Grandeur in Melbourne is what today’s real wedding is all about. Bride Emily Simms (yep—of The Bachelor fame!) enlisted the help of some fabulous vendors to pour all the drama into the details of her glam wedding to groom Pierre. Graphic, rose-centric floral arrangements by Foxy Evergreen flanked the ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall followed by all the antique glitz of their reception at The George Ballroom. Laser-cut invitations by Bwedding Invitations introduced the glam that flowed through all the details including the bridal party in all white and a show-stopping Nikos Cakes creation. Lucky for us, Ateia was on hand to capture all the details and the special moments of the day in these lovely images.
What made the wedding special and unique?
As we only got engaged in February, and our wedding was August, we decided on things very quickly. The style I went with, was glamorous and a sort of antique feel. Our ceremony was on the balcony of the Melbourne Town Hall. I loved the columns, and I found it in keeping with the style of The George Ballroom. I really wanted everything to flow nicely.
I suppose the only thing considered unusual was that our wedding was very bittersweet for us. My beautiful older brother had taken his own life only 3 weeks prior to our wedding, so it was incredibly difficult, and when it first happened, I couldn’t even comprehend the thought of a wedding. But I like to think he was there, shining down on us. It was also the only day that week of really beautiful weather (for the middle of August!), and I like to think that was Michael’s doing.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
My gown was designed and made by Tanya Didenko Bridal Couture. I have dealt with Tanya for 3 years now. She has made me some stunning dresses to wear to various events over the past few years, so it was a no-brainer that I would go to her for my wedding dress. I never tried on any wedding dress at all. I went to her with photos of different designs that I liked, and took inspiration from each of them. She knows me quite well now, knows my body shape and knows my style, so it all worked really well.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
We chose the 3-tier cake, mostly because Nikos suggested that because both Pierre and I are quite tall. I wasn’t sure what difference it made, but it did look great! We had a white rendered cake, with gold foil on the bottom and top tier.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
The highlight of the day was definitely when we first saw each other down the aisle, and walking down the aisle with my dear old dad. It was a beautiful moment, and one I will never forget.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Pierre and I first met at Pontoon, a trendy bar on St Kilda beach (the old Riva). I went there with my friend Anna (one of my bridesmaids), and as soon as we walked in, she said, “oh there’s my friend Pierre at the bar!” Turns out she used to be very good friends with a girl that dated Pierre for 2 years, about 9 years ago.
Pierre’s birthday is the 14th of February, Valentine’s Day, and I had arranged to take him out for dinner at The George on Collins. He suggested we get a nice photo out the front before we go in. So, we asked a nice passerby if they could please take a photo for us. He then turned to me and proposed. The lady taking our photo switched it to video mode, so we have both photos and videos of the gorgeous moment.
Photography: Ateia // Styling: Giant Invitations // Wedding Invitations: Bwedding Invitations // Florist: Foxy Evergreen // Wedding Ceremony: Melbourne Town Hall // Reception: The George Ballroom // Emily’s Dress and Veil: Tanya Didenko // Videography: C2 Films // Welcome Sign/Event Printing: Inktank Printing // Cake: Nikos Cakes // Graphic Design: Catsy Creative // On the Day Stationery: Adorn Invitations // Emily’s Robe: Home Bodii // Hair: Rachel Vitullo // Makeup: Bec and Anna Amelia Webb // Emily Makeup: Emily // Lashes: (Emily) Melb Lashes // Skin Prep: (Emily) Clinicalase // Tan: (Emily) Le Tan // Bridesmaid Dresses: Love Honor // Shoes & Headpiece: Jeanette Maree // Earrings: Shannakian Fine Jewellery // Cutlery: Gold Cutlery Hire // Napkins: Di Simmons // Suits: Remy // Bride: Emily Simms // Singer/Entertainment: Main Entertainment // Cars: Triple R