It may have been winter on the Mornington Peninsula when Amie and Kieran said ‘I do’ but there was nothing drab and dreary about this colourful wedding! The sun was shining as Tony Evans Photography was chosen to document the day and the couple threw tradition out the window as they opted for a wedding their way. The Bride even chose an incredible ruby red and sparkly dress! Their immense love for each other shines through the day and there is an underlying feeling of fun throughout. Oh to have been a fly on the wall for this fabulous occasion! The Bride Amie is sharing their story and all of the behind the scenes info on their quirky and colourful wedding day. 

We met when we were young. Roughly 16 years ago when I was 14 and Kieran was 18 at Wilson’s Prom. My family camped there over Christmas every year and Kieran would be there with his mates. Nothing blossomed at all back then but it formed an amazing friendship. Kieran and all his mates remained in my life and came to my mums surprise 50th birthday. I knew at that party that I wanted to see more of him. It was instant.

Our theme was relaxed, colourful and fun! There was so much love and happiness – and amazing food! We were super relaxed in the lead up and had planned the wedding in secret before we were even engaged. Everyone knew they were in for a good time and this was reflected with the amazing smiles and love that filled the room.

I love being different and celebrating quirkiness. My dress was Rachel Gilbert and it was a long sleeved, cherry red, sequinned gown. I bloody loved it!!! It was phenomenal to hear everyone’s reaction and see Kieran’s face beam. He was totally blown away, which was perfect!

To walk down the aisle, I chose walking on sunshine – which Kieran didn’t know. He tells me he didn’t even listen to the song because he was so nervous! A wonderful part was my Dad walking with me down the aisle. Love him!

We didn’t have any idea what our ceremony would be like. We love Anna our celebrant and her style – so funny, so we knew it wouldn’t be boring. Our ceremony turned out to be hilarious and filled with so much love. Kieran’s sister Jo did a “reading” – she actually SANG! But she had changed the lyrics to the Trolls song from frozen and made them about us. Everyone was in hysterics and because we didn’t know she was planning to do it, we were beside ourselves laughing. It was gold. This definitely made reading our vows easier!

Kieran chose his and the groomsmen’s outfits. He wanted to wear black jeans, so he did! Rolla’s Denim paired with crisp white shirts and merino wool grey blazers from Menzclub. They looked fab and were comfortable too!

We just wanted our day and ceremony to be our way from start to finish. We didn’t care about the traditions that we were “meant” to include. We didn’t fuss over minor things. The moment I saw Kieran was super special. Jo’s reading was so special and our first dance was a goodie.

A favourite detail of our day – and we both agree, was the band and vibe they created. They nailed it. And our first kiss!

I had my best mate Kate as chief bridesmaid – we’ve been friends since year 9. And two of my besties Catdog and Tess. My bridesmaids all represent different stages of my life and I bloody love them all. Kieran had his best mate Luke (Evo) as his best man and two other besties Matt and Mitch.

Choosing a favourite photo is tough! We love Tony’s work and have been loving ourselves sick since he sent the photos. I love the one of the first kiss and the ones of the bridal party in front of a roller door out the back of Casa. There is also some beautiful moments captured with our families that we love. Clearly hard to pick just one haha.

Tony Evans our photographer is fab. He was so relaxed and knew how to make us laugh. He was also super patient. A lot of the night I had no idea where he was, but he captured everything! So special.

I honestly didn’t care what flowers we had. I did forage for a lot of pampas grass in the lead up – even spray painted some pink. But for the bouquets, I just went to the market a few days before and found what was in season. I held beautiful champagne pink roses and the girls had white gyp. Kieran’s cousin is dating an amazing florist so she made our bouquets and arrangements. Kieran’s sister Jo made the buttonholes for the lads and parents.

A stand out story of the day was Kieran’s sister and her song. That’s the biggest story from the entire day. We still can’t get over it. And I wore red. So many people commented and asked why anyone chooses to wear white!! Breaking tradition is the best.

In terms of DIY elements, we had lots of family offering to help out but this was mainly in the set up and pack up. Caitlin helped with the flowers, however not much else was fussed over. And we didn’t do wedding favours because we usually throw them out.

Our vendors were the best people. No doubt about it. Anna, our celebrant, was amazing and setting out the legal jargon, and keeping us (mainly Kieran) calm. She was funny and warm from our first meeting and made us super excited to get married. The band Jack and Jordan from Rutherford Entertainment were also fab and got the room pumping! Casa management were phenomenal to work with and made all our requests super easy. We loved doing the planning before being engaged. That way no one could harass us or give their opinions!!

We love delicious food and Kieran found Casa De Playa by chance. It has such a perfect relaxed vibe and is quirky and intimate. The staff were beyond helpful from start to finish which made it a dream venue. Everything was in the one place. Ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. This made everyone super comfy and relaxed, which we loved.

Our first dance was to Everlong by the Foo Fighters. The lyrics are just beautiful. Jack and Jordan did the most beautiful rendition. Kieran and I did accidentally head butt on our first spin, but we nailed it after that!

Our advice for future couples, do it!!! And stick to your guns. Don’t give a shit about the expectations others place on you. Do it your way.

Ms Zebra Says: I LOVE this wedding! Congratulations to this incredible couple, throwing tradition out the window and embracing everything your way! All the best in your long life together.