Like many couples, Kristina and Tom’s original plans to marry in New York were unable to go ahead (#2020). Their intimate Sydney wedding was their second attempt to tie the knot, and with some of NSW best wedding vendors involved, it was a good thing it went ahead.
It was an intimate and personal affair with one friend as their unofficial celebrant and another who performed their aisle song – an acoustic version of Tina Turner’s anthem ‘Simply The Best’.
Captured by Ws fave Jimmy Raper, you can see the entire celebration below.
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How did you and Tom meet? Our close friends played match-makers and introduced us at a friend’s birthday party nine years ago… and they got it right! We went on our first date a week after that and we just clicked!
The proposal: We live in New York and on a Saturday morning in late January we went to visit a Museum on the Upper East Side… we then ate a couple of hotdogs and a Levain Bakery cookie and went for a walk in Central Park in the afternoon, it was -10°C! He took me up to a small hill to view The Lake that had completely frozen over and when I turned around he was down on one knee – I definitely didn’t see it coming!
Wedding venue: We were supposed to have a small wedding in West Village, NY in 2020 but along with many other couples – that didn’t go to plan! So we organised something simple and understated in Sydney at the end of the year – we went for McKell Park in Darling Point because we used to live around there and have fond memories of visiting the park with friends and loving the views of Sydney Harbour.
The vibe: We wanted it to feel intimate but special! I wanted something a little different so opted to not go for the chapel wedding. We got married in the park amongst some building foundations. Even though we were black tie, the park setting created the vibe – which was casual and relaxed. We had our reception up the road at Chiswick – we’d actually never been there before but loved the look and food.
Traditions: adopted, adapted or ditched? A few things we ‘tweaked’. For example we had one of our best friends be the celebrant “MC” for the ceremony, which we felt was important as we wanted someone who actually knew both of us from the beginning. And he crushed it!
The outfit/s: My dress was Vera Wang, I shopped around at a few boutiques in New York and in the end kept coming back to this one at VW! It was a little over the budget but so worth it – I didn’t want to take it off at the end of the night!
Tom wore a dinner suit from P. Johnson tailors which was classic and simple and really complimented my dress!
Standout vendors: Our photographer Jimmy Raper – such a pleasure to work with in the lead up and on the day – would recommend him so highly! We LOVE our wedding photos.
Our florist ElleBore – I really wanted colour in our flowers and Maddy really nailed the brief and colour palette I was after – seriously couldn’t believe how beautiful those flowers and arrangements were!
Hair and makeup – Kim Anderson – I was so thrilled with how our wedding party looked – Kim was a pleasure and I knew I wanted her expertise and ease with me on the big day.
Soundtrack: Aisle: ‘Simply the Best’ by Tina Turner. Recessional: ‘Viva La Vida’ by Coldplay. Reception: ‘Bella Ciao’ – Manu Pilas. First dance: ‘Simply the Best’ by Tine Tuner. Party starter: ‘What else is there?’ by Royksopp.
Budget: We had a plan and we went over it a little – but at the end of the day we were just so stoked to be able to do it that it didn’t matter!
Hit or (near) miss: COVID marshall – only 20 people on the DF. It could have been a bit of a buzz kill but people understood and embraced it. The dancefloor ended up being a lot of fun!
I’ll always remember… My favourite moment was walking down the aisle and seeing all of my close friends and family – our photographer Jimmy actually caught a really great shot of that exact moment!
Words of wedding wisdom: Try not to plan three versions of your wedding during a pandemic!!!
The future: We have the best memories of our wedding day – even through all the changes in plans! Looking forward to hopefully starting a family one day soon!
CREDITS: Photos Jimmy Raper Wedding Photography // Celebrant Andrew Robinson // Ceremony McKell Park, Darling Point // Reception, catering and cake Chiswick Woollahra // Flowers Ellebore // Stationery Design by Mouse // Bridal gown Vera Wang // Brides shoes Loeffler Randall // Accessories and bridesmaid gifts Mejuri // Bridesmaid dresses Rebecca Vallance // Groom and groomsmen suits and ties P. Johnson Tailors // Rings A. G. Designer Jewellery // Hair and makeup Kim Anderson // Music Zoe O’Sullivan Music and Dino Raftopulos // Furniture hire Bentwood Events.
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