Nick and Kylee are very non-traditional, and wanted their wedding to reflect them. They both love the colour purple, the the colour-scheme was an easy choice! Kylee loves to wear 1950s clothing when she gets the chance and Nick is a retro car guy. Throw in Kylee’s obsession with skulls and you have yourself a 1950s meets gothic extravaganza!
With a $45,000 budget, the couple set about getting in as many personal touches to their big day as possible. They had Til Death Do Us Part signs custom made for their top table with their nicknames inscribed. They included a memory lantern for Nick’s father, who sadly passed away just three months before the wedding. The couple dabbled in a little DIY too – all the day-of stationery was designed by the bride, and Kylee hand-jewelled skull ornaments that Nick then made cages for as reception decor. They collected vinyls from charity shops and recycled candle holders, a lot of the other decor was purchased from past brides on Facebook.
The attention to detail didn’t stop at just reception decorations. They had a one-of-a-kind three-tiered cake from Ciccio Cakes that includes hand printed pinstripes, fondant skulls and black roses with lace detailing in Baileys, chocolate mud cake and orange poppy seed flavours. The cake topper was a gift from the bride’s parents. In lieu of real flowers, the bridal party had brooch bouquets and lapel pins, with Kylee’s including brooches gifted to her by her family and friends – including pieces from both Kylee and Nick’s deceased grandmothers. All guests were asked to come dressed in theme to complete the full effect.
After a family friend unfortunately had to pull out of officiating their ceremony a couple of months out from the wedding due to sickness, in stepped their knight in shining armour via a desperate plea on a Facebook wedding forum – local marriage celebrant, Natalie Finlay. Natalie took Kylee and Nick’s self-professed ‘odd’ sense of humour and ran with it, creating a ceremony that was personal to them.
They asked three people to perform a reading of their choice, and to not let them know what they were saying until the day – it made for light-hearted moments and added laughs to their day. After being together 10 years, Kylee and Nick made promises in their vows that reflected them – including Nick promising to continue steam cleaning the loo! It was a ceremony full of laughs and love, and although not what they originally intended, wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Kylee and Nick’s favourite thing about planning their wedding was finding custom and unique items for their day. “It was fun finding vendors that were excited about our plans, and people who sell creative and genuine amazing products.” said Kylee. Their least favourite thing was waiting for RSVP’s (Isn’t it everyone’s!?) and dealing with other people’s opinions.
“But don’t sweat the small stuff and ignore any negativity,” advised Kylee. “Be prepared for a small amount of upset (like someone texting an hour before you walk down the aisle to say they aren’t coming), be present with your new spouse and most importantly appreciate the people who came to celebrate with you! The day goes so quickly – take 5 minutes with your partner to soak up everything.”
