Intimate Chic Australian Wedding

This intimate wedding is the epitome of chic, and when I heard the bride was inspired by Ladurée, I immediately jumped on it. With a dream venue and only 30 guests, Ebony and Brendan made sure to give all attention to guests and pamper parents with an on-site sitter so they could dance the night away as well. Thanks Darren of CKMetro Photography for sharing these images with us!

We found the beautiful French inspired Deux Belettes for one romantic Valentines weekend a few years earlier. We knew that this gorgeous little guesthouse was the perfect piece of paradise for Brendan and I to celebrate with those we love. With cosy fireplaces and old world charm, the rustle of crisp maple leaves, winter sunshine and delicate lush garden surrounds, Deux Belettes was like a slice out of a French fairytale novel. The venue had a divine upstairs boudoir bedroom area for the bridal party to be pampered and prepare and a few select guests rooms and living room quarters downstairs which enabled immediate family and bridal party to stay on site.

I became completely inspired by the pastel palette of Ladurée, the famous French Pastry House. The dusty mauves and signature French vertical stripe detail and trim made my heart melt. I remember seeing ‘The Ladurée Dream’ video on this website with the sound of the Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite Sugar Plum Fairy and thinking ‘this is my dream too’. Our string trio played this Tchaikovsky piece for our prelude music and as my background is partly Ukrainian we thought this was the perfect choice before the ceremony began!

I used my favourite O.P.I nail polish color ‘Lucky Lucky Lavender’ as a reference guide and took this little bottle of nail polish with me everywhere. I also incorporated a little bit of classic black and white vertical stripe. Brendan and I also love playing chess so to play up the black and white theme we hired a giant chess set. We thought this would not only be a great visual element on the day but was also practical for our guests to have some fun while we were off getting our photos taken.

We especially fell in love with the simplicity and design of Philippe Starck’s Louis XV Ghost Chair and wanted these to be featured at our wedding ceremony and reception as they make the perfect design contrast between rustic and modern. To heighten the sparkle we included chandeliers under the archway which the venue kindly supplied, with the feature chandelier being over 300 years old – this was hanging directly above where we made our vows and sealed our first kiss as Husband and Wife – it felt like a romantic antique mistletoe sprig.

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now?

Invest in a photographer with the your same approach to style and who you connect with early in the planning process – a great photographer will be the difference between pure memories and magical conversation with family and friends in years to come. Hire a recommended wedding co-ordinator with lots of experience with the venue, even if only for the day – it is well worth the investment! We also hired an experienced babysitter for the reception as we had three families with little ones attend our event – it was such a blessing! It gave every couple the chance to have an intimate dinner and dance, no interrupted speeches and gave the parents a chance to relax knowing their babies were content away from the excitement, but only a moments way if they needed anything. Lastly, no matter how much planning and preparation you do… never forget to focus on each and every blinking moment once the day arrives – from preparation through to parting with guests.

Wedding Songs:
Prelude: Tchaikovsky (Byron Strings) – Nutcracker Suite Sugar Plum Fairy
Processional (Byron Strings): Schubert – Ave Maria
Recessional (Byron Strings): Puccini – O Mio Babbino Caro , Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – Over the Rainbow & Elena Katz-Chernin from Wild Swans
Bride & Groom’s personalised playlist for reception: including tracks from Frank Sinatra, Melody Gardot, Diana Krall, Nina Simone, Michael Buble, Hotel Costes, Lionel Richie, Verve Remixed, Angus and Julius Stone, Stevie Wonder & Goldfrapp.
First Dance: Impossible Beauty – Nathan Haines

Wedding Vendors (New South Wales Hinterland, Australia):

Ceremony and reception location: Deux Belettes, Dalwood via Alstonville / Wedding planner: Hayley and Maria from Divinity Signature Events / Florist: Flowers on the Run / Photographer: CKMetro Photography / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal, Charmeuse wedding dress / Wedding shoes: Christian Louboutin Satin Shoes / Hat: Brisbane Arcade’s ‘The Hat Box’ / Earrings and Bracelet: Designbykara (Etsy) / Hair and Makeup: Jane Smith Bridal / Bridesmaid Dresses: Bari Jay / Accessories: Kitten D’Amour / Groom’s suit: Always Habit / Squire Shoes – www.squireshoes.com / Band: Byron Strings / Caterer: You Gourmet / Wedding Cake: Your Gourmet catering team served one slice of caramel mud cake and one slice of dark chocolate mud cake served with fresh berries, raspberry coulis and whipped cream / Cake design: Madison’s Cafe / Wedding invitations: DIY, printed on Cristina Re metallic textured paper