Twinkling like the stars in the sky, Jacquelyn and Gabriel’s eyes could barely leave each other at their dreamy winter wedding. Butler Lane set the stage for their celebration, full of moons, gold details and a celestial touch that has left us breathless! Captured by Packing Light Photography, Jacqui and Gab honoured their wedding with endless laughter and a cheeky surprise to round out the night.

Jacquelyn & Gabriel met at a bar. And for 10 years after that, they pined for each other quietly from their own lives. Until the lockdowns finally broke the mould and brought their lives together. Now, 16 years later, we have the honour of sharing their dreamy celebration.

Gabriel went all out for their engagement and organised a surprise proposal in Paris, right in front of the Eiffel Tower! Not only was this a special moment, but Gabriel made it even more memorable by hiring a photographer to capture it so they could share it with their families.

For his wedding look, Gabriel visited Ferrari Formalwear and picked out a traditional suit. Finished with minimalist details like the black bow tie, silver cufflinks and a single flower pinned to his lapel.

Gabriel had Aleks, Tomas, and Stephanie in his wedding party, wearing matching black outfits: suits and a dress. Plus their son Sebastian in a smart little black suit. Jacqui had Zanda, Zavier, Emily and Evie in her own wedding party. Each wore a stunning midnight blue look to match the night sky.

Gabriel and Jacqui worked with a lot of small businesses from Etsy to bring this dreamy wedding together. Jacqui even designed their dreamy stationery!

For her final look, Jacqui wanted to look ethereal. And boy did she! Full of flowing material and theatrical yet dreamy details (like her hair stars!!), she looked like a goddess gracing our eyes. She actually designed this gown with Sheer Perfection Bridal. “Also, I wore a locket with a lock of hair from my baby’s first haircut,” she shared.

When Botanica 194 was highly recommended to Jacqui, she had no doubt the team would be able to pull together a dreamy palette to complement the celebrations. “They did not disappoint. I wanted winter vibes with pops of colour like blue, orange, and red, plus some gold leaves to match the celestial theme.”

Through the lens of Packing Light Photography, Gabriel and Jacqui’s day shines like its own solar system! “Packing Light are by far the most incredible and talented people to work with. So creative, so caring about your day and just two really beautiful souls,” Jacqui gushed.

For Jacqui, any shot of their son laughing with them is a favourite captured by Packing Light. “Hard to pick! The one of my laughing son between us and any shot of us with the rotunda because it really captured that dreamy vibe,” she explained.

Butler Lane in Melbourne’s inner suburbs was the perfect space for this dreamy wedding. A modern warehouse vibe complete with a stunning courtyard for their ceremony. “Very much like a blank canvas to create your own look and feel.”

Jacqui walked down the aisle with both her parents by her side, and then at the halfway mark they departed, and she walked the rest of the way by herself. All the while, an acoustic cover of Fred Again’s “Adore You” played.

One of Gabriel and Jacqui’s favourite details from their dreamy wedding has to be this incredible crescent moon arbour! All of the tiny dreamy details scattered throughout the day, like fairy dust, added to the magical feel. “Golden celestial stars and moons were sprinkled everywhere, with small moons on the tables with our initials and wedding date. Everything from the menus to the pens used to sign the guest book was all personalised and themed.”

Their ceremony, led by their celebrant Simone Cresp of Gettin’ Hitched, was one of warmth and love, and included their son in all the important bits. “We spoke the same vows to each other to show equality and commitment.”

When Gabriel thinks of his favourite parts of their wedding, two things come to mind: “Getting to see all our loved ones in the same room and kissing my beautiful bride,” he shared.

If there was any advice important enough to pass on to those planning their own weddings, Jacqui thinks it would be this: “Make it your own. Remember why you are doing it. Have fun with it and be creative.”

Their first dance was to a slowed-down version of “Cinema” by Benny Benassi.

For live music and to MC their wedding, Jacqui and Gab had Brendan & StarBrina Music provide the entertainment. “They were incredible to work with and have beautiful talents and ways to break the ice and get everyone comfortable. “

As a mid-reception surprise, Jacqui had Victoria Felicity Hair help her cut off her locks into a stunning Hollywood bob moment! “I cut my hair from long to very short during the reception and did an outfit change to surprise my husband. It was a hit! We also had a magician, Tim Mason Magic, during our cocktail hour, which was a lot of fun!”

Congratulations, Jacqui and Gab! This was an incredible celebration to witness – so we can only assume it was 1000x better to experience. And thanks to Packing Light Photography for capturing and sharing.