The ceremony was the highlight of the day for Melissa. “Walking down the aisle was something I was sort of dreading, but it was really fun. Seeing all of our favourite people there with John waiting for me – it just felt so right,” she tells us. Their celebrant was a wonder and put the couple at ease. The ceremony was completely ‘them’, which was a dream come true. Another ceremony highlight was the arrival of their dog! The couple had missed him terribly the night before and having him present was special to them. Since the date was set for October, their favourite time of year, the two settled on an autumnal theme with a palette of burnt orange, greens, burgundy, deep pink and red. “Our florist absolutely smashed what we’d asked for, and the flowers were better than I could have envisioned,” Melissa shares. Burnt orange runners adorned the centre of the tables with log centrepieces, and bud and bouquet vases. The venue allowed open flame, so the couple took advantage of this and dotted candles around the reception space creating a romantic glow. Keen to weave in a subtle Disney theme, Melissa named the tables after Disney World attractions and place names were designed to look like fast passes. A harpist played before, during and after the ceremony. The couple had their hearts set on a live performer, so it was literally music to their ears when she played some of their favourite songs during her sets. In a brilliant bid to get guests involved, the newlyweds ran a first dance sweepstake where loved ones could guess the song. There was also a live artist in residence, on hand to draw guest portraits for them to take home as mementos. REAL WEDDINGS 23
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