Rescheduling their summer wedding to autumn (thanks lockdowns) turned out to be a magic decision for Daniel and Elena. Wanting to showcase their very favourite things in life “inner north Melbourne, DJ Andrew McClelland (from Finishing School), bold tropical and artistic style floristry, and, most importantly, amazing food and cocktails”,  their day was filled with  beautiful autumn notes of reds, dark peaches and taupes and perfectly special touches – like Elena’s wedding gown – her mother’s own wedding dress, remodelled.

The day, in all its beauty was captured by By Holly Rose Photography and since it’s Friday, we invite you to honour Elena and Daniel themselves; pour yourself a cocktail and settle in for the story!

Daniel proposed in the most romantic of ways – a surprise hot air balloon adventure! Says Elena “A few years earlier in our relationship, Daniel and I went up on a hot air balloon as a birthday gift. Whilst it was a wonderful morning, I’m going to be 100% honest and say I wasn’t too happy that he didn’t propose in the hot air balloon (and I may have let him know afterwards…).

In 2020, it was our sixth anniversary and Daniel and I booked a little cabin out near Healesville. I wasn’t expecting anything at all, I hadn’t even got my nails done. One morning Daniel woke me up super early for ‘breakfast’. We drove to what I quickly realised was a hot air balloon site! Instantly I knew what was going to happen but tried to play cool (but I was hoping it was going to happen this time). Five minutes into overlooking the beautiful Yarra Ranges, Daniel says my name and I look at him and yes, thank God, he has the ring in his hand. We both tear up, he says some beautiful words and of course, I say yes.”

Elena even had a distinct vision in mind for Daniel’s look, finally finding her vision after the postponement! “It was harder choosing Daniel’s suit compared to my dress! I had from day one that he has to wear brown and at the time no one had any brown suits in stock. One benefit of our postponed wedding is that brown luckily came into fashion in January 2022. I am so glad I stuck with the colour choice because it looks stunning against the flowers, bridesmaids terracotta dresses and vintage Ford cars.”

Elena’s beautiful gown wasn’t just hers! She worked with Vasiliki Couture to restore and alter her mother’s wedding gown, sharing  “I had my mum’s wedding dress restored, which still kept the original pleated skirt and sleeves with new 3D leaf corset bodice. Later at the reception I changed into white suit pants and kept the bodice on.”

Surrounded by the complementary tones of Autumn leaves, Elena and Daniel shared a first look at the Fitzroy Gardens.

Of their wedding photographer, Elena shares “Daniel knew Holly as they both went to Primary School together. She was amazingly helpful the whole way through, providing us great advice on timing and matching the exact style we were after.”

The beautiful blooms were styled by floral designer XX Flos. Says Elena  “Picking flowers was one of the hardest decisions for me, some vendors were patchy others didn’t even respond. Luckily I stumbled upon a local Fitzroy florist who specialised in gigs, shopfronts and photoshoot floristry who I fell in love with. One word to describe her design is kitsch and I loved it. Our design was more earthy, focusing on key wedding colours of orange, brown and green.”

Elena walked herself down the aisle to the sound of “We’re Going to be Friends” by The White Stripes.

The newlyweds were showered in petals from paper cones – some saved from different bunches of flowers Daniel had bought Elena over the years.

The couple chose Panama Dining Room for their sit down reception.

Elena and Daniel had spice jars made as guest favours – for Daniel, who loves to barbecue, a savoury spice, and for Elena, who loves making cocktails, a sweet mulled wine spice.

Of their first dance, Elena shares “We first danced at the “Night Cat to Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes, so this was a fitting choice for the first dance. A few salsa dancing lessons didn’t go astray either!”

A big beautiful congratulations to you Elena & Daniel! Thank you for sharing your day with us and thank you to By Holly Rose Photography for sharing today’s beautiful images with us.