Cecilie and John

There’s nothing quite like a classic wedding in the city – from the breathtaking architecture, to the stunning city backdrops! Cecilie and John had a classic Melbourne wedding – using one of the city’s beautiful churches for their ceremony and the backdrop of Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay for their reception!

Cecilie explains how she met her husband. “John and I met when I was on a study abroad program at Boston College (USA) where John also attended and played ice-hockey. About a month before my planned return home to Australia, I was out with some friends at a local college bar. I know it sounds dramatic, but that night changed my life forever. I remember Johnny walking into the room with his yellow cap on backwards and a huge smile that I was immediately drawn to. I was secretly so excited when he approached me and said hello. I loved his humor, his laughter, and the warmth of his personality.  I definitely believe in love at first sight.”

And to continue today’s romantic love story, John tells how he proposed. “I like to think it went as smoothly as a scene out of ‘The Notebook’ – a pier lined with roses and candles, followed by a smooth row out to the middle of a lake where I get down on one knee and pop the question. The reality was that Cecile had broken her arm the day prior to our engagement, and the wind was a bit stronger than I had anticipated on the engagement day (making for a rather difficult row to the middle of the lake, and ‘not so lit’ candle scene). Either way, she said yes, and we shared the experience on Lake Calhoun, one of our favorite spots to get away, get some fresh air, and simply relax.”

Photos today are by Marcus Bell of Studio Impressions. I love Marcus’ dramatic, emotion filled photographs. Every shot tells a story in a stunning, intensely beautiful way.

Cecilie wore a gown and veil from Monique L’Huillier. She paired it with a necklace from Tiffany & Co (the first Christmas present John ever gave her) and shoes from Cinderella Bella. The girls had their hair styled by Shibui((03) 9820 9130‎) and makeup by Narelle Hall (0411 037 890).

The bridesmaids wore soft pink gowns from Zimmermann with shoes from Nude Footwear and earrings from Stellini. The girls carried bouquets styled by Sarah McDonald at Casa Verde.

John and his groomsmen wore suits from Arthur Galan.

Cecilie and John were married at St Ignatius Church, Richmond. Cecilie and her bridesmaids arrived at the church in a black classic cars from Melbourne Classic Car Hire.

Cecilie recalls, “I walked down the aisle to one of our favourite songs – “The Promise” by Tracy Chapman. The words really represent our many years of enduring long distance and waiting to be together again.”

Of the ceremony, Cecilie remarks, “Our traditional ceremony was held at one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in my hometown of Melbourne – St Ignatius Church. It was a truly special occasion as it was the first time that we had all our friends and family from opposite sides of the world in the same place.”

Cecilie says “We love the images taken as we are exiting the church – you can see our excitement and happiness all over our faces, that first realization of “we’re married!!””

Cecilie remarks, “We also LOVE all the images at the St Kilda pier – as the sun was setting, surrounded by clouds, walking out to the end of the pier with the ocean on one side and the Melbourne skyline on the other. It was great having this time alone with John, to enjoy each other before the commencement of the reception festivities…and it gave Marcus the opportunity to capture the most spectacular images in the city we love.”

Cecilie and John held their reception at The Harbour Room at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron and had it catered by Food & Desire. Kirsty Little of Pinny (0417 152 271) made the cupcake wedding cake.

Guests were given mini hockey sticks and hockey pucks as favors as a nod to John’s seven year long ice hockey career.

Cecilie says “We wanted our reception to be fun, intimate and personal. It was held at the Harbour Room right on the ocean…perfect for a couple who loves the beach.

The color scheme was white, silver and crystal with a touch of blush. Two words I would use to describe the decorations are candles and candy…and lots of both.Crystal tea light candles accompanied the centerpieces, which were beautiful arrangements of white roses and freesias.”

The presence of the guests blew the couple away. Cecilie remarks “One hundred and thirty-five of our closest family and friends attended our reception celebrations. About forty guests had flown in from the United States. Having friends and family from opposite sides of the world together is such a rarity for us that it made the day so much more meaningful.”

A table full of sweets was a hit. Cecilie explains “John and I both have a big sweet tooth so we had a candy bar set up with our favourite American and Australian candy. Guests scooped everything from Hershey kisses and personalized “Cecile and John” M&M’s to Darrel Lea licorice and Cadbury chocolates into small, white organza bags to take home.”

Cecilie loved the speeches. “Probably the most touching moments for me were the speeches, especially those by my father, and by John. I had held back tears all day but when I heard the moving words come out of the mouths of the two greatest men in my life, I couldn’t help but shed a few tears.”

Congratulations on your marriage Cecilie and John! Thank you for sharing it with us on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to  Marcus Bell of Studio Impressions for sharing today’s imagery with us!