We love Emma and Simon. Not only because their Panama Dining Room wedding was aesthetically spot on (if you’re looking for wedding styling ideas, we suggest you scroll down and nick some of theirs) but because despite a few hiccups throughout the planning process including a serious health scare, they remained cool, calm and positive about the entire event.

“It’s never going to be perfect but if you have the right mindset, it will always be memorable”, said Emma, a wise woman who also shared this note-worthy piece of wedding advice: “Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo of weddings – if it doesn’t feel like you as a couple change it up!”.

Captured by Beck Rocchi, you can see the whole day below.

Hi Emma. In a nutshell, how would you describe your wedding day?

Lots of laughs and lots of love… and cocktails!

What did you expect was going to be your favourite part in the lead-up? What did it end up being?

I hadn’t really thought about what my fave part of the day would be prior. Now, it’s being able to look back on photos and relive everything from the day, that is so special. You pick up on moments you had forgotten about until you see the expressions of love and happiness on the faces of all your favourite people.

Did you write your own vows? If so, what made you decide to do that?

Yep, we wrote our own vows. Simon and I have been together for 13 years and wanted to express our love in our own words to everyone who means the most to us.

What was it about your wedding venue that made you choose it?

Panama is such a super cool venue. It’s laid back, has a great vibe and is designed for a party. This ticked all the boxes for us, plus we got to walk home as we live around the corner :p

Now that you’re married, what’s your best piece of wedding-planning advice you can share?

Perspective. We had a cancer scare, suppliers cancel on us, one wage as Simon was starting up a business and torrential rain on the day. My Grandma said to me, “Emma, no matter what happens, you are getting married”. It’s never going to be perfect but if you have the right mindset, it will always be memorable.

If you had your time again, is there anything you’d do differently?

Have our beautiful photographer Beck Rocchi until the end of the night (we had her until 9pm) and get a videographer!!

Finish these sentences:

My partner is… my co-captain.

The best thing we did at our wedding was… keeping the ceremony inclusive and light hearted. It was representative of who we are as people. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo of weddings – if it doesn’t feel like you as a couple change it up!

We splurged on… my dress – worth every cent!!

We saved on… delaying our honeymoon overseas until the year after our wedding.

CREDITS: Photos Beck Rocchi // Flowers and styling Super Bloom // Ceremony, reception and catering The Panama Dining Room // Stationery Mickey Loves Jacqui // Bridal gown Christie Nicole Bridal // Brides shoes Gucci // Bridesmaid dresses Manning Cartell, KITX, Carla Zampatti and Rebecca Valance // Grooms suit Oscar Hunt // Groomsmen suits Politix // Rings Ian Ellissi // Hair Joey Scandizzo // Makeup Monica Gingold // Music David Scarr and Rutherford Entertainment // Celebrant Sally Hughes // Transport Uber.

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Check out our round-up of unique Melbourne wedding venues here.