Chantelle and Michael’s breakfast-inspired wedding

“Our relationship was built on breakfast,” say Chantelle and Michael. “Actually, with ‘brinner’ (breakfast for dinner) to be exact.” Their Heyder and Shears wedding banquet was inspired by shared midnight meals of muesli and pancakes with chantilly cream, and thanks to CJ Williams Photography, here’s a little feast for the eyes too.

This cute pair met in their history class at school, and remained devout buffs. “Mickey and I love old stuff,” says Chantelle, “anything rich in history with a good story to tell – so we chose a vintage/shabby chic theme.” Boy did she look smashing in a handmade, tea-length gown by Elvi Design, “… and it helped that I could dance and pee without assistants!” Shoes of Prey pumps with feathered clips (from etsy store Kirahley Kreations) and a bejewelled hair slide (another etsy find from Brass Boheme) had her yesteryear’d from head to toe.

When it came to the ceremony venue, it had to be an oldie and a goodie. “Woodloes Homestead was an instant choice. The homestead was originally built in 1871 and there is a charming little chapel on the grounds known as ‘the church with the chimney’.” It needed very little in the way of decoration, but they couldn’t help throwing in a sign made from a vintage frame and old scrabble keys, reading “let’s make this shit official”.

The DIY details kept coming at their reception in Chantelle’s folks’ backyard – with fourteen months worth of refurbished vintage market and verge-side-foraged treasures setting the scene. “The vintage theme allowed us to incorporate a lot of decorative pieces that have been in our families for generations, or that we have collected over the years.” Everything from mum’s china to great grandmother’s suitcase and dad’s childhood train set were hauled in for the occasion, and before they knew it, it was brinner time!

“Heyders are impeccable! They worked with us to design a truly unique menu.” Such delights as mini eggs Florentine, buckwheat blinis and smoked crispy bacon and maple pancake stacks did the rounds as brinner canapés, followed by breakfast risotto and burritos, cooked to order by Heyder’s chefs. A ‘make your own Bloody Mary’ cocktail bar was an obvious must (“because what brinner is complete without some kind of kicky tomato elixir?”), and that sensational layered-crepe wedding cake came care of the Red Bird Cake Company. Pass us a plate?

Photography: CJ Williams Photography | Bride’s dress: Elvi Design | Bride’s shoes: Shoes of Prey | Bridesmaids dresses: Coast | Bridesmaids shoes: Tony Bianco | Groom’s suit: MJ Bale | Groom’s shoes: Florsheim | Rings: George Debelich | Accessories: Kirahley Kreations shoe clips, Brass Boheme hair clip, Willie Creek Pearls earrings, Tux and Tulle tie and pocket square | Hair: Jamie Victoria | Makeup: Alana Santos from Mila Makeup | Ceremony venue: Woodloes Homestead and Chapel | Celebrant: Danicia Dutry Ceremonies | Reception venue: bride’s parents’ private property | Flowers: Puzzles Floral Design | Catering: Heyder and Shears Exclusive Catering | Cake: Red Bird Cake Company | Entertainment: Systematic Visuals | Stationery/invitations: Whiteman Park Print Shop and The Articulate | Transport: Black London Cabs