Kate & Will’s Modern Melbourne Wedding at Fortyfive Downstairs

Words by Amy Richardson / Images by Madeline Druce
October 8, 2018

Kate and Will may have had quite the challenge getting their hands on a wedding website, but their love for throwing parties together made planning their big day a breeze. Captured by Madeline Druce, the couple kept a balanced approach, choosing venues and vendors they were happy to support like the talented creatives and not-for-profits that filled their day.

Their ceremony was held in the courtyard of the Hellenic Museum, before making their way to Fortyfive Downstairs, an art gallery and performance space. The couple hired lustrous vintage upholstered pieces from Good Day Rentals to put their mark on the spaces while adding depth and warmth. Together with caterers and event specialists Ed Dixon Food Design, Toko Events co-ordinated the event and styled the day, executing Kate’s vision perfectly and even tracking down the groom’s lost wallet! The couple share, “She was an absolute legend, and having her around on the day took a huge weight off. When we finished up we just wanted to give Judith a massive squeeze. She brought such a great energy and she really understood what we were hoping for.”

Equality is an important part of their relationship, so the couple aimed to embed their ethos in wedding, starting with walking down the aisle together. “We wanted to make sure that our wedding reflected our take on marriage, so we had little elements throughout that most people probably didn’t notice, but were meaningful to us. We also tried as much as we could to keep things balanced, so we had a guy and girl MC, we had speeches from both the bridesmaids and the groomsmen, and we both spoke.” Now, if you could just tell us the meaning behind the lobster dance?!

blush and burgundy wedding flowers
Floral Bride wedding dress
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Kate picked up her Flora Bride dress from Melbourne boutique Bluebell Bridal, which she paired with Stuart Weitzman heels. Her girls donned mismatched dresses in dusty pinks and champagne lace from an array of designers including Camilla & Marc, Ginger & Smart, Kate Sylvester and Catherine Deane.
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Florist, Gina Lasker of Georgie Boy was the first vendor the couple booked in, even before they’d locked in a venue! “I honestly think Gina is a magical goddess. She totally nailed what we were looking for even though we didn’t necessarily have the words to describe what we wanted. She is such a talented, warm, wonderful woman.”
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Madeline Druce went beyond the duties of wedding photographer, carrying lipstick and mascara for emergency touch ups. The couple were pleased as punch with the results, sharing, “She pushed us to take a few more photos than we had planned, and we’re so grateful. She captured our day as it really was, not just in a ‘picture perfect’ way, but the real and raw emotions.”
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Simple yet stunning, Kate and Will’s gorgeous wedding cake by Melbourne bakers Zephyr and Bloom was perfectly iced and adorned with berries, figs and edible flowers.
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The couple were blown away by the legends at Ed Dixon Food Design, who did a whole lot more than just serving up next level nosh. “They coordinated so much of our day from lots of the furniture to our guests’ needs, to absolutely delicious catering, our *ahem* quite specific cocktail recipes, and general logistics at Fortyfive Downstairs. The food was amazing, the set up was perfect, the service impeccable. One of the team even wheeled Will’s grandma the whole way back to her hotel at the end of the city.”
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Credits

Images Madeline Druce | Bride's Dress Flora Bride | Bride's Shoes Stuart Weitzman | Groom's Suit Oscar Hunt Tailors | Rings Suzi Zutic | Accessories Lucy Folk | Hair Edwards and Co | Makeup Blanka Dudas | Ceremony Venue Hellenic Museum | Celebrant Damon Hughes | Reception Venue 45 Downstairs | Flowers Georgie Boy | Catering Ed Dixon Food Design | Entertainment Jonno Heys DJ | Stationery/Invitations Tom Clapin | Styling Toko Events | Prop Hire Good Day Rentals | Cake Zephyr and Bloom |


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