Sweethearts since the tender age of 19, Kim and Nick tied the knot in the gardens of Abbotsford Convent. The photographer had big boots to fill, with the bride being a wedding photographer herself, but Jonathan Ong was up to the challenge, capturing some real beauties of the vibrant vintage affair.

Like many Gen Y-ers, it was Facebook that led to Kim and Nick’s fateful meeting. Nick was quite the smooth talker, taking advantage of their shared love of photography with the ultimate pick-up line – “Like to go and develop some film together?” It seems to have worked a charm on Kim, and the two hit it off immediately. Nice one Nick!

Kim was a ballerina-esque bride in an Anaessia 60’s style dress, with delicate flower embellishments, while her green Gorman clogs added a pop of colour. One of the perks of being a bride is getting to play lady for a day and Lady Day Hair + Makeup had Kim looking as fresh as a daisy with winged eyeliner and a natural lip. With elegant pin curls and a bright floral head piece by Bunched Together, Kim was classic bride with a colourful twist. Nick was complementary in the colour stakes with a smart navy suit by Briggins Suits and a statement handmade floral bowtie by Etsy store Knot Now.

The grounds of the stately Abbotsford Convent was the perfect location for this garden wedding, and Bunched Together’s Belinda and Amelia worked their magic, crafting an arch for the ceremony that was heavy with blossoming foliage. Kim says it was the only decoration that they decided to splash out on, “I’m a huge fan of colour, so pretty much my only request to the florist was to make something nice, colourful and pretty!” she says.

As the night wore on, the guest moved from the rambling gardens into the Convent’s Rosina Function Space where they partied on below the exposed trusses and lead lights windows. Resident caterers Bursaria Fine Foods served up a delicious feast, “I had heard that the food was excellent there!” says Kim “The service was excellent too and our experience with our wedding coordinator, Shelley was a breeze! She was fantastic, and made us feel comfortable and at ease.”

Some wedding day advice from the newlyweds? “Embrace and enjoy it. Take two minutes out of your day/night to look around you and take it all in!”

Photography: Jonathon Ong | Videographer: Humdrum Films | Bride’s dress: Anaessia | Bride’s shoes: Gorman | Bridesmaids shoes: Gorman | Groom’s suit: Briggins Suits | Groom’s shoes: Vanishing Elephant | Bow ties: Knot Now | Rings: Brent Dakis | Accessories: BHLDN | Hair: Lady Day Hair + Makeup | Makeup: Lady Day Hair + Makeup | Ceremony venue: Abbotsford Convent | Celebrant: Pastor Roger Bentley | Reception venue: Abbotsford Convent | Flowers: Bunched Together | Catering: Bursaria Fine Foods / Churchhill Creations | Music: Max & Rolsie | Stationery/invitations: Sam Koh (Kohlver) & Bianca Cash| Styling/Signage: Bunched Together, Big Picture Stuff