Leana & Pat’s Melbourne Chic Wedding

Words by Kristy Kyi / Images by Free The Bird Photography
July 26, 2017

Leana and Pat’s wedding was all about celebrating the city they love, leading their guests and photographer, Jai Long of Free the Bird, through the streets and laneways of Melbourne.

“We both love this city,” Leana explains. “Melbourne being a big part of who we are and the life we live, formed the baseline for the entire day. We wanted to show off the grungy streets, graffiti filled laneways and the inner city suburbs which are micro cities in themselves.”

So keen were the bride and groom to pull off the perfect day that they actually did a dry run. “One weekend on a Saturday we mimicked the entire day from morning til night working in conjunction with laptops, spread sheets, timelines and Gantt charts to ensure nothing was missed,” they reveal.

The couple describe their theme as “Melbourne chic”, and what could be more so than saying “I do” at the Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo, tucked away down a cobbled laneway and looking more like an industrial warehouse than a chapel?

Following champagne and congratulations, guests jumped on a tram to East Elevation for the reception, whilst Leana and Pat escaped for a quick photo session before joining them. Elements such as exposed brick, beams and concrete flooring carried through the industrial vibe from the ceremony, and with some personal touches such as a custom slideshow projected onto the ceiling, it was transformed into a unique and quirky wedding venue.

Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography
modern beaded wedding dress
Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography modern open-back wedding dress
Leana’s dress was created by Erica Lewis, and with its beaded overlay, plunging neckline and unique open back, it was definitely fit for a modern, non-traditional bride. Leana paired it with pale blue suede heels from Wittner which she says stayed on her feet all night despite copious dancing.
Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography
Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography
Florals by Cecilia Fox
Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography
The couple were impressed by celebrant Jess Kerr of Weddings by Jess from the moment they met. “We were taken back by Jess's gentle demeanour and old soul. It didn't take long for Jess to understand who we are as individuals and as a couple.”
Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography mixed bouquet of hydrangea, dahlias and flowering gum
With hydrangeas, dahlias and flowering gum, blooms by Cecilia Fox popped against the grit of the venues and laneways, adding a touch of prettiness and soft colour.
Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo wedding by Free the Bird Photography Melbourne laneways wedding by Free the Bird Photography Melbourne laneways wedding by Free the Bird Photography Melbourne laneways wedding by Free the Bird Photography Melbourne laneways wedding by Free the Bird Photography Melbourne laneways wedding by Free the Bird Photography mixed bouquet of hydrangea, dahlias and flowering gum Melbourne laneways wedding by Free the Bird Photography bride and groom on Melbourne tram bride and groom on Melbourne tram bride and groom on Melbourne tram East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography
Singer/songwriter Jake Fehily set the tone for the reception with his husky voice. Leana recalls, “We walked past Jake playing at a local bar and knew straight away that he was the one.” Later in the night DJ Mimi got the dance floor pumping.
East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography simple, modern wedding cake with fresh flowers
The naked buttercake featuring layers of lemon and coconut and raspberry was made by Natasha of Sweet Cakes of Mine who Leana says has “an eye for perfection with a taste of humility.”
modern wishing well with light box
florals by Cecilia Fox
East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography arancini balls
Not only did the venue have the right aesthetic but Pat and Leana were also suitably impressed by the catering. “East Elevation supplied all the foods and boy did it hit the mark,” they say. “We had such fun coming in for numerous tastings and coffees prior to selecting the final menu. A contemporary take on cocktail food which included supper bowls such as gnocchi with green pea sauce was both filling and eye pleasing.”
East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography East Elevation wedding by Free the Bird Photography

Credits

Images Free The Bird Photography | Bride's Dress Erica Lewis | Bride's Shoes Wittner | Groom's Suit Benjamin Barker | Hair Malarie Cox | Makeup Cassandra Lusi | Ceremony Venue The Church of bang Bang Boogaloo | Celebrant Weddings by Jess | Reception Venue East Elevation | Flowers Cecilia Fox | Cake Sweet Cake of Mine | Music Jake Fehily | DJ Mimi |


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Isaac 7 years ago

Epic!! So well captured, too 😀

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