Carolyn & Andrew

For a couple who met in Melbourne, it was only normal that Carolyn & Andrew chose an urban workshop space as the backdrop for their nuptials. With Sorrento Wedding Photography behind the lens, the couple wanted to a day that reflected a laid back, sophisticated vibe.

On how they met, Carolyn remembers “Andy was a work colleague of my brother, in fact, they sat next to each other. We met in April 2009 at my niece’s first birthday. We had a few drinks and chatted away all afternoon. We really hit it off. Within 5 days of my niece’s first birthday, we were going out on our first date. Our first date didn’t come easy for Andy though. My brother was doing the ‘brotherly’ thing and made it difficult for Andy to ask for the number, but he got it!”

The bride chose a simple strapless gown by Maggie Sottero from Raffaele Ciuca, recalling “It was cream french lace on top with a cream underlay; a heart-shaped strapless floor length gown with a 1.5-metre train with a full-length veil. It was simple and elegant and I loved it.”

“We were engaged for 15 months and midway through January this year, we decided it was about time we ‘tied the knot’, so from start to finish, we planned and executed the wedding in 10 weeks. As you could imagine, I planned and organised 90% of the day, it was fun and a little stressful at times but worth every second. We also found and purchased a house at auction and we both had the busiest quarter with work – it was a massive effort by both of us and we were thrilled with everything we achieved in that space of time.”

Collingwood venue The Craft & Co set the scene for the ceremony and reception. Carolyn explaining “We loved the different spaces at The Craft & Co. We also loved the fact that it could accommodate the ceremony and the reception all in one. It has a very modern style that is quite understated so it enabled us to put a lot of our own touches on it. It had a fun and relaxed but sophisticated vibe to it as well.”

For her walk down the aisle, Carolyn remembers “I chose Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major. I heard it playing at a function 10 years ago and it just resonated with me. I’m not overly into classical music, but I truly love that piece. My brother, Michael walked me down the aisle. He’s been such a huge influence in my life.”

Charis White officiated the ceremony, Carolyn noting “We were both very nervous in the lead up to the ceremony. I had been relatively calm through out the process of organising the wedding, but it was the last 4 hours where my nerves almost got the better of me. We didn’t want the ceremony to feel too formal. We wanted it to be fun, funny and as relaxing as possible for us…and we were both really happy with how it unfolded. It was happy and romantic.”

“Charis is absolutely divine. She made the whole process as easy as possible and was very patient with us getting information to her. She is warm, caring, classy and professional.”

Of their photographer, the bride remembers “Shannon from Sorrento Wedding Photography is very talented. Throughout the whole process, he was calming and really helpful. He’s creative, funny and accommodating. He made the whole process really straight forward and easy, which was important to me as I had so many things to do in the planning of the day.”

“There are several really lovely photos. Some of my nieces, one of my brother and sister and I, one of Andy and I walking down the stairs at the venue, but my absolute favourite photo is one of Andy and I in an embrace laughing. It’s beautiful, fun and relaxed….exactly what we wanted for our day.

 

Carolyn and her family styled the floral arrangements together, the bride explaining “My sister-in-law Steph is amazingly talented when it comes to event design and styling – she was an amazing help and assisted me with all of the styling. Together with Andy’s Mum, Di, we put together all of the flowers and table settings the day before and delivered them to the venue. I love flowers and it was so much fun, although a lot of work. We also had hanging potted plants from the ceiling beams, freshly cut foliage in wicker baskets along the window wall behind the bridal table. It all looked amazing.”

The couple were begged to do a first dance. “Andy and I really didn’t want the first dance. It’s not something that appealed to either of us, but our friends convinced us to do it. Their successful argument was that it signifies the end of the formalities and the start of the party! The song we chose was ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perri. Neither of us can dance that well at all but it was fun and we mostly laughed.”

    

Congratulations on your marriage Carolyn & Andrew! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Thank you also to Sorrento Wedding Photography for sharing today’s beautiful day!