Donna & Nathan – 12th December 2009

What a stunning & perfect day Donna & Nathan organised for their 80 closest family & friends.  The theme of their day from their jewellery, clothing & venue was Modern Vintage, Cocktail which really lent itself to a simple elegance. Donna & Nathan chose to exchange vows with beautiful Sydney Harbour as their backdrop at Hickson Rd Reserve, followed by location shots around The Rocks and a great reception at The Italian Village in the Rocks.

Donna & Nathan’s Favourite Images

Donna & Nathan couldn’t choose just one favourite image. Donna said “I could not decide on just one so I thought I would try to get away with choosing two. I like the first image as it is really intimate and has little else in the photo to draw the attention away from this. I love the second image as it also shows one of my most favourite places in the whole world, Sydney Harbour, which I never get tired of seeing. Whilst the first image is still and quiet the second image portrays movement and my smile is only reinforced by Luna Park in the background!”

Advice from Donna & Nathan

“Firstly, don’t forget to have fun while you plan your wedding. Secondly, it’s all abou you & your future husband so don’t try and please everyone else. Lastly, just think of all the things that you enjoy at a wedding and aim for that in yours.”

What we loved….

We loved that Donna & Nathan were clearly smitten by each other. From the first time we met with them, their love and affection for each other was very clear and we just could not wait to capture this for them.

We just adored Donna’s big beautiful relaxed smile, starting right from when she was getting ready. It was clear this was going to be a perfect day. And, it would be remiss not to mention the amazing looks of love and huge smile of both Donna & Nathan’s faces during and after their ceremony.

Last of all, we also loved the simple elegance of Donna & Nathan’s day – their outfits, accessories, their beautiful ceremony at Hickson Rd Reserve, the walk around the Rocks for location shots and the reception at the Italian Village.

The Finer Details

Donna says about her rings “I love my engagement and wedding band as they are simple & elegant. I opted for three diamonds on my engagement ring, with a princess cut in the centre and a trillard either side. Despite their simplicity I still stare at them a hundred times a day.”

Donna worked overseas for 8 months & she saw a picure of a Jan Logan ring in a magazine. She had mentioned this to Nathan but didn’t think anything else of it, until Nathan surprised her with it as a gift for their wedding. “It is a gorgeous 18ct white gold, black agate and diamond ring. It matched the black of the bridesmaids cocktail dresses”!

Nathan chose his wedding band & it had several diamonds in it. Donna said this is “really funny because I never picked him for wanting bling.”

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Donna describes her dress as “Elegant. It leaned towards a vintage look due to the colour of the silk and beading, but it was also fresh & modern. It really tied in with the wedding location” (the Rocks).

What a gorgeous smile – Donna wore this smile all day!

Donna & her party got ready at the Park Hyatt. What a fabulous place – just look at these images before we left. The Park Hyatt was an obvious choice for Donna given the ceremony was at Hickson Rd Reserve & the location shots around the Rocks but it was also a perfect match to their Modern Vintage theme.

Donna’s hair style was so natural & elegant at the same time. She said “I opted for a style that I wouldn’t normally wear, which was on the side. We put a soft curl through my hair, which was then woven towards one side with several curls hanging loose from the bottom of a loose braid. We opted for a small silver and marcasite comb in the same of a little bow, which was placed on the side that my hair fell to. I chose marcasite as it kept with the vintage look. My veil was very fine tuille in ivory. ”

The Ceremony

Donna & Nathan said what they loved most about their ceremony was “the location – it was perfect overlooking the harbour. Also it was very relaxed and the celebrant (Frances Kneil) made it very personal for us.”

We just love the contrast of these 2 shots – the one above with Nathan clowning around with the guys, then the one below where he is anxiously checking his watch.

Donna & Nathan had 4 attendants each and 2 gorgeous page boys. We just love this shot of the page boys walking proudly down the aisle – it really is very serious work too you know:)

Let the radiant smiles begin all over again!

There is something about the image above that says absolute unity. Both Donna & Nathan stepping out with the same foot holding hands with a look of ‘we’ve done it’ all over their faces! It’s also very glamorous in a very natural way – Donna’s gown looks so shiny & satiny, her veil blowing off to the side & Nathan looking rather suave & cool in his suit and shades.

Location Shots

At our final design consultation with our couples (about 2 weeks out from their wedding day) we always suggest having a bit of a ‘chill out’ with a cool drink between the ceremony & hitting the location shots. You know to really unwind & celebrate you’ve just exchanged vows in front of your family & friends. You are now Mr & Mrs….

The images below are a perfect example of why we recommend this – just take a look at these beautiful moments between Donna & Nathan. These images say a thousand words about how they were feeling. Do you think in 10 years time they would have been able to remember this feeling without these images?

As you can see from these location shots, Donna & Nathan really had loads of fun on their day. It was an absolute pleasure & honour to be part of.

The Reception

Donna & Nathan hosted a beautiful cocktail party for their guests at the Italian Village. The venue and location really lends itself to a fun atmosphere. It’s spacious and has a multi million dollar view as a backdrop. And because of this view, Donna & Nathan’s night came complete with fireworks on the harbour! What more than good food, great company & spectacular fire works could you ask for?

This venue has plenty of room for everyone to PARTY!

Donna & Nathan’s Illuminating Team

Photography: Sami Gale

Dress & Veil: Johanna Johnson Paddington – 02 9360 9411

Hair: Claudia a friend from high school. If you would like to contact Claudia, please contact Israel Smith Photographers

Makeup: Blue Lotus Make Up – 0413181285 (Melissa)

Shoes: Joanne Mercer

Rings: Engagement – Andreys Bondi Junction; Wedding Bands – Larsen’s Jewellery The Strand Arcade; Cocktail Ring – Jan Logan Jewellery Double Bay

Grooms outfits:  Suit – Messini Black Label, The Galeries Victoria, George St, Sydney. Shirt & Shoes Messini Black Label 284 Oxford Street, Paddington.

Florist: Rococo Flowers East Sydney – 02 9357 6688

Cake: Sweet Art Paddington – 02 9361 6617

Stationery: Alannah Rose

Celebrant: Frances Kneil – 02 9542 8184

Ceremony Location: Hickson Rd Reserve – The Rocks Sydney, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority

Reception venue: The Italian Village – Co-ordinated by the Dockside Group 02 9247 3666

Music: DJ Vincent Turner – 02 8213 9399

Wedding Aisle: Outdoor Wedding Aisles – Ann Erdogan 0438 233 552

Furniture Hire for Ceremony – Hollywood For Hire – 02 9989 8934

Decorations: Rose Baker Events – 02 9531 0434