Elisa & Christopher’s Romantic Vintage Garden Wedding

Elisa & Christopher

 “The theme for my niece Elisa and Christopher’s wedding was romantic vintage garden with rustic accents. Elegance with a touch of vintage and the feel of an indoor garden.”

Creative mood boards were created from Pinterest. “Using elements from many different styles, the perfect pieces were chosen. Many items were DIY. Vintage and rustic pieces were either hired or bought, including a gelato cart.”

“Sydney designer Celyna Ziolkowski meticulously fashioned Elisa’s gown based on a vision of her dream dress: Ivory French lace, an open back and a soft flowing fishtail. French lace from Elisa’s mother’s wedding gown was also applied onto the bodice (something old) and sentimental. A French lace mantilla veil, also designed by Celyna, softly flowed around the dress.”

Elisa found the perfect gift for Christopher to complete his wedding day outfit from Politix.

Elisa and Christopher’s ceremony and reception were held at historic Oatlands House.

“One hundred guests, including family and friends, gathered in the pristine Chateau Gardens. Parasols were handed out as shelter from the hot sun.  Orders of Service, detailed with an “E&C” monogram and printed on Kraft paper, were used as fans whilst newspaper cones were filled with rose petals; DIY bouquets in mason jars were decorated with lace and twine and a vintage table in front of a rustic screen was set up for the signing of the wedding certificate… it was picture perfect.”

“With mellow sounds of a harp playing in the background, the bridesmaids walked out one by one, gorgeous in butter-cream off-the-shoulder Zimmermann dresses. Their pretty bouquets were arrangements of white spray roses, hydrangea, lisianthus and dusty miller.”

“Elisa was given away by her father. Walking down a sisal runner scattered with rose petals, she joined Christopher at the altar and together they recited the vows which they had written themselves.”

Tied with personalized ribbon, Elisa’s bouquet was a mixture of hydrangea, spray roses, lisianthus, dusty miller and Hypericum berries.

“The scent of French pear soy candles from Oleria Emporium filled the Deck Room. Table seating and names were hand-written on an old vintage glass door.”

“The bridal table looked breathtaking – a long rustic table and chairs, in the middle of the room, adorned with a stunning floral and foliage garland on a lace runner. Interspersed between the garlands were floral centrepieces pf lisianthus, miniature roses, chrysanthemums, and tortured willow on a moss and bark base with dodger vine. Votive candles hung from the twigs. Crystal glasses and crystal charger plates completed the elegant setting.”

With the help of her aunt who helped Elisa plan her big day, special touches made the couple’s reception unique.

The menus were inside custom-made cootie catchers along with Q&As about the bride and groom. On a vintage dresser decorated with candles in mason jars and rustic ornaments, three generations of family wedding photos were displayed, including one of the bride’s brother who passed away in his youth, as well as viewfinders with images of the bride and groom at different ages.

All made by Elisa’s youngest auntie, delicious desserts, including a birthday cake decorated with orange roses and berries for the bride’s father, were displayed on a shabby-chic table.

The couple’s wedding cake from Faye Cahill Cake Design sat atop an old cotton reel wrapped in floral wreaths which matched back to the floral garland on the bridal table.

“An emotional moment for Elisa was when one of her bridesmaids and childhood school friend dedicated a song she had written to her and Christopher.”

For Elisa and Christopher, their day was “just how they imagined – romantic and elegant”, a day they will never forget.

Ms Chinoiserie Says: Such a beautiful wedding Elisa and Christopher; with an eye for detail, your reception was styled to perfection!

About Elisa: Rather than choosing a particular wedding theme, we wanted the style of the wedding to reflect each of our personalities. I have always admired a vintage look with just a touch of rustic elements and this was the starting point for planning our wedding. With Christopher being the understated gentleman he is, it was important to create a wedding style that we both felt comfortable with  and that was elegant at the same time.