Alex & Greg

Sometimes a wedding filled with pomp and circumstance just isn’t your jam and if that’s you, then the wedding of Alex and Greg is a must read, because these two? They did it their way. They did away with everything that didn’t work for them- grand entrances, a bridal party, a first dance. Instead, they spent the day together, celebrating with guests with amazing food, amazing gin (yes please!) their favourite four-legged friends and plenty of sunshine. This was a day, that just as it should be, was about what mattered to Alex and Greg and along with the stunning photography by Dan at All Grown Up Weddings is an absolute delight to share with you this fine day.

It’s always been easy and relaxed for these two, who met while the bride was on a gap year from her homeland of Canada, she sets the scene “I’m Canadian and grew up in Ottawa but came to Canberra on a gap year and met Greg while we both worked at the Hotel Realm back in 2009. You could say that our senses of humour aligned and we quickly formed a very fun friendship. In less than a month it developed into more than that and we were keen to see where things would take us.”

Alex and Greg chose to have photographs taken before their ceremony, noting of their photographer “Dan B from All Grown Up Weddings was super easy to get along with and listened to all of our ideas and was very relaxed on the day and I couldn’t recommend Dan B or All Grown Up Weddings more highly.”

Alex wore a gorgeous white minidress from designer L’Wren, “I was dreading trying to find a wedding dress as I could never imagine myself in one,” she explains “but it turned out to be much easier than anticipated. The designer is L’Wren and it was purchased at Annabel’s in Kingston. It was the second dress I tried on and I was in and out in 15 minutes. It’s a two-piece so I plan on wearing them separately again.”

There was, of course, one very special guest. “The day felt super relaxed and intimate. It was so special to have our rescue dog, King, with us at the ceremony. He just makes us happy and he deserved some extra pats from all of the guests” tells Alex.

Alex and Greg were married at Mt Stromlo Observatory, the bride sharing “We chose Mt Stromlo because we thought it was such a cool place in Canberra to show off. We had quite a few relatives come from overseas so it was a great place that they could see the whole of Canberra from. We also liked how stark white the dome is. It’s just beautiful the way it is.

“Our favourite part was being with everyone we love and seeing them all smiling ear to ear all day long,” remembers Alex, who along with Greg chose Steven Murray
 to officiate the one formal part of the day.

Guests enjoyed a gorgeous garden party reception at (now closed)  Pod Food. “Pod Food was one of the two places we checked out for our reception” remembers Alex. “We loved the feel instantly upon our first meeting with the restaurant manager. It was a lush, green refuge in the summer heat. A beautiful little time capsule hidden amongst the nurseries of Pialligo. Not to mention the food is absolutely to die for and it was the perfect size for our group of people.”

Guests were greeted by a plentiful gin bar, Alex noting “We didn’t fuss over anything because our goal was to have a fun time with all of the people we love while sharing some fabulous food and delectable drinks. We didn’t want anything too traditional so we did away with a bridal party, grand entrances, we didn’t spend money on senseless decorations or hire cars. Instead, we focused on what mattered to us. Which were clearly great food and awesome gin! Pod Food created the perfect fun and social atmosphere. We were surrounded by delicious smells of meats roasting and friendly smiles from all of the staff that was there to make everyone feel welcome and looked after.”

Congratulations Alex and Greg! Thank you for letting us share the stories of your day! Thank you also to All Grown Up Weddings for sharing the beautiful photographs!