By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant
Have you ever met a person and decided, within a minute of meeting them, that you REALLY like them? This was exactly the case for me when I met Kaz and Matt last year. That morning, they bounded into my office with a level of energy and excitement that was contagious. Our conversation flowed with ease and we laughed like old friends. They were so darn likeable!
Not surprisingly, planning Kaz and Matt’s marriage ceremony couldn’t have been more enjoyable. They weren’t looking for a solemn or overly sentimental affair, but rather, a celebration that would reflect their happy relationship and easy going personalities and set the scene for a lively night ahead. I knew they’d want to laugh a lot, cry a little and involve themselves throughout, so I set about crafting a ceremony that was mostly lighthearted and humorous, but also meaningful and romantic when it needed to be.
Kaz and Matt were married at Rupert on Rupert, an urban industrial gem, tucked away in the backstreets of Collingwood. The former warehouse encloses a lush indoor garden, quirky vintage furniture, polished concrete floors, vaulted ceilings and loads of natural light. With a lush conservatory that is perfect for intimate ceremonies, a cocktail lounge for pre and post nuptial refreshments and a dining hall to host either a sit down or cocktail reception, it’s a fabulous all-inclusive inner-city wedding venue.
Kaz and Matt’s ceremony began with an emotional processional and a vodka toast in honour of Kaz’s Polish heritage. It continued with the retelling of Kaz and Matt’s meeting on an Airbus A330 (and a lesson regarding the importance of checking that phone numbers on a business cards are accurate) and ended with an almighty roar from supportive family and friends.
And because Kaz and Matt were so easy going and so open to telling me a great deal about themselves, I was able to get to know them on a level that enabled me to throw in a few personal observations and light-hearted quips. Our connection was such that both scripted and unscripted moments landed perfectly. Keep scrolling and you’ll see what I mean.
(If you zoom in on the tray I’m holding, you’ll notice a disparity in serving sizes. Knowing that Matt’s not a fan of Polish vodka neat, I may have tampered with the glasses…) Na zdrowie!⠀
Congratulations on your marriage Kaz and Matt and thank you for the many, many laughs shared. It was wonderful working with you. xx
Love Note…
Sally... you were amazing!! We couldn’t have asked for a better celebrant. You made our day!!
Beautifully done, with humour, romance and emotion. We loved the way you put our day together.
The times we met face to face, leading up to the event was appreciated, and the way you deconstructed our story to engage our family and friends in fun banter made the whole wedding experience memorable.
Love your work!
Kaz + Matt
Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Venue: Rupert On Rupert // Photographer: Matt Johnson - The Loved Ones // Kaz’s Dress: Mariana Hardwick // Matt’s Suit: Calibre // Florals: The Arrangement // Hair + Makeup: Kerry Tseros // Musicians: Lydia Rose Music + Sammy Sax // Cake: Little Frenchie & Co // Kaz’s Wedding Ring: GoldeNet Australia // Engagement Ring: Custom made in New York // Stationery: Paperpoint South Melbourne // Transport: Uber Premium
Looking for further wedding inspiration? Take a look at Emma + Simon - Panama Party