Jusinta and Mike's Moody March Wedding in Melbourne

**What if you didn’t follow the wedding ‘norms?**

See how it worked out for these two street art loving foodies.

When Jusinta and Mike contacted me about their wedding, their plans immediately had me saying HELL YES. They went completely their own way with their day. Every single decision was made thoughtfully and it showed. They assembled a cracking team of suppliers and gave them the brief of moody with dark florals, inspired by Melbourne street artist Rone. Graham of Tweed Twigs absolutely NAILED it, even comandeering their lounge room rug that Michael had dragged home from Afghanistan to mark out their ceremony space.

Jusinta even managed to get the security camera footage printed of the VERY moment they met for the first time at Sunglass Hut. One of my favourite elements of their day. You will spy it in the photo gallery below- next to their audio guest book.

After an emotional and funny ceremony, we signed in the council chambers and then headed onto the hall balcony for very good wine (or cups of tea if you’re not me) and the most delicious finger food ever. I am still thinking about those mini chicken banh mi! They cut their cake and did their speeches and first dance at the hall before moving onto the city.

The split their day to involve a larger guest list for the 1pm ceremony at Malvern Town Hall and then took a much smaller group onto Melb fave Chin Chin for dinner. The space in the middle was filled with them catching the tram to the city and re-tracing the steps of their very first CBD date, but this time with talented photographer Rolan John in tow.

Manchester Place where they got their wedding rings, Degraves Lane for a coffee and several street art spots. Their time was unhurried and allowed them to relive that first meeting- on their wedding day and spend some time together. By the time they arrived at Chin Chin they were ready for cocktails, relaxed conversations with their VIP’s- and a boss Asian fusion banquet.

11/10 for everything. Especially the part where they asked me to be part of it.

Jusinta and Mike deliver some gold advice based on what they learned whilst planning their wedding.

1. What was the best decision you made?

J: Going against the grain and booking our fav restaurant for an epic 10 course banquet instead of a reception venue. The vibe was chill and relaxed, we didn't have to "go through the motions" of a typical wedding which meant we got to just enjoy the heck out of the evening! Amazing food and the best company, our guests loved every minute.

M: Having a low key reception to get formalities out of the way, then having a dinner party with no schedule or interruptions. It was pure party vibes with zero stress.

“Never half-ass two things; whole-ass one thing - Ron Swanson”

2. Did anything not go to plan/what would you do differently?

J: Staff were sent to open at the wrong town hall so we were left waiting outside for over an hour, which hurt with a DIY set up and getting ready. We had my hairdresser starting my hair outside on the street! Once inside, none of the tables, chairs or linen had been set up either, we were literally sprinting around to get things done. It did make for some fun photos and video, we popped a cheeky champers outside and tried to relax. It didn't end up a huge deal in the end, but meant my hair and make up team felt rushed and we didn't get brekkie so we were starving by the end of the ceremony.

M: Doors getting stuck and not opening, accidental equipment breakage, VIP guest having a family crisis and not being able to attend. Plenty went 'wrong', but nothing we could do much about. A 5-10 minute chat the night before/morning of about what's most important to you saves a lot of heartache in the moment. We discussed ordering pizza if the catering for the reception didn't turn up (thankfully it did). Change anything? Probably just the tailor for my jacket.

“Your wedding, your way.
Don’t get caught up in what you ‘should’ do”

— Jusinta

3. What was your fav part of the day?

J: The ceremony was just phenomenal. Having all the people we love the most, together in one room, WOW! I've never felt so much love in one room. Everyone was laughing and then crying and it was just divine. Our vows were funny but also so beautiful, we got to laugh and cry together. Afterwards everyone was raving about how "us" it felt. Unique and special.

M: Alone time with my new wife. Retracing our first date (wedding photos before the dinner party), and a quiet nightcap in a cocktail bar after the partying finished (dressed to the nines).

4. In a few words - what advice would you give couples planning their wedding now?

J: Your wedding = your way. Don't get caught up in what you "should" do, fill the day with things that speak to who you are as a couple.

‘Throw traditions in the bin if they don't feel right, you'll have a much more enjoyable day’.

M: Spend money on what matters to you and cut away anything you don't need (including a guest list cull). "Never half-ass two things; whole-ass one thing" - Ron Swanson

‘TLDR?; Do something memorable and own it’.

VENDOR LIST:

Photographer: Rolan John

Florist: Tweed Twigs

Celebrant: Nat Sproal

Dress: Karen Willis Holmes

Veil: Tania Maras Bridal

Hair: Jaytee Hair

Make up: Martina Williams

Chinos: Mr Cuff

Jacket and shirt: The Bespoke Corner

Bowtie: MJ Bale

Rings: Ellissi

Ceremony venue: Malvern Town Hall

Catering: The Graze Keepers

Cake: Zephyr and Bloom

Reception venue: Chin Chin

Guestbook: Off The Hook

You will never ever regret making your wedding feel uniquely your own. More on challenging traditions that don’t work for you HERE.

HEY THERE LEGENDS! I’M NAT SPROAL, MELBOURNE WEDDING CELEBRANT, AND AFICIONADO OF ALL THINGS HITCHING-RELATED.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog! You’ll find loads of no-BS advice and tips on how to create the day of your dreams - without the wedstress and the drama.

I’m your wing woman when it comes to having a cruisy, loved-up and utterly memorable and joyous day. Enjoy!