Michelle and Martin
Today’s couple, Michelle and Martin wanted a “Timeless Elegance” feel to their wedding and you know I think they pulled it off beautifully! A classic colour scheme, beautiful moments and even a surprise appearance on Sydney Harbour. There is nothing like a classic wedding under the watch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge- it never fails to win me over. Michelle recalls “We have known each other since 1993, meeting through mutual friends. We dated for 3 and ½ years, then took time apart for another 3 and ½ years and then reunited again. As my husband Martin says, “My heart never left her.” Within 3 months of being together again we got engaged.” Photographs today are by SugarLove Weddings who always capture classic, timeless weddings so beautifully and elegantly, the couple also used White Designs to capture their memories on video. Michelle and Martin hired Anthony Del Col of Staging Connections as their wedding planner.
Michelle wore a classic gown- a strapless Vera Wang gown from the Luxe Collection from VW flagship boutique in New York. She paired it with Jimmy Choo shoes.
Michelle’s bridesmaids wore custom made burnt orange gowns which they designed themselves and had made by All the Rage Formal Wear. The bouquets were styled by Maria Lush Flowers.
Michelle and Martin were married at St Francis of Assisi, Paddington. They made the church programs themselves. Michelle recalls “They featured cream embossed card paper to go with our theme with sheer black ribbon.”
Mother Nature played fair on the day of the wedding. “The morning of the wedding was clear blue skies, but as soon as it was time to go to the ceremony (early afternoon) and while we were in the church it was raining so hard. However, it was such a coincidence because each time we needed to be outside to take photos or go out of the marquee the rain stopped. Mother Nature was on our side.”
Michelle walked down the aisle to Ava Maria played by string trio Accent Strings and soprano singer Fiona Treloar.
Family and friends made the day special for the newlyweds. “I loved having our extended family here in Australia. We had relatives from Spain, Uruguay and Philippines that came for our special day. Some of which was their first time in Australia.”
Michelle and Martin held their reception at the Opera Point Marquee. Michelle recalls “The location and quality of service was beyond words. We enjoy our food very much and love fine dining. The food at the Opera Point Marquee was of a very high standard, we and our guests were very happy.”
Adding to the fun and Michelle’s favourite memories was entering the reception. “I loved the bridal party entrance – was crazy! Everyone from the bridal party and parents had their own special dance as they entered the reception to “I gotta a feelin” by the Black Eyed Peas.”
The reception was decorated with alternate floral arrangements, sheer black small Tiffany bows on the back of every chair, black and white chandeliers above the tables and even special black goblets. But there was one extra special touch. Michelle says “Our table numbers featured a framed picture of our puppy Arnold who is a pug. All our guests appreciated this personal touch and very much made the reception feel like “ours”.”
The couple chose a croquembouche as their wedding cake. Michelle says “Martin’s dad is a retired pastry chef and growing up he had many memories of his dad making the croquembouche for weddings. “
Guests were up for a big celebration and it included an extra special surprise from the newlyweds. Michelle explains “At the reception, we had a surprise for our guests. Between the speeches we invited the guests outside of the marquee for cake cutting and a toast. Then after this, the first firework fired into the sky from the harbour. We had a 7 minute firework display to our favourite dance tunes at the time including: “Only Girl (In the world)” by Rihanna and “DJ got us fallin’ in love again” Usher. The firework display ended with a lit up sign of our initials “M & M” in a red love heart. Guests were surprised and this definitely picked up the party mood at our reception. Another highlight at the reception (that even the Event Manager and staff at Opera Point Marquee thought was very special and so rare to happen), was that while we were outside for cake cutting and before the fireworks, the large cruise ship (I think it was the Sapphire Princess) left Circular Quay and passed our reception. The cameras were flashing, such a spectacular sight. We had some great photos as the ship was passing.”
Michelle describes the first dance as “Very emotional, full of tears. Song was “At Last” by Etta James performed by the live band. Many of our guests cried too.” Soul Nights kept the guests on the dance floor with live tunes all night.
Congratulations Michelle and Martin! Thank you for sharing your wedding day on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to SugarLove Weddings for sharing today’s images!
7 minutes of fireworks? All I can say is WOW.
Stunning!
I love her earrings.. just fantastic!
I wish I could’ve been there!