– As featured in Queensland Brides Autum / Winter 2020 –
This Melbourne-based couple took their urban vibe to the Gold Coast to throw the party of their lives.
They might describe themselves as an “everyday couple”, but Dil and Zach’s wedding was anything but ordinary. The pair celebrated their love with a glamorous, urban-chic cocktail party that perfectly reflected their vibrant spirit. Born and bred in sunny Queensland, the now Melbourne-based couple met in 2011 when they worked in the same Telstra store, where they quickly bonded over difficult customers and a shared love of The Office. Then, travelling through Eastern Europe in December 2017, Dil realised Zach had been hiding something… in a sock at the bottom of his backpack! A custom Natalie Marie ring was almost found ahead of schedule when Dil went fishing in her boyfriend’s luggage for a pair of clean socks – but luckily, Zach managed to protect the precious loot until he could propose at a picture-perfect location: the San Giovanni Castle in Montenegro. “He dropped the knee as we stood atop the castle ruins overlooking the city and the Bay of Kotor,” Dill recalls. “It was utter perfection!”
So, what did the happy couple do to celebrate? Throw an amazing party, of course! After living in Melbourne for six years and falling in love with its industrial, quirky vibe, the duo considered several venues in the city. However, they knew their ideal location would have to be in their hometown of Queensland. But, looking for an urban feel in the surf-obsessed Gold Coast was no small feat. “After much searching and a lot of help from our photographer, Daphne, we came across Mobile Barber Shop Depot – an absolute gem!” Dil says. “It was the vibe we were going for while still allowing room for a bit of DIY so we could add elements to make it uniquely ‘us’.”
Their unconventional barber-by-day, wedding-venue-by-night location wasn’t the only way Dil and Zach strayed from the norm. They tailored their wedding to feel just the way they wanted. “We didn’t want a rigid, traditional wedding, so we were inspired by what makes a good party – food, tunes, a pool table, our favourite people and a laidback atmosphere – and added things we truly love, like lots of rugs and candles, native flowers and vintage furniture,” Dil explains.
After an intimate ceremony on 18 May 2019, surrounded by glowing candles, native greenery and a precious doggie ring-bearer (their pug, Pepito!), the newlyweds treated their family and friends to an elaborate celebration, with hands-on help from Event Stylist and Co, who “ran the show down to every last detail – even ensuring that we were fed and our drinks were topped up,” says Dil. The couple opted for a cocktail party instead of a sit-down dinner to encourage mingling among their guests. And eschewing tradition once again, Dil and Zach decided to skip the cake and instead share a tower of Fireball shots with their favourite people. “This really got the dance floor going,” says the bride. Finding freedom in skipping the formalities, Dil says, “It was just a big, cosy, loved-up party with all the people that are most important to us.”
And while this couple knows how to throw a great post-ceremony bash, they didn’t skimp on the emotion. Considering marriage to be a sacred notion, they explained that despite the challenges, they are ultimately each other’s favourite part of the day, and that to them, marriage is “A symbol of the ultimate commitment,” Dil says. “We have one life on this planet and marriage says ‘I want to experience everything with this person’.”
The couple also ensured that Dil’s late mother was honoured on their big day, working a picture of her into the decor. “My mother is a massive part of our lives, and I wanted her presence and importance to be known,” Dil explains.
Naturally, the day went by in a blur, says Dil (“It could have been those Fireball shots!” she laughs) which is why investing in a great photographer is so important. “You need those amazing moments in time captured,” she explains. Amen!
[Little Black Book]
Photographer: Daphne Sky Studios // Ceremony and reception: Mobile Barber Shop Depot // Dress: Rue De Seine // Suit: MJ Bale // Shoes: Tony Bianco // Wedding Planner: Event Stylist and Co // Rings: Natalie Marie Jewellery // Florist: The Fleur Yard // Food: Paco’s Paella and Platters + Blooms // Bar: Austream Affairs // Photo booth: Insta Kombi // Stationery: Jesse Woo Creative // Videographer: Fiddle Fig Films // Celebrant: Danielle Barker // Hair: Foxs Lane Styling // Hair beads: Kela Charms // Makeup: Keeora Makeup Artist // Honeymoon: Japan
