Kim and Matt managed to squeeze so many good things into their Melbourne wedding at The Panama Dining Room, including beautiful custom signage, a photo booth, stunning florals and plenty of cocktails.
But perhaps our favourite thing was their decision to host an after party at an all night karaoke bar. Read why we think wedding after-parties are the next big thing here, and check out the rest of Kim and Matt’s Melbourne wedding captured by Gold and Grit Photography below.
Congrats on getting married. First, could you tell us about how you met, any funny first date stories and a bit about the proposal?
We were introduced almost eight years ago through mutual friends. I liked him right away, and we were together more or less from that point on.
The proposal – Matt organised a weekend away. It was lovely and comprised of our favourite things. During the trip we were walking down a quiet laneway when Matt stopped suddenly, turned around and got down on one knee before becoming completely lost for words. In that moment, a taxi reversed down the one way lane, and a car full of ladies wound down the window and shouted “Oh my gawd did you guys just get engaged?!”, which prompted Matt to gather his train of thought and ask the question. Not quite his planned moment, but it was perfect.
In a few sentences, how would you describe your wedding day? Was there a particular vibe or theme you went for?
We didn’t want a traditional wedding, and preferred the evening to feel like a big dinner party for the most important people in our lives.
Did you write your own vows? If so, what made you do that and did you use anything in particular for inspiration, for example, love quotes?
We wrote our own vows. We wanted to say it in our own words. Our wonderful celebrant Precious played keeper of the vows and also read them beforehand. She let us know we were in the same ball park of sentimentality and depth. And luckily we were!
What’s the best piece of advice you took on when planning your wedding?
Take up offers of help from friends and family. It made the day that much better creating memories with those in our lives. Friends helped by picking up the wedding cake, Matt’s aunt and uncle gifted us with beautiful floral arrangements, and helped style the reception area. My gorgeous friend did my makeup. We also asked a good friend to MC and another friend to play during reception and when I walked down the aisle. We were so grateful.
What’s one thing you wish you knew before you started planning?
Have a sense of direction but go with the flow. Once the wedding is done and dusted, it is unlikely you will remember if some obscure detail reflected your personality as a couple (note slight sarcasm), but you will remember if the overall process was enjoyable and brought you, your love and your family closer together.
Now that you’re married, what’s the best piece of advice you can give other couples?
Everyone says this, but enjoy the wedding day. It flies by. So, invest in a photographer you love as they will capture moments that you may not have the opportunity to revel in during the day.
Did you scrap any wedding traditions? If so, what?
Skipped the first dance. We are the type of people who dance in the corner after many drinks, not front and centre and all ‘proper’.
Finish this sentence. The best (or most unique) thing we did at our wedding was…
Loved it all, but one of the best things we did was head to an all night karaoke bar after the wedding. Always have an after party.
CREDITS: Photos Gold and Grit Photography // Video Btw Ily // Flowers Clover // Ceremony, reception and catering The Panama Dining Room // Cake Cherry Cakes // Stationery State of Reverie Studio // Bridal gown Lanvin // Accessories Ellery and Lanvin // Grooms suit Oscar Hunt // Rings PT Jewellery // Hair by JC // Music Paticakes and DJ Andrew McClelland // Celebrant Precious Celebrations.
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