Precious, decadent love

August in Bendigo might not be a popular time to get married, but this styled shoot at Waratah Weddings and Events has got us thinking maybe it should be.

Organised by Bendigo photographer, Sophie O’Keefe, a group of Bendigo’s best wedding vendors came together to show the power of deep and decadent hues.

A warm and earthy palette was chosen to help to ward off the winter chill, which was a good thing. It was literally snowing nearby on the day of shooting.

Think rich and moody plums, browns, blacks and dusty pinks offset with sparks of white, vintage crystal and metallic silver tones.

But the good news is these rich tones aren’t just for winter weddings. They’ll continue to be the must-have shades as we move into the 2019/2020 wedding season. And we couldn’t be any happier about it.

Setting the style direction was Grace Wallace of GRACE Events and Artistry. Using compositions of orchids, grasses and roses, no floral arrangement was left out. From arbour florals to bouquets, centrepieces to the cake, boutonnières to hair combs, she covered it all.

Ashlee from Adore Tan and Beauty teamed up with Maddie from Hair by Maddie Holmes-Brown to create a never fail look for the three brides all wearing Fifi & Edga gowns.

“I wanted to keep the make up soft, simple and smokey. Warm earthy neutral tones for both Sophie and Hannah, and gorgeous blush tones for Olivia. Simple wedding makeup guarantees a timeless look,” Ashlee said.

The shoot also featured a decadent tablescape by Betty May Vintage Hire; an ethereal linen ceremony backdrop, slate place cards and acrylic signage by Hardinghand; and a mouth-watering wine barrel grazing station and picnic setting by The Vine and The Farmer.

There was a stunning two-tier semi naked cake with vintage stencilling by Custom Cakes and Cupcakes; handmade cookies featuring textured timbers, florals, wedding motifs and lettering by Cookie Cole’ective; balloons by Blush Balloonery; and a lolly bar by Leigh’s Lolly Bar to satisfy the sweet tooth in all of us.

Helping to bring the wedding to life was Katherine of Adore Celebrant and the three grooms decked out in suits by Peter Anthony’s Menswear Bendigo.

Talking about the shoot, organiser and photographer Sophie said, “It might be pretty bleak outside at the moment, but hopefully I’ve managed to give some inspiration to engaged couples by showcasing just a snippet of the many talented businesses here in Bendigo. We really are very lucky here.”

Yep, we sure are.