Mary tells me that their wedding day started when she and the girls woke at 3:30 a.m. to begin preparations. You wouldn’t know it though! I’ve never met such a bright and chipper group of girls. Her lovely bridesmaids had travelled from near and far to be there. They couldn’t have been more genuinely pleased and excited for their friend and were always eager to be by her side. Nothing was too much trouble for Mary and every time I asked her if she was ok, she’d say “I’m absolutely fine; don’t worry about me. I can clamber up this hill, heels and all”. She didn’t even seem concerned that she was going to be blown off the top of the hill, even though Melbourne treated us to gale force winds!
Hoi was great fun to work with too. I believe that he thought he was the luckiest man alive to be marrying Mary. It was obvious to everyone that he absolutely adores her. Despite the jokes that were made in speeches, the way he looks at her and talks about her says it all.
The day started early with a traditional tea ceremony. It was fantastic to see all them incorporate elements of traditional Chinese and Vietnamese culture into their wedding day. Personally, it reminded me of getting together with my Chinese family in Malaysia.
Mary and Hoi were married under a beautiful old tree in the gardens of Rippon Lea Estate in a civil ceremony. They went on to enjoy an eight-course banquet at Merrimu Receptions, where their impressively choreographed wedding dance was a highlight of the evening.
The wedding details:
Wedding location: Ripponlea (Elsternwick)
Ceremony Official: Deb Holder
Bridal gown: Linze Couture (Beaumaris)
Grooms attire: Saba white shirt, Saba full suit, Saba black tie, (Chadstone), Aquila (Chadstone)
Groomsmen: Saba full suit, (Chadstone)
Bridesmaids: Baccini & Hill (GPO Melbourne)
Shoes: Top End Luxe Collection
Makeup/hair: Sassy Hair and Make Up
Flowers: My Flowershouse (Myers in Melbourne City)
Jewellery: Swarovski Earrings & Swarovski Necklace (Chadstone)
Cars: Classic and Prestige Cars
Cake: Cakes and the City (www.cakesandthecity.com.au)
Music: Soul Divas (Chadstone)
Bonboniere: Bride’s own glass jars tied with coloured themed ribbon and flowers consisting of lisianthum, hycianths, garden roses and dahilas set on guest tables and given out to guest as they left.
Invitations: Bride’s own in consultation with I heart paper designs (www.iheartpaper.com.au)
Wedding Rings: George Jensen (Chadstone) & Janai Jewellery (Melbourne City)
Bridal accessories: Hair piece Stephanie Brown (Armadale)
First night: Grant Hyatt (Melbourne)
Honeymoon: Bali and Langkawi
Liz your work is amazing!! What a day it was. By the time the ceremony started me and my beautiful girls had already been buzzing for at least 12 hours already with our 3.30am wake up call. We were completely spoilt for weather on the big day. That marilyn monroe wind was amazing in the photos. You and your team are such a pleasure to work with. You definitely captured the types of shots that we were looking for. Your guidance, patience and direction on the day was perfect and we could not have asked for more. Everyday we think of how blessed we are to have found you. You have been such a pleasure to work, not just on the day but our initial consultation and engagement session too. We are both excited and cannot wait to see you soon for our viewing session.
Lots of love x The new Mrs Mary Nguyen
Hi Liz,
As a bridesmaid who didn’t get much sleep, it was a pleasure being photographed by someone as lovely as yourself! You always knew where to be at the right time and never made yourself too visible amongst Mary’s special day. The day was made just that little bit easier having you around and directing us to get the perfect shots for the day. I’m thrilled to see the photos turn out so well, and am even happier that you’ve captured the event so beautifully. It was so nice to meet you!
Connie