How did you meet your husband? 

Matt and I met through mutual friends, apparently having been introduced about a month earlier (which I don’t remember at all!). I’m fairly sure it was a set-up by our friend Kate but she won’t confirm or deny her role. Regardless, we now know her as Cupid Kate.

Describe the proposal.

Matt and I will often do exercise together on a Sunday morning. So, true to form, we were walking on a track near the Yarra River in Kew one Sunday and I found him down on one knee, wearing his skins, proposing with the ring. I enjoy reminding him that he proposed in tights.

Describe your wedding theme/style.

We always knew the wedding would be a bit old fashioned. We have European heritage on both sides, so we had to find a venue that would accommodate all our family and friends, as well as a big dance floor! When we saw the multi-coloured stain glass roof in the Great Hall at the NGV the wedding theme practically chose itself – colour with a touch of gold!

Which part of the wedding planning process did you find most enjoyable?

I most enjoyed working on the styling and the flowers. I had a lot of help from two friends with experience in graphic design, and a phenomenal florist whom I can only describe as a creative genius! These friends – Renee and Sarah – hand painted the design for the invites with watercolour paints and managed to subtly incorporate the same base design across all elements of the wedding; the church books, menu cards, seating plan – even the photo booth pictures! We passed this amazing design element onto our florist, Georgie, who filled the room with flowers and brought the colour of the roof onto the tables. It was amazing to see it come together on the day.

Describe the moment you found your wedding dress.

I was at the Langham hotel with my mum who noticed Galia Lahav’s trunk show via Instagram. I had chosen 4 dresses from the collection to try on and the dress I eventually bought (‘Tigerlily’) was second in line. As soon as I tried it on, I knew that I had found The Dress. I had never had a vision for what I would wear on my wedding day, only how I would feel – which I certainly felt in that dress!

Do you have any advice for bride-to-bes?

My sister provided the best advice on the day – to have our photos taken before the ceremony. The traditionalists out there will probably gasp -but I felt it really helped both of us ease into the occasion. Most importantly, it also gave us the chance to spend some quality time together on the day with just the two of us, before all our family and friends arrived.  Taking photos earlier also took away some of the logistical pressure on the day, which was a bonus!

Jessica wore ‘Tigerlily’ from Galia Lahav Haute Couture. See more gowns from Galia Lahav Haute Couture here.

VENDORS

Bridal gown: Galia Lahav Haute Couture from Eternal Bridal
Bridal headpiece/veil: Eternal Bridal
Bridal accessories: Eternal Bridal
Bridal shoes: Christian Louboutin
Bridesmaids’ outfits: Rachel Gilbert
Hair: Rachel Vitullo, Joey Scandizzo
Beauty: Kath Carlin
Photography/Videography: The White Tree
Wedding rings: Tiffany & Co.
Cake: Splendid Servings Cake Design
Flowers: Georgie Campbell, Georgie’s Flowers
Styling and Graphic Design: Renee Stead and Sarah Wilson
Venue/s: Our Lady of Mount Carmel/National Gallery of Victoria