Real Bride Style: Mark & Melanie

Photographer Michelle Fiona has captured Melanie and Mark's special day and their obvious love for each other against the stunning backdrop of the Australian outdoors.

From the tall trees in the background of the church shots and elegant gardens where the newlywed couple enjoy the dizzy afterglow of the meaningful vows they have just taken. And lastly the white sand and blue sky Australia is famous for. Mark and Melanie were married in front of 100 family and friends at St Stephen's Church in Newtown and celebrated over a lunch at Le Sands Pavillion, Brighton Le Sands.

I am in awe of the fun this couple is having and the natural way Michelle has documented these wonderful moments. Enjoy!

Photography by Michelle Fiona

Melanie's Style Guide
Hair: By a friend
Make-up: Self
Dress: Dress Sense, Miranda
Bridesmaids dress: Forever New, Miranda Fair
Grooms attire: Spurling Formal, Miranda
Groomsmen attire: Spurling Formal, Miranda
Cakes: A friend made them
Invitations: A friend made them
Entertainment: A friend's ipod
Photographer: Michelle Johnson
Videographer: Family member

Mark & Melanie's beautiful day is proof positive that a stunning wedding can be created on a budget!

A Beautiful Indian Bride

The colours, the henna, the jewels and my limited knowledge behind these customs along with the thoughtful and modest expression make me want to know about the beautiful woman in these photographs.

Images: Stephanie Williams

Wedding Receptions at The Ivy and Establishment

Sydney-siders are familiar with the various Merivale complexes; notably The Ivy and Establishment, both on George Street Sydney. What you might not know however is just how many options they can provide for wedding receptions.

Est. Restaurant

Undoubtedly my favourite Sydney restaurant, the calm, chic interior of Est. instantly puts me at ease. Cushioned banquets and deep dining chairs add to the comfortable yet luxurious appeal of the restaurant. Head Chef Peter Doyle is behind the restaurant's 3 Hat awards for fine dining.

The Ivy Room at The Ivy

The Ivy Room is one of just a few Sydney venues that can cater for a truly huge number of guests- up to 800 in fact. The expansive zebra print carpet and enormous white chandeliers have a wow factor and looks amazing with fresh green centrepieces or lush pink or red floral arrangements.

The Sun Room at The Ivy
Bamboo and wicker finishings, botanical prints and a fresh green and white colour scheme combine to create a summery, elegant space. Natural light pours in through floor to ceiling windows making it a wonderful lunch time venue for 100 seated guests or up to 300 for an elegant cocktail party.

The Ivy Bentley is available to couples on their wedding day and will even drop you or your loved ones home afterwards. A fabulous perk for car-loving fiancées!

The Establishment
A Sydney icon, the classic elegance of The Establishment's marble finishes, high ceilings and iron columns make it a wonderful space to create your vision of the perfect day.

Costs and more detailed information at Merivale.