If you’ve been reading GWS for a while, there’s a chance you might recognize today’s lovely leading ladies. Lara + Cass got married back in 2015—you can see their Rustic-Opulent Australia Wedding here (it was truly spectacular!!). However, Australia didn’t legalize same-sex marriage until December 9th, 2017. As soon as SSM was legalized, these two got to planning!
Lara tells us: We wanted something completely different from our first wedding. As we were already “married” we really wanted this legal wedding to feel like a really enjoyable celebration. We wanted it to feel like a fun, wild, visually explosive and eclectic celebration of equality and love. Plus who doesn’t love to plan parties! As for the styling? We wanted to channel these elements: eternal, feminine, evocative, dark vs light.
So with event designer Bohemian Blooms, planner Event Zen, and photographer Bear Deer Fox, these two put on a serious SHOWSTOPPER at Imperial Hotel Erskineville in Sydney. And they’re sharing it all with us!!
Moody + opulent, would you take a look at all of those cool details that set the tone for the day?
The Whimsical Ceremony
HOLY SMOKES, all those pink hues, and the painted palm fronds and the flowers are INCREDIBLE.
I wanted the wedding to be a little bit eclectic. Together with my stylist, we pulled lots of inspiration from Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet (the subtle scenes of Juliet’s bedroom to the final death scene with hundreds of candles layered on the ground).
A dark and moody reception and a whimsical ceremony in a glass atrium, which was softer and more romantic, with pops of neon and metallic and confetti—just to mix it all up!
We worked with our celebrant to write 8 spells that we hand selected our guests to read out to us and then add some glitter into our magic vessel which held our wedding rings. Our guests had no idea they were going to be called up to read these spells—and all of them were tailored to something funny or personal to do with the person reading them—it was such a special element to our ceremony.
The ceremony, which is the most sacred + romantic part of any wedding, focused on purity, fragility + the endlessness of the star-crossed love. Using Juliet’s bedroom design from Baz Luhrmann’s R+J, alongside Marie Antionette’s timelessness + definitive palette as inspiration, we transformed the space.
Tip: Never try to break a glass in heels! My shoe just kept slipping off and I ended up having to pick it up and smash the glass on the ground. Much to everyone’s amusement. :)
Small trinkets and treasure abound, these two incorporated an angel + turtle dove sculptures, layered antique gold relics and candlesticks, and brought in bountiful silks in soft pinks and Marie Antoinette blue. All worked flawlessly alongside the bursts of blooms!
We opted for no bridal party. However, I did ask my grandmother who is in her mid-eighties to be our flower girl. She walked down the aisle before us with a basket of petals, scattering them as she walked, and she completely stole the show.
The Sweethearts
We deliberately chose to get married at The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville due to its strong LGBTQI roots.
We wanted to feel like we were in a safe and inclusive space to ensure that the day felt as special and wonderful as possible. We felt completely comfortable and at home in such a welcoming and non-judgemental space full of so much character, history, and magic.
The Imperial even had their drag queens come and mingle with all our guests—apply glitter to our guests and wander around our reception and have a little dance with us. It was just the most perfect environment, everyone was incredibly friendly!
How gorgeous is that glittering gold dress?
Lara tells us: I fell in love with a 2014 Emilio Pucci Runway dress which became my initial inspiration for the design. I always knew I wanted to have something custom made as I never wanted to wear a traditional bridal gown.
What I didn’t envision was that it would be so hard was finding the perfect fabric. There are so many incredible beaded fabrics in white and ivory—but very limited options for a bride who wants to wear a gold metallic gown. After several weeks of fabric hunting, I found Stephanie from Sant Elia, who pulled everything together for me and created the most exquisite and intricate dress.
The Rockin’ Reception
The vows had been whispered, the first kiss beheld, it was time to time add a little grunge and party it up! Baz’s R+J heavily inspired the reception with his take on rock ‘n’ roll.
Tinsel strips, pink and red neon signs everywhere, clusters of gold candlesticks with tons of structural blooms—all framed by black and gold starburst palm fronds.
Sammy and Lola crafted the custom neon light display that Cass designed! It was absolutely perfect and really set the tone for the reception.
The sleek + sexy blooms installations from Bohemian Blooms were structured yet romantic and featured playful pops of gold rayfus palms, bountiful amounts of roses with bursts of anthuriums + orchids.
Carousel
Carousel
And a rosy cake (fit for royalty) topped with gold foil! Well done, Stacy Brewer Cakes!!
There are zero rules for planning your wedding day. Do whatever you want. Wear whatever you like. Invite as many or as little people as you like.
Get ready together, don't worry about wearing white, create your own traditions, serve pizza for dinner, dance with drag queens, smash cake in each other’s faces, pop confetti cannons on the dance floor, make it a giant, fun, crazy celebration of your love for one another!
After all, it's the most expensive party you will likely ever throw! So, make it an unforgettable one! Also, hire an amazing team to document your day. After all, they are the only lasting memories you will have once the food has been eaten, the drinks have been drunk, the flowers have wilted and you no longer fit in your wedding dress.
Va-va-VOOM!
For the reception, I changed into a simple and elegant black Rachel Gilbert dress and a leather jacket embroidered in red roses and metallic studs.
What a way to celebrate…again!! Congrats, L+C!
For more of their spectacular day, check out this film from La Lune Cinema:
photography: Bear Deer Fox // venue name: Imperial Hotel Erskineville, Sydney, NSW, Australia // event design: Bohemian Blooms // planning: Event Zen // florals: Bohemian Blooms // wedding dress: Sant Elia Gown (custom) // hairpiece: The Paper Botanist (veil) // bride's shoes: Wayne Cooper // bride's ring: Juliet Baby Anything // hair stylist: Alex Penton // makeup artist: Alex Penton // groom attire: custom shirt and jacket // groom's shoes: Nine West Black Patent Flats // videography: La Lune Cinema // paper goods: digital invitations from Paperless Post // catering: Imperial Hotel Erskineville // cake: Stacy Brewer Cakes // desserts: Black Pantry (custom favors) // furniture rentals: Timbermill Rentals // music: The Vintage Stylus // officiant: Tami Sussman Celebrant // lighting: Sammy and Lola (neon signs) // getting ready location: The Collectionist // hand dyed silk ribbon: Paper Botanist // second dress: Rachel Gilbert
