Laura + Shannon / Abbotsford Convent

The classic Elvis ballad Can’t Help Falling In Love chimed softly in the background, as the ever-luminescent bride, Laura walked down the aisle and towards her childhood best friend. Shannon proposed at Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens – the same spot he had first told Laura he loved her. Their special day, recapitulated that single, life altering moment.

A slice of English countryside was enacted through the ceremony and reception at the ecclesiastic Abbotsford Convent. The former convent turned arts and culture precinct, was an unparalleled location for a nonchalant boho garden wedding. The couples mint green and white colour palette reflected the natural surroundings of more than seven hectares of riverside land.

Outside the monastery’s Rosina Courtyard was decorated with festoon lighting, wooden boards, boxes and vintage jars encapsulating an overall pastoral aesthetic. Inside, designer chandeliers, high ceilings and luxury contemporary furnishings made for a bohemian-luxe contrast. Though fragments of the outside crept in with beautiful hanging floral installations and a birch arch from the talented team at Botanics of Melbourne.

The bride, adorned in an incredible long-sleeve, Chantilly lace Suzanne Harward gown revealed just a glimpse of skin with an elegant, yet uber sexy sheer back and sleeve detail. The delicate, wreathed lace was perfectly textured to meet the wintery, frondescent outdoor milieu.

Homemade art and crafts also added a sentimental and an inimitable point of difference to the occasion.

“I made a 65 metre long bunting. The wishing well was a suit case and our bonbonnieres were small succulents in glass jars and in each person’s plant was their place card, I made these with my mother,” Laura said.

Despite a slight insect problem on the day, Laura and Shannon’s wedding was a knockout. An incredible day shared with their closest friends and family.

“The bridesmaids had gorgeous flower crowns and we all had amazing bouquets which attracted some bees! My maid of honour spent some of the ceremony subtly swatting the bees out of my veil.”

Flowers have never looked so delicious photography by The White Tree

Planning a wedding can be a tumultuous time, with a thousand different things running through the back of your mind. Though, Laura’s advice is not to sweat the small stuff.

“It was really important that the day flowed well in terms of timing, we didn’t want big gaps as we wanted our guests to feel well looked after. Things you think will really matter like the perfect shade of nude nail polish on your bridesmaids probably doesn’t.”

Humorous props generated a lot of laughter for the guests who indulged in the photo booth on the day – creating memories that will last a lifetime.

And can we just take a moment to admire that cake!

Credits

Catering: Bursaria

Photographer/ Videographer: The White Tree

Music: String Space and The White Tree Band

Wedding gown: Suzanne Harward

Bridal Jewellery: Samantha Wills

Makeup & Hair: Bunny and Bohe

Bridesmaids attire: Review

Grooms Suit: Sires

Grooms Vest: Pinstripe Tailors