun, crazy, awesome photographer Linda Truong from Linda Truong Photography took us on a trek to Centennial Park for our photo session. Not only is she the most talented photographer I’ve ever come across, she is also energetic, natural and fun to work with! The location shoot was definitely one of the highlights of our special day. We all shared so many laughs and felt so relaxed.
What can I say? Having a bridal party of 12 turned out to be so much fun! I love that Linda has really captured each and every one of their personalities through all the photos.
After exhausting our bridal party, Johan and I (along with our photographer) trekked to different secret locations to do our couple shots.
Our reception was held at an intimate venue – Cielo Restaurant, Akuna Bay. The venue was surrounded in lush greenery and a picturesque marina. We invited along 100 of our closest family and friends, and what a perfect way to finish off our special day! We had both of our dads give such heartwarming emotional speeches, along with our best man and maid of honour. And of course, the waterworks began!
Our amazing custom designed dessert table was put together by my lovely cousin, Pauline who runs her own business, Sophisticated Yum. Pauline and I worked closely to put together a collection of yummy desserts and goodies that the guests could take home in brown paper bags as bonbonierre. Pauline has the most incredible attention to detail – she designed all the cut outs, paper boats, logos and decorations to tie in with the whole vintage theme of the wedding.
We entertained our guests with a home-made photobooth along with its own props, and it turned out to be a huge success! We sectioned off a corner in the venue and threw up our own backdrop and had our lovely friend Chloe from Chloe Ferres Photography take photos throughout the night.
Photography by Linda Truong from Linda Truong Photography
It wouldn’t have been the wonderful, memorable day it was without the expertise of our amazing professionals and without our beloved family and friends!
Nia says: “I am a huge fan of DIY projects, especially ones for vintage-themed weddings. I love anything with floral patterns and lace, and I’m the biggest sucker for peachy pink colours! I implemented all my love for these things into my wedding!”
Ms Gingham says: “Thanks to Nia and Johan for sharing their lovely wedding with us in such a heartfelt way. Thanks also to Linda Truong from Linda Truong Photography for sharing her beautiful photography with us on Polka Dot Bride.”
Ohh! How beautiful!
I love everything about it! The dress is amazing and all the cute DIY features are gorgeous. I’m so in love with this.
I really like the photobooth shots, lovely light in the formals too. Really fun looking wedding
The photos amongst the trees are my favourite- with that golden light streaming through! and what a romantic proposal story with the graffiti- a charmer! I love your photobooth props too!
This wedding was incredible! I wish this couple a long and joyful life together.
Hi will u be selling your dress?